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Project Severity: yet another FPS trying to revolutionize the genre
A new game is on the horizon -- Severity. Developed using idSoftware technology, possibly the Tech 5 engine, the game intends to be a marvel to behold. PSU snagged an interview with the developers over at Escalation Studios and their funding source, the Cyberathlete Professional League. Before we run into the interesting bits like crazed bloggers, let us warm you up to the game with one potentially fantastic feature: full cross-platform play. PS3 vs. 360 vs. PC -- something we've been waiting a long time for! Two things you should also know about the game, but aren't exactly helping to pump us up for it: influences and gameplay modes. The influence for the game is Quake III Arena, so expect a ton of fast-paced insanity. Escalation Studios has a lot planned for multiplayer outside of Deathmatch or Team Deathmatch. Then again, if a game just included those two modes, the FPS fanbase would probably mutiny.If you haven't seen anything built from idSoftware technology, it's very impressive and you live under a rock. While we have no idea what this game actually looks like, it's possible that nothing yet exists outside of the dev studio. The game is planned for a 2009 launch, so we've got a while to wait. Geez, 2009! What are you going to be doing then?[Thanks, Justin!]
Frag Dolls pwn Rainbow Six CPL tourney, first pro win
The Frag Dolls won their first pro-circuit event last night, beating "The Unknown" to earn first place in the 4v4 Rainbow Six Vegas competition at Winter CPL. Aside from being the Frag Dolls' first big victory, it appears that this is also the first time an all-female team has won a (co-ed) pro-circuit tournament. Valkyrie, Seppuku, Calyber, and Psyche (all pictured) proved to be the winning combination for the Ubisoft-sponsored team.
Attention pro gamers: stop taking drugs
An interesting article on Tom's Hardware reveals that the Cyberathlete Professional League (CPL) is preparing to introduce drug testing at all of its gaming competitions next year. Ignoring the kneejerk observation that gaming can be a drug all on its own (we frequently test positive for Lumines), there are two ways of looking at this development. The CPL having to test for drugs sends an unfortunate message about gamers we've known for quite a while -- some of them just like to cheat. On the other hand, such serious measures imply that professional gaming (or, sigh, "eSports") is being treated in the same manner as "real" sports, with all the rules and repercussions that accompany them.The founder and president of the league, Angel Munoz, is clearly concerned about dubious drug activities in league events. "The potential for [drugs] being an issue absolutely concerns me. It should concern anybody in eSports, because as the stakes get larger, as in any sport, people will look for an edge." In case you were wondering, some of the chemical concoctions under consideration are crystal methamphetamine and Ritalin, both of which could be used to enhance mental alertness and twitch reflexes. Luckily, Munoz rules out the banning of Red Bull and the like, mostly because it would prove too difficult to regulate. He must also be astutely aware that gathering a large group of gamers (apologies -- cyberathletes) and robbing them of caffeinated beverages is an invitation to unmitigated disaster. [Via CVG]See also: LAN parties meet drug parties
