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PS5 games will be region-free
Sony cleared up details about 1440p output, PlayStation Now and much more in an FAQ.
Danish police arrest two for running Popcorn Time guide sites
Danish law enforcement officers have reportedly arrested a pair of men for running two websites tangentially related to Popcorn Time, an outlaw site billed as the "Netflix for Torrenting." Not only that, the police have also shut down both Popcorntime.dk and Popcorn-time.dk, and seized the domains. Each man faces a maximum jail term of six years for his involvement.
Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR Shadow of Revan FAQ
With every expansion, there are questions -- a lot of questions. Star Wars: The Old Republic is no exception. Shadow of Revan changes a lot of game mechanics and expands the story of SWTOR. With all the interviews and Cantina Tour chatter, it's difficult to tell what is true and what isn't. So I thought it'd be best to make an FAQ to answer some of those ponderings. When does Shadow of Revan release? The official release date for Shadow of Revan is December 9th. However, if you preordered before November 3rd 2:59 a.m., then you will gain early access, which starts on December 2nd. Do I have to subscribe to play Shadow of Revan? No, Shadow of Revan is a paid expansion and can be accessed by a free-to-play player. However, to be eligible for the 12x XP bonus, you do have to be subscribed to the game.
WildStar will be intermittently playable from now until the headstart
Carbine Studios has just published an FAQ covering WildStar's status from now until the beginning of the headstart period on May 30th. Dubbed "Ops Week," this period will see the team "testing various launch systems, practicing [its] disaster recovery processes, making sure [its] fail overs fail over correctly, and putting some extra testing on [the] final Release Candidate." But you don't care about their problems; you just want to know whether you can log in. Yep! Carbine intends to make the servers available for play. Although uptime windows won't be announced ahead of time and some may be brief, players should anticipate server availability during business hours on the west coast. Open beta characters will be accessible for as long as the team can manage it before the inevitable wipes.
ArcheAge FAQ mentions testing plans, optional subscription, and housing limitations [Update]
Trion Worlds has published a new FAQ for ArcheAge today that concentrates on testing plans and core features of its upcoming Western version. The team said that alpha testing is imminent and will be followed by beta events leading up to launch, still set for sometime in 2014. While fans can sign up on the site for a chance at a key, Trion said that soon-to-be-revealed founders packs will guarantee beta access. ArcheAge will be adopting a hybrid F2P model including an optional subscription. This subscription will be necessary if a player wants to own his or her own house in the game, as the "limited real estate" will be earmarked for paying customers only. Trion addressed its level of control over the title in its relationship with developer XLGAMES and indicated that the Korean 1.0 patch changes will not be coming to the West: "We work with XLGAMES to understand and new features that are added to ArcheAge in the East to determine how well they will be accepted in our regions, and then offer feedback. XLGAMES has been fantastic in addressing that feedback as best as they can. In situations where a feature is added that we don't think will be appropriate for our audiences, we work with XLGAMES to modify or remove that feature from our version." [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Shadowrun Online heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st
You might be able to play Shadowrun Online sooner than expected, as the title is heading to Steam Early Access on March 31st. In a new video, Managing Director Jan Wagner announced the Early Access release and answered several questions that the community has had for the game. He said that this version of the game will be a "prequel" with many of the core elements from Shadowrun Online, such as combat and PvP. Wagner explained why the game slipped from 2013 (they had to recode the game from scratch), promised a future DRM-free version, and assured the addition of "more building blocks" every four to six weeks as the development progresses. You can watch the full video after the break. [Thanks to Chris for the tip!]
EVE Online assembles a new guide for new pilots
Getting started in EVE Online can be a daunting task. Most of what people know about the game comes from secondhand sources -- there's a lot of money being thrown around, there's an atmosphere that makes a prison shower seem welcoming, there are plenty of people who will blow up your ship because it's there and they can. But what do you do? How do you start? Hopefully, your questions can be answered via the new FAQ for new pilots. The FAQ clocks in at around 38 pages and covers everything from death and respawning via clones to what you can actually do in the game for content. For veteran EVE players the information will probably seem like old hat, but for novices or those who are just curious it can provide plenty of insight. So if you want to learn more about the game, go ahead and take a gander at the full new player guide.
Google no longer deactivates Glass if you sell it, but it's still against the TOS
Perhaps Google realized that deactivating Glass if Explorers sell or give it away is a tad draconian and as a result, has recently changed its policy. While it's still against Mountain View's terms of service to sell off its futuristic eyewear, the amended Glass FAQ reveals that the company doesn't plan on "disabling any Explorer's device" anymore. However, since owners aren't explicitly allowed to sell, you likely won't find one listed on eBay, and chances are any attempt will be pulled down in a jiffy. Of course, if you can't find a second-hand unit and don't have a Glass-owning pal, guess what? You can always purchase an invite on Craigslist -- just keep your scam radar set to high.
Official PlayStation 4 FAQ explains what the system can (and can't) do
Sony has built a reputation of releasing numerous updates to its PlayStation platform, and apparently that has carried over to PS4 news ahead of launch. If last week's updates weren't enough, the company posted a massive FAQ (yes, we read all 30 pages, including the list of launch titles) to the PlayStation Blog today, explaining a few details we weren't clear on. For starters, the PS4 can't stream media from your home network like its predecessor could. Sony's next-gen console also won't play MP3s or CDs, and the only way of using your own background music in-game is via Sony's Music Unlimited service. PlayStation's Head of Worldwide Studios Shuhei Yoshida addressed concerns about this on Twitter, saying he'd share feedback with the PS4 dev team for future consideration (update: He's expanded on the statement, saying the team is "happy & appreciative to learn so many people use and like PS3's media features"). Whether you still like it or not, you're stuck with your old PSN ID too. Another "can't" relates to cached game data. If you rent Knack and a few weeks later want to buy a digital copy from the PSN Store, you can't simply grab an activation code to use with the data cached to your hard drive, you have to download the full game. The tech giant also shed new light on a few audio-related aspects of the PS4. Out of the box, you'll be able to output all game audio through the DualShock 4's 3.5mm headset jack. However, it isn't until after the V1.5 Day One patch that "most" USB headsets will be usable with the system. The former likely means audio will be limited to stereo unless the controller is packing some sort of DSP on-board, while the latter presumably enables chat functionality for higher-end cans. We've reached out to Sony for clarification and will update this post if we hear back. Until then, keep the FAQ in an open browser tab -- Sony promised it will keep patching adding to it leading up to and after the PS4's launch.
PS4 FAQ clarifies sharing digital games, PlayStation Plus benefits
Sharing physical copies of games on the PlayStation 4 may be simple - a claim Sony famously demonstrated with this viral video - but as detailed by the PS4 FAQ, sharing digital games is a bit more complex and restrictive. According to the FAQ, users will need to register one PS4 as their primary system, and on that system, downloaded games can be played by anyone. Users can also re-download their digital copies of games on other systems as long as they're signed into the PlayStation Network, but only that user can start up the game. Designating a primary console also unlocks several other features, including Remote Play on Vita and the ability to purchase and pre-order content via the PlayStation App and have said content automatically download to your PS4. The FAQ also states that once you've chosen a primary PS4, "you can use up to 2 systems concurrently: the system activated as your 'primary' PS4 system, and one other system." The FAQ also claims that, if a primary console is registered to an account with a PlayStation Plus subscription, there will be "numerous benefits" available to other users on that system, such as access to online multiplayer. The PlayStation Plus-holding account does not need to be logged in to utilize this feature. The PS4 FAQ doesn't specify what other benefits for secondary users PlayStation Plus offers, or if the features mentioned will be enabled with the PS4's day one patch. Maybe Sony is saving that answer for FAQ Part 2: Electric Boogaloo.
RuneScape 3 goes live
This ain't your slightly-older-brother's RuneScape, folks; RuneScape 3 is hip, happening, and live right now. The latest iteration of Jagex's browser behemoth is now available to play, and it looks better than ever. RuneScape 3 isn't just about a graphical overhaul, although it would be sad to dismiss its visual improvements. The new version includes a customizable interface, six hours of new music, and lots of technical improvements. Jagex is kicking off RuneScape 3 with the Battle of Lumbridge and the Sixth Age, so get in and start kicking butt from minute one! This event will take place over the span of two months, during which players can ally with a faction and collect divine tears to contribute to their side's ranking. The studio recommends that players experience it with the Java client and not the still-in-testing HTML5 version. The team's also posted a comprehensive FAQ if you have any specific questions about the changes.
Marvel Heroes makes it easier to earn new superheroes
While it's always been possible to gain new superheroes in Marvel Heroes via loot drops, Gazillion CEO David Brevik says that the current system is less than ideal. "The best loot should be challenging to acquire," he writes, "but we don't want players to be overly frustrated with the process of acquiring heroes." To address this, Gazillion is preparing to scrap the current hero token drops and institute Eternity Splinters instead. Splinters are a new type of currency that will drop from mobs more frequently than hero tokens did and can be saved up to purchase the hero of the player's choice. They'll also be used to purchase ultimate power upgrades and hero respecs. Brevik says that the team is committed to adding new heroes to the game so that players will always have something new to earn. He also posted a FAQ regarding the upcoming system for those who have specific questions.
Google posts Glass FAQ tackling policy and technology concerns
Google has nearly finished rolling out Glass to Explorer Program members, but many of us still have questions while the technology remains rare. The company is satisfying some of that curiosity today: it just posted a FAQ that explains Glass beyond the hardware. While there are no revelations in store, the page goes out of its way to address some of the controversies surrounding Glass, including app policies, privacy concerns and the risk of technology addiction. It's doubtful that the FAQ will please everyone, but those who just have to get some official answers on Glass can find them at the source link.
Microsoft Xbox One FAQ responds to always-on DRM, used games rumors
One of the more contentious rumors surrounding next-gen consoles has been potential changes to DRM and while Microsoft hasn't answered all our questions when it comes to the Xbox One, it took a few head on. The official FAQ starts off with the "always-on" DRM issue and also addresses used games, indicating that the box is designed "so you can play games and watch Blu-ray movies and live TV if you lose your connection," and that it does not have to always be connected. That said, it still "requires" a connection to the internet, promising cloud-based benefits for gameplay and more. Other questions answer things like whether the new console will require more power (no) and will our Xbox Live Gold subscriptions still work with the new and old hardware (yes). When it comes to used games, the FAQ's response is also promising, stating "We are designing Xbox One to enable customers to trade in and resell games." We can still find enough wiggle room in those responses to remain curious, but it appears we should be able to avoid a SimCity-style meltdown (with our new games, since the old ones won't work.) Update: There have been many questions about a reported "small fee" for used games, but we've asked Microsoft and received no confirmation of that. Joystiq points out that the Wired article where the tidbit originated has been updated to mention Microsoft did not detail its plans for used games, while the Xbox Support Twitter account claims there are no fees and the article is incorrect.
Trion compiles pre-order FAQ for Defiance
Still scratching your head over the options available for Trion Worlds' newest sci-fi MMO, Defiance? With the blast of info coming out for the game lately, it's easy to get a bit lost, but Community Manager Lance James was kind enough to compile everything you need to know about pre-order into one simple FAQ on the forums. Check out the thread and be sure to check back often (or ask a question yourself) as it will be continuously updated with new info as it becomes available. [Thanks to Levi for the tip!]
Trion answers your Defiance beta questions in new FAQ
With the first Defiance beta event coming up this weekend, Trion Worlds has posted a FAQ on Facebook answering the top five questions players have been asking. For those who don't participate in the whole social media thing, we've condensed the information here for you. Players can get in the beta two different ways -- either through an invite sent after signing up or with a beta code. Folks who received a beta code can redeem it on the site and await their email with the rest of the information. All details about the beta, including how to download it, will be sent via email; players should make sure that beta@defiance.com is on their safe list. Note that players who receive the beta invite do not need a beta code. The beta forums will be accessible only after beta access is confirmed by email. Although the beta is for PC only this time around, future tests will be run on PlayStation 3 and XBox 360. This testing weekend will run from January 18th through the 20th.
EverQuest answers questions about the addition of Krono
If you play EverQuest but not the sequel, EverQuest II feels like the younger sibling that gets everything it wants. A new graphical engine, more expansions, more developer time, it's not fair. And then the game gets the option for players to buy game time and sell it for real currency in the game, which is just so unfair. But if you buy into this hypothetical pseudo-sibling rivalry, good news -- the Krono option is coming to classic EverQuest in the near future. An official FAQ has been posted explaining how Krono works and how players can use them to purchase time with in-game money or vice versa. The FAQ also clarifies that purchased Krono works in both EverQuest II and the original EverQuest so long as you purchase one directly; if you trade it to another player it's tied to the game where you made the trade. Take a look at the full FAQ and start enjoying the freedom to pay with your game subscription through in-game farming.
Dungeons and Dragons Online releases Mac client info
With Turbine creating a Mac version of Lord of the Rings Online, it probably shouldn't be a surprise that Dungeons and Dragons Online was next on the to-do list. The studio announced that it's developing and testing a Mac client for DDO, and has invited players to give it a try. DDO's Mac version doesn't require software like Wine or Bootcamp to use, but runs natively on the platform. It currently supports OSX 10.7 and 10.8, and it needs a fresh install if a Mac user was playing on a Windows client. The beta is available for everyone, and Turbine has posted a short FAQ with system requirements and other pertinent information.
Glitch closing down, cites limited audience
The word is out and it is sad: "Glitch is over." Tiny Speck delivered the shocking news today, saying that the 2-D browser title will be closing forever on December 9th. The team said that it is "heartbroken" to have to announce this, and apologized for letting its fans down. Apparently, the game simply could not find a critical mass large enough to be financially viable. The developers explained it simply: "Unfortunately, Glitch has not attracted an audience large enough to sustain itself and based on a long period of experimentation and our best estimates, it seems unlikely that it ever would." While Tiny Speck will continue with a smaller team working on other projects, many of Glitch's developers are now looking for work elsewhere. The studio posted a closure FAQ that included reasoning behind the shutdown and information on how to obtain refunds for money spent on the game. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
New FAQ answers 20 crucial questions on EverQuest II's latest expansion
Confused about everything that's on offer in EverQuest II's new Chains of Eternity expansion? We were too, and then we read EQ2Wire's new FAQ. Now we're considerably smarter about all things Norrath. For instance, did you know that the alternate advancement cap is still 320, but that the prestige window has been revamped to allow for the spending of 25 points? You would if you read the FAQ. The document contains plenty of other useful tidbits as well, including blurbs on the changes to veteran bonus XP, the removal of the group XP split, and how to start enjoying the new expansion content.
