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The Daily Grind: Would you like games to remember your character's birthday?
It's a little thing, but I've always been endlessly fond of the fact that Guild Wars keeps track of the day my characters were created and sends them presents. I'm rather attached to my characters, and even though I don't actually collect minis I still like to know that there's a little marker somewhere in the game database. Little unique features like this are common in games, but Guild Wars is the only one that does anything for the birthday of the character or the player to the best of my knowledge. And it's such a little thing that it seems almost strange that more games haven't copied the idea. Of course, it requires tracking date of creation for every single character and it can lead to some issue (some of the birthday presents in GW wound up with exorbitant prices on the secondary market). So what do you think? Would you like to see more games marking your character birthdays? Or do you think it's a cute idea that doesn't need to be revisited? Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
Google Play unveils 'surprise calendar countdown' promo for the holidays
Ah, the month of December, when thoughts turn to mistletoe, eggnog and excruciatingly painful trips to the mall. However, Android users could find solace in Google's recently launched "surprise calendar countdown" giveaway program that promises a daily store offer until January 1st, 2013. Of course, this sort of promo isn't unusual this time of year -- the Mountain View company offered a ten apps for ten cents sale last year and Apple's done the freebie thing over on the iOS side -- but Google appears to be upping the ante this time with extra deals. For example, if you download the free Hotel Tonight application today, you'll also get a $35 credit to be used toward a hotel stay if you use the "Google35" promo code. Sure, that won't exactly pay for a night on the town, but it might be enough for room service. We're not sure what other offers are in store, so we suggest checking Google Play every day from now until the new year for a bit of holiday cheer.
GOG's holiday sale discounts 475 games until Jan. 3
At some point the GOG holiday sale became unfair, an awfully cheap proposition that no fan of computer games could simply overlook. With rotating daily deals of up to 75% off and discounts up to 50% off on everything in GOG's catalogue, the platform is truly making a case for the season of giving to one's self.The sale lasts until January 3. Today's daily deals include The Witcher 2: Assassins of Kings for $12 and The Longest Journey for $5, among other quality offerings. As for general standouts during the promotion, we'd have to say Syndicate for $3 is a nice deal, and so is Legend of Grimrock for $3.74. Mac gamers aren't left out in the full-priced cold either, with deals on SimCity 2000 for $3, Fallout for $5 and Descent and Descent 2 for $5 to consider.For the full list of 475 games on sale during GOG's promotion, follow the source link below.
Amazon announces 'Friends and Family Gifting,' just in time for the holidays
Amazon is often coming up with ways to have folks like yourself (and us, too) spend some dough on one of its many, many offerings -- and, well, today's no exception. A short while ago, the online retailer announced a new service dubbed Friends and Family Gifting, which will give internet shoppers a one-stop hub where they can easily create gift / wish lists to use while readying for events such as an upcoming friend's birthday, other special occasions and, of course, the holiday season. The new Amazon feature also integrates with social networks like Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest, making it easier to share links of stuff you're thinking of adding to your cart. Friends and Family Gifting is live now, so hit the source link below if you'd like to give it a try.
Playing in the holiday ghost town
I'm not someone who celebrates many holidays. As we head into the Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Years axis of festivity, I'm fairly unmoved. I know people who really like the holidays, who go to great lengths to take part in the festivities, but I'm not one of those people and that means that I end up finding myself standing around deserted capital cities wondering where all the people went. Why are my dungeon queues twice as long? Why do I have a queue when I signed up to tank? How can there be a seven minute queue for scenarios? Now, since I have terrible insomnia I often play at times when there's not a lot of people on, but the holidays create days where WoW feels like a mall that just doesn't know it's closed. I have an easier time finding people to do stuff with at 3 AM on a normal day than I do at 5 PM around Christmas. Raiding tends to shut down, and even the people who are on are often just chatting from their phones while getting ready to devour some hapless turkey. Last year, I spent the holidays running laps around the Twilight Highlands randomly helping people do the Crucible of Carnage in-between laps, when there was anyone online to help. Strangely enough, despite the somewhat eerie feeling of an Orgrimmar or Stormwind where nobody knows your name, I do find myself attracted to the quiet. When I do get into a dungeon or Raid Finder group, the people tend to be somewhat friendlier. This could purely be perception, but it seems like the shared respite from an otherwise solitary period brings groups together. Then again I could just be deluding myself. Mists of Pandaria is here! The level cap has been raised to 90, many players have returned to Azeroth, and pet battles are taking the world by storm. Keep an eye out for all of the latest news, and check out our comprehensive guide to Mists of Pandaria for everything you'll ever need to know.
Engadget's Black Friday 2012 roundup
They're playing Christmas music on all the radio stations and government buildings have begun decking the halls with non-denominational decorations. All of this can only mean one thing: it's time for the mad holiday rush. Once you've polished off that turkey dinner and put on a pair of your least flattering sweatpants, be sure join us after the break for some of the merriest deals on consumer electronics that the internet -- and your local big box shop -- has to offer. Yes, ladies and gentleman, it's Black Friday time.
Nielsen reports that iPad is most wanted this holiday season
Nielsen has released its annual report on which electronic goodies consumers in various age groups are looking for this Thanksgiving. Once again, Apple products are claiming most of the top of the list. Kids in the US aged 6-12 are looking for an iPad as the number one item under their holiday tree this year, and while that's followed by Nintendo's new Wii U system, Apple's iPod touch, iPad mini, and the iPhone fill out the rest of the top five spots. At the very bottom of the list, the Apple TV makes an appearance, too. That's not a device I would expect kids that young to ask for, but apparently so. On the older side, in persons 13 and up, iPad also tops the list of items that are most expected to be purchased in the next six months. Tablet computers and e-readers are also sitting near the top of that list, and since the iPad is the most popular of those (with 21 percent of people expecting to buy it soon), it's not too surprising to see Apple's slate in high demand. The iPhone is also high near the top of that list. It's perhaps also interesting to note that the rest of the list is full of gaming devices like the Nintendo 3DS, PS Vita and the major gaming consoles. Considering that the iPad and the iPhone provide a strong mobile gaming experience and the widest ecosystem of game apps out there, that's an interesting perspective on what people are willing to spend big ticket money on lately. Finally, the Apple TV makes an appearance on the adults' list as well. I think 2013 will be a very interesting year for that device -- if Apple can bring its popular App Store to a non-mobile device, starting with the Apple TV, the core functionality of that little black box may be very different in a year's time. [via 9to5Mac]
'Tis the season: Amazon now offering customizable video gift cards from JibJab
Amazon announced a partnership with digital media company JibJab on Friday that will introduce free, personalized video gift cards to its customers. This new feature gives you the option to attach pictures to over 50 pre-themed videos, which includes holidays, birthdays and other special occasions. Customers can load up to $2,000 on a video gift card, which can be sent instantly or at a scheduled date and time via email or a Facebook wall post. The cards never expire and recipients can share their videos through Twitter, Facebook, Pinterest or email, while keeping the gift's cash value private. So, if gift cards from the people with the smile on the box rank high on your holiday wish list, get ready to have your inbox hit with a barrage of disco grannies and snowball-throwing elf cat videos.
Microsoft announces Xbox 360 holiday bundles and $50 off promo for US market
With this year's holidays being just around the corner, it's only natural for companies to start tempting potential customers with cash-saving, too-good-to-pass deals. With that in mind, Microsoft, via the informative Major Nelson, announced earlier today its 2012 Xbox 360 holiday bundles in hopes of luring some folks in; among these are a 250GB console with Kinect, Dance Central 2, Kinect Sports, Kinect Adventures and one month of Xbox Live for $400, while there's also a 4GB, $300 option that comes with the same Gold subscription, Redmond's motion-tracking peripheral, Kinect Disneyland Adventures and Kinect Adventures. In addition, the Surface maker said retailers should start offering the console for $50 off MSRP, and that this limited time deal will also apply to the Halo 4 bundle which is due to come out on November 6th. Better yet, these new bundles and promos are available now -- so, for those living in the US, now could be a good time to snag one of Microsoft's renowned consoles.
Nintendo Wii console drops to $130 in two-game bundle
With both the holidays and the Wii U fast approaching, Nintendo has decided to drop the price of its older Wii console to $130 when sold with Wii Sports Resort and Wii Sports. The cheaper package should arrive in the States by October 28th and will ship in black (alongside black Wii Remote Plus and Nunchuk controllers), thereby replacing the current New Super Mario Bros. bundle that sells for around $150.
Xbox 360 Essentials pack coming in October for $79.99
Just in time for the upcoming holiday rush, Microsoft has posted news of a new accessory pack, which will wrap up almost everything you need to accompany a new Xbox 360 into one $79.99 kit. The Xbox 360 Essentials pack will include a wireless controller, a media remote, an HDMI cable, and a three-month Xbox Live Gold membership.Microsoft says you can save a full $55 by buying these items in the pack rather than separately, which does make us wonder where exactly they're shopping. But if you're giving a 360 this year (or know someone who's getting one and could use some extra gear), this might make a nice package under the celebratory symbol of your respective holiday.[Thanks, Shin.]
Five apps that'll help you celebrate the Easter holiday
Easter is just around corner which means it's time for spring flowers, lovely dresses and time with family and friends. Below are five apps to help you celebrate the Sunday holiday. If you have any suggestions of your own, please add them to the list (all prices are USD). Wood Puzzles Easter Color HD ($0.99) Wood Puzzles Easter Color HD is an iPad app that features 15 different Easter-themed puzzles. The puzzles are your standard wood puzzles with colorful, chunky pieces that are perfect for the younger set. Easter Egg Coloring Book (Free) The Easter Egg Coloring book is a finger-painting app for children that chock full or rabbits and eggs for your child to color. It's cutesy and will keep your children busy coloring for hours. Olive Tree Bible Reader ($0.99; bibles and study guides available as in-app purchases) If you are a Christian, then you should consider adding Olive Tree Bible Reader to your list of must-have apps. It has a variety of bibles and study guides that you can add to your iPhone or iPad. Use it to bookmark and then review those passages that celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. iCookbook ($4.99) Eggs and candy are a big part of Easter, but we can't forget about the all-important Easter brunch or dinner. If you need some cooking tips or recipe ideas, then go no further than iCookbook. The cooking app features 2,000 recipes with detailed instructions and stunning photos. The app has some compelling features like voice command which lets you use your voice to work your way through a recipe, set timers and more. Egg Dyeing 101 from Martha Stewart ($0.99) Egg Dyeing 101 from Martha Stewart was on our list last year and is back again for a second round. The app has detailed instructions on how to cook and dye Easter eggs as well as fun crafts that you can do once the eggs are done. It's 99-cents and worth every penny.
Amazon marks 'best holiday' for Kindle devices, fills stockings full of cash
It was yet another solid year for Amazon's Kindle family of products. The mega online retailer sent out its yearly post-Christmas card, bragging about moving "well over one million Kindle devices per week" for December, making it the best holiday yet for the e-reader / tablet line, according to the company. Three Kindles held the top spots on the site's list of best sellers, led by the Fire, the Touch and the plain old fourth generation Kindle. No exact numbers from Amazon, as per usual, but it looks to have been a pretty green Christmas for Bezos and co. Jingle all the way to the celebratory press release after the jump.
The Daily Grind: Did you get gaming gifts for the holidays?
The holiday season is winding down and the gift-giving days are done. People are sitting back and enjoying their break from school or work, and maybe enjoying some new items that Santa dropped in their stockings. Last weekend the Massively staffers talked about what gaming-related goodies they were hoping to receive, and we posed the same question to you. So what's the verdict? Were your holiday gaming wishes fulfilled? Is your Steam wish list shorter? Is your pile of gaming boxes taller? Do you have some shiny new game time codes to use? Leave a comment and let us know what your newest gaming goodies are! Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!
2011 game industry holiday card blowout
We made it through another year, folks! Take that, death! And with another year's end comes a new volley of holiday cards created by game industry developers, publishers, and publications. In honor of our features editor and most prolific writer, JC Fletcher, we've adorned the header image above with Tiny Cartridge's adorably handheld-themed card (he's half of the team that makes up Tiny Cartridge, you see). We'd also like to thank you, dear reader, for joining us for another year of video game news, previews, reviews, and features heavily laced with puns and semi-obscure pop culture references. We'll have much, much more in the coming year, as you can imagine. Another treat we'd suggest you check out (and one that can't be jammed into a gallery) is Destructoid's second annual Christmas album. That's some serious dedication to the holiday spirit right there! While you listen to that, might we suggest heading into the gallery below and flipping through this year's holiday cards? Or get some coffee first, perhaps -- it's okay, we'll wait. All set? Go for it!%Gallery-142433%
Google becomes the Clark Griswold of the internet with 'Jingle Bells' doodle
Having conquered so many aspects of the software world, it's time for Google to take the next logical step in its evolution: becoming that annoying neighbor who always goes a bit overboard each year with the Christmas display. This time out, Google's doodle lets you play five notes of "Jingle Bells" manually, bringing down the lights and finishing up the song with a full-on holiday light show. Check it out, but don't blame us if your computer blows a fuse.
Last-minute apps for Christmas Eve
With the clock ticking down the hours until Santa arrives, here are some last-minute holiday apps to load on your iPhone or iPad as you go out caroling, do last-minute shopping or visit your friends and family: Santa's Big Helper ($.99): This has a number of features, and if you're looking for one good Christmas app, this is the one to grab. It has a Santa tracker, a naughty/nice list, the ability to write to Santa for those last-minute Christmas wishes, ask questions and more. FOOD52 Holiday Recipe & Survival Guide ($3.99): If you need a guide to hosting a holiday party or a good recipe for a family gathering, this app is great for doing everything from making pie to crafting a gingerbread house. There are eight suggested menus that will make fighting the crowds at the grocery store a bit easier, and you can follow community links to get help from other people. And if it's too late to take advantage of the app this Christmas, it'll be on your iPad for the next holiday season. For other cooking apps, take a look at Epicurious (free) and How to Cook Everything ($9.99 for full app, free for essentials), which are always great go-tos for recipes. A Charlie Brown Christmas ($.99): We took a look at this iPad app in November, and it turns the classic Peanuts special into an interactive storybook that brings a new dimension to the story. If A Charlie Brown Christmas is part of your Christmas Eve traditions, then it's worth the download and is currently on sale for $.99. Christmas Carols ($.99): You're out singing Christmas carols tonight and suddenly forget the words to "The First Noel." Instead of humming along awkwardly, pull out this app and look up the lyrics to a number of carols. It might not help you carry a tune, but you'll at least know the words. Cards (Free): It's Christmas Eve. You open your mailbox to find a Christmas card from your great aunt, and you realize you've not only forgotten to send her one, but you're out of Christmas cards and she doesn't use the Internet. Pull out your iPhone, grab a photo of your Christmas tree and quickly use this app to create a last-minute Christmas card. It won't get to your great aunt until next week, but it's the thought that counts ... right? You also might enjoy the new Postcards on the Run, which was one of our Daily iPhone apps this week.
RIFT wishes fans happy holidays with a new Fae Yule video
Trion Worlds has released a new video in order to wish its fans happy holidays from RIFT's land of Telara. The new Fae Yule-themed video shows Telara on holiday, with people standing in line for presents, riding some rather derpy reindeer across a snowy landscape, and of course, beating the ever-loving daylights out of a gargantuan treant wrapped in lights. To get your dose of Telaran holiday cheer, just click on past the cut for the full video.
Developers eager to submit apps before App Store vacation
It's that time of year again: Snow is in the air, presents are underneath the tree, and Apple is about to shut down the developer's side of App Store for its yearly freeze. The New York Times has done some solid coverage on the shutdown this year, which will start this Thursday, and run for a week and a day after that. Apps will still be for sale, of course, but developers won't be able to release new apps or updated released apps. Every year, developers have to rush to not only, as the NYT says, get their apps out on the store and available before the freeze, but also to try and get their apps in the top 25 paid and free lists, which is where many post-holiday new iPhone and iPad owners start their app shopping. Electronic Arts, which the NYT quotes in its piece, has probably been the most public beneficiary of this App Store break -- a few years ago, the company dropped all of its apps on sale to 99 cents in the days before the freeze, which enabled it to grab most of the real estate in the "top apps" lists, and that big bump has even dictated company mobile policy until now. There's no doubt there is plenty of money to be earned on the App Store this holiday again (and we'll likely see some developers reporting big bumps next week), but I'd suggest that things are changing, soon, if not already. Back in the early days of the App Store, there weren't too many ways to find good apps besides those top 25 lists. But these days, there are a lot more resources, both for users to find the apps they want, and for developers to promote their own apps. So I don't know that we'll see as big an effect from the top 25 lists this year as past year. We'll still see big sales, I'm sure, but I think those will be more spread out than last year. And of course the App Store freeze has one more benefit for Apple: In addition to allowing the company to do maintenance and updates on the store and its infrastructure, it also allows the review and support staff to take a much-needed break for a few days. We'll have to wait and see how it works out for the company and 3rd-party developers this year.
Kindle devices selling at a rate of one million a week ahead of holidays
Amazon tends not to be all that specific when it comes to Kindle sales figures, so it's always nice to see a number from the retail giant, even if it's as broad as the one it released today. According to the company, Kindle products have moved at a rate of "more than one million per week" for the past three weeks. That number includes the currently available members of the e-reading family, including the fourth generation Kindle, the Kindle Touch (both the WiFi and 3G versions) and the Fire. According to Amazon, the latter is "the most successful product we've ever launched," having topped the company's sales charts for 11 weeks. Press info after the jump.
