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Game of Thrones Ascent ties updates to Season 3
Watch out, Defiance: You're not the only transmedia synergy wiz-kid on the block! Game of Thrones Ascent announced that it's started to release weekly updates that will tie into the previous night's broadcasted TV episode. As the first episode of Game of Thrones' third season premiered last night, the first episode of Ascent's new content went live today. It's titled Episode 1: Valar Dohaeris and adds "dozens" of new quests, multiplayer alliance challenges, a power leaderboard, and a siege workshop. Developer Disruptor Beam released some stats for the title (which is still in beta!). The studio says that 43% of the players so far have pledged allegiance to the Starks, 25% to the Targaryens, and 15% to the Lannisters. More players choose to fight (35%) than any other action, and the Neck is the most popular destination in the game world (16%). [Source: Disruptor Beam press release]
Slaughter your frenemies on Facebook with Game of Thrones Ascent
If there's one problem with Facebook, it's that there isn't nearly enough backstabbing and politics. Game of Thrones Ascent aims to fix that appalling lack by bringing users into Westeros, where they can wage war alongside some of the most beloved and reviled characters from the popular book and TV series. Game of Thrones Ascent has just launched its Facebook open beta. All game content is currently open to players, and Disruptor Beam has plans for adding new and player-requested features as time goes on. You'll have the opportunity to start and rule your own house, give your loyalty to one of the Great Houses from the series, stockpile resources, and jockey for position. There's room for cooperative and decidedly uncooperative maneuvers with other players. There's no word yet on whether or not House Targaryen players get a bonus for recruiting siblings. Skip below the cut to check out the game's trailer. [Source: Disruptor Beam press release]
Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms releases its first trailer
We know a little bit about the game, but up until now, nothing has actually been seen of the upcoming Game of Thrones Seven Kingdoms. But the wait is now over, as a trailer for the browser-based game has been unveiled to show off some of what players can expect when the game finally goes live. And if you're hoping for the opportunity to cross swords with rival houses in a massive political battle... well, that does seem to be on the plate. There's admittedly not too much that can be displayed via a trailer running under a minute long. But the trailer does show off the graphics and some hints of the combat, which looks to be very much a matter of skill. Check out the full trailer just past the break, and keep your eyes open for more information as the game ramps up for more reveals at San Diego Comic-Con. [Update: George R.R. Martin himself has also posted the video and the original press release. He notes that he'll be at SDCC checking out the game at the Dark Horse booth.]
Free for All: Gaming with Game of Thrones
I have really been enjoying the new series Game of Thrones over on the HBO network. In fact, when I recently changed to a faster internet provider, I deliberately added on the exclusive channel just for the series. Even though I have never read the books, a 15-minute preview of the show was enough to convince me to watch it. While I am truly enjoying the break from fantasy that is chock-full of smart-alec modern-day references (all delivered by smirking hipsters with swords), I admit to still being a little afraid that the series will take a turn for the goofy or overly dramatic. If a single vampire shows up in this one, I am going to turn it all off and go on a long vacation. So far, though, it's been a delightful romp into a cold, realistic world. After I watch a new episode, I avoid the internet for fear of random spoilers or the temptation to look at character bios. I simply do not want to know what's going to happen, so please do not tell me. Since the series has started, I have begun to notice how I enjoy the same basic entertainment in my gaming. I want political intrigue, amazing landscapes, and the occasional epic, bloody fight. Join me past the cut and let's look at some games that provide those three things.
New tech keeps tabs on your liver via cellphone
In the scheme of things, blood alcohol-screening phones probably stand to save more lives than... uh, Glutamine Oxaloacetic Transaminase and Glutamine Pyruvic Transaminase (affectionately known as GOT and GPT) screening phones, but health tech is health tech, and we've no doubt there's someone out there who's going to benefit from this. A crack team at Korea's Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology has developed a sensor that monitors GOT and GPT -- key indicators of liver function -- and uploads key stats via phone, presumably to a hospital or other interested parties. So if you've had the exact same idea kicking around for a while, sorry to say you might as well drop it now; the patent apps are filed and the team plans to pursue commercialization in the near future.[Via textually.org]
