Tuesday, December 10, 2013

ICS Mobile's Joe Bayen on bringing emotional currency to app discovery with AppXchange

ICS Mobile's Joe Bayen on bringing emotional currency to app discovery with AppXchange:
You can always have a lively debate about just how broken the app discovery process currently is. With app store promotional slots controlled by big platform holders and user acquisition dominated by big advertising budgets,

Darkfall December patches include cannons, new dungeon, and more

Darkfall December patches include cannons, new dungeon, and more:
Filed under: Fantasy, Darkfall, Classes, Game Mechanics, Patches, PvP, News Items, Sandbox, Dungeons, Subscription Darkfall fans have more to look forward to this month than just a holiday to get off work (and game

This Week in China: much parkour

This Week in China: much parkour:
Every Friday, in co-operation with Laohu.com, Gamezebo strives to bring you the latest and greatest news to come out of the Chinese gaming scene - and if this week is any indication, Chinese gamer's really like parkour. A lot.If

Don't chase a hit. Build a community, says Kiwi Inc's Omar Siddiqui

Don't chase a hit. Build a community, says Kiwi Inc's Omar Siddiqui:
As we look to 2014, it's clear that the opportunities and challenges of the mobile gaming market are increasing. In that context, perhaps it's a mark of your personality - optimist or pessimist - which you focus on. According to

Fingerprint leaves its mark on the educational games space

Fingerprint leaves its mark on the educational games space:
It's no secret that kids in the U.S. are lagging behind in the STEM subjects - also known as science, technology, engineering and math - when compared to their counterparts in other countries all over the globe. The reasons why are

Nice platform, shame about the marketplace: A PlayStation Mobile developer reveals all

Nice platform, shame about the marketplace: A PlayStation Mobile developer reveals all:
Whatever your view on PlayStation Mobile – and, such have been the fortunes of the platform to date that, chances are, many of you simply won't have one – you can't knock it for a lack of variety. Alongside a host of acclaimed titles that

Remnant Knights: Server Shut Down on January 31st

Remnant Knights: Server Shut Down on January 31st:
Game Samba has announced that Remnant Knights will be ceasing operations on January 31, 2014 due to the cessation of the development agreement with MIN Communications. According to the post, the break with

2013 Was A Very Good Year For Facebook Gaming

2013 Was A Very Good Year For Facebook Gaming:
Facebook gaming is far from dead — it's just getting started. 2013 saw impressive growth in both audience numbers and diversity of Facebook game developer, making for one exciting year for free browser-based entertainment.

General: Alfheim Tales to Launch Open Beta on December 11

General: Alfheim Tales to Launch Open Beta on December 11:
Gamedp has announced that its anime-inspired MMO, Alfheim Tales Online, will launch its open beta phase of development on December 11th. During the open beta, players can try out the pet system and the features in place for

Gamigo Acquires NA Licensing Rights for Last Chaos | Ten Ton Hammer

Gamigo Acquires NA Licensing Rights for Last Chaos | Ten Ton Hammer:
Gamigo takes over publishing duties for Last Chaos in North America from Aeria Games. Here's what you need to know.

Trove: Digging and Destroying in Trove Alpha

Trove: Digging and Destroying in Trove Alpha:
Trove is one of those games that doesn't quite fit into any preconceived mold. Yes, it looks a lot like Cube World of Minecraft, but that's merely a result of the voxel-based graphics. What lies inside is an open RPG world with potential

Project AX – Everyone is an animal in upcoming isometric online game

Project AX – Everyone is an animal in upcoming isometric online game:
Another day, another new MMORPG revealed. Currently in development stage, Project AX is the maiden project from Ngine Studios, located in South Korea. In this game, players assume the roles of students from a beastmen school,

Rise and Shiny: Zombie Pandemic

Rise and Shiny: Zombie Pandemic:
Filed under: Horror, Screenshots, Video, Bugs, Game Mechanics, Previews, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, Post-Apocalyptic, Rise and Shiny, Livestream, Sandbox I really want to recommend Zombie

SundayToz on the continuing value of Kakao in the rise and rise of Anipang

SundayToz on the continuing value of Kakao in the rise and rise of Anipang:
Korean developer SundayToz is best known for the massive success of Anipang on Kakao. Released in July 2012, it was the first game to demonstrate the high virality of the social messaging platform, gaining 30

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Aurora Games MMORPG “Hench” to holds final test from January 2 to 5, 2014.
  • Astorm RPG “Hero Warz” starts live beta test today.
  • Galaxy Gate signs Japan publishing contract with DMM Group and Thailand and Singapore, Malaysia region publishing contract with Velofethia via Mplanet for “Legend of Fighters.” 
  • Neowiz Games signs strategic partnership and China publishing contract with Changyou for MMORPG “BLESS” and “Project Blacksheep,” does not sign with Tencent to diversify its China business partners.
  • Smilegate “Crossfire” enters formal service on December 12.
  • Nexon new brand “Kartrider 2014” revealed for the first time in an event.
  • GREE Korea full 3D action MORPG “Lost in Stars” released in Naver Appstore.
  • Com2us mobile collectible figure game “Dice Adventure” released in Google Play store.
  • Entermate mobile strategy RPG “Shinseondo” available in Naver Appstore and Google Play store.

TouchArcade Game of the Week: 'Savant - Ascent'

TouchArcade Game of the Week: 'Savant - Ascent':
The idea behind the TouchArcade Game of the Week is that every Friday afternoon we post the one game that came out this week that we think is worth giving a special nod to. Now, before anyone goes over-thinking this, it

Not So Massively: LoL's e-sports controversy, Dota 2's matchmaking overhaul, and more

Not So Massively: LoL's e-sports controversy, Dota 2's matchmaking overhaul, and more:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Video, Business Models, Expansions, Game Mechanics, Patches, PvP, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries, Not So Massively, Sandbox, MOBA, League of Legends, Diablo III,

Archlord – Game closure announced with sequel set for 2014 launch

Archlord – Game closure announced with sequel set for 2014 launch:
[Source] Webzen recently announced the closure of Archlord on 1st January 2014, which was the English global server in the company’s game portal. First launching in August of 2009, the lack of new features and regular

Layoffs hit Harmonix

Layoffs hit Harmonix:
Harmonix, the Massachusetts video game studio best known for Rock Band and Dance Central, laid off a number of employees today. ...

Final Fantasy XIV getting amazing patch on December 17th

Final Fantasy XIV getting amazing patch on December 17th:
While Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn was an amazing follow up to the overly broken Final Fantasy XIV, it was still...

League of Legends pros can now stream any game

League of Legends pros can now stream any game:
Riot Games has reversed its policy on the unfavorable LCS streaming policy which originally forbid pro League of...

Lime Odyssey – Developer said to be considering studio and game closure

Lime Odyssey – Developer said to be considering studio and game closure:
According to a report in a fan forum, the CEO of Cykan Entertainment allegedly mentioned that he is considering to shut down the studio and Lime Odyssey, mainly due to “financial problem”. Founded by a group of Ragnarok Online

King delays IPO amid one-hit wonder concerns

King delays IPO amid one-hit wonder concerns:
Candy Crush Saga company worried that the game is "too successful," wants to prove it can follow up with more hits

Black Desert – Developer teases gamers with first look at English client

Black Desert – Developer teases gamers with first look at English client:
Black Desert has got an eventful year in 2013, with the first Closed Beta phase being a roaring success and also being the star of G-Star 2013 in the public hall. I managed to slip in for Closed Beta, which you can read about

Defiance: Spikes, Stims, and Weapons, Oh My!

Defiance: Spikes, Stims, and Weapons, Oh My!:
Defiance players will have an opportunity to check out the latest DLC, Arkbreaker starting tomorrow. We spent some time checking out the new content and much more. Check it out before heading to the comments to chat.

The Wolf Among Us Review

The Wolf Among Us Review:
The Wolf Among Us Review By Andrew Stevens on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: INTRIGUING MYSTERYUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad The Wolf Among Us lures players into a fairytale-based murder mystery

M.U.L.E. Returns Review

M.U.L.E. Returns Review:
M.U.L.E. Returns Review By Carter Dotson on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: DOWN WITH M.U.L.E.Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad The classic Atari game of supply and demand economies is back with a fresh

KingHunt Review

KingHunt Review:
KingHunt Review By Jennifer Allen on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: SATISFYING SLICE N DICEUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Evolutionary rather than revolutionary, KingHunt is a fun twist on the Fruit Ninja

Dragon Mania Review

Dragon Mania Review:
Dragon Mania is Gameloft's answer to Clash of Clans, joining the crowded combat genre a bit late in the game, but making up for it with some very exciting gameplay. It drops some of the simulation elements in favor of active

Numerity Review

Numerity Review:
It's funny how much money some companies will spend making complex video games when so often, simplicity is best. Then again, making something simple that's also sophisticated and entertaining isn't exactly easy.

Blade & Soul – Nearly 200 servers live with insane number of players

Blade & Soul – Nearly 200 servers live with insane number of players:
Officially launching just late last month, the number of servers for Blade & Soul China has reached 195 to cope with the demand. The latest group was added just a week ago (the green status column), and the problem of server

Some Assembly Required: How EverQuest Next Landmark could redefine PGC

Some Assembly Required: How EverQuest Next Landmark could redefine PGC:
Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, New Titles, Opinion, Free-to-Play, EverQuest Next, Some Assembly Required, Player-Generated Content PGC means Players Got Creativity! OK, no it doesn't really, but it could (and it's

Prime World launch impressions

Prime World launch impressions:
Filed under: Fantasy, Game Mechanics, Previews, Opinion, Hands-On, Miscellaneous, MOBA So here I am again in Prime World. It's probably my first real "Facebook game" other than that thrones game, but this one has more

Want your games to sell on Android tablets? Amazon's a better option than Google Play

Want your games to sell on Android tablets? Amazon's a better option than Google Play:
Amazon's Kindle Fire is more popular than tablets running the Google Play store in the US - at least when it comes to gaming. That's according to the latest report by App Annie and IDC, with the two bodies claiming that Google's

How Playnomics is helping developers to better monetize their gamers

How Playnomics is helping developers to better monetize their gamers:
There's no question that the free-to-play model is here to stay in the gaming industry. After all, there's no better way for developers to get more people to check out their latest game than by using that alluring "Free" label. And for

Massively's exclusive sneak peek of RIFT 2.6: Dreamweaving, Fae Yule, and the state of the game

Massively's exclusive sneak peek of RIFT 2.6: Dreamweaving, Fae Yule, and the state of the game:
Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), Patches, Previews, Free-to-Play, RIFT, Crafting While we're descending into the insanity and fun of the holiday season, Trion Worlds is looking ahead to 2014 and its road to RIFT's 3.0. We

EuroGamez Launching Granado Espada EU Beta December 10th | Ten Ton Hammer

EuroGamez Launching Granado Espada EU Beta December 10th | Ten Ton Hammer:
Mark your calendars. EuroGamez GmbH is launching Granado Espada’s EU beta starting next week.

European and Japanese devs proactively capping in-app spending by minors

European and Japanese devs proactively capping in-app spending by minors:
Tecmo Koei, Big Bit and GungHo Online are restricting the amount of real money a player can spend in their games based on age, presumably in an effort to steer clear of legal trouble down the road. ...

Dungeon & Fighter – Nexon reveals new female Knight class and more

Dungeon & Fighter – Nexon reveals new female Knight class and more:
Following MapleStory and Mabinogi Heroes, Nexon will also be granting Dungeon & Fighter its annual winter content update. Rather than introducing new advancements for existing classes, a brand new female Knight class

Tomb Raider creative director joins 343 Industries

Tomb Raider creative director joins 343 Industries:
Tim Longo now working with Halo studio

Fruit Ninja goes F2P as it hits Tencent's WeChat social platform

Fruit Ninja goes F2P as it hits Tencent's WeChat social platform:
Tencent's WeChat platform has already demonstrated its power with Tian Tian Ku Pao (aka Cool Running Everyday). The Tencent-developed game generated around $16 million during its first month of release on the Chinese

New Frontiers Revamp Coming to Dark Age of Camelot PTS December 12th | Ten Ton Hammer

New Frontiers Revamp Coming to Dark Age of Camelot PTS December 12th | Ten Ton Hammer:
Get ready for a new war experience. DAoC’s New Frontiers revamp coming to Pendragon server this Thursday.

Aura Kingdom: A Fresh-Faced New Kid on the Block

Aura Kingdom: A Fresh-Faced New Kid on the Block:
Aura Kingdom is one of those games that many players may take a cursory glance at and then move one. Not so fast, gamer! We take a look at Aura Kingdom and offer a few thoughts to entice you to look again. Read on before

Burn the Rope 3D Review

Burn the Rope 3D Review:
Burn the Rope 3D pretty much delivers what its title promises: A puzzle game that plays very similarly to Big Blue Bubble's popular Burn the Rope, but with the inclusion of a third dimension. It's a small change on paper, but it still

Heroes of Dragon Age Review

Heroes of Dragon Age Review:
EA's Dragon Age series supplies an in-depth fantasy world that goes way beyond stories about noble heroes and evil dragons. The Dragon Age wiki contains thousands of pages with reams of information about Grey Wardens,

Lords of Waterdeep Review

Lords of Waterdeep Review:
Board games today are so much more than the simple Parker Brothers games of our youth. Moving pieces around squares with the occasional twist is where most of us start our cardboard-and-plastic careers, but it's hardly

Lawless Review

Lawless Review:
Mix one part Virtua Cop with a scoop of collectible card game and you have Lawless: a freemium action game that's all about relatively precise shooting and collecting lots and lots of guns. It makes for a surprisingly entertaining

Tank Domination Review

Tank Domination Review:
World of Tanks is, to put it bluntly, a phenomenon. While offering a different style of gameplay, I wouldn't hesitate to call World of Tanks as popular as other free-to-play multiplayer offerings like League of Legends or DOTA 2. And

Review: Chrome Wolf

Review: Chrome Wolf:
Just once I'd like to play an RPG where the "empire" isn't full of mustache-twirling, evil stereotypes. I don't know if we have Star Wars or the Romans to blame for this one, but you can bet your bottom gold piece that your

Review: The Wolf Among Us - Episode 1, Faith

Review: The Wolf Among Us - Episode 1, Faith:
Telltale finally found its groove with graphic novels. While it struggled to make truly great games from wacky webisodes, retro point-and-click adventures, summer blockbusters, and claymation TV shorts, the studio found its feet with

Review: Space Hulk

Review: Space Hulk:
Much like the heavily armoured Terminators that make up its protagonists, Space Hulk is a lumbering beast of a game, ponderously stumbling around without the precision or tactical nous it needs to really get its power claws into

Review: Puzzle Coaster

Review: Puzzle Coaster:
Puzzle Coaster is a physics-based puzzle game in which roller coasters are used for the purposes of problem solving. Yes, this is nearly as awesome as it sounds. You don't even have to remain seated at all times here. Take that,

'Rube Works' Review - A Classic Contraption Conundrum Comes to Life

'Rube Works' Review - A Classic Contraption Conundrum Comes to Life:
The concept of making a Rube Goldberg machine in a video game has been done so many times that it feels like some kind of crime against gaming that one hasn't been done to honor the man who invented it. He's has a huge

'Dokuro' Review - That's One Brave Bag of Bones

'Dokuro' Review - That's One Brave Bag of Bones:
Unrequited love is a theme you don't see much in videogames. Far too often games will deal with a sappy romance, or no romance at all. Admittedly, it's tough to really capture that feeling, but some games can pull it off with grace.

10 Surprising Twitter Statistics To Help You Reach More Followers

10 Surprising Twitter Statistics To Help You Reach More Followers:
"Retweet" or "RT"? To #hashtag or not? How do you get the most engagement from your Twitter followers? Let's dive right in.Since social media is changing so often, it can be really hard to keep up with stats and

Betawatch: November 30 - December 6, 2013

Betawatch: November 30 - December 6, 2013:
Filed under: Betas, MMO Industry, News Items, Betawatch, Miscellaneous The entire idea of game testing has been put through the wringer in the past few years, with betas that aren't and open betas that are release in all but name.

Crash Drive 2 Review

Crash Drive 2 Review:
Crash Drive 2 Review By Lee Hamlet on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: MULTIPLAYER MAYHEMUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Crash Drive 2 is great to play with friends thanks to its crazy courses, competitive

LAWLESS Review

LAWLESS Review:
LAWLESS Review By Lee Hamlet on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: LAY DOWN THE LAWUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad It may lack the depth of other iOS shooters, but LAWLESS packs in enough killer visuals and

Mijnlieff Review

Mijnlieff Review:
Mijnlieff Review By Stacy Barnes on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: DEFINITE HITUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Getting three-in-a-row takes on a new spin in Mijnlieff, a strategy game that leaves tic-tac-toe

Dokuro Review

Dokuro Review:
Dokuro Review By Lucy Ingram on December 9th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CHALLENGING YET FORGIVINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad The perfect port from the PS Vita, Dokuro is captivating and unique, and

Cyro Review

Cyro Review:
Cyro Review By Arron Hirst on December 6th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CUTE FUNUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Help the Cyro people collect enough bars to build their bridge to the moon, but be careful – failing to

Elixir: The League Of Immortality Review

Elixir: The League Of Immortality Review:
Elixir: The League Of Immortality Review By Jennifer Allen on December 6th, 2013 Our Rating: :: ENJOYABLE CASUAL ADVENTUREUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Offering a fun mystery in need of solving, Elixir:

Warlords RTS Review

Warlords RTS Review:
Warlords RTS Review By Carter Dotson on December 6th, 2013 Our Rating: :: RUMORS OF WARUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Rally the troops and get ready for a challenging RTS experience that’s also totally