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DayZ standalone in Steam database, Hall says progress 'very good'
DayZ standalone is showing signs of (re)animation, with "DayZ Early Access" popping up in the Steam Database. The Escapist took note of the entry, and pointed out the entry is marked for the USA territory. "Amazing how quickly the internet picks up on things isn't it," said DayZ lead and creator Dean Hall when we asked him for clarification this morning. "All I can say is that progress has been very good, we're a mix of nervous and excited. And as I'd stated on my twitter when I announced my break from social media/updates, we are on the final lap. Part of the final process involves the actual administration of the release, which is actually surprisingly complex and time-consuming." Hall previously told us at Gamescom that the team was waiting on the "core network architecture" to complete and then DayZ standalone would be ready for "go time." Hall concluded, "So, to confirm, there is no release date announcement and we're 100 percent focused on getting the alpha out the door."
Arma 3 campaign DLC 'Survive' is wheels up on October 31
The first campaign-focused downloadable content for the hyper-authentic shooter Arma 3 will touch down on October 31, developer Bohemia Interactive has revealed. Dubbed "Survive," the free DLC introduces players to Ben Kerry, a NATO soldier on a peacekeeping mission put in the middle of a staged drawdown of US-led forces. With soldiers enforcing a multi-year cease-fire in the game's fictitious Mediterranean setting, a hostile opposing force emerges to ignite the sensitive region. "Of course, it's not just about our own story, but another opportunity to provide yet more building blocks for the platform – new weapons, animations, 3D objects, scripted modules – each designed to grant content creators even greater freedom to create and share their own content," Arma 3 Creative Director Jay Crowe wrote in a post revealing the content's release date. Crowe adds that future content will continue to expand Arma 3's impressive and extremely "moddable" sandbox with "additions such as new vehicles." Arma 3 is available now for PC.
DayZ September dev blog teases new zombie AI and item degradation
DayZ creator Dean Hall's September dev blog detailed changes to the game's inventory, player interaction, item damage, and teased upcoming changes to zombie AI. The entire video is more than 20 minutes long and is stuffed full of information for DayZ fans, but here are a few highlights: In the dev blog, Hall revealed that the AI for the DayZ standalone release would be written entirely from scratch, and is no longer based on the ArmA 2 AI. "The proposal I came up with was that zombies will chase players and avoid collision," Hall said. "The zombies will only pathfind for a short distance in front of them, and otherwise, they'll avoid collision." Hall stated more details regarding zombie AI are coming in a future dev blog. Hall also demonstrated several ways he hopes to reduce the "kill on sight mentality" that currently permeates the DayZ experience, one of which is to have loot take weapon damage. This means if you shoot another player to take their stuff, whatever you hit with your bullet will be damaged. You can watch Hall demonstrate this when he shoots another player in the chest, which not only ruins their clothing, but all the items carried by that clothing. Even after the zombie apocalypse, you still have to worry about keeping your clothes nice.
DayZ standalone release date waiting on 'core network architecture'
DayZ creator Dean Hall told us today at Gamescom that the standalone version of the hit Arma 2 zombie mod, originally expected last year, doesn't have a release window anymore, but he did explain the delay. "The awkward thing is the only thing we're waiting on is the core network architecture. That's the kind of thing only a few people can work on. It's very specialized," Hall said. "It's like, you can't throw more pilots at a plane. You put a thousand pilots in a plane it's not going to fly any faster." Hall said that while the network architecture is being developed, other work is proceeding with the artists, animators and designers. And once the network architecture is completed to the satisfaction of the brutal multiplayer survival game: "Bam, it's go time."
Arma 3 hits Steam, retail on Sept. 12
Bohemia Interactive's open-world tactical military thingy Arma 3 will graduate from beta-test boot camp and enlist in full-time retail/Steam availability on September 12, the developer announced today. The game launches with a multitude of single and multiplayer events, 20 vehicles, mod support and a scenario editor, among other things. Arma 3's actual single-player campaign, however, will be added post-launch in three free DLC episodes. Arma 3's development process has been an arduous one, with the game's release being delayed into this year after two Bohemia Interactive employees were arrested in Greece on suspicion of espionage. The two developers in question, Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar, spent over 120 days in Greek jail before posting bail last January. The two men were detained after allegedly photographing and recording military objects – Bohemia Interactive stated that Buchta and Pezlar were on vacation, that they never entered military zones and that any pictures taken were not to supplement Arma 3's development.
DayZ studio hacked, encrypted passwords downloaded
DayZ developer Bohemia Interactive was struck by hackers today, resulting in the illegal download of player usernames, emails addresses, and passwords. Bohemia posted a letter stating that while the passwords were stolen, their encryption should protect players from the hackers using them. Even so, Bohemia has reset all of the passwords in its database, requiring players to register for a new password in order to access the studio's website and forums. The good news is that credit card info is safe. "We would like to reassure everyone that no other information such as credit card details is stored by us and thus was not at any risk from this illegal breach," Bohemia stated.
ArmA 2 dev's website hacked, user passwords reset
ArmA series developer Bohemia Interactive reports that its website was hacked, resulting in unauthorized access to a database containing user login details. Bohemia has reset all of its users' passwords as a precautionary measure. Bohemia assures that credit card information was not stored on its servers, and was not accessed as a result of the breach. In addition, all stored passwords were encrypted, making it "very unlikely that anything nefarious can be done with this information." Affected users can request a new password here.
Standalone DayZ looks to be taking cues from EVE Online
When you actually build a simulation of the post-zombie landscape, where do you look for inspiration about what happens next? To the stars, according to DayZ's Dean Hall. In a recent interview, Hall discusses the ways that EVE Online creates a persistent world fueled primarily by player interactions and backstabbing, which he sees as the future of the standalone DayZ. Not just in the case of survivors turning on one another, but in the ability to actually create safe regions through the world carved out by player ingenuity. Hall discusses the possibility of allowing not just player-owned structures but long-term landscape changes, hollowing out bunkers and setting up security systems. The game isn't there yet, but he also mentions that watching The War Z's launch and subsequent burn in some ways helped fuel the development team's commitment to the original vision. It's an interesting look at a game that isn't out there yet, but promises to add more than simply surviving the hordes of mindless undead.
E3 2013: DayZ shows off its standalone gameplay
Do you like zombies? Wait, that's a silly question, don't answer that. They're horrible undead abominations, of course you don't like them. But do you like shooting them? If so, you'll be happy to see the brand-new footage of DayZ's standalone client just past the break, because this is a game all about shooting zombies. Also stabbing zombies, incinerating zombies, and generally making the world safe for everyone who wants to have a zombie-free living space. The video stretches for about 12 minutes, covering everything from inventory management to shooting zombies to combing houses for supplies. No word on whether or not the standalone game will include mechanics for fighting against a growing sense of survivalist paranoia or waiting things out at the Winchester, but you can still see what it's like to get your zombie-killing hat on.
Hall takes a break from DayZ, pursues dream of climbing Everest
If you're anxiously waiting for Dean "Rocket" Hall's standalone version of his ultra-popular Arma 2 mod DayZ, you'll have to wait a little bit longer. Hall is currently climbing Mount Everest as part of a two-month vacation from his development duties on Bohemia Interactive's zombie-themed post-apocalyptic sandbox. "Although the timing is poor for my sabbatical, it is not something planned on a whim and involves non-refundable costs of up to $100k," Hall writes on the DayZ website. "This is going to take as long as it needs to," he continues. "We want to release our initial alpha under the architecture it needs to avoid hacking and security issues -- this is the only remaining task stopping us from releasing the alpha."
DayZ free-to-play was considered
During his GDC talk chronicling the ascension of the DayZ mod, creator Dean "Rocket" Hall revealed that there was a time – albeit a brief window – when he considered turning DayZ into a free-to-play game. "Every one likes having four Lamborghinis parked in their driveway," Hall joked."When I looked at signing with a bunch of companies, some of them were interested in free-to-play. We're talking a lot of money, like stupid money. I felt like – I just knew it wouldn't work. DayZ is about survival and not buying your way into it. I still think there's room for free-to-play games – I've got one idea I think could actually work quite well as a free-to-play game – but it's like trying to cram a round peg into a square hole."Hall also touched on the infamous shops found in some free-to-play games, where players can purchase good gear or bypass certain mechanics by throwing down real money. "The DayZ experience is about what you find in the world, so introducing a shop and things like that, like cosmetic items. It's not about cosmetic items, there are no cosmetic items in DayZ – it's not like, 'I worked at Burger King for an hour and bought this hat,' you know; it's 'I found that hat in a barn fight.'"DayZ standalone is currently in development at Bohemia Interactive. The alpha build isn't expected to launch until at least June.
Dean Hall: DayZ standalone alpha won't launch until at least June
DayZ, the standalone zombie survival game spawned from the popular Arma 2 mod, will enter official review in June, with plans for a widespread alpha sometime after then, creator Dean Hall tells Joystiq."We're going to review the situation in June," Hall says. "So there'll be no release between now and June. And we're quite hopeful that we'll go then. I know that people get really frustrated because they want to play, but I just think this is the best option."DayZ is basically ready for an alpha run, but Hall and his team are waiting to perfect the client-server architecture. Hall currently has 25 people in a small pre-alpha, and he hopes to get a few hundred playing DayZ before opening the alpha. DayZ alpha keys will go live in batches, possibly 50,000 at a time, and Hall is looking at a possible Kickstarter-inspired distribution model, where players would pay certain amounts to opt into the alpha and snag other goodies, in tiers."We want to release the keys in chunks of what we have servers available," Hall says. "The idea is to very, very quickly try to release something out there, because that allows us to start capacity testing. We've got one final thing we're waiting for with the release date, which is the completion of our client-server architecture. It's basically making the game into an MMO, and pretty much the moment that's done, we'll release."
DayZ standalone teases new health system, overhauled zombies
Creator Dean Hall has offered up another video diatribe on the development on the standalone version of DayZ. One teased addition is an overhauled health system, one that features "longterm play effects such as poor diet affecting your long term health levels."There's a new inventory system, which supports "crafting, interchangeable clothing, degradation, tracking, weapon customization, and much more," the developer blog post says. Hall promises crafting will be different than how it's presented in other games, but says it isn't ready for the public eye yet.Meanwhile, zombie spawning and behavior is governed server-side, so the game client is less susceptible to foul play and hacking. It also means the undead are able to move around the island autonomously, rather than being summoned around active players. (They'll still enjoy your presence, though, so don't get reckless.)
Arma 3 arms itself with cover art and screens
Bohemia Interactive posted the cover art for Arma 3 to its official Facebook page. We have a higher res version of the art available in the gallery below, along with a handful of screens from the game's site.You could say we're "up to our armas" in Arma 3 images, but we can't put our fingers on what that pun really means. The Steam-exclusive shooter is entering its closed alpha phase this coming Tuesday. %Gallery-180297% %Gallery-180298%
Arma 3 alpha launches Mar. 5, includes eventual beta access and full game
Gaining entrance to Arma 3's closed alpha will be a simple matter of slappin' down some virtually-represented cash stacks, once the test goes live next Tuesday, March 5. Available through Steam, the alpha will include four missions, a "limited subset of vehicles and weapons," two multiplayer maps, a Scenario Editor and mod support.The size of the requisite cash stack varies depending on which version of the alpha you buy: A standard version for $33 or a Digital Deluxe Edition for $50. The Deluxe Edition features a soundtrack, "digital maps," a "tactical guide" and a Steam copy of Arma: Cold War Assault, all of which will become available when the full version of the game launches in Q3.There will also be a $92 Supporter Edition available directly from the developer's online store, which includes all of the Deluxe Edition bonuses, as well as all future Arma 3 DLC and the "opportunity" to have your name in the credits, whatever that means.All three versions include automatic access to the Arma 3 beta test slated to start in Q2, as well as a copy of the full game when it eventually comes out. Players who purchase access to the alpha can also invite their friends to participate in an even more limited "Lite" version of the test, which does not include multiplayer or modding support.
Sony completely revises list of PS4 EU studios, down from 53 to 30 [updates]
Sony made wholesale corrections to the list of European/PAL companies confirmed as PS4 developers and publishers, reducing the list of named studios from 53 to 28. Curiouser, not one of the developers and publishers named on the previous list makes an appearance on the new roll call. A spokesperson for Sony Computer Entertainment Europe confirmed to us the first list, sent out last week, was erroneous, and this new one is correct. There are no revisions for any other regions.The new list removes a number of significant names, including Mojang (Minecraft), Rovio (Angry Birds), Frozenbyte, Criterion Games, and City Interactive. In their stead are some new noteworthy studios, such as CD Projekt, who've confirmed The Witcher 3 as a PS4 game. Also included are Bohemia Interactive, Deep Silver, Ninja Theory, IO Interactive, Codemasters, 2K Games, and Sumo Digital. The full list can be found after the break.We've reached out to a number of studios for comment. Mojang's Daniel Kaplan reiterated to us the comments he gave to Gamasutra, saying his studio hasn't decided anything yet, and that the error is "confusion from Sony's side." Gamasutra's article also confirms Super Crate Box developer Vlambeer and Skulls of the Shogun creator 17-Bit, both included in the original list, as not currently working on anything for the PS4.A spokesperson for Monsters (probably) Stole My Princess developer Mediatonic, included in the original list but not in the corrected one, told us he couldn't make any comment on his studio and PS4 development. Meanwhile, Sumo Digital's inclusion adds weight to the rumor the British studio is working on LittleBigPlanet 3, but for the PS4. When approached previously about LBP3, a studio representative told Joystiq, "No comment." Update 1: A spokesperson for 505 Games tells us the Italian company is "definitely" planning to publish games on the PS4. 505 Games was in the original list of European/PAL PS4 developers and publishers, but not the revised list. The spokesperson noted the company's logo appears in the image showcasing PS4 partners, as shown during last week's event, as do many of the names in the revised list. Update 2: Sony Computer Entertainment Europe informs us the list of European PS4 studios has been further revised. Two more studios are now present in the form of Criterion Games and Ghost Games (an EA studio) - both were in the original list of 53. That takes the tally of confirmed European studios up to 30.
Arma 3 a Steam exclusive
Arma 3 will go Steam-exclusive, with the development team at Bohemia Interactive stating the move will ensure a 2013 launch."We have evaluated the pros and cons, but in the end Steam enables us to release Arma 3, brings massive advantages to the game, and improves the end-user experience. Not to forget, the majority of our players already come from Steam," said Bohemia Interactive CEO Marek Španěl.Bohemia is also exploring more Steamworks integration to "enable game features that are impossible to develop in-house, on time." Further details will be announced later, but the intention is to provide access to user-generated content and multiplayer.
DayZ standalone dev update flaunts new island, rehauled loot spawning
DayZ mod creator Dean Hall has been hard at work on the standalone retail version of DayZ since it was announced back in August, and even has dreams of console ports dancing around in his head. In this hefty development diary, he is joined by production assistant Matt Lightfoot and takes the time to check in with us on the improvements to the terrain of Chernarus, the enhanced UI and the new loot spawning system.A good deal of the first part of the video has to deal with clothing, but the real juicy stuff comes at the tail-end where the two go into how loot spawning has changed – specifically, items can spawn in odd places like behind an overturned chair or underneath a kitchen table. So in the standalone version, you'll need to poke around a bit more to find those tins of baked beans, whereas in the mod things are pretty much there in plain sight.On top of that, the world of DayZ has gotten a bit more damp with the addition of swamps to the island and even another small island off the coast of Chernarus. It's an island pulled directly from Arma 2, the original game the DayZ mod was built on.Sadly, Hall has no word on when we might get to play the standalone version of DayZ, but did say that the team at Bohemia Interactive are working to be more transparent during the development process, offering information in blog posts and (hopefully) more lengthy video updates like these.
Arma 3 now set on island of 'Altis'
Arma 3 no longer takes place on the island of Lemnos. Instead, it's now set on the fictional island of 'Altis,' a logical move considering the ... sensitivity Greece has exhibited in response to the game's development. Moving the setting to a nonexistent island based on Lemnos means there is no involved government to arrest any developers occupying said nonexistent island."As part of the creative process, our virtual environments are often rooted in real-life locations and, during development, they evolve and grow along with our design, said project lead Joris-Jan van 't Land. "The resulting fictional environment is often close to its inspiration, but it's never exactly the same - nor would we want it to be. For us, 'Altis' echoes the Mediterranean heart of our island, but differentiates it from any undesired real-life connotations."
Report: Detained ARMA devs released by Greece
Ivan Buchta and Martin Pezlar, two Czech developers from Bohemia Interactive accused of espionage in Greece, are reportedly free on bail. HelpIvanMartin.org, the community website established to follow the case, has translated two Czech news reports that the men are on their way home after posting €5000 bail.The pair have spent over 120 days in jail, after they allegedly photographed and recorded military objects, for what the Greek authorities considered espionage. Bohemia Interactive stated early on that the two men were on vacation and were not there on official company business. The company also claimed the pair did not enter any military area and were not taking pictures of military objects for use in ARMA 3.
