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New Free Realms screens give us a sneak peek of Briarwood
With Free Realms now in closed beta, many are very curious to see how things are progressing in this new family-friendly SOE MMO. We here at Massively have been lucky enough to see it on several occasions, and are thrilled at how this project appears to be coming along. So we were extremely glad to see the Free Realms team released seven new screenshots and a bit of information on one of the many zones we're looking forward to experiencing; Briarwood. If you, like us, are interested in some of the backstory and things we'll be seeing in Free Realms, be sure to check behind the break for their description of Briarwood. Also, be sure to pop over to the gallery and check out the seven new screens, with a bonus of all the previous screens and concept art we've compiled about this great upcoming family-friendly title too! %Gallery-12980%
DICE 2009: NPD says six million new gamers came to play last year
The poor brains housed inside the skulls of the 2009 DICE Summit attendees were recently ravaged by an onslaught of gaming industry statistics -- though, really, if they willingly joined the audience of a speech being delivered by NPD Group analyst Anita Frazier, they probably knew what they were getting themselves into. Here were some of the highlights: According to the group's calculations, 58 percent of Americans ages 13 and up play video games, console-based online gaming increased by two percent over the past year and retail sales of PC games have declined by 50 percent over the past seven years.However, here's the statistic that probably permeated the discussions of attendees as they left the conference hall: According to the NPD, last year saw nearly six million new gamers pick up their first controllers, a figure which lends itself to a retail market that is "very dominated by young people." The group's findings put digits to a familiar trend -- "the audience for some hardcore games is not as large as it is for more casual or family-friendly games," Frazier succinctly surmised. Seriously? We hadn't noticed.
Flying Lab Software cannonading for new casual MMO
It looks like after many long years of developing Pirates of the Burning Sea, Flying Lab Software is ready for something a little more laid back. Which is why the Seattle-based developer's next project will be a family friendly casual MMO through a partnership with trading card company Upper Deck. They're even opening a new branch entitled Flying Lab Casual to work on the project. Right now we really don't know anything beyond that, but more detailed information about the title is expected in the coming weeks.We say more power to FLS/FLC for mixing it up and keeping things fresh. Nothing is worse than a developer whose lost some of that sparkle in their eyes. Then again, we're sure that the booming casual market has at least a little to do with the choice as well.That being said, current Pirates of the Burning Sea players have nothing to fear as new content will continue to flow freely as rum on a salty sea dog's ship.
Wii Warm Up: With the kids
Have kids, or maybe younger siblings or cousins? If so, it's likely that, sometimes, you play games with them -- but what to play? The Brainy Gamer has a list of actually-good games that are also kid-friendly, and while this set is definitely a great place to start, we're betting you can add some more. Obviously, Wii Sports will always be good family fare, but with the holiday season kicking into gear, we'll probably be playing more and more games with the family. So what do you choose?
Guildwatch: It's not me, it must be you
I don't think I've ever seen the fall of a guild as documented as Underscore is in Guildwatch this week -- someone has been taking screenshots aplenty of all the whispers going back and forth, and surprisingly, most of them have actually come from the guildleader of the guild in question. If you've ever wanted to see how a guild can fall apart from tell to tell, here's your chance.That and lots more (including some actual good news) in Guildwatch this week, which starts right after the link below. Guild news is slowing down for Wrath, so please help us fill our inbox: send your downed, drama, and recruiting tips to wowguildwatch@gmail.com if you have them, so we can make sure the column is nice and packed next week. Thanks!
Microsoft touts family focus with cartoon downloads
Think Nintendo has a stranglehold on the family-friendly console maker moniker? Microsoft would like you to think again. A new press release from the Xbox 360 maker touts the availability today of 100 downloadable cartoons from Warner Bros. and Nickelodeon properties on the Video Marketplace, as well as the impending launch of Shrek and Spongebob-licensed games for Xbox Live Arcade. Add in the recent branding of the new Xbox 360 Arcade as "the console for families" and a Microsoft-sponsored "family fun day" event in Times Square's Toys "R" Us today and you have a major push into the Big N's family-oriented turf.This isn't the first time Microsoft has tried to extend its reach past the hardcore Halo fans, but in the past innovative family titles like Viva Pinata have had trouble making inroads against big-name hardcore games like Gears of War. Will this latest push broaden Microsoft's image or is the 360 destined to be known primarily (and inaccurately) as a first-person shooter system. Leave your thoughts in the comments.
It came from the Blog: Forums!
What's that you say? You can't have a guild without forums? Well, we must agree with you, as we've gone and set up WoW Insider's very own guild with a set of forums for you, the guild membership. You'll find the forums at our very creatively named guild website - www.itcamefromtheblog.com (genius, isn't it?) While registration isn't required to post, we do encourage it. Try registering with your character's name, jumping into the conversation, or starting one up. As always, please keep it family friendly, as we have members of all ages and persuasions in the guild.WoW Insider staff will make an appearance when we can, but we're really focused on blogging here to bring you the latest news, information and commentary as it relates to the World of Warcraft!
