earthquake
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FFXI and FFXIV servers temporarily closed in wake of Japanese quake
Given the enormity of the events in Japan right now, it feels kind of ridiculous to be writing about the massive earthquake's effect on video game servers, but here we are. Both Final Fantasy XI and XIV have had their servers temporarily closed in an effort by Square Enix to help conserve energy in the ailing country. The publisher's web portal services will also be temporarily closed. Square directly attributes the temporary closures to "continuous earthquakes occurring in the eastern regions of Japan," and says that servers will be down for "at least a week starting on Mar. 13, 2011 3:00 (PDT) [7:00 EST]." It is currently unknown when the servers will go back up, but Square promises regular updates as they come in. Neither game will charge subscription fees through April as a result. If you'd like to help out, head over to the Red Cross site and donate what you can.
Japan's earthquake having aftershocks in the MMO world
Unless you've deliberately avoiding learning about what's going on in the world, you've doubtlessly heard of the massive earthquake that hit Japan on Friday. Our thoughts and good wishes go to any and all of our readers, and their friends and families, directly affected by the disaster. But it hits people in many ways, and it's even reaching into the MMO sphere, with both Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV shutting down completely for at least a week of service. While the servers for both games had been kept running briefly after the disaster, the massive power failures across Japan resulted in widespread shortages. The service is expected to be down for at least a week from today, and players will receive no bills for the month due to the interruption. Sony Online Entertainment has no games based out of the island nation, but it has also suspended billing for all players in the region and has pointed players to disaster relief centers. We can only hope that other companies follow suit where possible, as a tragedy of this scale demands a response.
Apple now accepts donations to Red Cross Japan relief fund via iTunes
Following the disaster caused by the magnitude 8.9 earthquake and tsunami in Japan, Apple has posted a donation page on iTunes where you can use your iTunes account to make a secure donation to the American Red Cross and its Japanese relief fund. 100% of donations made through iTunes go to the American Red Cross; unlike every other corner of iTunes, Apple is taking no percentage of the profits from these donations whatsoever. Steve Jobs recently said that, via the iTunes Store, Apple may have the largest credit card database of any online retailer, so rigging up a donation page on the iTunes Store seems like a good way to raise the potential for donations to the Red Cross and its relief efforts in Japan. If you don't have an iTunes account or would rather donate directly, our own Rick Martin (currently in Tokyo) has put together a list of donation sites. [via 9to5Mac]
Monitor Japanese news with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch
If you have loved ones, friends, or colleagues affected by the Japanese earthquake, you may want to install the free NHK WORLD TV Live application on your iOS device and take your news on-the-go. NHK WORLD TV offers English-language updates (you will hear other languages as well) around the clock, produced by Japan's single public broadcasting service. According to the application write-up, broadcast quality will depend on the way you connect to data service, automatically adjusting to Wi-Fi and 3G connections. When we tested the application this morning, it did take a little while for the streaming to get started. Please be patient with the application. Thanks to Alan for the tip. If you are an English speaker currently in Japan, James Van Dyne from Sugoi Software in Japan has generated free coupon codes for stranded travelers who need a Japanese/English dictionary. We ask that you respect the situation that these codes have been offered under. If you are not a traveler in Japan, please do not redeem them -- there are a limited number and Sugoi cannot generate more.
Sony, Subaru, and Toyota close factories in wake of earthquake, other companies check in
Our thoughts this morning are with the folks in Japan and the other Pacific areas affected by the massive 8.9 earthquake that struck about 230 miles East of Tokyo. Reports of damage are flooding in from the country, and indeed many familiar manufacturers are checking in. Sony and Toyota have both stopped operations in their factories due to damage. Tragically, one Honda worker lost his life after a wall collapsed, while several Panasonic workers are said to have suffered minor injuries. It remains to be seen exactly what impacts this will have on consumers, but Sony's closed factories were responsible for the production of Blu-ray discs and batteries, while the numerous automotive shutdowns could result in short-term shortages. This bad news sent stocks downward, with German share prices for Sony dropping 2.5 percent and Honda 4.5 percent. We're still watching with concern to see what other impacts the resultant tsunamis could have, but for now we'll keep hoping for the best. Update: Some further news from Smarthouse, which indicates that Sharp's new 10G LCD plant in Sakai City shut itself down automatically upon first signs of a quake. Hooray for technology.
Google reacts to Japanese tsunami with a Person Finder tool
Now this is the sort of activity you'd expect from a true search giant. Instead of sitting on its hands during the tsunami that has stricken Japan today, Google has put together a Person Finder tool where people worried about the plight of their loved ones can look them up by name. There are only a few thousand records up on the site at the moment, but it should still be a useful repository for missing person data, particularly since mobile networks were taken down by the tsunami's damage earlier this morning. Information should also start piling up as recovery efforts continue. Let's just hope this Person Finder won't have to be used for too long and things can be brought back to normal soon.
iPhonewzealand app proceeds donated to NZ Red Cross Earthquake Appeal
Many New Zealand-based Mac and iOS developers are rallying to help the city of Christchurch following its recent devastating earthquake. NZ-based tech blog iPhonewzealand is the latest to join in these efforts. The site's old iPhone app has been withdrawn from the App Store, and in its place is an updated app with access to news, comments and forums on iPhonewzealand's site. iPhonewzealand focuses on local Kiwi developers and apps, too, so if you live in New Zealand and have an iPhone, this site and its app are a great resource. Of particular interest to users outside of New Zealand, the app also contains iPhone carrier settings for New Zealand's mobile providers, streamlining the process of getting your iPhone working while you're visiting New Zealand. The app is priced at US$1.99 (NZ$2.59) until the end of March. After Apple takes its 30 percent cut, all further proceeds go directly to the New Zealand Red Cross. In the wake of the recent earthquake in Christchurch, which sadly seems to be shaping up to be the worst natural disaster in New Zealand's history, every little bit of help counts. If you're in New Zealand and have an iPhone, this purchase is a no-brainer, and it's also a good purchase if you're an international iPhone user planning on visiting down here. Citing its terms and conditions for the App Store, Apple forced iPhonewzealand to redact any mention on iTunes of its app's proceeds going to charity. Thankfully, Apple has no say on where the developer's profits go after the company takes its 30 percent off the top, so even though iPhonewzealand can't announce its charitable intentions on the App Store, we can still do so on the site's behalf. If you're not interested in the iPhonewzealand app but would still like to donate to the New Zealand Red Cross and support its efforts to help the city of Christchurch in its time of need, you can do so directly at the Red Cross website.
Cataclysm Talent Preview: Elemental shaman
Contrary to popular belief, I'm not exactly a healer all the time. I have an elemental shaman of my own when I'm in the mood to simply blow up stuff. Speaking of Lightning Bolt-tossing shamans, there has been some new information released regarding elemental talents. If you haven't seen it yet, there's also additional information about druids, rogues, and priests, too. Shall we take a look?
China declares day of mourning, closes all entertainment venues
News of the earthquake that hit China last week was devastating enough to gain worldwide attention immediately, even more so as the numbers of killed, injured, and missing rose with every new report. As China begins recovering this week, officials declared a day of mourning for today. Flags flew at half mast, citizens wore white paper flowers, and even rescue workers paused for three minutes to remember the victims. So what does this have to do with MMOs? Matt Mihaly, the CEO of Sparkplay Media, is in Shanghai this week and dropped us a line to let us know that those aren't the only things being done for today's day of mourning: "...all entertainment options in China have been shut down today (4/21). That includes everything from karaoke bars to entertainment tv channels (non-news channels are blacked out here today) to online games." That's right, no MMOs in China today. And while we at Massively love our games, we can't help but approve of this measure of respect for those affected. [Thanks to Matt for the tip!]
Cataclysm earthquake mobs "visible" in Stormwind
A couple months ago we reported on seemingly random earthquakes happening around Azeroth. These earthquakes, it was reckoned, are part of the long buildup to the Cataclysm world event. There were reports initially on the patch 3.3 PTR that mobs called "[DND] Shaker" were visible in Stormwind and other cities. These Shaker mobs are responsible for causing the earthquakes. Today, WoW.com can report that these mobs are again visible in Stormwind on some servers. We've verified that when you view nameplates on mobs (by pressing the V key) and look up around the Stormwind bank, you can see the [DND] Shaker mob, as pictured above. The Shaker mobs are also present in the trade district. When you are able to view the nameplates, you can't view the actual mob itself -- they are invisible / have no form. We're not sure how they work. We think they appear at random intervals, as sometimes we can see them and other times we can't. We also are guessing that they might only be able to be seen on some specific servers -- we know they're on Sisters of Elune and Ner'zhul.
Earthquake detection software gains foothold in California
Stanford's Quake-Catcher Network has been up and running since early 2008, but it looks like it's just now starting to reach the critical mass of users that's essential for its success. As you may be aware, the software takes advantage of the accelerometers built into many new laptops to watch for any signs of shaking or vibration, which it then compares with data from other laptops in the same area -- if they're all shaking at the same time, that's a pretty good indication there's an earthquake happening. Until recently, however, there hasn't been enough users in any particular area to produce reliable data, but Stanford now counts more than 450 users in California alone, which has provided it with its first truly viable testbed. Of course, more users would be even better, and you can sign up and download the software at the link below if you're interested in helping out.
The Queue: Earthquake bonanza
Welcome back to The Queue, WoW.com's daily Q&A column where the WoW.com team answers your questions about the World of Warcraft. Alex Ziebart will be your host today. Today we're going to skip the wacky shenanigans that usually plague the intros to the Queue. Instead, I'm going to blow your minds with the news that Chile's recent earthquake was large enough that it has potentially moved the Earth's axis and an Earth day is now shorter because of it. dav103id asked... "When running Shadowfang Keep during Love is in the Air, did anyone else notice Arugal on the other side of the courthouse gate when you first enter the instance? Has he always been there at that location or was he added for the Love is in the Air boss event?"
Blizzard HQ temporarily evacuated due to earthquake
Blizzard headquarters in Irvine, California were temporarily evacuated today when a 5.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Chino Hills area in southern California. Chino Hills is about 30 miles from Irvine.According to the information on the login screen, in-game and phone support were momentarily unavailable, however everything is now back to business as usual. No servers or other game services have been affected by the earthquake. All the technology is operating smoothly.Our own Dan O'Halloran was in private chat with us all when the earthquake struck. He reported that while it was a good shaking, it was "nothing to go home about." Perhaps if we're lucky the earthquake shook a few more Beta keys out of Blizzard. We can only hope.Take a look after the break for the full in-game news released by Blizzard.
SoCal quake putting the hurt on AT&T and Verizon?
We're hearing some reports that folks on AT&T and Verizon are having trouble with their cellies -- voice and BlackBerry services, respectively -- in the wake of this morning's magnitude 5.4 tremblor out in southern California. What's the story, Los Angelinos? Still able to make and receive calls?[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]
Despite devastation, Chinese return to online gaming
After the devastating earthquake that took the lives of over 40,000 people in China two weeks ago, the Chinese government is doing all they can to restore civility to over seven million people who were directly affected by one of the largest natural disasters in recent history. In addition to this, we can all rest assured that the MMO market in China didn't miss a beat and is back in full swing.Yes, you heard me right. CDC Games, the Chinese game distributor responsible for the distribution of such popular titles as Shaiya Online, stated recently that its revenues for its online games have rebounded almost immediately. They say their game service was only suspended for three days during the tragedy, and are now back on track to making the income they made previous to the disaster. Whew!
[1.Local]: Readers have their say on this week's posts
[1.Local] serves up a smattering of reader comments from the past week, from the sublime to the ridiculous.WoW Insider readers both looked back and leaped forward this week, with reminiscences about the old days of Azeroth peppering a week rife with speculation about the upcoming Wrath of the Lich King expansion. Readers strolled down Memory Lane with a look at our most fond old-school memories, and they eagerly clambered aboard our newest regular column, Ask a Lore Nerd. Commenters squabbled over Blizzard's handling of Glider bannings and WotLK alpha information leaks. The flame-throwers came out in force over politics in a post reporting on The9's decision to close up shop for three days of mourning following the recent natural disasters in Asia. Also this week, readers shared their experiences dealing with rep grinds and wrapped up with a philosophical look at violence and honor in an armed world.Be sure to dive into the comments area of each thread (not this one!) and add your own thoughts – unlike your mama, we like us some hot, fresh backtalk.
Earthquake not the only impact on China's online games
In the wake of the 7.9-magnitude earthquake in Sichuan Province, China, the government mandated an observance of the tragedy. In addition to Monday's three minutes of silence in national mourning, the Chinese government placed a three-day moratorium on all 'public amusements' in the country. This imposed break extended to online gaming and virtual worlds throughout the mainland, which prompted some commentary by Frank Yu, the China Angle columnist at Gamasutra. While residents of Sichuan or those with friends and loved ones in the quake-affected region were not likely to want to play games in the aftermath of the disaster, the three-day imposed blackout on entertainment media was an unusual move for China. The suspension of these activities essentially made the entire country give up something, albeit briefly, in order to share the pain of those whose lives have been affected by the catastrophe. "The earthquake has had another major impact on the China gaming industry as well in what seems like an exercise of government media control... This includes, concerts, television shows, movies and for the first time, even online games," Yu said. The virtual worlds of China's major online game companies remained dark between May 19th and 21st. Although the game companies and operators complied with the suspension of their activities, they clearly assumed substantial profit losses.
Mourning for China
Apparently it's natural disaster season in Asia. The massive cyclone that hit Burma () on May 3 has taken an estimated 78,000 lives with an additional 56,000 missing. Last week (May 12) an earthquake measuring 7.9 on the Richter scale shook parts of china. The death toll for that quake has reached 34,000 with the body count expected to rise. Many of the quake victims have been children, as least 6 schools collapsed while classes were in session. It will take weeks, months, or even years to sort out the amount of damage caused by these events. The Chinese government has declared a mourning period for three days for those injured, missing, and passed. This includes the closing of movie theaters, web portals and television stations. The9, who services World of Warcraft in is participating in the blackout as is Shanda Interactive Entertainment, host of the World of Legend game. If you are helping out, there are a number of charitable organizations taking donations to assist in providing relief to victims in Asia. Studies show that making donations to such organizations actually help to boost your own mood in addition to helping those who are in need.
Chinese decree on mourning curtails MMO play
Out of respect for the over 32,000 lives lost in the recent Sichuan earthquake, China has officially decreed a 3-day period of mourning, during which no entertainment media may be offered. This directly affects players of World of Warcraft, to name one game, as the Chinese distributor for WoW, The9, is complying fully with this edict.Massively extends its condolences to the surviving families of this tragedy.
Zu Online community mourns earthquake victims
As most people have heard by now, a massive earthquake struck the Sichuan province of China four days ago, killing 12,000 people and leaving as many as 18,000 more missing. The colossal tragedy shocked not only the Chinese, but all the people of the world.Players of the Chinese MMO Zu Online were no exception. Without any prior planning, they collected together in the game's wuxia fantasy setting -- the mythic past of the the very region struck by this week's terrible disaster -- to mourn those lost in the earthquake, and to pray for their families.A Zu player put together a tribute video, cross-cutting between footage from the in-game memorial service and photographs from the media coverage of the disaster, and posted it on the game's official forums. It's a noble tribute to the deceased. Watch it if you feel compelled.[Via MMORPG]
