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Minecraft to hit PS4, Vita in Q2/Q3, can transfer PS3 worlds
Earlier this month, Minecraft developer Mojang announced May 16 (North America) and May 14 (Europe) release dates for the game's boxed PS3 edition. In the comments of the PlayStation Blog announcement, Mojang's Owen Hill noted that the developer is "aiming for Q2/Q3" of this year for the PS4 and Vita versions. While Hill mentioned that Mojang will have news on Cross Buy and PS3-to-PS4 upgrade options in the near future, he did note that the developer hopes to include world transferring features. "The plan is to enable users to transfer from PS3 to PS4," he wrote. "We're still working out how it'll work with the Vita version." Mojang also recently showed off the PC version's upcoming world customization options, which will arrive in an update down the road. The sand-blocks adventure game finds success in every game box it lands in, as the developer recently said it surpassed 21 million downloads for Minecraft: Pocket Edition. [Image: Mojang]
Facebook's making moves to challenge PayPal
After attempts to kickstart its own virtual currency stalled, Facebook may soon get into the business of sending real money between you and your friends. According to The Financial Times, the social network is "only weeks away" from receiving the necessary approval in Ireland to operate its own e-money service. If given the green light, the company could effectively become a financial institution like PayPal (at least in Europe), allowing it to store and send money between millions users all over the continent. Facebook is said to have discussed partnering with at least three London-based firms that offer app-based international money transfers, but has yet to confirm it plans to take responsibility for your funds. With Zuckerberg and co. already facing user trust issues over the social network's use of ads, throwing money into the mix may only complicate matters.
Pox Nora transferred from SOE to original developers
Desert Owl Games has announced it has taken control of Pox Nora from Sony Online Entertainment, a transition that's been months in the planning. "It's unprecedented to have a big game studio return a title to the original creators. Sony Online Entertainment could have easily gone the more common route: stopped producing content and letting Pox Nora fade away. Instead, they chose to do what is best for the players! It's amazing, and we are so excited to continue to support such a great game," said Art Griffith, CEO of Desert Owl Games. Pox Nora is a free-to-play, collectible digital miniatures game that was first launched in 2006 but was officially transferred to its new owner last month. It was developed by many of the same people who make up Desert Owl Games today, including the three founding members of the new indie studio. Be sure to visit this page for more information on transferring your existing SOE account, and keep an eye on the Desert Owl Games forums for the latest updates. [Source: SOE press release]
The Daily Grind: What would you pay to leave a dying server?
One hundred and thirty-five bucks -- that's what Lord of the Rings Online charges for six character transfer tokens to move your fleet of alts from a dying server to one with a bright future. Nevermind that you weren't the one who turned the server into a ghost town and that it's entirely within a studio's power to make merges happen some way or another; you're the one who foots the bill to escape a dead server. And sometimes that bill is just not worth paying. I admit to shelling out a huge amount of money (a few hundred dollars) to consolidate and transfer my old Star Wars Galaxies accounts and characters, and it was worth every penny because it was my favorite MMO and I played it every single day and needed a vibrant server and economy to have a good time. But when it comes to an MMO I play as casually as Lord of the Rings Online, I have to draw the line. Especially as a crafter, I just won't pay that kind of money (or ask my guildies to do the same) to move my alts, which often means I don't go back at all and the game gets nothing from me. What about you -- what would you pay to leave a dying server? How much do you have to love the game before shelling out for transfers is worth it? 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!
Allods Online transfers operations back to Mail.Ru, merges population
Allods Online is on the cusp of reverting operations from Webzen back to the original owners, Mail.ru. The firm has a couple of posts up to answer questions about the transfer. The transfer will happen sometime this month and it will involve both European and North American accounts. The creators will be merging these populations due to popular demand: "One of these [suggestions] was the desire to join the European servers: New Frontier and Goblin Republic. So we thought, why not use this great opportunity to finally unite all of our European and North American players on the same server? There are no more technical issues or other obstacles in our way, so right after we merge Webzen EU and US communities on March 18th, we will organize a migration of our players from Italy and Turkey to the same servers (it will happen two weeks later)." Allods Online will be synchronizing client versions across the board (except in Russia, which will remain ahead of the pack) due to this change and will not be supporting Polish localization going forward. The game will transfer regional accounts separately to avoid any conflicts.
Free character transfers opening next week for select NA realms
Select North American realms that are experiencing high queue times will have an opportunity to catch some relief. Community Manager Bashiok announced that next week, Free Character Migrations will be offered to players on these high-queue realms -- players choosing to partake in the service will be allowed to transfer to slightly less crowded realms in order to ease queue times. Bashiok We'll be offering Free Character Migrations next week for realms currently seeing high queue times at login. Those looking to avoid waiting to log in can take advantage of the free transfers to a set destination realm. We're targeting the middle of next week for these Free Character Migrations to become available, and they'll remain open for approximately one week, or until a destination realm fills up. If you're looking to transfer with others we recommend setting up plans early to avoid any stragglers being left behind. Quote: Area 52 & Stormrage >--> Turalyon Tichondrius & Illidan >--> Blackrock Bleeding Hollow & Darkspear >--> Korgath The transfers will be announced on the front page once available. source Keep in mind that this is a free Character Migration -- this does not include the Guild Transfer service. For more information on the Free Character Migration service, including eligibility guidelines, take a look at Blizzard's official FAQ on the topic.
Free EU character migrations for select realms
For European players on select realms, you have a limited time -- until January 14th -- to hop to a new realm for free. Here's the list of transfers currently on offer: Takralus PvE Realms Draenor -> Magtheridon, Wildhammer, Kilrogg Silvermoon -> Magtheridon, Wildhammer, Kilrogg PvP Realms Kazzak -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill*, Ravencrest* Outland -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill*, Ravencrest* Ragnaros -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill* Ravencrest* Stormscale -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill* Ravencrest* Sylvanas -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill* Ravencrest* Twisting Nether -> The Maelstrom, Grim Batol, Tarren Mill* Ravencrest*, Frostmane* *FCMs to Tarren Mill, Ravencrest, and Frostmane are unlikely to be available after 14 January, 2014. source These transfers are available to both factions and could be cut off at any time -- even before January 14, if Blizzard hits the realm population numbers they're targeting -- so if you're interested in transferring, act fast. These migrations follow the standard character transfer rules, so read up before you make plans to move.
Minecraft 360 developer working with Microsoft to port save files to Xbox One
Minecraft: Xbox 360 Edition developer 4J Studios is working with Microsoft to port save files for the game from the Xbox 360 to the Xbox One. The developer tweeted as much today, noting that it "can't say it'll be there" until it works perfectly. Microsoft first announced during its E3 press event in June that the hit block-busting, sandbox-style construction game will come to its next-generation console. No launch date has been confirmed for either of the PS4 or Xbox One versions of Minecraft, though the developer said this week that it plans to bring the PS3 version of the game out first.
Final Fantasy XIV combats server congestion
Square Enix Producer Naoki Yoshida wants to assure players suffering from the heartbreak of server congestion that sunny days are indeed ahead for Final Fantasy XIV. To lessen the crush that players have put upon the game, the studio has added new worlds, instance servers, and a third duty finder group. "Even with the previously discussed measures in place," he wrote, "there remain several overpopulated worlds that may still be subject to peak-time login and character creation restrictions." Yoshida said that if all goes well through the weekend, Final Fantasy XIV's digital sales will resume. Future plans include relaxing restrictions on simultaneous logins and going forward with world transfers.
DeskConnect delivers Mac-to-iOS quick sharing
The forthcoming AirDrop functionality in iOS 7 will deliver a straightforward way for some iPhones and iPads to quickly share photos, contacts and more. That's great -- but, aside from the fact that iOS 7 isn't yet generally available, there are a few other flies in the ointment. Even though iOS 7 will run on devices back to the iPad 2 and iPhone 4, only the latest-gen hardware (iPhone 5, fifth-gen iPod touch and current iPad / iPad mini) are eligible to fling files. AirDrop may not connect your Mac's files and photos to your iPhone, either -- as defined right now, it's iOS to iOS. That's why the new, free DeskConnect app from Ari "AriX" Weinstein and Ben Feldman is so impressive. DeskConnect, which launched today on both the Mac and iOS App Stores, delivers on the promise of AirDrop while extending the concept of instant, easy sharing to the desktop. DeskConnect supports iOS 6 and devices back to the iPhone 3GS. The DeskConnect Mac app lives in the menu bar, monitoring the OS X clipboard and the frontmost application window. Sign in to your Desk Connect account on both Mac and iOS, and go to town. Want to send an image to your phone? Drag it to the menu bar, select the iOS device you are targeting and boom. Have a browser open with Google Maps directions to your vacation spot? Click the menu, send to your device and the directions open immediately (in your choice of Apple Maps or Google Maps, if installed). Web links open Safari (or Chrome), and other file types can be opened easily with any appropriate installed iOS app. It's all very quick and very easy. Going the other direction, iOS devices running the DeskConnect app can share photos, clipboard contents, documents (from apps with a sharing button/Open In option) and websites (with a bookmarklet that works in Safari) with ease. Received items stay in the DeskConnect "tray" for 30 days, and the app can handle and preview any datatype that iOS supports natively. Although the app does work on iPad, it's a 2x iPhone look for the moment; this doesn't really affect functionality, but it does limit the utility of the previews within the app. I've been pleasantly surprised by DeskConnect's little grace notes. It integrates with the Mac Contacts app, so you can quickly send and dial a phone number in one step. The drag-and-drop file transfer ability is a much, much nicer solution than using iTunes to manage files. The slight rough edges (the iPhone 2x UI on the iPad, inability to track the frontmost window in PowerPoint, an unspecified file size limit on transfers) will all be cleared up in time. DeskConnect is available from the Mac App Store and in the iTunes App Store now. I encourage you to download and play around!
Final Fantasy brings version 1.0 characters into beta
Returning players who log into Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn beta phase four will be given the option to import their version 1.0 characters for the first time since the game went offline in November 2012. The Lodestone reports that players will not only see their old characters once more, but also any items that they had on them at the time of the apocalypse. Players will have a one-time opportunity to alter that character's look, gender, race, and name, and these changes will carry over to live. Square-Enix is also handing out the legacy chocobo whistles with phase 4 for those that earned them through the legacy campaign. This will add a special mount to your character's stable. And if you've never played an MMO before and need a beginner's guide to partying up for dungeon runs, check out the following video (protip: Tell everyone you're a noob!).
EA offering Ultimate Team incentives for next-gen Madden 25 upgrades
Those looking to play Madden NFL 25 will likely pick the game up for either Xbox 360 or PS3 when it launches on August 27. Though some may opt to wait a few months for the PS4 and Xbox One versions, those that plan to own both current and next-gen versions are entitled to a few perks in the form of bonuses for Madden Ultimate Team. Players will be able to perform a one-time transfer of up to 1,100 items in Madden Ultimate Team (45 players, 55 items from the active roster and up to 1,000 reserves) from either Xbox 360 or PS3 to either Xbox One or PS4. Ultimate Team fans can still use the items in their current-gen copies of the game, but MUT cards cannot be auctioned or traded after being transferred. Additionally, Anniversary Edition owners will receive an extra six All Pro card packs once they create their team in the mode in a next-gen version of the game, which will be helpful for those looking to create teams with high chemistry in this year's Ultimate Team mode.
iTunes Connect now allows developers to transfer apps to another developer
We've heard about all the new elements in iOS and OS X today at WWDC, and how they will change the way we use our iOS devices. There are some new features on the back side of iOS, including a major change in policy that'll let developers easily transfer an app from over developer to another via iTunes Connect. The new transfer app feature will let you transfer the ownership of an app to another developer as part of an acquisition or a distribution deal, for example. The new owner will receive all the ratings and reviews of the app they just acquired. During this process, the app will remain in the App Store and users will be able to download all available app updates. It's a seamless transfer tool that'll make selling your business or your apps easy on you and easy on your customers.
Guild Wars 2 offers limited-time transfers for free
Bummed that you didn't take advantage of Guild Wars 2's free transfers before ArenaNet started charging for them? You may have a limited window of opportunity to jump servers for the remainder of the month. Guild Wars 2 is offering players the chance to transfer from their current world to a medium-population server until April 1st without a fee. ArenaNet lists six NA servers and seven EU/Middle East servers as potential landing pads for this program. Since you can only transfer once a week and this chance lasts less than a week, you better make darn sure you want to be going to that particular world before clicking on that button.
Olympus confirms that Sony is now its largest shareholder
Sony got a stake in Olympus' future when it made a $645 million investment into the troubled camera firm last September, getting a board representative and a controlling share of a medical imaging project. As of this weekend, however, the foot is that much further in the door: it's now Olympus' largest shareholder. A share transfer promised alongside the investment, and officially completed on the 22nd, has boosted Sony's stake from 4.7 percent to just under 11.5 percent. The share switch doesn't give Sony enough influence to dictate Olympus' day-to-day affairs, but Sony won't have to do as much to rally support if it wants action. Olympus isn't in the best position to kick such a large investor to the curb, either. We'd expect the company to at least listen more closely to what its major funding source has to say.
Fujitsu transfers files from PCs to phones through hidden network info (video)
Most attempts to simplify device-to-device file transfers through a phone camera aren't very subtle or elaborate: Scalado's Photobeamer and Sony's vscreens rely on conspicuous QR codes, and aren't useful for much more than sharing images. Fujitsu's labs want something a tad more sophisticated. Their new technique hides network details in light patterns on a PC's screen that are invisible to our eyes, but tell a smartphone capturing video to send or receive files, no matter the format. The trick not only keeps codes out of the picture, but makes it easier to share files with whole groups -- think of passing along notes to everyone at a board meeting and you've got the idea. It's more than just a concept, as well. Fujitsu hopes to see real-world use during its 2014 fiscal year, which could take much of the song-and-dance out of file sharing in short order.
GamersFirst dropping Sword 2, title picked up by T3Fun
GamersFirst is out of the Sword 2 business, it seems. The publisher announced that it will be dropping its contract to publish and host the title at the end of the year. Fans of the game have no reason to fret that they're about to lose their world, however; HanbitSoft's subsidiary T3Fun will take up the slack come January 1st. Due to the transfer between companies, players will need to expressly consent to allow their game data to be transferred over. The announcement post contains instructions how to do just that. Also, Sword 2 players won't be able to transfer their GamersFirst store currency, so spending it now is highly recommended. There are a lot of details to go over, so if this affects you, be sure to read the whole post very carefully. [Thanks to William for the tip!]
Wii to Wii U data transfer explained
After spending some alone time with our Wii U review unit, we've flipped through the manual and learned exactly how you'll be able to move all your precious Wii data over to a new Wii U.The process is a bit complicated. An SD card (with at least 512MB of free space) must first be inserted into the Wii U, after which the system transfer option can be selected from the Wii U menu. The SD card is then moved to the Wii, where a "transfer application" is downloaded from the Wii Shop. Said app moves all of the Wii's data (save for pre-installed software) to the SD card. Once that's done, the card is popped back into the Wii U and, finally, the data is transferred to the new console.Both the Wii and Wii U must be connected to the internet – presumably to verify the associated Wii user – and connected to a TV, meaning you'll either have to swap TV inputs or swap cables during the process. Data transferred includes WiiWare and Virtual Console games, save data for all games, DLC, Wii Points and Miis.Once the transfer is complete, that's it. All data will be deleted from the Wii and moved to the Wii U, after which the data on the SD card is also erased. Data cannot be transferred from a Wii U to a Wii. We'll have a detailed video of the process for you when the Wii U officially launches later this month.
Guild Wars 2 clarifies guesting, world transfers, and regions
The launch of Guild Wars 2 is drawing ever nearer, which means there's an ever-diminishing amount of time to disseminate information to the writhing hordes. A news post today shed light on some of ArenaNet's policies and technomagics that go into supporting the game's accessibility. To begin with, there are three main regions recognized by the game: North America, Europe, and Other. Digital versions of the game are automatically entered into the correct region based on the purchaser's location, while physical retailers give out a serial code to register in account creation. Players must register a code that matches their location (a customer in Europe has to register a European code), but after that one-time check, they can access the game from anywhere in the world. Home worlds are automatically displayed by region, but players can opt to join the servers of another region. Once a home world has been chosen, all characters on an account belong to that server, and a gem transaction has to be made to switch to a new home world. That won't be implemented at launch, however, in order to facilitate the spread of a stable and healthy population across all servers. At launch, transfers between worlds will be free. After the populations have settled, world transfers will be restricted to a once per week and cost gems. At the same time, the guesting feature that allows players to visit their friends' worlds will be implemented. Check out the news post for all the gory details, or hit up the Guild Wars 2 knowledge base if you've got some burning tangential questions.
Fujifilm unwraps FinePix F800EXR camera with wireless sharing to Android, iOS
If your company doesn't have a camera with WiFi sharing somewhere in your lineup, many will say you're not even in the photography game. Fujifilm is definitely playing: welcome the FinePix F800EXR, its first camera with wireless sharing as part and parcel of the experience. Its centerpiece is a free Photo Receiver app for Android and iOS devices that will catch as many 30 images at a time from an ad hoc WiFi camera link. The matching (if unceremoniously named) Camera Application can return the gesture by geotagging shots as well as finding existing photos on the map. Fujifilm will even pre-Instagram the photos through six new on-camera filters for those who can't stand posting images online without at least some Lomo or tilt-shift effects thrown in. As for the actual camera part of the camera, Fujifilm is keeping afloat in the competitive waters with a 16-megapixel, CMOS-based EXR sensor that can widen the dynamic range or lower the noise if sheer resolution isn't all that vital. An equally noteworthy 20x (25-500mm equivalent) lens out in front will zoom in a lot closer than any phone camera -- well, most of them. We're otherwise looking at the technology we'd expect in a point-and-shoot of this class, such as full-resolution burst shooting at up to eight frames per second, 1080p video and a RAW mode for image quality sticklers. Stores should have the F800EXR in August for about $350, or about as much as the Galaxy Nexus that just might serve as its companion.
