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EVE Evolved: The development of Incarna
One of the biggest differences between EVE Online and most other MMOs is the lack of a humanoid avatar. Even when you're docked up in a station, you can't leave your ship and walk around. The detailed avatars we create on starting the game are not so much avatars as passport photos; seen only as little square mug shots in chat channels and the official forums. In their never-ending quest to make EVE the definitive Sci-Fi simulation, this is something the game's developers CCP have always endeavoured to change. The introduction of a full body avatar feature, code-named "Walking in Stations", "Ambulation" and now known as "Incarna", has been undeniably the most anticipated feature since EVE went live. It's been in development since 2006 but has proven a much larger task than CCP originally anticipated. With the expansion tentatively slated for winter this year, new information on it is still harder to find than a sober Icelandic game developer. In this week's EVE Evolved, I take a look at Incarna's development so far and why it hasn't been released yet.
Rumor: Xbox Game Room will not feature Teen or Mature-rated titles
According to a report on GamerBytes, Microsoft has submitted the upcoming Xbox and PC Game Room itself to the ESRB for a rating, rather than have each title re-rated by the board. The article claims that Microsoft's upcoming virtual arcade will sport a rating of E10+ -- meaning anything with a rating of Teen and higher will be left out of the Avatar hangout. Since each game release (regardless of platform or delivery method) must be rated by the ESRB, the process of rating the Game Room itself could save Microsoft time, allow the company to reach its promised goal of "over 1,000 titles," and halt leaks of future titles via the ESRB website. While the current crop of Game Room titles are too retro for the rating decision to matter, other classics like Street Fighter and SmashTV won't make the cut. (Although, both are already available on Xbox.) While the Game Room's current rating is bundled with the initial crop of 30 titles, it's unclear if the application's rating will ever change to accommodate more recent arcade releases. Joystiq has contacted Microsoft for clarification. [Via Kotaku]
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing screens make a pit stop in your heart
click to enlarge Sega has dropped some new screens from its upcoming Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing kart game, and if you don't find them completely charming, there's something broken near your left ventricle. We don't yet know if the game is any good or not, but if you look at these lush, colorful 3D recreations of classic Sega environments and characters and don't feel the slightest stirring down in your jaded, Mature excuse for a gamer heart, you better get it checked. Note that these screens come from the Xbox 360 version, which explains why Banjo and the Avatars (coincidentally a great band name) appear within. Enjoy. %Gallery-83937%
Ulala and BD Joe get behind the wheel in Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing
It seems like the cast of Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing will never cease to expand. Not only has Sega tapped almost all of its memorable characters (including Shenmue's Ryo), but its roster is also starting to encompass games outside of the Sega realm, including Banjo-Kazooie, Avatars and Miis. Today, the Sega blog reveals Space Channel 5's Ulala and Crazy Taxi's BD Joe. Check 'em both out in the new trailer above.
Xbox Live deals, XBLA releases and Games on Demand for January
Major Nelson recently peeled away the veil separating us from the knowledge of when stuff would be coming out on Xbox Live Marketplace over what remains of the month of January. This new knowledge includes the upcoming Deals of the Week -- on January 18, both of the DLC packs for the original Mass Effect will be marked down to 240 ($3) each and Hasbro Family Game Night: Battleship will get rolled back to 400 ($5); and on January 25, Portal: Still Alive will have its price temporarily reduced to 800 ($10). The Major also announced two new Games on Demand: Ghost Recon Advanced Warfighter 2, available now for $20, and Dead Rising, coming January 26 for an undisclosed price. For the rest of January's bounty, including discounted Games on Demand titles, XBLA releases and Avatar items, head past the jump.
Xbox Game Room pricing, partners detailed
The pricing structure for Microsoft's newly announced Avatar-occupied Game Room has been detailed in an online fact sheet, and we'd suggest you stock up on Microsoft funny money. Players have three options: 400 ($5) grants a dual-platform license for one game (for unlimited play on Xbox 360 and PC), 240 ($3) gets you the virtual arcade cabinet on one platform (Xbox 360 or PC), or, for the old-fashioned types, 40 ($0.50) is just "two quarters" worth of playtime on a select title -- for the authentic arcade experience, minus the sticky floors. Additionally, when visiting friends' game rooms, you can "try" their games before you pump in Microsoft Points of your own. The Game Room itself -- developed by third-party outfit Krome Studios (Viva Piñata: Party Animals, Star Wars: Republic Heroes) -- will be free for users to download. Customization options are mentioned in the fact sheet, but pricing for these features is not addressed. At launch the service will include 30 original arcade titles -- with "over 1000" planned for the future -- from multiple publishers, including Atari, Activision, Intellivision, and Konami. (A list of 31 confirmed titles is posted after the break.) Games will be presented in 1080p (because that's why you bought that HD set) and will support multiplayer for up to two players, as well as cross-platform leaderboards and Achievements. Microsoft's Home Game Room is slated to launch this spring. %Gallery-81971% Source - "Game Room" Fact Sheet [.doc]
Xbox Game Room bringing arcades back to Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live users [update 3]
Update 3: An online fact sheet [.doc link] from Microsoft reveals that the Game Room itself will be free, while games will range in price from 400 ($5) for a dual-license purchase of arcade classics, 240 ($3) for a single-platform license or 40 ($0.50) for "two quarters" worth of play. Users can try arcade titles for free within a friend's room. For full details, check out our follow-up post. Update 2: According to Major Nelson, Game Room users will have the ability to purchase games for their virtual arcade and play them on both their Xbox 360 and Windows PC. Additionally, new Game Room titles will be made available every week. Users will be able to invite Xbox Live friends into their respective (and customizable) rooms to show off their arcade collection. Stock up on Microsoft Points, kids. Update 1: During its CES 2010 keynote, Microsoft's Robbie Bach announced 30 arcade titles will be available in the Xbox Game Room when the service launches this spring for the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live. Original: Hours following a leaked interview featuring Robbie Bach, Microsoft has confirmed the existence of a virtual arcade room for Xbox Avatars via this trailer unveiled at CES 2010. The Xbox Game Room is slated to hit the Xbox 360 and Games for Windows Live this spring, allowing players to visit a virtual room filled with classic arcade titles. According to the video, users will be able to customize their arcade rooms (presumably for Microsoft funny money) and challenge friends to a plethora of original arcade versions of games such as Centipede, Outlaw, and Star Raiders. The news that Game Room will also launch for Games For Windows Live raises the question, will the service see Avatars added in the near future? As the upcoming arcade is centered around entertainment for your virtual identity, we'd hope the service would see an interface upgrade bringing it closer to the Xbox's current NXE, rather than locking our poor Avatars up inside of an executable program.
PSA: Watch Microsoft's CES keynote online tonight
If your interest in all things Microsoft extends to a barely gaming related keynote address, then we've got some good news. Major Nelson tipped us off that Microsoft will be streaming its 2010 Consumer Electronic Show keynote -- hosted by the zany Steve Ballmer and and Robbie Bach -- tonight at 9:30PM EST. Sadly, tonight's viewing has been sullied by the fact that we pretty much know what we're going to hear in the way of Xbox news. But, like our marathon sessions of Titanic, we won't let our prior knowledge ruin our enjoyment of tonight's big show. Also, the fine folks at Engadget will be liveblogging the entire event, if you'd prefer to read about all the excitement. Get some popcorn ready, and let's hope for more of this... oh, and this. Source: Watch Microsoft's CES 2010 keynote live, at 9:30PM
NBA assists Avatars with new gear on XBLM
Are you upset by the fact that people who see your Xbox Live Avatar don't immediately know your favorite NBA team? Well, you can rectify that with the new Avatar gear available on Xbox Live, courtesy of NBA 2K10 and NBA Live 10. The subtle difference between each series on offer is that NBA2K10's set has numbers on 'em, whereas the NBA Live 10 jerseys only feature team names. You can snag your own virtual jersey for 240 ($3) right now on the Avatar Marketplace.
Your chocobo Avatar pet is in the mail
Last month -- utilizing the spamming power of Twitter -- Microsoft and Square Enix partnered to offer Xbox Live users a free baby chocobo pet for their Avatars if they registered their Gamertags during the social media promotion. After weeks of waiting for the marketing plan to run its course, codes for the tiny companion have been sent to participating users via email. Sadly -- as Major Nelson points out -- those who did not participate in the promotion cannot get the pet, but we anticipate the baby chocobo will find its way onto the Avatar Marketplace at some point. Reminiscent of the baby chocobo that nests within Final Fantasy XIII hero Sazh Katzroy's gorgeous afro, our baby chocobo only seems to flutter around, refusing to nest within our own Avatar hairdos. We presume that feature will be some kind of pre-order bonus for Final Fantasy XIII when it launches on March 9, 2010.
Disney Avatar items flood XBLM (including Mickey ears)
Let's face it, childhood was disappointing. Every year, you begged your parents to take you to Disney World, forever dreaming that you might own your very own pair of Mickey Mouse ears, the accessory that screams, "Yeah, I've been there." And every year, your parents would say, "We're going to Disney World!" Filled with glee, you would pile into the car with the rest of the family, only to arrive at the local Pottery Barn. Okay, so it might not be everyone's childhood, but it's close enough. The point is that there is now a digital ton of Disney themed Avatar goodies on Xbox Live Marketplace. There's actually some fun stuff up there, including the enchanted broom from Fantasia, a Tigger doll and plenty of clothing options. And yes, there are Mickey Mouse ears. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, some of the Disney items, including the ears, are experiencing some technical difficulties. Fret not, however, as Major Nelson assures us that Microsoft is on the case, so we're sure our your childhood dream will soon be within reach.
Xbox Live holiday deal of the day: Avatar Golf for $2
Major Nelson has enlightened us all via his Twitter that today's holiday deal is none other than Avatar Golf. No, it's not a game about blue aliens playing a relaxing round of golf, but rather a golf game involving adorable Xbox 360 Avatars. Normally 400 ($5), it's supposed to be marked down to 200 ($2.50), according to the Major. However, checking the XBLM listing, it looks like the actual price is a paltry 160, also known as two dollars. Keep an eye on Joystiq for the other daily deals throughout the rest of the month. Shortcut: Add Avatar Golf to your 360 download queue [via Xbox.com]
Microsoft files patent for user-health-generated Avatars
It's okay if you need to read that headline again. It's pretty confusing. Here's the gist of it: Microsoft filed a patent in June of 2008 for the automatic generation of an Avatar based on a user's physical health. The patent application, discovered by 1UP, specifically details an "avatar generator" that "reflects a physical characteristic of the user." Physical data about the user would be used to "reflect a degree of health of the real person." In turn, this could be linked to "rewards of capabilities of a gaming avatar, an amount of time budgeted to play, or a visible indication." In other words, the patent is all about "injecting a degree of reality" into Avatar appearances, thus encouraging users to exercise and maintain a more active lifestyle. Beyond this, the filing also explains that the generator could be used to reflect all kinds of data about a person, including religious beliefs, politics, hobbies, and even intelligence. Such information could help users connect with like-minded individuals. The patent application even notes that the generator could take "hidden physical characteristics such as allergies, chronic conditions, etc" into account, thus helping users find other players with similar conditions that might "understand someone with a like condition."
Banjo-Kazooie hit the track in Sega All-Stars Racing trailer
Rare's bear and backpacked bird make their debut in this latest Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing trailer. The Banjo-Kazooie team tear up the track big-truck style -- mainly because they're in a big friggin' truck. The trailer also takes care to remind us Avatars will be playable in the Xbox 360 version of the game -- but, really, who cares? Banjo and Kazooie are in a big friggin' truck!
Avatar holiday collection hits XBLM
Flatly rejecting the holiday spirit of giving, Microsoft has released a new collection of premium Avatar items. As you may have guessed, the items have a holiday theme. The collection encompasses a large range of items from New Year's hats to dashikis to dreidels. Microsoft has even released the traditional ugly Christmas sweater, even going so far as to title it "Ugly Sweater." That's right, you can spend real money on a digital version of the worst possible present you could receive. The only thing more depressing is knowing that people will actually buy it.
Your Xbox Live Avatar can give a pet a good home tomorrow
We often worry that our Avatars get lonely when we're not focusing our attention on our 360s. We can give them all the toys we want, but it's just not the same as the touch of another living, not-living pet. Tomorrow, they'll finally have a proper companion as pets come to the Avatar Marketplace, including Large Dog, Pug Dog, Dog in Bag, Cat, Siamese Cat, Long Haired Cat, Goldfish, Guinea Pig, Monkey, Bird, Snake and Pony each for 240 ($3). By the way, we're hoping that by "Dog in Bag" we're talking about the purse kind and not the "adolescent sign of future deviant behavior" kind. Only time will tell, we suppose.
MS Points, assemble! Transformers Avatar items on Xbox Live
We all have guilty pleasures, this much we all know. But some guilty pleasures are too guilty. Case in point: Michael Bay's Transformers movies. We bring this up because some new Avatar items based on his work -- and consequent games -- are now available for purchase on Xbox Live, including the Optimus Prime and Megatron helmets you see above, as well as several branded t-shirts. Now, if you want to run to your Xbox and drop some real money on these fake duds right now, fine, more power to you. However, if you expect to still be on our friends' list afterward, well, we should probably talk. %Gallery-78988%
Twitter users unlock Final Fantasy XIII chocobo Avatar item
In a feat considerably easier than breeding a golden chocobo in Final Fantasy VII, fans of Square Enix's thirteenth Final outing have unlocked a special Xbox Live Avatar item through the power of word of mouth (via keyboard). After garnering enough specially tagged messages on Twitter (some speculate that this may have represent some sort of "marketing tactic"), the folks at Microsoft have seen fit to entrust an adorable virtual chocobo to your Avatar. If you're in North America, UK, France or Germany and registered on the site, you can expect a download code via email by mid-December. If not, we've placed something after the break to cheer you up. [Via @AceyBongos]
Potential character model revisions in Cataclysm
WoW's fifth anniversary and the interviews surrounding it have ended up providing us with some previously-unknown tidbits of information -- which is a good thing, especially when it comes to stuff we've been wanting to hear about for a long time. This particular tidbit comes from the Warcry network interview with J. Allen Brack and Samwise Didier about the game's anniversary, and it's about a subject near and dear to our constantly-complaining hearts: new character models. They might even be coming in Cataclysm. Says Brack: "Even though things would be better with new (character) models, we'd probably spark a lot of player outrage. So we've talked about giving players a choice between the classic models or the new ones, but it might not be something we want to take on at the same time as we remake Azeroth." That's pretty big news.
Fallout 3 Avatar gear coming this week
Good news for fans of purchasing digital clothing for digital people, Bethesda has announced that Fallout 3 Avatar items will be hitting XBLM this Thursday, November 26. There are lots of items available, including a nifty Vault 101 suit with a sweet PIP-Boy. The cream of the crop has to be the full Vault Boy suit though, with its creepy, soulless expression. That one, by the way, is available only for male Avatars, which seems a bit silly. The rest swing both ways. Vault 101 Suit -- 240 ($3) Bethesda Game Studios Shirt -- 80 ($1) Fallout 3 Ringer Shirt -- 80 ($1) Vault Boy Shirt -- 80 ($1) Vault Boy Suit -- 240 ($3) Vault Boy Head -- 80 ($1)
