Opera.com hacked - distributed malware to probably thousand of users

I don't usually report about this stuff, but this is rather serious issue. Haven't been using Opera browser for many months now, but I know that a lot of other people do.

According to a post on the Opera Security Blog, the company suffered on June 19th “a targeted attack on  internal network infrastructure”. The attackers were able to obtain at least one old and expired Opera code signing certificate, which they have used to sign some malware. This has allowed them to distribute malicious software which incorrectly appears to have been published by Opera Software, or appears to be the Opera browser. - source: Avira TechBlog

What Opera is describing here is the nightmare of any company having millions of users:

• internal network breached
• signing certificates stolen
• certificates used to sign malware

Can it go worse? Yes, it can.

• the website distributed automatically company signed malware to their users:

It is possible that a few thousand Windows users, who were using Opera between 01.00 and 01.36 UTC on June 19th, may automatically have received and installed the malicious software.

If you are / or were using Opera:

• uninstall Opera
• install a serious antivirus software; I strongly recommend Avira from here. (I'm a Avira Internet Security user for many years)
• do a complete system scan
• if you see a detection of TR/Ransom.GR.1 or any of the malware names below (*), then you’ve been affected, let the scanner remove all the files found.

(*)

• a screen locking ransomware impersonating the local authorities (detected as TR/Ransom.GQ.1)
• an information stealing trojan (detected as TR/Kazy.adag)
• a backdoor which allows that communicates with several remote servers and may allow 3rd party control of the infected system. (detected as BDS/ZAccess.BS)

WoWs - USS North Carolina renders

North Carolina (also called a Showboat) was the lead ship of North Carolina-class battleships. She was the first of ten fast battleships built by the US that entered service during WWII. She took part in every major naval offensive in the Pacific Theater of Operations and her primary role was to protect the aircraft carriers. On 15 September 1942 despite suffering a torpedo hit (making a hole 18 by 32 foot) on her port side it was still possible to achieve a speed of 25 knots!

She was launched on June 13th, 1940 and commissioned into service on April 9th, 1941. The USS North Carolina was 222.1 meters long and had a displacement of 44,377 short tons fully loaded. She could reach a speed of 26 knots (48 km/h).

North Carolina is the most decorated American battleship of WWII with 15 battle stars and is now a museum ship kept at the seaport of Wilmington, N.C.

PlayStation 4 and Free To Play games

A recent article/interview in Polygon with various execs from SONY revealed the fact that free to play games have the option whether they're published inside PS+ or not.
Meaning that free2play on-line multiplayer games do not require an active PS+ subscription.

Shuhei Yoshida, president of Sony Computer Entertainment Worldwide Studios:

As far as free-to-play games are concerned, it's a publisher's decision whether they put it inside or outside of the PlayStation Plus requirements

Further, it's confirmed that titles like:

• DC Universe OnLine
• PlanetSide 2
• WarFrame
• BlackLight: Retribution

will not require PS+ for on-line multiplayer.

Another title that was announced for PS4 did not make a stance on the issue, Gaijin's WarThunder.
I made a personal inquiry into this, if I get a reply I will let you know.

RIFT goes free to play - press release, video and pictures

[Press release]

THE AGE OF FREE-TO-PLAY HAS DAWNED ON RIFT®

Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault Brings New Content for Everyone

Redwood Shores, CA (June 12, 2013) - RIFT®, the award-winning MMORPG from Trion Worlds , is now entirely free-to-play with no trials, no tricks, and no traps. Players around the world can Build their Perfect Class, engage titanic bosses in Massive Dynamic Battles, achieve greatness through epic dungeons and raids, and so much more – all without a subscription. The new era of truly free-to-play gaming has dawned on Telara!

“The aim is to keep free and paid players on the same level — this is not pay-to-win,” said Bill Fisher, Creative Director of RIFT. “Players will see key differences between RIFT and other MMOs that have adopted free-to-play: we don’t restrict content, and we don’t offer pay-to-win items.”
                                                                             
There are no restrictions on levels or content for registered free players; the entire world is open to explore and conquer. The expanded in-game RIFT Store offers thousands of items and services – from faction changes to mounts, pets, boosts, and much more – but the best gear must be earned in-game. For those looking for the ultimate RIFT experience, a subscription is available that offers a suite of awesome “Patron” benefits.

Update 2.3: Empyreal Assault is a huge update featuring a massive new zone (Dendrome), 10-player raid, Chronicle, open-world raid bosses, game performance improvements, and more! Play your way in RIFT as the Ascended face the Architect swarms consuming the Dendrome, and celebrate new freedoms with Atrophinius and his merry Satyrs in the whimsical town of Hailol.

WoWp OPEN BETA dated - press release, tech trees and pictures

[Press release]

Wargaming’s World of Warplanes Sets Date for Open Beta

Next Testing Phase to Take Flight July 2, 2013

June 11, 2013 — Wargaming, the leading free-to-play developer and publisher, today announced that the company’s highly anticipated free-to-play aerial combat MMO World of Warplanes will go into open beta testing on July 2, 2013.

Dedicated to aerial combat featuring aircraft from the late 1930’s to the beginning of the Korean War, World of Warplanes pits virtual pilots against in each other intense 15 vs. 15 matches, where supremacy of the skies is dictated not only by the prowess behind the trigger, but also in teamwork and tactical cooperation. With planes from the United States, the Soviet Union, Germany and Japan, players will be able to jump into the cockpits of some of the most iconic warbirds to ever grace the skies.

The open beta phase of World of Warplanes will also see the introduction of a number of new features, including in-game tactical tips to help pilots learn the ropes of aerial combat, the implementation of crews and crew skills, access to consumables and premium ammo, a brand-new tutorial, as well as two new in-game maps.

Most excitingly, at one of its stages the open beta will also see the official launch of Wargaming’s recently announced Unified Premium Account. This new type of premium account will allow players to carry over their premium account status across Wargaming’s titles. During the open beta, pilots will receive special in-game tokens which can be redeemed for Unified Premium Account status.

Andrew Yarantsau, VP of Global Publishing at WarGaming said:

All of us at Wargaming are extremely excited to launch the open beta testing phase of World of Warplanes..Closed beta was a tremendous success and we’ve implemented a great deal of player feedback into the game.We can’t wait for players to get the opportunity to experience our newly announced Unified Premium Account feature, which is going to provide a tremendous amount of value for our games.

To join the game, visit:

• worldofwarplanes.com
• worldofwarplanes.eu

[end press release]

Editor's note: here's another of those non-representative to gameplay cinematics that WarGaming loves so much
Why on earth didn't WG do a trailer like they did with the one for WoT XBox360 where they did shown gameplay footage??!

Tech trees:

And some pictures:

[update]World of Tanks heading to X-Box 360 ?

There are some rumors from E3 area that WoT will debut on the Microsoft's console, the 360:

The immediate question: will it still be free2play? Why I ask this, you might know, or not, that multiplayer on the XBox 360 is behind a "paywall" called X-Box Live Gold membership - you cannot play on-line on the 360 without being a gold subscriber.

Odd choice for WarGaming.


[Update]
It's confirmed, just now during Microsoft's press conference at E3

[update] Super Pershing nerf incoming, WG offers refunds

You might have heard or not, that there was a nerf cloud looming around Super Pershing's frontal armor. People raged because they paid real hard cash for this tank and WG promised they won't nerf premium tanks.

But hey, let's forget Type59 nerf .. right!? and offer these people a possibility of refund (WG said):

The frontal armor of the T26E4 SuperPershing is not currently representative of its historical counterpart and its performance may see a dip once the 8.6 Update is released -- due to overall gameplay changes coming with this update. As a result, we'll be temporarily be removing this vehicle from the in-game store. Players who already own this tank will still have the ability to play it.
The changes for the T26E4 SuperPershing will not arrive in time for the 8.6 Update, but when we've finished tinkering it'll once again become available. Which update that will occur in has yet to be determined. Most of the changes will center around altering the armor angles of the frontal plates, and an exact list of the changes will be provided in a future article. Owners of the T26E4 SuperPershing, who purchased the vehicle prior to the changes, will have the opportunity to sell it for the full retail price in Gold (7,200).

Fucking assholes!

This tank was tested on the exclusive SuperTest server and then again on the public test server prior to be released on the store. Didn't they knew back then it was inaccurate? Didn't they promised no more improper premium tanks after the hole "Type59 is overpowered" thing?


In other news,105 leFH18B2 and Sexton:

The French 105 lefH18B2 will be bumped up from tier IV to tier V; no changes will be made to its combat characteristics. The matchmaking for this vehicle will remain the same, but due to the overall changes made to artillery this vehicle definitely belongs at tier V. Similarly, this vehicle will be removed from the in-game store but will not be making a return. Instead, this vehicle will be used as a special reward for events. 

The large rebalancing project launched for SPGs in the 8.6 Update, unfortunately, did not include the proposed British Sexton. We want to roll this vehicle off the assembly line very soon, and we want it to make a stellar appearance, so we're postponing its arrival to a future update.

[Update 10th of June]

I looks like the rumor that Super Pershing's gun might get a buff in penetration to compensate for the nerf is unfounded: http://valltergaming.blogspot.de/2013/06/qna-on-wot.html

I would like to state that there is no planned buff for Super Pershing penetration! Sorry for misquoting comments, this is my bad and I totally understand it. As for T26E4 changes, we are considering different variants, including some changes to the gun. But there are no firm decisions atm.

WoWp 0.4.3 patch notes

Source: WoWp US

0.4.3 Update Notes

Crew - Qualification and Skills

• Added crew qualifications – pilot, navigator and rear gunner.
• Crew qualification levels will affect the aircraft characteristics in combat.
• Added the possibility to learn additional crew skills:
• "Stamina" – increases crew member’s health and resistance to injury.
• - Can be learned by the pilot, navigator or rear gunner.
• - Available after reaching 100% qualification.
• "Increased view range" – extends the range at which enemy aircraft can be detected by this crew member.
• - Can be learned by the pilot, navigator or rear gunner.
• - Available after reaching 100% qualification.
• "Engine Guru" – improves the aircraft acceleration when flying straight or boosting.
• - Can be learned by the pilot, navigator or rear gunner.
• - Available after achieving 100% in at least one skill.
• "Long Reach" -- increases the range of the rear gunner’s fire at enemy aircraft.
• - Can be learned by the pilot, navigator or rear gunner.
• - Available after achieving 100% in at least one skill.
• The list of available skills will be extended in the future.
• Qualification and skills advancement is carried out on a linear basis.

Tutorial
Implemented the first tutorial lesson, which includes basic aircraft controls, as well as shooting at static and moving targets.

Achievements

• In combat, you can now earn three different types of achievements:
• "Medal" – for outstanding performance in a standard battle:
• “Ace” – awarded for the destruction of at least five enemy aircraft in a battle.
• “Destroyer” – awarded for the destruction of at least three ground targets and three planes in a battle.
• "Ribbon" – for consecutive destruction of several enemy aircraft or ground targets (without getting killed).
• “Sky Scourge” – awarded for the destruction of ten enemy planes in a row without getting killed.
• “Ground Pounder” – awarded for the destruction of ten ground targets in a row without getting killed.
• "Usual" achievements – for any other recognition.
• “Test Pilot 1st Class” – awarded for participating in 100 or more battles during the Alpha test stage.
• “Test Pilot 2nd Class” – awarded for participating in 100 or more battles during the Closed Beta test stage.
• “Test Pilot 3rd Class” – awarded for participating in 100 or more battles in the Open Beta test stage.
• "Sky Knight " – awarded to all the members of a flight which destroys at least 9 enemy planes in a battle.
• “Wrecking Crew” – awarded to all the members of a flight which destroys at least 9 ground targets in a battle. All the wingmen must survive.
• “Golubev Medal” - awarded for the destruction of at least three enemy aircraft in a battle. All targets must be at least two tiers higher that your own aircraft. Vasiliy Golubev was a flying ace of the Baltic Fleet Air Force who shot down several Bf 109 and Fw 190 with his I-16.
• “Rocketeer” – awarded for shooting down three enemy aircraft by using rockets in one battle.
• “Legendary (Fighters)” – awarded for obtaining 10 “Ace” medals with Fighters.
• “Legendary (Carrier-Based Fighters)” – awarded for obtaining 10 “Ace” medals with Carrier Based Fighters.
• “Legendary (Heavy Fighters)” – awarded for obtaining 10 “Destroyer” medals with Heavy Fighters.
• The list of achievements will be extended in the future.

User Interface

The Loading Screen

• The loading screen now includes chat, mini-map, tips bookmark and comparison of the teams.
• In the team comparison tab, you can select any aircraft from the enemy team, and compare its performance with your plane.
• In the tips bookmark, you can read useful advice about different battle tactics.

HUD

• In the locked target camera, three indicators (firepower, airspeed and manoeuvrability) allow you to compare your plane with enemy aircraft that is selected as target.
• Messages about the destruction of ground targets added.
• New messages about your plane’s destruction added.
• Added an alternative colour mode.
• Added barometric altimeter and the possibility to have two altimeters displayed simultaneously.
• When “Alt” is pressed, the aircraft classes are displayed on the mini map and on the radar.
• Changed the locked-target display on the radar and on the mini-map.
• Modified the help screen displayed by pressing F1.
• Earned achievements are now displayed in the battle results window.
• Added a new camera mode - far away from the plane.

Hangar

• Added simplified aircraft stats within the same tier. The number of stars in front of each parameter corresponds to the plane’s value compared with the rest of the aircraft of the same tier.
• The formulas for calculating "Airspeed", "Maneuverability" and "Average time of turn” have been modified.
• The aircraft stats appearance has been modified.
• The game menu button has been moved to the main tabs.
• The battle mode selection menu has visually changed.
• The “Flight Battle” button has been moved to the left of the “Battle!” button.

Store

• Store bookmark added.
• Aircraft purchase scheme changed.
• Aircraft purchase options added, like crew training level.
• Table filters have been added.
• Table sorting has been added.

Achievements

• Added the ability to view the stats of each aircraft by selecting it in the table.
• Added the list of awards (medals).
• Table sorting has been implemented.
• Added a filter "Hide aircraft that participated in less than 50 battles".

Aircraft Crew

• Aircraft crew added (in this game build, crew cannot be dismissed or moved into other aircraft).
• Implemented the possibility of improving the qualification of the crew members, as well as the ability to learn a determinate skill.
• Personal files of the crew added.

Gameplay

“Superiority” Game Mode

• The maximum advance speed of the superiority indicator has been reduced.
• Message about the imminent win/loss by superiority now appears when the indicator reaches 75%.

Controls

• Camera turning speed from upside-down has been increased in the control scheme “Mouse”.
• “Switch to Sniper mode” and “Switch to Bombsight mode” are now in “press” mode by default (except on the control scheme “Mouse”).

Physics

• The formula for calculating the thrust has been modified.
• The gun recoil algorithm has changed.
• The crew skills and qualification effect on the flight mode has been implemented.
• Fixed a bug in which some rockets and/or bombs were missing in battle.
• The formula for calculating the splash damage of the bombs has changed.

Damage Model

• Structural damage effect enhanced.
• Separate engine damage has been implemented (for multi-engine aircraft).
• The reparation time of damaged engines (the restoration time from red to yellow state) has increased.
• The physics of aircraft that are shot down has been modified. Now the planes fall down in a more realistic way.
• Implemented special behaviour for aircraft when the pilot is injured. Shaken pilots temporarily lose control of the aircraft while wounded pilots will control the aircraft worse.

Economy

• The formula for calculating experience and credits rewards for damaging ground targets has changed.

Modules, Consumables and Ammunition

• All the purchased equipment, installed or in the depot, will be sold at the purchase price after the release of this update.
• Module "Polished Covering" added – increases the maximum speed of the jet aircrafts.
• Module availability fixed for “Reinforced sheet metal” and “Reinforced fabric covering”.
• Consumable "100-octane gasoline" and "120-octane gasoline" modified:
• The engine power increases during the whole battle, also the speed is slightly increased.
• "100-octane gasoline" is available for USSR and Japanese aircrafts with piston engines.
• "120-octane gasoline" is available for U.S.A. and German aircrafts with piston engines.
• Consumable "Purified Kerosene" has been added:
• The engine power increases during the whole battle, also the speed is slightly increased.
• Available for every jet engine aircraft.
• Enhanced the difference between the various ammunition belt types.
• Changed the names of the ammunition belts.

New Target Lock System

• Corrected an issue in which an enemy target was lost when another enemy plane flied through the centre of the screen.

Anti-Aircraft Guns

• Damage inflicted by AA guns has been increased for medium and high tiers.

Game Balance

Tech Tree Changes

Germany (Fighters)

• Bf. 109F – added as Tier VI, instead of the Bf. 109G.
• Bf. 109G and Me. 209A – moved to Tiers VII and VIII respectively.
• Me. P.1092 and Me. P.1101 – added as Tiers IX and X respectively.

Germany (Heavy Fighters)

• Me. 262, Bf. 109TL, Me. 262 HG III – moved to the Heavy Fighter branch, maintaining the same tiers.
• Bf. 109Z – moved down to Tier VI, parallel to the Me. 410. It can now be researched from either the Bf. 110E or the Bf. 109F.
• Me. 609 – moved down to Tier VII. It can be researched from either the Bf. 109Z or the Me. 410.
• Me. P.1099B, Me. P.1102 - removed from the Tech Tree.

USSR (Fighters)

• La-7 – added as Tier VII, instead of the La-9.
• La-9 – moved to Tier VIII, instead of the La-150.
• La-150 – removed  from the Tech Tree.

USSR (Ground Attack Aircraft)

• IL-10 – moved down to Tier VII, parallel to the IL-8. It can be researched from the IL-2 (t).
• IL-20 – moved down to Tier VIII. It can be researched from either the IL-8 or the IL-10.
• IL-40 – moved down to Tier IX.
• Il-40P – added as Tier X, instead of the IL-40.

U.S.A (Fighters)

• P-51H – added as Tier VIII, instead of the P-51JP.
• P-51JP – removed from the Tech Tree.

Aircraft Replacement

Germany

• If you own the Bf. 109G, you will receive the Bf. 109F with the top configuration.
• If you own the Bf. 109TL, you will receive the Me. P.1092 with the top configuration.
• If you own the Me. 262 HG III, you will get the Me. P.1101.
• If you own the P.1102, you will receive the Me. 262 HG III (if you didn’t have it previously as a fighter).
• If you own the Me.109Z, you will receive the Me. 609 with the top configuration (if you didn’t have it previously).
• If you own the Me. 609, you will receive the Me. 262 with the top configuration (if you didn’t have it previously).
• If you own the Me. P.1099B, you will receive the Bf. 109TL with the top configuration (if you didn’t have it previously).

USSR

• If you own the La-150, you will receive the La-9 with the top configuration (if you didn’t have it previously).
• If you own the La-9, you will receive the La-7 with the top configuration.
• If you own the IL-10, you will receive the IL-20 (if you didn’t have it previously).
• If you own the IL-20, you will receive the IL-40 - top configuration (if you didn’t have it previously).
• If you own the IL-40, you will receive the IL-40P , as well as the IL-40 with the top configuration.

U.S.A.

• If you own the P-51JP, you will receive the P-51H with the top configuration.

Aircraft Rebalance
Planes of Tier VI-X were reconfigured into new roles and characters. Specific features of certain planes have been amplified.
Changes made to aircraft at Tiers I-V:

• I-16 late – increased the influence of the ShVAK guns suspension on the aircraft’s performance.
• F2A – increased the influence of the Hispano cannons suspension on the aircraft’s performance.
• A5M – increased the accuracy of the machine guns.

Balance on Aircraft Modules

Weapons Changes

• Increased the damage inflicted by the 37mm and 45mm cannons – IL-2, IL-2 (t), IL-8.
• Increased the damage inflicted by the rockets RS-82, RS-132, TRS-82, TRS-132.

Maps

New Maps

• Plateau (for Tiers VI-X).
• Asian Border (for Tiers V-VIII).

Settings

• Pacific: the highest available tier for this map increased to VII.
• Arctic: the starting positions of the aircrafts have been centred.

Ground Targets

• Increased the health points of ground targets.
• Reduced the number of AA guns on all maps, AA guns damage increased.

Art

• The Level of surface detail has been improved on all maps (rendering system was modified).
• The lighting system has been improved on all maps.
• Post-FX has been added and reconfigured on all maps.
• Objects were optimized on all maps.
• Aircraft materials improved (especially the aircraft glazing material).
• Cloud display improved.
• New system of tree display added.
• Bullets tracers modified.
• Condensation trails of jet engines aircrafts added.
• The exhaust of jet engines on some aircraft changed.
• Different effects on aircraft changed (specially the damaged aircraft effects).
• The fog system has been modified.
• Canopy material has been modified.

Sound

• Added new sounds of bullet hits in the plane.
• Added countdown sounds before battles start.
• Added music for the map "Asian Border".
• Added new voice messages. The logic of having this messages displayed has been improved.
• Improved the battle sounds in “Spectator Mode”.

Chat

• “System Channel" is now divided into four thematic channels.
• Implemented option to add / remove friends during a battle.
• Added “Report a Player” function. To use it, hold “Ctrl” and right-click on the name of the player that you wish to report. Then choose the appropriate complaint from the pre-set options menu that will be displayed.
• Voice messages of a player that is in the ignore list are automatically muted.
• Contacts list improved.
• Added the ability to rename a channel.
• Friends’ invite system changed.

Voice Chat

• Voice chat uses TeamSpeak technology now.
• Implemented for voice chat for flight in battle and in the Hangar.
• Implemented voice chat for the allied team.
• Added the ability to add/remove players from the "Mute list".
• Added ability to disable voice chat with a hot key, while being in battle.
• Added ability to select the voice chat mode for flights.
• Microphone setup changed.
• Added the ability to separately enable the Allied Voice Char or the Flight Voice Chat.

WoT reaches 60 million registered users globally

Today, via a press release, WarGaming announced that World of Tanks reached over 60 million registered users worldwide.

Nice right!?!? how many of those are duplicate accounts, or farming bots? who cares ... WG sure doesn't. As long as their "global numbers" grow, they're happy with it.

Oh, and they also released a cinematic trailer (a.k.a. we wish the game looked like that but it doesn't):

NeverWinter OnLine gets a release date and new content

[Press release]

NEVERWINTER launch date, first expansion and new end-game revealed

Free Action MMORPG Open Beta Successful, Launch Date Set for June 20, 2013 

(Redwood City, CA) June 6, 2013 - Perfect World Entertainment Inc. and Cryptic Studios are excited to announce that the most anticipated and already widely-acclaimed free action MMORPG Neverwinter, set in the Dungeons & Dragons® Forgotten Realms® universe from Wizards of the Coast, concludes Open Beta Testing and launches on June 20, 2013. The launch day also marks the live release of Gauntlgrym, Neverwinter's free level 60 PvE and PvP content for veteran players. Additionally, the first free content expansion to Neverwinter, entitled Fury of the Feywild™, has been revealed.

Cryptic Studios Executive Producer and COO, Craig Zinkievich said:

"Boy, we have a lot going on. But then that was the plan from the very beginning. The feedback from players has been incredible. With their help during our Beta Test periods and our accumulated experience from having launched five MMOs, we're confident we've worked out all the major kinks and can sustain the world of Neverwinter without the Beta safety net. I personally thank our Open Beta players for providing an enormous amount of valuable feedback and supporting us during every single step of the development process. As a token of that appreciation, we're running an in-game promotional event near the end of Open Beta. Of course, alongside the launch day comes the release of Gauntlgrym, which adds more end-game content. And, we just announced Fury of the Feywild, our first content expansion for Neverwinter, which will all be, in classic D&D® fashion, Modules. Yeah, there is a lot going on. But we wouldn't have it any other way. The game is doing great and we love working on it."

"We have been thrilled with the work that Cryptic Studios and Perfect World have done on Neverwinter, and the tremendous response from the fans," said Nathan Stewart, Brand Director for Dungeons & Dragons at Wizards of the Coast. "This is one of the Forgotten Realms' most iconic cities and we are excited for the millions of fans that will create their own stories in Neverwinter."

Neverwinter entered Open Beta on April 30, which allowed all players unrestricted access to the game world. Those who participate in Open Beta will see their entire game progress rolled over to launch on June 20, after a short maintenance.

The Gauntlgrym end-game content referred to features a massive PvE and PvP battleground where players fight for the greatest treasures hidden deep in the ancient Dwarven city.

Fury of the Feywild, the first Module for Neverwinter, is a free content expansion due this summer that chronicles an attempt by Fomorian Giants to seize the Elven city of Sharandar. More details about Fury of the Feywild are scheduled to be added to the Module's microsite (now just a teaser) as it closes in on its summer launch: http://nw.perfectworld.com/module1

Neverwinter is a free action MMORPG that features fast-paced action combat with epic dungeons. Players explore the vast city of Neverwinter and surrounding countryside, learning the vivid history of the iconic city and battling its many enemies. In Neverwinter, players can create their own quests and campaigns with the Foundry, a user-generated content tool. Foundry quests and stories can then be seamlessly integrated into the live game world.

For more information about Neverwinter, the end of beta event, and to begin playing now for free, please visit the official website: http://www.PlayNeverwinter.com

World of WarShips - E3 cinematic trailer

[Press release]

Wargaming Debuts New World of Warships Cinematic Video

Naval Action MMO to Make Debut at E3 2013

4th June, 2013 - Wargaming, the leading free-to-play massively multiplayer online developer and publisher, today released a brand-new cinematic for its highly anticipated naval action MMO, World of Warships.

The video release marks the company's first debut of the title, which will take E3 attendees into an immersive theater experience at WarGaming's booth (#601 South Hall). In the demos, which will take place one per hour, attendees will be placed in the middle of the action in intense naval engagements and deadly aircraft strafing runs.

Path of Exile - Open BETA 2nd phase

[Press release]

Path of Exile Launches Second Phase of Open Beta

Numerous new gameplay features; Anarchy and Onslaught leagues begin June 8th

Auckland, New Zealand - June 1, 2013 - Grinding Gear Games announced that the latest major content update for their popular action RPG Path of Exile will be released on Wednesday, June 5th (New Zealand time). A wealth of exciting gameplay features have been implemented to kick off the second phase of the game's Open Beta, including two four-month leagues that will provide players with new gameplay, new Unique items, and eight exclusive achievement-like Challenges.

Below is a brief synopsis of the many new additions being added:

Anarchy and Onslaught Leagues

Distinguished by new items, intense Challenges, and epic difficulty, these two new leagues offer a degree of gameplay above the original Standard and Hardcore leagues, and will last from June 8th to October 8th. Both Anarchy and Onslaught leagues provide distinctive gameplay modifications, as well as six new base items and six new (league-specific) Uniques.

In Anarchy league, the corruption of Wraeclast has overtaken the minds of many exiles, which players will occasionally encounter on their journey through the world of Path of Exile. These depraved individuals should be treated with caution, as the computer-controlled rogues can deploy the skills and items of player characters with deadly force.

Offering increases to monster attack, cast, and movement speeds, Onslaught league has been crafted specifically for players that found Path of Exile's existing Hardcore league to be too easy. Onslaught league will function somewhat like a lighter version of the game's Turbo races, except it will last for four months.

Challenges

Concurrent with the introduction of Anarchy and Onslaught leagues, eight goals appropriately called Challenges will be available for players looking to truly master their chosen league. While most can be completed in either league, two are league-exclusive, beckoning intensive tasks from those who wish to finish them all before October 8th.

The eight Challenges are:

• Slay the 13 rogue exiles (Anarchy only).
• Reach level 60 on each character class (Onslaught only).
• Use a Map of every type in the Map Device.
• Allocate all of the notable and keystone passives.
• Receive 34 specific items from vendor recipes.
• Full-clear each non-Map area in any difficulty.
• Use all currency items (excluding Mirror of Kalandra).
• Own a specific set of 90 Unique items at the same time.

Re-balance and Passive Skills Reset

A significant re-balance of game areas and monster abilities has also been introduced with 0.11.0. All monster damage has been reduced, corresponding with reductions to passive skills involving player Life and Energy Shield. Now characters rely much less on life than before, compensating with defensive options such as armor. Although melee characters benefit most from this re-balance, previously underpowered builds have also seen substantial improvements. As a result of these changes, players will receive a full reset of their passive skills via a single-use button.

Eternal Orbs, Item Allocation, and Optional Mini Life Bars
 
Alongside these other content updates comes a new high-tier currency item: Eternal Orbs. While they're extremely rare, they'll provide players with a very useful function in item crafting. Using an Eternal Orb on an item retains the item's current properties in an Imprint, which can later be applied to the original item to restore its saved state. Examples of how to use Eternal Orbs are available in the full patch description.

Item allocation has also been implemented with 0.11.0, allowing a party leader to choose from the following item allocation modes:

• Free for All: Items are not allocated to players and can be picked up immediately.
• Short Allocation: The exact system we have at the moment. Valuable items allocate to a random nearby player for a short duration. There is a small bonus if you're far away from the item.
• Permanent Allocation: Valuable items allocate to a random nearby player.

Additionally, players can now toggle the display of mini life bars for allies, enemies, or both. Enemies' life bars are only shown when they've taken damage, allowing for easier focus on foes nearing death.

An Australian gateway is also being added so that players in Australia and New Zealand are able to enjoy a low latency experience. Players on any gateway can fight with or against their international friends.

Chris Wilson, Path of Exile's lead designer said:

"We're extremely excited about this patch. It has taken an immense amount of effort and is really fun to play, 

If you've been waiting for a fresh league to play some new characters, tell your friends and join us on June 8. See you there!"

Detailed information about the new patch can be found here: https://www.pathofexile.com/forum/view-thread/400347

WoWp 0.4.3 dev bulletin

Crew Training and Skills

There will be three different types of crew skills: pilot, gunner, and navigator. The latter two will be limited to multi-seat aircraft, while single seat planes (fighters, typically) will be pilot only.

Pilot
Pilots will be able to improve the following characteristics of their aircraft:

• Maneuverability
• Speed
• Firepower

Pilots who reach 100% training levels in these skills will be able to make the most out of their aircraft and its specific performance characteristics.

Gunner
These co-pilots will be responsible for the "Defensive Power" characteristic in aircraft, improving the overall defensive capabilities of aircraft while in battle. If the gunner manages to aquire 100% of this skill, he'll become that much more effective when you need a tail gunner to keep enemies off your back.

Navigator
Improving the Navigators skills will help both the Gunner and the Pilot by improving their overall battle efficiency.

NOTE: Advancement will be carried out in a linear basis in World of Warplanes, unlike the skill system in World of Tanks. Meaning, the same amount of XP needed to advance from 52% to 53% will be the same needed at 98% to 99%.

You'll be able to look through specific crew skills in each of the personnel records of each crew member, of which will be available to you in the Hanger. Apart from the major qualification skills mentioned above, there will be additional skills available for each crew member:

• Stamina (HP increase)
• Increased View Range
• Telescopic Eye (increase Gunner's firing range)
• Engine Expert (improve dynamics of aircraft, e.g. acceleration)

Visual and Graphic Updates

Expect to see the in-game illumination system significantly improved with the 0.4.3 Update. Highlights and reflections will be much more realistic, as well as some improved shaders on ground objects and enhancements to give a better perception of speed.

As for the gun tracers effect that appeared in the 0.4.2 Update, we heard you loud and clear. Expect to see these significantly altered. With the 0.4.3 Update, the width of these tracers will depend on the tier of gun and the overall visual intensity of the tracer effect will be dramatically decreased, hopefully making the process of zeroing in and firing on targets that much more enjoyable.


Game Client Performance

With 0.4.3 update you should see an increase the overall FPS for most PC configurations.


Tech Tree Changes

Following changes to the tech tree will be made with the 0.4.3 update:

German Fighters

• The Bf. 109F (new!) (previously only available as a modification of the Bf. 109E) will be added to tier VI in place of the Bf. 109G. In addition, there will be an option from the Bf. 109F to start researching down the Heavy Fighter branch with the tier VI Bf. 109Z (yes, that's moving a tier as well. More on that in a second.).
• The Bf. 109G will be moved to tier VII in place of the Me. 209 A1
• The Me. 209 will be moved to tier VIII in place of the Me. 262

Bf 109F

Bf 109F

• The Me. P.1092 (new!) will be added to tier IX in place of the Me. 109TL

Me. P.1092

Me. P.1092

• The Me. P.1101 (new!) will be added to tier X in place of the Me. 262HG III

German Heavy Fighters

• The Bf.109Z will be moved to tier VI, putting it in line with the Me.410
• The Me.609 will be moved down to tier VII
• The Me.262A will be moved to the Heavy Fighter branch at tier VIII in place of the Me.609
• The Bf.109TL will be moved to the Heavy Fighter branch at tier IX in place of the Me.P.1099B
• The Me.262HG III will be moved to the Heavy Fighter branch at tier X in place of the Me.O.1102
• The Me.1099B and the Me.P.1102 will be temporarily removed from World of Warplanes.

USSR Fighters

• The La-7 (new!), previously available as a modification of the La-5, will be added to tier VII in place of the La-9
• The La-9 will be moved to tier VIII in place of the La-150
• The La-150 will be removed from World of Warplanes

La-7

La-7

USSR Heavy Fighters

• The IL-10 will be moved to tier VII, putting it line with the IL-8. Pilots will be avalailble to develop the IL-2(d) from either of these aircraft and then from there, research the IL-20
• The IL-20 will be moved to tier VIII
• The IL-40 will be moved to tier IX
• The II-40P (new!) will be added to tier X in place of the IL-40

IL-40P

IL-40P

United States Fighters

• The P-51H (new!) will be added to tier VIII in place of the P-51JP
• The P-51JP will be removed from World of Warplanes.

P-51H

P-51H

New Maps

Burma

Arizona

Rewards for the testers

ALPHA, Global ALPHA, Closed BETA and Open BETA testers will receive:

• for completing at least 100 battles until release, these players will receive an in game medal and additionally they will retain their status on the forums ; also they will receive "other additional nice stuff" (?!?!?!)
• completing 700 battles until the game's release, these players will receive an airplane as reward plus the previous 100 battle rewards