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Bethesda tells Mojang to lay down its virtual guns, lawyer up for a trademark battle

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST

Time was, men could settle their disputes with glinting swords at the ready and their honor on the line. Nowadays, only the cosplaying and Comic Con attending folk alike are likely to burnish (elvish) blades, although they're rather inapt to sully them with enemy blood. Well, unsurprisingly, Mojang head Markus "Notch" Persson's modern day offer of a Quake 3 Arena simulated duel -- his proposed method of extralegal recourse -- was shot down by Bethesda, the company suing the Minecraft creator for use of the word "Scrolls" in its unreleased card game. As these are apparently sue-happy times, both parties are headed to court to battle it out, with Mojang facing the terrible repercussion of a forced product name change. From the looks of the defendant's Twitter feed, however, it doesn't appear the impending litigation's breaking this Swede's stride.

Bethesda tells Mojang to lay down its virtual guns, lawyer up for a trademark battle originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Sep 2011 18:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Minecraft creator challenges Bethesda to deathmatch for the word 'scrolls'

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:59:00 EST

While Samsung, Apple, HTC and others battle it out in court with lawyers and expansive patent portfolios, one man seems to know how real geeks settle disputes -- with a deathmatch. Markus "Notch" Persson, the man behind Minecraft and head of Mojang, has decided the best way to put the trademark squabble with Bethesda to rest is two rounds of three-on-three Quake 3 Arena action. The Elder Scrolls developer is sticking with the same tactics that have made smartphone companies our new least-favorite corporate citizens, but Notch thinks ownership of the word "scrolls" can best be determined with BFGs and railguns. With any luck this will catch on and, when Steve Jobs and Larry Page lead their forces into battle in Team Fortress, we're gonna have to put on our money on the Mountain View crew.

Minecraft creator challenges Bethesda to deathmatch for the word 'scrolls' originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake turns 15, ready to be ported to a learner's permit

Brian Heater — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:38:00 EST

In the ever-changing world of gaming, a 15-year-old title is downright ancient, so there's a lot to be said for the fact that we're still talking about Quake a decade and a half after its release -- and what a packed decade and a half it's been. The game has spawned a still thriving convention and has made an appearance on pretty much every platform, ever, including, recently, Android, webOS, Chumby, BUG, and, of course, a maze for lab mice. So, happy birthday, old man. Now how about playing on something more your age? Like, say, the Jitterbug? Got a favorite Quake moment? Be sure to share it with us in the comments below.

Quake turns 15, ready to be ported to a learner's permit originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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BlackBerry 7 gets an SDK, NFC, AR, other acronyms

Terrence O'Brien — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST

BlackBerry 7 OS is coming soon but, to take advantage of all those fancy features like NFC and the digital compass (ok, some of them aren't that fancy), devs are going to need some new APIs -- enter the BlackBerry 7 Java SDK. Creators of BlackBerry apps can go download the beta of the new software development kit at the source link and start whipping up augmented reality browsers and 3D games, thanks to support for OpenGL ES 2.0. There's nothing mind-blowing about RIM's latest update, but we're glad to see the corporate stalwart start to catch up to other smartphone OSes, and it's only a matter of time before Layar and Quake hit the BlackBerry Bold 9900.

BlackBerry 7 gets an SDK, NFC, AR, other acronyms originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Toshiba and Hitachi LCD plants damaged, will shut down for a month

Sean Hollister — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST

You can't have a 9.0 magnitude earthquake without breaking a few factories, particularly ones that produce fragile liquid crystal screens, and this week Toshiba, Hitachi and Panasonic are each reporting damages that have forced them to close LCD production facilities affected by the tsunami and quake. Panasonic isn't sure when its plant in Chiba prefecture might resume carving up the glass sandwiches, telling Bloomberg that "there has been some damage, though not a fire or a collapse," but both Hitachi and Toshiba will reportedly halt some assembly lines for around a month to deal with damages. It's probably still too soon to talk about panel shortages -- though they seem likely soon -- but we'll let you know how things progress.

Toshiba and Hitachi LCD plants damaged, will shut down for a month originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 16:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake II GWT port proves HTML5 isn't just for video

Donald Melanson — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:07:00 EST

There's no question that HTML5 is good for more than just video, but if anything will put that misconception to rest, it's Quake II running in a browser. Apparently built by a trio of Google developers in their spare time, the Quake II GWT port uses a HTML5 canvas and WebGL for graphics acceleration (also seen demoed on the N900), which seem to get the job done remarkably well -- although it's still a long ways from running on certain non-Flash-equipped devices. Then again, this project was revealed on April 1st, but quite a few folks have already reported success in getting it up and running -- so, unless there's a global conspiracy to dash our hopes and dreams (always a possibility), it seems to be the real deal. Head on past the break to check it out in action.

Continue reading Quake II GWT port proves HTML5 isn't just for video

Quake II GWT port proves HTML5 isn't just for video originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 18:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake 3 ported to Android, shows off Droid's graphical prowess (video)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:03:00 EST

You should by now be well aware that there's no shortage of games one can play on one's beloved Droid, but just for the FPS old schoolers out there, how's about a nice Quake 3 port to pass the time with? Yup, the game that defined the term multiplayer before World of Warcraft came around has been enabled on the Android OS, finally finding another mobile home after residing on Nokia handsets for so long. For its short development time, this looks a very well refined translation of the software and offers you customizable controls to go with thoroughly playable frame rates. And if you have an older Android phone, don't despair -- Quake 2 has also been ported over, so once you've had an eyeful of the Droid, why not hit the source link to find out how to get in on the action?

[Thanks, Anders]

Continue reading Quake 3 ported to Android, shows off Droid's graphical prowess (video)

Quake 3 ported to Android, shows off Droid's graphical prowess (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 05:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake ported to the Pre, webOS 3D gaming truly within reach

Paul Miller — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:10:00 EST

Yeah, hardware accelerating Doom is an important milestone in any fledgling system's career, but when you talk 3D acceleration, Quake is certainly a giant leap ahead of Doom in polygonal terms. The game has now been ported to webOS using the same new SDL library from version 1.3.5, and while it looks a little sluggish and crashy in the video after the break, it's clearly a landmark event just the same. Now if only we could get stuff like this in the App Catalog we'd be perfectly happy forever and ever. Or for at least a week.

Continue reading Quake ported to the Pre, webOS 3D gaming truly within reach

Quake ported to the Pre, webOS 3D gaming truly within reach originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 02:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video)

Vlad Savov — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST

Want to know just how prevalent technology has become in our lives? Now even lab mice get Quake-derived virtual reality playgrounds to navigate instead of their old school wooden mazes. In all honesty, this appears a significant and praiseworthy advancement, as the Princeton team have succeeded in mapping brain activity right down to the cellular level, with real-time tracking of single neurons now possible. The Orwellian-looking setup above is necessary in order to keep the mouse's head immobile, and thus capable of being studied, while the animal moves around and its brain performs motion-related tasks. Go past the break to see a schematic of the scanner and a quite unmissable video of it in action.

[Via Switched]

Continue reading Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video)

Filed under: Science

Mice run through Quake, Princeton neuroscientists scan their brains for traces of evil (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 08:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar

Donald Melanson — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST

The folks from Bug Labs certainly represented themselves well enough at CES with a slew of new BUGModules, but we're guessing they would have attracted even more attention if they would have had this perennial favorite on hand. If you can't quite make it out, that's Quake running (rather well, we might add) on the BUG and, yes, it is indeed being controlled by a Rock Band guitar thanks to the newly developed Xpad driver, which should work equally well with a standard Xbox 360 controller if you're a little less ambitious. Head on past the break to check it out in action, and hit up the link below for all the necessary details.

Continue reading Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets, Gaming

Quake gets ported to the BUG, controlled by Rock Band guitar originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Jan 2009 17:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake ported to Chumby makes for an adorable first-person shooter

Joseph L. Flatley — Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:53:00 EST

At first glance, you may wonder if Chumby is simply too lovable to rock a version of Quake, but after peeping ChumbyLurker's port of the game, we'll be darned if the two aren't perfect for each other. He's been gracious enough to make it available as both source code and a disk image, and installing the game is as easy as plugging in your USB drive and turning the machine on. On the video we've seen, the 350MHz device appears to keep up with things quite well, but the best part would have to be that the mouse and keyboard control inputs have been eschewed in favor of the accelerometer -- when Chumby leans forward you move forward, ditto left and right. The bend switch is used to fire, and the touchscreen used to jump or activate items. Unfortunately, there's no network support at the moment, so if you feel the need to go multiplayer, it looks like you'll be stuck with your Nokia handset. You can see a video of the thing in action after the break.

[Via Bunnie's Blog]

Continue reading Quake ported to Chumby makes for an adorable first-person shooter

Filed under: Gaming

Quake ported to Chumby makes for an adorable first-person shooter originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 13:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Quake III gains on-phone server, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support

Darren Murph — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:02:00 EST

Remember when playing Quake III at a decent resolution required a $5,000 Alienware? Man, those were the days. Now, we can't help but be thankful for a few special Nokia handsets (the N95 8GB, E90 and N82 in particular) that can all handle the game by their lonesome. In fact, the latest version of the software adds a few remarkably awesome extras. For starters, users can now take advantage of on-phone server support, meaning that your handset can actually host a Quake III multiplayer battle (and may we recommend the server name "trashaccident?"). Also of note, the devs have tossed in support for Bluetooth mice and keyboards. We know, right? Tap the read link for all the juicy installation instructions.

[Via Decoder, thanks Olli]

Filed under: Games, Software, Nokia

Nokia Quake III gains on-phone server, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Nokia Quake III gains on-phone server, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support

Darren Murph — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:02:00 EST

Filed under: Cellphones, Gaming

Nokia Quake III gains on-phone server, Bluetooth keyboard and mouse support originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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WiiHD's homebrew guide: hacking doesn't get much easier than this

Paul Miller — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST

The folks of WiiHD, in honor of the recent Quake release for Wii homebrew, have put together an easy-to-follow guide for getting the Wii homebrew channel up and running on your little white console -- plus a pre-packaged zip file with some ready-to-go 'brew if that's the way you like it. You've really got zero excuse to hold off on homebrew with as purtiful and straightforward all these fine hackers have made the process, but if you're still unconvinced, check out the Quake video after the break.

Continue reading WiiHD's homebrew guide: hacking doesn't get much easier than this

Filed under: Gaming

WiiHD's homebrew guide: hacking doesn't get much easier than this originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jun 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android does one better at CTIA, plays Quake

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:18:00 EST

While largely steering clear of the limelight, Android managed to make the occasional cameo at CTIA last week, including a prominent presence at Qualcomm. PC Magazine checked out a very fresh build of the platform running on some weird, giant, prehistoric-looking prototype handset running Qualcomm's MSM7201 silicon, but be cool -- the phone certainly won't see the light of day looking anything like this, and more importantly, it runs Quake at a nice clip. They've got a full gallery highlighting a new UI and the rather hilarious handset itself, so we really do recommend a quick peep.

Filed under: Games, Software, Android

Android does one better at CTIA, plays Quake originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Apr 2008 13:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Quake ported to select Nokia Series 60 handsets

Sean Cooper — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:13:00 EST

Some gaming fun that isn't N-Gage has appeared for our S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 friends today, Quake is here and judging by the vid, is looking great. User ohinkka over at allaboutsymbian.com forums has posted the goodies -- including the source -- for any die hard fans to get their hands on and all ya need to get it going is the data files from the original game. While we doubt the controls are fantastic out the gate, if nothing else, the novelty factor will be enough to see this installed on a pile of handsets. So now if somebody can get the multiplayer working, we're in for a treat for sure. Continue reading to see the vid of the game in action.

[Thanks, Luca]

Continue reading Quake ported to select Nokia Series 60 handsets

Filed under: Handsets, Software, Nokia, Symbian

Quake ported to select Nokia Series 60 handsets originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 03:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan's earthquake warning system tested out

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:30:00 EST

It's a good thing that Japan's Meteorological Agency actually had the nationwide earthquake warning system ready to rock in March, as the fiber optic system was put into use this month in an attempt to warn citizens of an imminent tsunami. Reportedly, a "huge tremor" struck and triggered the system, which allowed warnings to be beamed out en masse "within a single minute." Although the system was tested before in false alarm fashion, this was the first time it had been used in a legitimate emergency, and it beat the previous options "by around one to two minutes." Sadly, it still wasn't quick enough to save everyone from the 6.9-magnitude quake, as 170 people suffered various injuries while one individual passed away, but the statistics could've been much worse had the speedy system not kicked in at all.

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Japan's earthquake warning system tested out originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Mar 2007 05:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japan Meteorological Agency develops earthquake warning system

Darren Murph — Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST

Okay, so JMA's newest pre-quake warning system doesn't cover as much ground as SMS alerts, but with only 10 to 20 seconds of available panic time before an earthquake hits, we'd probably be toppling over one another before we could even find our cellphone anyway. Japan's Meteorological Agency is currently testing a prototype system which detects the oh-so-subtle "P Waves" that precede the destructive "S Waves," and alerts major operations to halt their hustle and take cover. Since the primary waves travel more quickly than the comparatively sluggish secondary waves, the system picks up on the magnitude and speed at which the quake is approaching, and beams the data over fiber optic networks to emergency relay stations setup in corporate towers, governmental buildings, hospitals, and transportation venues such as railways. The typical alert allows under half a minute to shutdown operations and dash for safety, but the agency claims this crucial shred of time can be enough to scurry away from any treacherous hazards nearby. The government plans to expand a fully-featured system to provide alerts via television, radio, and "wireless communications" by March 2007, but until then, we suspect the ole "ear to the ground" method is the best you've got.

[Via Pink Tentacle]

Filed under: Misc. Gadgets

Japan Meteorological Agency develops earthquake warning system originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Oct 2006 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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