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The Daily Grind: Is the free-to-play content usually enough for you?
News came in last week about Perfect World Entertainment's plans to turn Star Trek Online into a free-to-play business model. While most of us were not in the least bit surprised at the news, most of the comments we've seen here at Massively have been to the effect of, "Now I can finally try that game out!" This is a sentiment we see expressed more and more these days, as more MMOs are either launching as or converting to include some sort of basic free content. That content can be restrictive, but for many players, it's the only choice they have. Despite the challenge of playing a F2P game without touching your wallet, we wonder if the free content is usually enough to keep you satisfied. Are four classes enough for you in Age of Conan? Is one tier enough for you in Warhammer Online? Are three bags enough for you in Lord of the Rings Online? Let us know how you feel about the free content in MMOs. Are you happy with what you have available, or do you find the limits too restrictive? 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!
Hulu Plus app tweaked oh-so-slightly to comply with Apple rules
Hulu made a subtle change to its iPad app this weekend, cutting off that bottom line you can see in the screenshot above. Yes, per Apple's rules on charging for in-app subscriptions, Hulu can't actually link to its own site to promote its own subscription service for video streaming of TV episodes, movies and such. Apple's rules say either no links whatsoever to outside subscription signups, or both in-app subscriptions (which means a flat 30% goes to Apple directly) and offsite links. Since Hulu doesn't want to give any cut to Apple, the choice has apparently been made to simply offer the app as a service itself, rather than an ad for the site subscription. Will this affect Hulu's sales? Probably not too much -- I'd assume that most Hulu users are already subscribers, or at least know about the option already. Clearly the company determined it was more important to get the app out there than to worry about using it as an advertising tool. We'll have to wait and see how (or if -- some companies have already confirmed that they won't be dealing with in-app subscriptions at all) other subscription services handle Apple's restrictions.
Apple's restrictions on iPad and iPhone giveaways
Philip Elmer-DeWitt has an interesting article over at his Fortune Apple 2.0 blog that discusses Apple's restrictions on iPad and iPhone giveaways. It's not well-publicized or even strictly enforced by Apple, but the Cupertino company has a two-page policy governing the giveaway or promotion of its iOS devices. The policy prohibits you from using the word "free" as an modifier of an Apple products name in a prominent way. You still can run an iPad or iPhone giveaway, but you have to use the word free in a less prominent way and submit all the promotional materials to Apple for review. A handful of other restrictions limit how you can use Apple's product images and its font which is not to be used on or in connection with web sites, products, packaging, manuals.
Mac App Store launching in January sans Game Center and in-app purchases?
"Less" and "later" are some of our least favorite words, but they may apply to the Mac App Store, as one source claims it will miss Christmas, and another says the marketplace will have fewer features than its iOS counterpart. First off, The Loop's Jim Dalrymple believes that December 13th isn't the magic date, claiming that his inside sources say the store will actually arrive in January -- which, we must admit, would still be within the window of Apple's October promise to launch within 90 days. Second and perhaps more importantly, 9to5 Mac reports that App Store developers are being told that their Mac endeavors will have a number of substantial limitations, namely no Game Center support, no in-app purchases, and no ability to offer demos, trials or betas. Sounds like those high-denomination iTunes gift cards you've been stockpiling in your basement will finally come in handy.
Rumor: iPad config page mentions camera
It's already more or less a not-so-well-kept secret that the iPad will very likely have a camera eventually, but just in case you needed yet another hint that that's the case, Apple has provided. AppleInsider found a security document over on Apple's website (I think this is the one [PDF] though it appears to have been edited) that says the iPad has a restriction setting that will cut off "use of the camera" with an Exchange policy or a certain configuration. That would indeed seem to indicate that some future form of the iPad will come camera-equipped. Or does it? While AppleInsider's document explicitly shows an iPad, here's the iPhone Security Overview, and it looks like a lot of the text was cut-and-pasted from the document for the little handset to the one about Apple's tablet. It's possible this is just a typo, basically -- whoever was writing the new document for the iPad just forgot to take out the part about restricting the camera. Since both devices run iOS, there are probably a lot of similarities between each, and a lot of reused documentation. Even if this is just a mistake, though, the building evidence for a future iPad camera is hard to ignore. It's a sure thing that we'll eventually see an updated version of the iPad hardware, and once that comes around, it's hard to believe Apple isn't strongly considering putting a camera (or two) on the device. [via Engadget]
Report: China to ban violent, sexual marketing of online games
China's Ministry of Culture is once again cracking down on the online game industry in an attempt to limit the amount of "unwholesome" content the sector produces. According to a report from China Daily, the nation's officials are prohibiting the use of sex, violence or gambling to market Chinese developers' online games. Like the other regulations under this initiative, these restrictions will be effective as of August 1. According to the government's report on sexually-charged advertising, hiring adult film stars to serve as spokespeople for online games is a surprisingly common practice in China. Over here, we get Mr. T and Ozzy Osbourne. That's a pretty fair trade-off, right?
iPad 101: Restriction settings
Those with kids and iPads will notice that the latter find the former irresistible. When connected to the Internet, they provide access to all that the Web and App Store have to offer, some of which is decidedly not for kids. Here's how you can use the iPad's built-in Restrictions settings to limit their access. Open the general settings and click Restrictions. You'll have to create a special 4-digit pass code; pick one the kids can't guess. From there you can disable access to Safari, YouTube, iTunes, location notification and the ability to install apps. In addition, you can disable in-app purchases and limit TV shows, movies, podcasts and apps by rating or explicit content warning. It's not perfect and won't deter determined kids for long, but setting this up will offer some peace of mind.
Net neutrality moving forward behind closed doors?
It sounds fairly boring compared to slaughtering orcs in your game of choice, but net neutrality is a big deal. It's about the very nature of the Internet and how we interact with it, and supporters of neutrality would argue that it's the only thing standing between MMO players and uncomfortable restrictions on their ability to play. Unfortunately, the cause was dealt a major blow back in April, which looked like it might be the death knell of the cause. The Federal Communications Commission hasn't wholly dropped the issue, it seems, but their pursuit of it is somewhat more dodgy. It has come to light that the FCC has carried on a series of secret meetings with lobbyists from top telecommunication companies and large Internet companies to discuss the future of this proposal. Consumer group Free Speech has spoken out loudly in protest, referring to the meetings as "...what appears to be secret negotiations to sell out the future of the Internet." The future of neutrality remains very much in doubt, and it's well worth following along if you care about your online connection (which covers pretty much every MMO player).
Final Fantasy XI rolls out the information on the level cap increase
While we knew that the level cap was going to be raised soon in Final Fantasy XI, we hadn't heard much in terms of official details from Square-Enix. The silence has been broken, and while the official announcement neither confirms nor denies that the world's most insanely fit old man will be coming around for more limit breaking, it does offer a few interesting data points regarding the increase. This first round of increases will expand characters to level 80, complete with new equipment and newly relevant areas to suit those at the maximum level. On the negative side, certain main job abilities are confirmed to be unavailable with the concurrent jump in subjob level. The White Mage "Afflatus" skills and a Ninja's Yonin and Innin abilities will be locked away from use by main jobs. A Ranger's Shadowbind and a Scholar's Accession and Manifestation skills will also be usable, but in a weakened state. Other than these limitations, however, it's full speed ahead for the expanded caps in Final Fantasy XI -- and we can only hope that the silence on a new limit break might mean there isn't one.
Sling offers app update for Windows phones that includes 3G streaming on AT&T
Well, thanks AT&T. In the past I've vented my frustration that the much awaited SlingPlayer Mobile app for the iPhone was crippled by a new AT&T rule that didn't allow place shifting of TV signals on their network. The rule appeared to be specifically written to ban the SlingPlayer. As a result, the best Sling could offer to iPhone users was a version that only worked on Wi-Fi so the fragile AT&T network didn't get dinged. Now, Sling has announced a new version of the SlingPlayer Mobile version 2 for Windows phones that supports both Wi-Fi and the AT&T 3G network, and runs on the HTC Pure, Tilt II, as well as on some HTC phones on T-Mobile and Sprint. Now this is not something the folks at Sling did, but AT&T is mighty selective about which phones can stream over its 3G network. Mind you, AT&T has no problem allowing multi-hour baseball games to be streamed using the MLB app, and Orb also allows streaming on the iPhone, even from a remote TV Tuner. Even Ustream and Qik got into the streaming video act. If Apple ever dumps AT&T (and rumors say that at least AT&T will have competition soon) it won't be soon enough for me. For many customers, they've made a mess of the iPhone experience. I talked to a representative from Sling and he expressed frustration at the situation and added "we're working on it."
Roll a Death Knight (almost) anywhere in 3.0.8
Oh, you poor unfortunate souls! Forced by the cruel silver hand of fate to roll a Death Knight only on realms on which you already have a level 55 character. You've cried out in pain as the lashes of this restriction struck you, and through the anguish you've yelled "Yo Blizz! Lemme roll my DK anywhere, aight?"Word. Big Blue's got your back. Starting with the launch of 3.0.8, you'll be able to roll a new Death Knight on any realm as long as you have a level 55 character somewhere. The normal restrictions for character creation are still in place, though--can't make an opposite-faction DK on a PVP server, can't roll a DK on a server closed to transfers unless you've got a 55 there already, etc. All fair!Before you ask why this feature wasn't implemented from the get-go, remember that it wasn't even very long ago that the developers were deciding "how is dk formed?" (though they did say that the restriction would be lifted soon after Wrath launched).So fret not, ye oppressed. Soon, your chains (of ice) will be broken.
Kids try to get around Wizard101 language restrictions
Player 1: What can you see out your window?Player 2: A large fruit. You?Player 1: Uhh, OK... I can see Russia from my house.Player 2: What? Usually the language restrictions in MMOs consist of vulgarities and, less frequently, racial or sexual slurs. But Wizard101, a game targeted to a younger demographic, goes beyond that and disallows revealing location to other players. In fact, players under the age of 13 are not allowed to use the full chat function at all. This is to prevent kids from detailing where they are just in case.The problem is that kids get curious and ask other players where they live regardless - mind you, it has to be in a roundabout sort of way. Since many cannot answer directly, they have been trying to use features of the state or nicknames to describe their location. They may not get very far in actually depicting their state, but the effort surely must be a learning experience in speaking indirectly. With this type of skill, these players may just have futures in politics.
The Middleman throws broadcast flag on ABC Family
Sheesh, again? Not even a month after the collective HTPC community begrudgingly forgave Microsoft / NBC / whomever for throwing up the broadcast flag on select NBC programs, we've got yet another instance of Media Center users being unable to record a (late) primetime show. Reports around the web are suggesting that ABC Family's The Middleman threw the flag on a number of systems -- not just Vista -- and it's hard to say right now who is at fault. TVSquad's Brett Love had no issues capturing the show in HD and SD via his cable company-provided HD DVR, thus he's guessing the finger of blame is pointing in the general direction of Redmond. So, what gives? Will users continue to see these things followed by a quiet apology, or will the kinks really be ironed out so our perfectly legal time-shifting can resume?
Is it time for age restricted servers?
Anyone who has been playing WoW for a bit knows that this game is unique in that both adults and children can enjoy it at the same time. Indeed this duality can be considered one of the best features of the game. How often can you sit down with your son or daughter and truly enjoy the same video game? Besides the amazing adventures of Dora The Explorer, other kid friendly games like Disney Online's Toon Town and Club Penguin just don't provide the same level of enjoyment for adults and their children. (What's the game in Dora, you ask? Assisting her in finding the red berries or yelling at Swiper. See this not-safe-for-work Kevin Smith YouTube excerpt for an explanation.)However with that in mind, there are some compelling arguments that its due time for World of Warcraft to get a few age restricted servers.For starters, take a look at what Second Life has done. They're a pretty successful venture, and have a lot of parallels to MMORPGS like WoW. They've created a server called Teen Second Life in which they do their best to only allow teenagers between the ages of 13 – 17 access. When you turn 18 you're moved up to the adult server along with all your gear and property. Of course this has the same pitfalls as any other internet site where you can fake your identity, but it is a start; and a good one since Linden Labs actively polices age restrictions.
Apple not just refusing cash, also refusing Apple Gift Cards for iPhones
You can chalk this one up to our bad in assuming best intentions, but when Apple said no cash for iPhones, they damn well meant it -- enough to extend the policy out to no cash for anything that could in turn purchase an iPhone. Turns out you can't even use your Apple bucks to buy an iPhone anymore, not even if someone bought you an Apple Gift Card with their credit card. Ok, for a lot of you this isn't a big deal, but who gets hit hardest? Try all those teenage Apple fanboys begging various family members for small denomination gift cards that will add up to the iPhone they've been after. We've never heard any company being so adamant about keeping non-paper trail for every single damned purchase, but now we're just left wondering how long until someone (or some state) sour from this bitter pill decides to challenge Apple on that whole US dollar bills being "legal tender for all debts, public and private" thing. P.S. -No we're not lawyers, but yes, we're aware that it's probably completely legal for Apple to do. But that doesn't make it right, nor does that mean it will go unchallenged, you feel us?[Thanks, Kevin]
Apple refusing to accept cash for iPhone, limits 'em to two per person
Coincidence or not, Apple has stiffened up the requirements to pick up a new iPhone shortly after announcing that 250,000 or so of the 1.4 million it sold in Q4 went to unlockers. In an admittedly intriguing move, Apple has decided that it will "no longer accept cash for iPhone purchases," and moreover, each individual will only be allowed to buy two (on plastic, of course) in an effort to "stop people from reselling them." More specifically, spokeswoman Natalie Kerris stated that the company is "requiring a credit or debit card for payment to discourage unauthorized resellers," so don't even bother bringing the greenbacks if you're lookin' to grab an iPhone from Apple.[Image courtesy of PCWorld]
Skype to FCC: open up those cellular networks, please
It's painfully obvious just how tight cellular providers have control over how their networks are used, which features are enabled, and what handsets are locked, but Skype is hoping to chip away a bit more at the mighty provider stranglehold by suggesting that wireless networks be made to carry Skype calls. In a recent petition to the FCC, Skype is purportedly "asking regulators to force cellphone carriers to loosen their controls on what kinds of hardware and software can be connected to their networks," essentially paving the way for free calls to be made over costly connections. Skype is asking that the so-called Carterfone rules (circa 1968) be applied to the wireless industry, which basically "allowed consumers to hook any device up to the phone network, so long as it did not harm the network." Unsurprisingly, carriers are less than enthralled about the notion, and a cellular trade group has already reacted by calling Skype's proposal one that "completely disregards consumer benefits provided by a competitive marketplace," which is certainly nominated for laughable statement of the year. As of now, no other companies are putting their collective necks out to join Skype's agenda, but hopefully it won't remain solo for too much longer.[Via ArsTechnica]
EU Commission looks to harmonize game age restrictions
Are you thinking about selling little Francois Quatorze (that's "fourteen" in French) that copy of Dead Rising he keeps eyeballing? Think again. European Union Justice and Security Commissioner Franco Frattini is seeking to harmonize the rules concerning the sale of video games to minors. The Reuters article specifically cites 16 as the age in question, as Europe ratings board PEGI uses a 16+ rating for games typically rated "T" for Teen by the ESRB. Frattini opines that under current EU-wide rules, retailers still do not consistently check the consumer's age when selling 16-rated video games.Said Frattini, "I do want to harmonise rules ... punishing people illegally selling products, people not controlling and checking identity."The key element here is that Frattini does not want to universal agreement as to which games receive what age restrictions, as the tolerance of certain content factors differ amongst the EU's 27 nations. Germany, for example, recently banned (by means of ratings refusal) a handful of high-profile titles such as Gears of War, Dead Rising, and Crackdown.
Vista license to only allow one computer transfer
As if crippling your PC when you're running an unlicensed copy of Vista wasn't enough, Microsoft has now taken to limiting the number of times you can transfer your license legitimately to other computers. Unlike Windows XP, which previously allowed for unlimited license transfers between computers, Vista limits this transfer to a single time. As TechWeb reports, quoting the license for Windows Vista Home Basic (and other versions as well): "The first user of the software may reassign the license to another device one time. If you reassign the license, that other device becomes the 'licensed device.'" Still, as we noted last time, it's almost certainly a safe bet that the most determined folks will figure out a way around this, à la PlaysForSure.
Apple Wants to Keep Kids Away From WoW
Metroblogging Azeroth points out something interesting over on Apple's page touting its new Leopard version of the OS X operating system. Apparently it's profitable now to sell software that keeps your kids away from WoW. After all, 40% of us are addicted, right?Of course, Apple's used to bashing other software makers (uh oh, now I'm going to have the Apple fanboys on my case). But I say-- why stop there? There must be a huge market in keeping people from playing WoW. How about an anti-WoW mouse that shakes uncontrollably whenever the client is loaded, causing you to be unable to even place an auction? Or an anti-WoW monitor that's made to go off right when you're able to grab the flag in WSG? Anything is possible!Then again, maybe I shouldn't be so harsh with Apple. After all, this feature is "Because You Said So," so, there must be lots of parents out there who want their kids off of the game. And heck, if parental controls can rid us of those twelve and thirteen-year-olds begging for "epix" in the main cities, I'm all for it.
