world record attempt
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NAA verifies new US record for human-powered helicopter flight (video)
A team at the University of Maryland has been taking human powered flight to new heights. Or, rather, lengths, by setting a new US record for flight duration of 49.9 seconds with its Gamera II rotorcraft. The benchmark event actually took place in June, but only received the all important plaudits from the National Aeronautic Association on August 9. Gamera II builds on its predecessor (unsurprisingly, Gamera I) by featuring improved transmission, rotor design and a redesigned cockpit. Not content with smashing the previous craft's record of 11.4 seconds, the team plans to fly a further refined version of the copter with longer blades and other fine tuning later this month. The 49.9 second flight has also been submitted to the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale for World, rather than American-record verification. The guys at Maryland might want to keep an eye over their shoulders though, as it looks like someone else already has their eyes on that prize. Video evidence after the break.
Trion releases RIFT wedding trailer
A couple of weeks ago Trion announced its plan to get RIFT in the Guinness Book of World Records for hosting the most virtual marriages in a 24-hour period. Today the company has released a new video designed to show off the matrimony mechanics and give fans a sneak peek of what's in store for the Valentine's Day record attempt. The festivities begin at 12:00 p.m. EST on February 14th, and Trion says that "any two RIFT players who get hitched in-game will be counted in the Guinness World Records title attempt and will receive 'The Avowed' in-game title." Don't forget to check out the video after the break. [Source: Trion press release]
Trion attempting virtual marriage world record in RIFT
Want to help Trion set a Guinness world record? You'll need a copy of RIFT and a significant other, as the firm is aiming to make video game history by setting the record for most virtual marriages in a 24-hour period. The event will take place on February 14th at noon eastern, and there are no restrictions with regard to character race, class, or sex (opposing faction nuptials are a no-no, however). Trion is also offering up an exclusive Valentine's Day character title (Tier of Knots) to each wedded character. RIFT's marriage mechanics will go live in the 1.7 update in early February, and they include rings, a wedding planner book, and wedding instances that support up to 200 friends. More info is available on the RIFT forums. [Source: Trion press release]
Networking firm attempts 1000-player FPS battle
Huge multiplayer battles are the goal of a large percentage of the online games released every year. Whether they're making an MMO, an FPS, an RTS, or some weird and highly experimental hybrid, game developers love to stuff players onto their servers in a neverending competition for the biggest numbers. Pikkotech, a networking technology firm, is aiming for what it says is the world record for the number of players in a single multiplayer battle: 1000. Pikkotekk consulted with CCP, the noted developer of EVE Online and a pioneer in the field of single-shard massively multiplayer technology, and has created a server backend that works in a manner similar to the tech used by overlapping cell phone towers. The firm has thrown together a tanks vs. robots video demonstration complete with a humorous disclaimer. "We were so excited about our revolutionary network technology that we wanted a game that had it all [...] But our CEO said that Pikkotekk is a company that only does networking for games. So here you go: A crappy looking 1000-player shooter that you can play in the browser."
