Continue reading Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do

Alter-Ego: Working together is hard to do originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

The unique universe of EVE Online has taken another turn for the crazy with news that a player named Xabier, the former Investments Manager at the in-game Dynasty Banking operation, has absconded with over 80 billion ISK.

One of the most interesting features of EVE Online is its player-driven economy, which is almost entirely unregulated by EVE developer and publisher CCP Games. Players control virtually everything, meaning the economic side of the game, handled via the game’s corporations, banks and other entities, represents a more complex and vital component of play than the tightly-controlled “buy-and-sell” economies of most MMOGs. But human nature is what it is, and just like in the real world, players are vulnerable to the risks of bad behavior among those in positions of authority.

So it was when last week, according to Massively, Xabier walked away from Dynasty Banking with a tidy 86 billion ISK, the EVE Online currency, an amount which he says is now worth over 106 billion ISK thanks to investments. Manalapan, the chairman of Dynasty Banking, pegged the embezzled amount at the slightly lower mark of 82.5 billion ISK, but the difference is academic. A huge sum of money is gone.

Manalapan issued a statement claiming that it is not yet even confirmed that Xabier has in fact run off with the money, although he admitted that a dividend payment on a bond has been missed and that Xabier’s bio now reads, “Thanks for all the fish.” He also urged customers not to jump to conclusions at this point, assuring them that should the worst turn out to be true, the bank has enough in reserve to cover the loss. “All withdrawal requests are being dealt with this very moment but as I am sure you are aware there is an above average amount, and so we ask for patience with this matter,” he said. “Dynasty Banking will get over these times and we will continue to strive to earn the public’s faith as one of the leading banks of Eve Online.”

EBANK, the largest player-run bank in New Eden, has also pledged its support to Dynasty Banking if the run on the bank, which at last report was up to 30 billion ISK, reaches the point where the bank itself is threatened. “From what I have seen after talking to Manalapan it’s quite likely EBANK won’t need to assist at all, but it can’t hurt to have that extra backup just in case,” EBANK Managing Director Ricdic said.

A lot of players will no doubt frown upon these shenanigans but I think it’s a great example of what makes EVE stand out from the MMOG crowd. The insertion of the human element into the most basic aspects of gameplay, for both good and bad, results in the sort of emergent gaming that most designers can only dream of. Some people have questioned whether or not a real crime has taken place, since ISK does have a real world value: Based on rates at SwagVault.com, the amount embezzled by Xabier is worth around $2500.00. But the crime took place within the context of the game, so while EVE law may apply – such as it is – I find it hard to imagine that real law would.

And this is far from the only example of high-profile malfeasance in EVE. As far back as mid-2005, the Guiding Hand Social Club staged a devastating attack on the Ubiqua Seraph corporation that inflicted 30 billion ISK of damage and remains infamous to this day, while in 2006 the player at the head of the EVE Investment Bank disappeared with a reported 700 billion ISK. It takes balls to let this kind of thing go on, but the success of EVE Online is proof that this is exactly the action some players are looking for.

Source:http://www.escapistmagazine.com/

With Milestone 1.12: Rebel Apostles we are introducing incentives for characters belonging to nations with the lowest populations on each server. We are hoping to point new players, and returning players who make new characters, towards those nations who need higher populations to compete in the conquest of the Caribbean.

These changes should help new and current players add to the strength of their nation, grow their economies, support their society structure and enhance their RvR efforts and participation.

The first change you will notice is that character creation will automatically default to the nation most needing new recruits for that specific server. The nation selection is not locked, however; you can still choose other to play other nations. We’ll continue to monitor population numbers and adjust which nations get this special status as time goes on.

If a player does choose one of the high population nations in character creation, a window will appear indicating that lower populated nations are seeking aid. The server Message of the Day will also list the lower populated nations and the incentives that players of those nations will receive.

Incentives

All characters of low population nations will receive:

• An XP bonus (double the usual rate).
• A 30% chance at a bonus loot reroll.

Below is a list nations that will receive incentives for each server. Default character creation nations are italicized:

• Antigua – Spain and France
• Defiant – All Nations (Spain will receive default character generation)
• Blackbeard – France and Spain
• Rackham – France and Spain
• Roberts – Spain and France

source: Offical Site

For more info go to: CrimeCraft.com

After completing the Quests of Book 1 and cresting 20th level, your hero’s best options for solo adventuring lead from the lands of Bree north and east into the rest of Middle-earth.

Solo Quest Hubs

Here is a list of the major solo quest areas for characters of 20th – 40th level. Many of these quests are of the slayer variety – killing large groups of animals or servants of the Dark Lord, with a few other quest types tossed in.

The Lone-lands

East and south of the Bree-lands are the Lone-lands, once part of the great Kingdom of Rhudaur in ancient times. With the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron, this now desolate region is home to wandering packs of Orc-kin and Goblins who regularly attack travelers on the Great East Road and leave burned villages in their wake. Solo Quests in the Lone-lands range from 20th − 30th level. That makes it the perfect place to play following your completion of the Book 1 Epic Quest.

A day’s travel from Bree in the southwestern portion of the Lone-lands is the Forsaken Inn—the last outpost of civilization in this region. In addition to offering goods and services, the Forsaken Inn and environs offer many opportunities for questing.

The chef of The Forsaken Inn is Old Mugwort; his reputation as a cook is somewhat lacking, but he attributes that to hard times and poor supplies. Mugwort has several quests to offer—success with them will help purge the area of evil, while at the same time net supplies. These quests include driving Goblins from the Lone-lands (Enfeebling the Foe), slaying Wargs (Raising the Wargs’ Ire), and defeating their leader (Drawing the Pack).

Another Quest hub is Ost Guruth, an ancient fortress once belonging to the Kingdom of Rhudaur that is now under the control the Eglain. Located in the northeastern portion of the Lone-lands, Quests obtained in Ost-Guruth often branch north to Angmar and east to the Trollshaws.

Be sure to seek out Stanric of the Eglain, a supplier and arms merchant in Ost-Guruth who is attempting to organize a defense against the wild beasts roaming the Lone-lands. Stanric has an abundance of Solo Quests that involve retrieving spider venom to develop antidotes (Venom of the Ruin-stalkers), preventing a plague about to be unleashed by the Orcs (A Plague Upon Us), and hunting boars to help the Eglain prepare for a harsh winter (Well-Prepared).

North Downs

The region of the North Downs was once part of the Kingdom of Arthedain, and held the great cities of Annúminas and Fornost during the Second Age. The lands then fell to the Witch-king of Angmar, and evil has maintained its grip ever since. Today the Rangers of the North gather in the hidden refuge of Esteldín and work with the heroes of Middle-earth to eradicate the ancient evil. The North Downs is full of solo quests from 30th − 40th level. As you travel north from Bree-town into the North Downs, the first solo quests you’ll encounter start in Trestlebridge, then north to Fornost and west into the lands of Nan Amlug (West and East).

Some of the Solo Quests of Trestlebridge can be obtained from Gondranc, an armoursmith and Ranger who is feverishly crafting high-quality armour for the upcoming war against the Orcs. In the Quests Leathery Wings of the Drakes, Aurochs Mantles, A Promise Fulfilled, Scales of the Earthbound Foe, A Request to the Earth-kin and Techniques of the Masters, you can assist the Ranger and earn drake-armour as a reward.

The lands north of Trestlebridge hold the initial invasion force of Orcs and Goblins. Going head-to-head with this many troops is difficult—unless you use the hit-and-run tactics of soloing heroes (such as Hunters and Wardens). Find the Free Peoples’ Camp south of Fornost and seek out the Quests Stem the Invasion, Fell the Trolls, and The Forgotten Company. These provide potent items upon completion: a helm (Hanhar), a shield (Longamath), and a spear (Widdup’s Spear).

Some of the quest series outlined above might have an associated Fellowship-base for a conclusion. If you are on the higher end of the level range and are cautious and well-equipped, then these final quests are very possible on your own.

You Can Own a Horse

Traveling over great distances in Middle-earth is done by endless running between cities, using a Milestone, Swift Travel, or by renting a horse. Unfortunately, Swift Travel is not always available, and the other modes require that you’ve already been (or are going) to that region. Either way, you’re looking at a large amount of time spent walking or running. This all changes at 35th level when you become eligible to buy a horse . . . or a pony if you’re a Dwarf or a Hobbit. Having a horse is a great asset in your soloing career, as you can travel faster to any region of Middle-earth. In addition to your level, the following is required before you can obtain your own horse:

• The flat-fee for a horse or pony is 4 gold, 222 silver pieces.
• Horses are obtained from the horse-master Eogar, just north of Bree.
• Complete a series of quests given to you by Eogar.

Considering the amount of gold required to buy a horse, it might be in your best interest to start saving early in your adventuring career. If you have the coins prior to 35th level, you can afford to buy your horse sooner . . . but you’re not eligible to complete Eogar’s required quests. The quests are not difficult, and basically teach you how to use and maneuver your trained mount. The horses available include: Blonde Sorrel, Chestnut, Bay, and Bloodbay. You gain more options through specific trophies and quests: Dapple-grey Dun, Dark Chestnut, and Spotted Grey from the Harvest Festival. These latter horses typically cost more than gold pieces and in some cases require you to be higher level.

Class Quests

These series of quests are available at 30th level and are always solitary. They are designed to test the mettle of each of the classes. The rewards (examples listed below) are designed specifically for a class. Class quests also can be found at 15th level.

• Burglar: Your Burglar can travel to Naerost in the Lone-lands for the Class Quest series A Burglar’s Errand. When you get to Naerost, go to the hills outside of town and find Palma Brownlock, who wants you to sneak into the ruins to find the sword Medhrod. Reward: Brownlock’s Knife.
• Captain: Having reached some measure of fame among the other Captains of Middle-earth, your character can go to Othrikar in the North Downs for A Captain’s Standard. The NPC Jarl Copperbrace has challenged you to raise three of the standards of the Free Peoples over the walls of the mining-settlement of Ost Galumar. Reward: Trait—Defiance.
• Champion: Since you have been deemed a champion of the land in A Champion’s Courage, the NPC Slade Ransford of Ost Cyrn wants you to find Mosal-ruk, a wretched Orc war-band leader that has terrorized the region. Reward: Othnam, the Two-handed Hammer.
• Guardians: In A Guardian’s Duty, marauding Orcs are once again threatening the town of Trestlebridge, and the NPC Severin Wheeler needs you to help organize a defense. Reward: Rodamath, Heavy Shield.
• Hunter: At Adso’s Camp between Bree-town and Buckland, in A Hunter’s Charge, Gytha Lainey enlists you to travel to the Shire to track down a pack of Wargs. Reward: Trait—Enduring Precision.
• Lore-master: In the Quest A Lore-master’s Will, you’ve heard that an NPC Lore-master named Isferon of Duillond in Ered Luin has stumbled upon a riddle he cannot solve. You’re always up for a good riddle, but aren’t you puzzled why a learned mystic like Isferon has not solved it already? Reward: the Flame of Anor.
• Minstrel: In a cave near Trestlebridge, the NPC Leigh Putnam has discovered refugees needing their spirits lifted and protection from Orcs in A Minstrel’s Hope. Reward: Trait—Glorious Anthem.
• Rune-keeper: On the western edge of the Lone-lands is the NPC Techeryn, an Elf who tests your understanding of runes with the Quest An Eye in the Storm. Reward: Trait—Tale of the Storm.
• Warden: In the ruins of Ost Guruth your Warden can find the NPC Hrotha to be sent on the A Defense in the Darkness. Reward: Trait—Ward of Justice.

Reputation Quests

Another way to gain experience through soloing is by completing reputation quests. Similar to Deed slayer quests, these adventures give you the chance to gain new virtues as well as titles. Best of all, they do not consume large amounts of time – a great benefit for the solo quest player. Reputation can be gained from different factions of Middle-earth, such as one of the races, certain villages or towns, or from crafting powerful items. Completing these quests gets you reputation points. There are four levels of reputation: Acquaintance, Friend, Ally, and Kindred.

And there are two primary benefits of reputation quests:

• Completing these reputation quests represents how indebted the denizens of Middle-earth are to your hero. These factions can offer discounts on items or services, and in some cases present you with other quests you would not normally be able to undertake.
• They allow you to advance your character more efficiently from a soloing perspective. For example, completing a series of reputation quests nets your character high-end rewards that he otherwise could not get without performing certain fellowship or raid quests.

In addition to individual quests and crafting, which can improve your character’s reputation, there are three important reputation quest series you can attempt beginning at 35th level:

1. The Elves of Rivendell (Level: 35): In the wondrous city, the Elf Imyl wants you to recover 10 Signets of Rhudaur—Relics of the long-dead kingdom of Rhudaur, which allied with the Witch-king of Angmar. The rulers of Rhudaur were the enemies of Rivendell, and those who now own the 10 signets are also considered adversaries. These quests take your character to the Misty Mountains and the North Trollshaws.

2. Rangers of Esteldín (Level: 38): In Evendim, the Ranger Calenglad bids you travel to Esteldin and find a way to help the residents against an Orc threat. The Ranger also wants you to gather the Orcs’ battle-medallions as trophies. Completing this quest gives your character the reputation needed to purchase items not available to other characters . . . also depending upon your reputation level.

3. Wardens of Annuminas (Level: 35+): Located in Evendim, the Wardens guard the ancient tombs and ruins which were once the capital of Arnor. You can gain reputation with the Wardens by seeking a woman named Cuguminuial near the west wall of Tinnundir. She wants you to deliver a crate of much-needed supplies to an outpost in Dunedain. Once there, you can gain additional reputation quests from three NPCs: Eirieniel, Calaneth, and Dannassel. These quests pit you against bandits and monsters that have infiltrated and looted the Arnor ruins. By the end of these adventures you should have sufficient Reputation to pursue crafting quests and gain rewards based on your reputation level.

Read the article at its Original Source.

EDISON, N.J., Jan. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ — Majesco Entertainment Company (Nasdaq: COOL), an innovative provider of video games for the mass market, and Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE) today announced that Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall for PC and Mac has shipped to retail outlets nationwide. The first massively multiplayer online game (MMOG) for kids, and a major initiative for the network, FusionFall is set within a re-imagined Cartoon Network universe where players must rally together to defend the world from an epic alien invasion. The Victory Pack Exclusive retail version of FusionFall is loaded with extras including: a four month subscription to the online game, an in-depth game guide with details of all “Nanos,” monsters and adventure paths, and codes for two exclusive outfit and weapon sets only available in the Victory Pack.

“FusionFall is an innovative and groundbreaking MMOG that will appeal to the legions of Cartoon Network fans,” said Gui Karyo, Executive Vice President of Operations, Majesco. “Partnering with Cartoon Network on the retail version of the game was a major initiative for us and we believe the extensive added value in the Victory Pack will enhance the playing experience.”

“A massive undertaking for the network, FusionFall stands to be a truly unique and rich gaming experience for kids that blends some of our most popular characters in a way that has never been seen before,” said Christina Miller, vice president, CNE. “Building off of this excitement, we’re pleased to partner with Majesco to offer fans an extension of the game at retail day and date with its online launch.”

The intergalactic conqueror Planet Fusion is invading the Cartoon Network world – warping terrain, corrupting the environment, and creating evil Cartoon Network character clones! Players must team up with the online community and more than 50 characters from some of Cartoon Network’s most popular shows – including Ben 10 Alien Force, Dexter’s Laboratory, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Ed, Edd‘ n Eddy, The Powerpuff Girls, Kids Next Door, Samurai Jack, and many more, to restore order to the Cartoon Network universe. After creating their own unique avatar, players will explore a massive 17-plus square kilometer area with 60 playable zones including familiar areas from Cartoon Network shows and fusion “infected” areas.

Created through a partnership with leading Korean MMOG developer Grigon Entertainment, FusionFall is a mix of 3-D console platform game action and all the customization, character development and open-ended world exploration of a MMORPG (massively multi-player online role-playing game). New, expanded content will be added to the game regularly. Players can collect a variety of items throughout the game, including more than 30 customizable “Nanos” – tiny stylized versions of Cartoon Network’s most famous characters – that provide special powers and abilities across more than 600 unique missions. In addition, FusionFall‘s distinctive visual approach combines an all-new cel-shaded anime style fit within the familiar look and feel of Cartoon Network.

Rated E10+ for Everyone 10 and up, the Cartoon Network Universe: FusionFall Victory Pack Exclusive for PC and Mac will be available in stores January 14th for the suggested retail price of $19.99. The game will also officially launch online the same day at www.FusionFall.com. Online subscription pricing starts at $5.95/month, with a Family Plan that offers up to four accounts for $9.95/month.

About Cartoon Network Enterprises:

Cartoon Network Enterprises (CNE), the global branding and merchandising arm of Cartoon Network, is charged with building consumer product franchises for Cartoon Network, its brands and characters from the channel’s growing library of award-winning original programming. CNE also works to secure and support long-term licensee partnerships across all key merchandising categories. The division currently offers consumer product programs for an array of animation franchises including Ben 10, Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Chowder, The Secret Saturdays, The Powerpuff Girls, [adult swim] and more, as well as serves as licensing agent for Nelvana Enterprises and Spin Master’s Bakugan brand.

Cartoon Network (CartoonNetwork.com), currently seen in more than 97 million U.S. homes and 166 countries around the world, is Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.’s ad-supported cable service offering the best in original, acquired and classic animated entertainment for kids and families. Overnight from 11 p.m.-6 a.m. (ET, PT), Cartoon Network shares its channel space with Adult Swim, a late-night destination showcasing original and acquired animation for young adults 18-34.

Turner Broadcasting System, Inc., a Time Warner company, creates and programs branded news, entertainment, animation and young adult media environments on television and other platforms for consumers around the world.

About Majesco Entertainment Company

Majesco Entertainment Company is a provider of video games for the mass market. Building on 20 years of operating history, the company is focused on developing and publishing a wide range of casual and family oriented video games on leading console and portable systems. Product highlights include Cooking Mama(TM) and Cake Mania(R)2 for Nintendo DS(TM), and Cooking Mama World Kitchen and Jillian Michaels’ Fitness Ultimatum 2009 for Wii(TM). The company’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol: COOL. Majesco is headquartered in Edison, NJ and has an international office in Bristol, UK. More information about Majesco can be found online at www.majescoentertainment.com.

Safe Harbor

Certain statements contained herein are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. These forward-looking statements may be identified by reference to a future period(s) or by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as “may,” “will,” “intend,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate” or “continue” or the negatives thereof or other comparable terminology. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors. These factors include but are not limited to, the demand for our products; our ability to complete and release our products in a timely fashion; competitive factors in the businesses in which we compete; continued consumer acceptance of our products and the gaming platforms on which our products operate; fulfillment of orders preliminarily made by customers; adverse changes in the securities markets and the availability of and costs associated with sources of liquidity. The Company does not undertake, and specifically disclaims any obligation, to release publicly the results of any revisions that may be made to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.
SOURCE Majesco Entertainment Company

Free Character Transfer Service – January 13 – March 31, 2009 – 01/12/2009

Kick off the new year with a fresh start on a new galaxy! Join up with old friends or make new ones with the free Character Transfer Service promotion! Free character transfers begin on January 13, 2009, and are only offered to those accounts with characters created on or before December 11, 2008 on the identified galaxies.

Check out these links for the most up-to-date information about transferring your character:

• Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Notes on the Free CTS from the GM Team

Please note! To prevent issues with a transfer, please close the game immediately after completing the transfer process and do not log into ANY character on that account for at least TWO HOURS after transferring.

http://starwarsgalaxies.station.sony.com/players/news_archive.vm?id=68184&month=current

We’ve released all new content – Earth, PvP Wargames, Epic Caves of Donn and more, and we want to remind you that Tabula Rasa is free to play, right now!

If you’re a former player looking to return and check out the new content, just log into your PlayNC master account at www.plaync.com and visit Account Management to reactivate your account. It’s as easy as clicking a button!

If you’re a new player who has never tried Tabula Rasa, you can get a Tabula Rasa Serial Code by visiting our Support site and submitting a request for a new code. Use that code at www.plaync.com to create a new account!
You’ll need to activate your new account with a credit card number, but don’t worry – that’s just so we know who you are. We will not charge your card for Tabula Rasa gameplay before game service ends on Feb 28, 2009.

Once your account is activated (or re-activated!), visit ftp://ftp.playtr.com/setup_data_files/install_tabula_rasa_1.11.6.0.exe to download the game client. Install and you’re ready to go.

It’s easy, it’s free, and it’s a great game! We look forward to seeing you in the game!

Firstly, we present you the list of the planned servers to be merged (see below). We will proceed with merging next week and the specific date and time as well as the expected downtime will be announced soon too. As a general information we can already say that the plan is to merge all EU servers in one go and all US servers in another go.

Now, here’s the list of planned server merges. The first server shown (in bold) will remain as the servername after the merges. The servers merged together with the first one are then listed below.

US Servers

• Set (PvE)
  * Damballah
  * Bardisattva
  * Dagoth
  * Derketo
  * Hanuman
• Wiccana (PvE)
  * Mannanan
  * Ajujo
  * Thog
  * Zug
  * Omm
• Gwahlur (PvE – Oceaninc)
• Tyranny (PvP)
  * Scourge
  * Bluesteel
  * Stormrage
  * Deathwhisper
  * Doomsayer
  * Shadowblade
• Cimmeria (PvP-RP)
  * Bane
• Bloodspire (PvP – Oceanic) – merged on 7th January 2009)
  * Hyperborea

EU Servers

English Servers

• Crom (PVE)
  * Ymir
  * Bori
  * Bloodbrand (Ahriman)
  * Dagon
• Hyrkania (PVE-RP)
• Fury (PvP)
  * Battlescar
  * Wildsoul
  * Soulstorm
  * Twilight
• Aquilonia (PvP-RP)
  * Corinthia

German Servers

• Mitra (PvE)
  * Ibis
  * Asura
• Aries (PvP)
  * Titus
• Asgard (PvP-RP)

French Servers

• Ishtar (PvE)
• Ferox (PvP)
  * Strix
• Stygia (PvP-RP)

Spanish Servers

• Zingara (PvE)
• Indomitus (PvP)