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New 3DS models will be region-locked, (th)womp (th)womp
If "no region-lock" was on your list of desired features for Nintendo's new 3DS models, well ... we hope the addition of a C-stick, ZL and ZR buttons, built-in NFC and a better CPU will make up for that feature not making the cut. GameSpot has confirmed with Nintendo that the new 3DS and 3DS XL will, like their currently-available siblings, be region-locked. We can't say we're surprised, considering Nintendo has a longstanding history of region-locking their hardware, and it's not just limited to handhelds, as both the Wii and Wii U are also region-locked. Still, at least now we have confirmation. [Image: Nintendo]
Konami investigating Metal Gear Rising's region lock on Steam
Konami is looking into region-locking concerns related to Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance on Steam. The news comes from a tweet recently issued by JP Kellams, a creative producer at Platinum Games. Kellams assured players that the "first thing I did in the office today was talk about the MGR region lock thing." The game's Steam community includes a number of discussion threads questioning players' inability to give the game as a gift to others across the globe, locking Russian and Argentinian copies to those regions, as an example. One discussion noted that Ireland-based players were unable to access the game's page, but seemed to find a work-around by being gifted the game from other European countries. The PC version of Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance will launch Thursday, and is currently 20 percent off on Steam until then.
Black Gold could possibly start beta in early 2014
Dying to get your hands on the scrumptious-looking Black Gold? If you've already registered for a beta key and need a little hope, here it is: Snail Games said the game could possibly start its closed beta in the first quarter of 2014. "The first closed beta is planned to launch at the earliest Q1 2014," the studio posted in a recent Ask the Devs segment. "We are ensuring quality when it's ready to meet the public eye. All players who have registered prior will have a high chance of receiving first round of beta codes via their email." Black Gold's beta and release is initially aimed at North America, although Snail Games said it is "not ruling out" the possibility of future releases elsewhere. There will also be no region block for the title. [Thanks to Dengar for the tip!]
Report: Xbox One will be region-locked
The Xbox One will be region-locked, meaning all software must match the region of the console itself, Microsoft confirmed to Digital Trends. This means a US Xbox One won't be able to play games imported from Europe or Japan, for example. "Similar to the movie and music industry, games must meet country-specific regulatory guidelines before they are cleared for sale," a Microsoft spokesperson said. "We will continue to work with our partners to follow these guidelines with Xbox One." The Xbox 360 isn't completely region-locked – Microsoft currently allows studios to choose whether their games will work across regions. The PlayStation 3 is region-free, and all games except for Persona 4 Arena work on every console, regardless of spatial location. It's unclear if the PlayStation 4 will be similarly region-free.
Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate servers region-locked
When Monster Hunter 3 Ultimate comes out in March, you'll have no help online from the Japanese players who will have been practicing for months. The servers for online multiplayer in the Wii U action RPG are region locked, according to a GameReactor interview conducted with producer Ryozo Tsujimoto. "In principle, the online game in Europe is only among Europeans," Tsujimoto said. Capcom clarified to the site that the region lock keeps North America, Europe, and Japan sequestered to their own regions.Capcom community specialist Yuri Lindbergh responded to US fans, pledging to pass along fans' universal displeasure to Capcom.
Streamlined Xbox Live region-switching now available
Swapping regions on Xbox Live should be smoother now that Microsoft has flipped the switch on its new migration account page. Spotted as a pilot program earlier this month, the account migration page is a streamlined process for Xbox Live users to swap accounts from one Xbox Live-serviced part of the world to another.Migration through the system will allow users to retain their gamerscore, those hard-earned Achievements, Microsoft Points, remaining time on their Gold membership and their profile. What won't move is access to region specific apps, subscriptions and some content that is blocked in the other location due to "legal obligations or regional restrictions."Microsoft notes: "Before you change your region, make sure you've downloaded any purchased content you want to keep, like movies or music. Content purchases aren't refundable." Switching between regions can only be done once every three months.
Xbox Live region-switching being streamlined this month
Microsoft is in the process of making account migration across regions a little less painful. Neowin reported early today the company is testing a pilot program that will allow users to transfer their gamertag, Achievements, Microsoft Points and time left on Live accounts with ease. Microsoft has confirmed to us this will occur in mid-January."As of Friday, December 14, Xbox customer support will no longer manually migrate an Xbox Live account from one region to another," Microsoft informed us this afternoon. "The conclusion of this pilot program is in preparation for the release of an automated tool which will be available in mid-January on Xbox.com."One significant caveat for travelers is that region switching can only be done once every three months. This may be a problem for those who wander the world on business, but if you're swapping between the summer home in the Hamptons and the chateau in Chamonix, you'll be all set.Other provisos: some services are region locked, like IPTV, Xbox Music Subscriptions, along with the Hulu and Netflix.
Shocker: Nintendo Wii U said to be region-locked
The forthcoming Wii U console from Nintendo will be region-locked, just like the original Wii and the 3DS, Nintendo UK told Eurogamer. That means you won't be able to play obscure (or early) Japanese imports on it, and customs officials won't get anything to break up the monotony of seized cigars and bushmeat.
Borderlands 2 region-locked in Russia, players speak out
Steam versions of Borderlands 2 are region-locked to Russia, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Ukraine, Lithuania and Estonia, meaning players with the RU version will be unable to play online with anyone outside of these areas. Many people in these regions pre-ordered Borderlands 2 without receiving any indication that they would get a different version, and on the eve of the game's launch they're taking their case to Reddit, Gearbox and publishers 2K Games and 1C.Reddit member K900_ has compiled a list of grievances and attempts to solve the issue:These potential players are unable to pre-load Borderlands 2 and it is unclear if the game will support multiple languages, or if it will only be in Russian. Since many people in countries outside of Russia don't speak Russian, this further complicates the issue. DLC may not work on the RU version of Borderlands 2, as those who pre-ordered the Season Pass are unable to activate it. Players paid full price for the game.2K Games is in charge of any region-locking and responded to one inquiry with the following message: "All users with a Russian IP address that are attempting to purchase and play the game will be restricted to the RU version of the game. This version of the game will only be compatible with other RU versions of the game, meaning you will only be able to play online with other Russian IP players. We deeply apologize for any and all inconvenience this issue may cause."Boxed versions of Borderlands 2 appear to not be region-locked, even though they are compatible with Steam.2K responds to these problems on its own forum, apologizing for not providing region-lock information during the pre-sale and discussing possible refunds:"2K Games and 1C are aware that digital distribution pages for the Russian, CIS and Baltic states versions of Borderlands 2 contained incorrect information regarding the language and cross territory compatibility support. We apologize that this information was incorrect during the pre-sale and pre-order period for these territories. We are working with our partners to update those pages, and offer any customers who pre-ordered or pre-purchased the game the opportunity to cancel their order and receive a refund."Additionally, we are working with our product development teams to investigate potential support for additional languages and options for our customers in these territories. While this was and is not possible for launch, we will provide an update this week on our progress."
Persona 4 Arena will be region locked on PS3
The PlayStation 3 version of Persona 4 Arena carries with it an unusual distinction: The Arc System Works-developed fighter will be region locked, meaning that North and South American copies of the game won't function on Japanese PS3s, and vice-versa."Yes, the PS3 version game will be region-locked. I certainly can't offer details as to why, but there might be an official response at some point," said an Atlus employee on the company's official forums."To reiterate, our version of the game works for the North and South America regions. Also keep in mind that both the NA and JP versions have both English and Japanese text/voice options, making them nearly identical. I'm unsure of what the case will be for the EU version."While Blu-ray film playback has been subject to regional limitations since the get go, PS3 games have only been limited by the differences between PAL and NTSC -- standards which have waned in relevance since HD televisions became more prevalent.
SWTOR launch day questions answered
The community team at BioWare told us that we would know when the train was coming, but it came crashing through our house when half of us were still sleeping. As we reported earlier, Star Wars: The Old Republic set its launch day for December 20th for North America and December 22nd for Europe. All the fans exhaled in relief, then promptly started asking more questions. First off, the Australian and New Zealand launch dates have not been set, and BioWare cannot commit to a launch day yet for that region. However, back in August, Senior Community Manager Stephen Reid posted on the official forums that "There are no plans to 'region lock' or 'IP block' players from the game. You may experience some latency issues if you're not playing in a launch territory." This still holds true today. To prevent signup issues on launch day, log-ins will be throttled. However, pre-order customers will still gain early access to the game. Senior Community Coordinator Allison Berryman reported on the official forum: "The beginning of Early Game Access will depend on a number of factors, including results from our Game Testing Program and Pre-Orders, but there will be multiple days of access." Lastly, in case you missed it earlier, BioWare did announce the subscription costs. It comes as no surprise to most MMO gamers that the first month is free with the purchase of the game. After that it's $14.99 per month (£8.99 or €12.99), $41.97 for 3 months (£25.17 or €35.97), or $77.94 for six months (£46.14 or €65.94). There have been no lifetime subscription announcements as of yet, but we will let you know if we hear anything.
The Old Republic will not be region locked at launch
If you're a Star Wars buff who happens to be Australian, or an arctic explorer, or a space-pilgrim on your way to colonize Hyperion, know that BioWare has totally got your back. In order to ensure that gamers in exotic locations still have access to the highest number of droids possible, BioWare has announced that Star Wars: The Old Republic will not be region or IP locked at launch. Fresh-faced padawans and burgeoning sith lords will still have latency to content with, as no amount of midi-chlorians can break the laws of physics, but a little inconvenience never killed anyone. What has killed people, however, are the ice-tusked burrowing monstroliths of Hyperion. Be safe, brave explorers.
The Daily Grind: Have you been IP blocked?
Do you live in Australia? Perhaps you live in Eastern Europe, and you love your MMOs just as much as anyone else in any other part of the world. Unfortunately, several countries around the world have been suffering from blocks to their IP, essentially meaning that they can't enjoy the same online games that the rest of the globe can. Sometimes this IP block is for marketing purposes; sometimes it's for legal purposes according to that country's specific media laws. Most recently, Star Wars: The Old Republic barred Oceanic gamers from pre-ordering their highly anticipated MMO, and Rusty Hearts presented a long list of countries where their game is unplayable. But whatever the reason, it pisses a lot of people off, and here at Massively, we hear all about it through our tips line. Now we want you to speak your mind on the topic here in the comments of this post. Have you been affected by an IP block or regional lockout? Tell us your experience, but be sure to abide by our code of conduct (no cursing or name-calling). Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Nintendo 3DS may have region-locked software, continue an unfortunate trend
Once upon a time, when handheld game systems were thicker and Nintendo was entirely without peer, the company deigned to allow us to import games without fear. On Game Boy of all shapes and sizes, as well as the Nintendo DS, a Japanese cartridge would let you experience portable wonders years before they hit Europe and the US. Starting in 2008, however, Nintendo made DSi-specific titles region-locked -- and that's the same fate that will likely befall games on Nintendo's new 3D handheld as well. "There is the possibility that Nintendo 3DS software sold in one region will not function properly when running on Nintendo 3DS hardware sold in another," a company statement reads, though it's important to note that region locks are typically a two-party affair -- if game publishers choose to make their stereoscopic software region-free, it might work on your handheld anyhow. So yes, you might still have a chance to get your date sim on.
Nintendo comments on 3DS region locking
Nintendo has offered vague confirmation to VG247 of last week's report that 3DS hardware and software would include regional lockout programming. "Nintendo 3DS hardware is available in three versions: Japanese, American and European/Australian," clarified a company statement, which added that "there is the possibility that Nintendo 3DS software sold in one region will not function properly when running on Nintendo 3DS hardware sold in another." Nintendo cited obvious language differences, as well as regional age ratings, parental controls and "local laws" as factors in the manufacturing of (subtly) different hardware models. Additionally, the variations of the handheld are designed to provide "network services" that are compatible with regional technology. Like the DSi Shop before it, the 3DS's digital distribution channel is likely to be only stocked with region-locked content. As for physical products, Nintendo assured that "guidance" would appear on all 3DS hardware and software packaging. (NTSC-coded Wii game boxes, for example, include the note: "For sale, rental and use only in the USA, Canada, Mexico and Latin America.") "If you are in doubt," the statement concluded, "Nintendo recommends that you only purchase Nintendo 3DS software in the region where [you] purchased your Nintendo 3DS system." Tomorrow, you'll find out how to purchase that system in your region of choice -- and for how much.
Report: 3DS will be region locked
Unlike the GameBoy, GameBoy Advance, and DS before it, Nintendo's next handheld may not play nice with games outside of its designated region. A report on Korean gaming site RuliWeb details an alleged interaction between Nintendo customer support in Japan and an individual inquiring about 3DS region locking. The supposed Nintendo Japan support officer specifically spells out, "There are no region codes in DS and DS Lite, but DSi, DSi [XL], and 3DS have region codes. The region codes are installed in each game and the 3DS itself ... you can't play if the region codes are different." As Tiny Cartridge points out, the DSi and DSi XL both include a form of region locking in that DSi systems can only access their own region's DSi Shop, and DSi-enhanced releases (read: games that use the camera, among other things) are locked to the region in which they're released. The 3DS's region locking sounds like it works the same way: the alleged Nintendo rep spells out, "For example, if you play a Korean 3DS game with a Japanese 3DS system (or vice versa), you won't be able to play at all." Nintendo had yet to respond to request for comment as of publishing.
DSi-enhanced Idolm@ster is region-locked
Since the DSi was first announced, it's been difficult to precisely determine its regional limitations. Rumor spread that everything would be region-locked -- that all Japanese games would be incompatible with an American DSi. That's not true. So far, only DSiWare has been proven region-locked, as a function of region-specific DSi Shops. In addition, Nintendo has said that DSi-exclusive games would be region-locked. But you can still play any normal DS game on any DS system, including the DSi.NeoGAFfer t3nmilez provides an account that helps clarify the DSi region-locking situation. He imported The Idolm@ster Dearly Stars, which has extra camera features when used in a DSi, and it didn't register in his American DSi; though it worked in an American DS Lite and a Japanese DSi. From this, we can infer that (if his DSi isn't busted) DSi-enhanced games are regionally encoded just like DSi-only games. So if you want to play The Idolm@ster, make sure you have either a Japanese DSi or a DS Lite.[Via GoNintendo]
Champions Online servers will be region free
When Cryptic announced that Champions Online would offer a single shard system, the general response by the community was a positive one. But like most good things, it seemed to come with a caveat -- nobody knew for sure if this was a global rule or merely meant one world for each region. Well worry no more, because in the latest Ask Cryptic we finally have our answer!The official response is, "We plan on Champions Online to have only one great big shard worldwide. There should be no need to make sure you all get copies from the same region, you can all play together." It's quite good to read those words, as it means we can finally play with our friends across the pond without worrying about purchasing a UK version of the game. Huzzah!
DS Daily: Still going to import one?
Click to enter our DSi gallery. With the news that the DSi is region locked, as well as the handheld not officially arriving on North American shores until after April 2009, we're wondering if many of you still plan on importing the handheld? We already know you're going to pick a DSi up eventually (who can resist its awesome features?), but we would like to know if you still plan on snatching one up super early. So, will you?%Gallery-33263%
Nintendo: DSi is region-locked
Those of you who intend to import a DSi from Japan next month may wish to revise your plans, as Nintendo has now confirmed that all DSi software will be region-locked. "DSi software (software that is only compatible with DSi) is region-locked, e.g: European DSi software can only be played on European DSi consoles," stated Nintendo's spokesperson to CVG, brutally driving a stake through our dreams of ever playing Japanese DSWare.There are elements of the DSi that are region-free -- you'll be able to surf the 'net wherever you are in the world, exchange photos with friends in other regions, and still play non-local DS games on the DSi -- but it looks like we can forget about importing Japanese DSi software. It simply won't work.Nintendo's messenger says this is because the DSi "embeds net communication functionality within itself" and provides "net services specifically tailored for each region." The fact that each region has unique age limits is also mentioned. What a thoroughly depressing start to the week! We're off for coffee and extra donuts.%Gallery-33263%
