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The Future of Online Gaming
There’s an interesting read over at 1Up.com – it’s about the future of online gaming, and it has some pretty cool concepts discussed in it. Halo 3’s Lead Designer Jaime Griesemer was one of the developers interviewed for it – and Halo gets mentioned a few times in before-its-time functionality. Thanks, JeSteR 343.(Louis Wu 11:43:42 UTC)
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The Man Behind the Iris ARG Curtain?
Do you know this man?If you hang with us, you should. His name is Jordan Weisman, founder of the company 42 Entertainment, ARG and storytelling extraordinaires, and he’s most likely the mastermind behind the current “Iris” ARG we’re currently losing sleep over. I can only imagine what his workday might be like lately: [Make sure the fanboys have enough vague techno mumbo jumbo about the Halo universe to keep themselves busy for the next week…check. Make sure the press is frenzied about the Halo 3 release…check. Daydream about next multi-million dollar startup…check.]
Not surprisingly, there’s a whole lot more Weisman is responsible for that we should probably thank him for. Ever hear of a little company called FASA? That’s right, FASA was founded by Weisman in 1980, became popular for the Shadowrun series, spun off FASA Interactive, which was later bought by the Microsoft juggernaught. He served as Creative Director for the Microsoft Games Division for a period after the aquisition before starting up another company.
Read this article from The Escapist about his experiences with ARGs of the past, and his experiences in the industry as a whole.
Some previous ARGs he’s directly or indirectly responsible for:
The Beast (For the movie “A.I.:Artificial Intelligence”)
I Love Bees (For Halo 2 Release, wait..what do bees have to do with Halo?)
Year Zero (For the Nine Inch Nails album “Year Zero”)
Vanishing Point (For the release of Windows Vista)
Dead Man’s Tale (For the release of “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest”)
Hex 168 (For the launch of the Xbox 360 console)
Last Call Poker (For the release of GUN)
__________________________
XBL GT: Mikeulus
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Hail To The Chimp Coming To Xbox 360, PS3
The first trailer for Hail to the Chimp, Wideload’s upcoming political party beat-’em-up, is available now at 1Up, and it shows actual gameplay, including the creation of a temporary player alliance. 1Up has also done a preview.
The basics? Up to four players, who choose from among ten animals, who then fight it out in an arena in one of several game types, including variations on territories and last man standing.
Being a fan of serious games that take themselves seriously and cover serious topics like universal armageddon, this looks like a fun change of pace; I’m really looking forward to it next spring.
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“Video Game Addiction”
Welcome back for our second roundtable episode. This weeks topic was about “Video Game Addiction”, which was inspired by a recent article about how the American Medical Association is investigating whether or not to include videogame addiction as a mental disorder. When we saw this, we just knew we had to go all out for this show, so we brought in some of our friends from all around the gaming community. Join us as we give you our points of view about how gamers can be perceived as addicts. And thank you to all our special guests that came on for this amazing discussion.Guests:
JVB – Podtacular
Vicious696 – Uncle Gamer
Liquilife – Uncle Gamer
Duff – Gamercast Network
Godfree – Gamertag Radio
As always, feel free to send us your feedback at dcradioshow@yahoo.com or send us a voicemail at 1-206-350-7197.
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“Video Game Addiction”
Welcome back for our second roundtable episode. This weeks topic was about “Video Game Addiction”, which was inspired by a recent article about how the American Medical Association is investigating whether or not to include videogame addiction as a mental disorder. When we saw this, we just knew we had to go all out for this show, so we brought in some of our friends from all around the gaming community. Join us as we give you our points of view about how gamers can be perceived as addicts. And thank you to all our special guests that came on for this amazing discussion.Guests:
JVB – Podtacular
Vicious696 – Uncle Gamer
Liquilife – Uncle Gamer
Duff – Gamercast Network
Godfree – Gamertag Radio
As always, feel free to send us your feedback at dcradioshow@yahoo.com or send us a voicemail at 1-206-350-7197.
-
“Video Game Addiction”
Welcome back for our second roundtable episode. This weeks topic was about “Video Game Addiction”, which was inspired by a recent article about how the American Medical Association is investigating whether or not to include videogame addiction as a mental disorder. When we saw this, we just knew we had to go all out for this show, so we brought in some of our friends from all around the gaming community. Join us as we give you our points of view about how gamers can be perceived as addicts. And thank you to all our special guests that came on for this amazing discussion.
Guests:
JVB – Podtacular
Vicious696 – Uncle Gamer
Liquilife – Uncle Gamer
Duff – Gamercast Network
Godfree – Gamertag Radio
As always, feel free to send us your feedback at dcradioshow@yahoo.com or send us a voicemail at 1-206-350-7197.
THX on G4’s Attack of the Show
The Hushed Casket was featured on Attack of the Show on the G4 cable network on Wednesday the 20th. J-DOGG passed along these pictures today. Thanks for capturing these, J.
I think we may have also been on there last week when we lead with the HALO 3 ARG story. I saw some traffic coming this way from the AOTS website then.
Good work everybody. And welcome to the new visitors!
__________________________
currently playing: Shadowrun
on the back burner: Catan, Guitar Hero II, HALO 2 (PC)
Shadowrun rocks!
Humpday Challenge: Steaktacular
With pounds and pounds of meat on the line, battle is waged, grudges are settled, and bets are ended.
Band Of Bugs.
The code is: M3MF3-72HJJ-69VW7-MHVJD-VRR6W
This code only works once. GOOD LUCK..:-)
Slick Halo Signatures
Venom at SimpleGFX.net wrote up a tutorial for creating cool-looking signatures you can use on Halo forums around the net. Thanks to The Photoshop Roadmap for pointing this out.(Louis Wu 20:11:17 UTC)
Working on Efficiency
Overswarm has written a new article entitled ‘Working on Efficiency‘ – playing to stay alive, rather than playing to get kills. There’s a nice example of how this works in a common stalemate situation on Lockout. Good read!(Louis Wu 20:06:15 UTC)
RT: Get out of jail 'not so' free…
Today’s comic s just gross. I’m beginning to think Griffon and Luke are kind of sick. Reader beware….Oh and also, today’s sponsor comic is here. It’s probably slightly less disturbing.
my eyes!
Wow, the ARG is really heating up!
At around Midnight Eastern Time, the site 206.16.223.65 had an update. What it was is that people recieved a “key” instead of that countdown timer. They had to take that key up to www.unlock.msgamestudios.com and be one of the first 100 to help unlock “Server 5” (Of which we would see server 1 on www.halo3.com). Once unlocked, the “Server” starts to show up on 206.16.223.65 and you were able to download 4 things, and watch a video of which seems to be AR’s final transmission before being completely compromised.
Screenshots and a whole lot more after the jump!
The site 206.16.223.65 before the Unlock provided by Ibeechu of ABO
At the top of the page, you see the audio picture, getting a clip that says
Quote:
This is how it all begins.
Just in time to, once again, dance on the knife-edge of oblivion.
To relive what the Halos have hoped to destroy, and more.
For two enemies now stand, where before, there was only one.
With fate we escaped, and fate we may relive.
I almost convinced myself that no one was listening; that the waves of the past would roll through once again.
But a chance remains to change the universe anew.
Learn of our past.
Take these keys and dip from the wells of history.
Perhaps through others’ eyes, you may find how to save us all.
The Video Provided by CrashWave
Transcript (This is also “Log5_Transcript.txt” on the 206.16.223.65)
Quote:
THIS IS MY FINAL ENTRY, AND I AM LEFT WITH ONE HOPE
THAT ONE DAY, SOMEONE, ANYONE IS AROUND TO WITNESS THIS WARNING
{//}
KNOW THAT A THOUSAND OTHER PLANS WERE TRIED AND FAILED
{//}
KNOW THAT ENERGETIC AND TENACIOUS AS LIFE IS
IT HAS AN ANTITHESIS JUST AS POWERFUL
IT IS THAT THING THAT WE MUST OBLITERATE
Slide_Ref070107.jpg
Array_Recorder_Data.txt
Quote:
Halo array –System Data Recorder[
3 minutes 5 seconds]
{c-match-reconfirmed}. Sphere secure to .1889 of passing fleet. Offensive tactics confirmed.
Feint tactics in limited push.
Sys//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////{online}
Index: {check}
{D-com} There is no peace left. No place where the parasite cannot reach. You were right about it
all. Let us hope the final measure is not too late.[
1 minutes 12 seconds]
Confrm: Array burn radium {check} 3.0
Confrm: Array sync …1…2…3…4…5…6…7…{check}
Commence…_{ }[
60 seconds]
Commence…_{check}
Confrm: -00-00-00-59-0999-
{c-match-line-hold} acceptable losses confirmed
{D-com} It’s done. By my hands. The pyrrhic solution is ignited. All I have left is the quiet of
space to lull me to sleep. I will dream of you.[
49 seconds]
Authorize -00-00-00-48-0999-
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_{check}[
23 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-22-0999-
Confrm: wpnt {auth}
Core sequence <%> <%>[
11 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-10-0999-
{c-match-burn} effectiveness of enemy core fleet negligible
{D-com} I feel no peril.[
5 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-04-0999-
{D-com} No pain. No remorse. Is that normal?[
0 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-00-0001-
Reversion Sequence…{negative}
Array Authorized…_{Activate}
Rings online…_{Activate}
[
7 seconds]
+00+00+00+07+0001+
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
I cut alot of the reset part because it would take the whole page…
How many resets there are : 104 (For Future Refrence)
StarImage1.jpg
Alright, now that we have this new information, where do we go from here???
Wow, the ARG is really heating up!
At around Midnight Eastern Time, the site 206.16.223.65 had an update. What it was is that people recieved a “key” instead of that countdown timer. They had to take that key up to www.unlock.msgamestudios.com and be one of the first 100 to help unlock “Server 5” (Of which we would see server 1 on www.halo3.com). Once unlocked, the “Server” starts to show up on 206.16.223.65 and you were able to download 4 things, and watch a video of which seems to be AR’s final transmission before being completely compromised.
Screenshots and a whole lot more after the jump!
The site 206.16.223.65 before the Unlock provided by Ibeechu of ABO
At the top of the page, you see the audio picture, getting a clip that says
Quote:
This is how it all begins.
Just in time to, once again, dance on the knife-edge of oblivion.
To relive what the Halos have hoped to destroy, and more.
For two enemies now stand, where before, there was only one.
With fate we escaped, and fate we may relive.
I almost convinced myself that no one was listening; that the waves of the past would roll through once again.
But a chance remains to change the universe anew.
Learn of our past.
Take these keys and dip from the wells of history.
Perhaps through others’ eyes, you may find how to save us all.
The Video Provided by CrashWave
Transcript (This is also “Log5_Transcript.txt” on the 206.16.223.65)
Quote:
THIS IS MY FINAL ENTRY, AND I AM LEFT WITH ONE HOPE
THAT ONE DAY, SOMEONE, ANYONE IS AROUND TO WITNESS THIS WARNING
{//}
KNOW THAT A THOUSAND OTHER PLANS WERE TRIED AND FAILED
{//}
KNOW THAT ENERGETIC AND TENACIOUS AS LIFE IS
IT HAS AN ANTITHESIS JUST AS POWERFUL
IT IS THAT THING THAT WE MUST OBLITERATE
Slide_Ref070107.jpg
Array_Recorder_Data.txt
Quote:
Halo array –System Data Recorder[
3 minutes 5 seconds]
{c-match-reconfirmed}. Sphere secure to .1889 of passing fleet. Offensive tactics confirmed.
Feint tactics in limited push.
Sys//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////{online}
Index: {check}
{D-com} There is no peace left. No place where the parasite cannot reach. You were right about it
all. Let us hope the final measure is not too late.[
1 minutes 12 seconds]
Confrm: Array burn radium {check} 3.0
Confrm: Array sync …1…2…3…4…5…6…7…{check}
Commence…_{ }[
60 seconds]
Commence…_{check}
Confrm: -00-00-00-59-0999-
{c-match-line-hold} acceptable losses confirmed
{D-com} It’s done. By my hands. The pyrrhic solution is ignited. All I have left is the quiet of
space to lull me to sleep. I will dream of you.[
49 seconds]
Authorize -00-00-00-48-0999-
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_{check}[
23 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-22-0999-
Confrm: wpnt {auth}
Core sequence <%> <%>[
11 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-10-0999-
{c-match-burn} effectiveness of enemy core fleet negligible
{D-com} I feel no peril.[
5 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-04-0999-
{D-com} No pain. No remorse. Is that normal?[
0 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-00-0001-
Reversion Sequence…{negative}
Array Authorized…_{Activate}
Rings online…_{Activate}
[
7 seconds]
+00+00+00+07+0001+
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
I cut alot of the reset part because it would take the whole page…
How many resets there are : 104 (For Future Refrence)
StarImage1.jpg
Alright, now that we have this new information, where do we go from here???
Wow, the ARG is really heating up!
At around Midnight Eastern Time, the site 206.16.223.65 had an update. What it was is that people recieved a “key” instead of that countdown timer. They had to take that key up to www.unlock.msgamestudios.com and be one of the first 100 to help unlock “Server 5” (Of which we would see server 1 on www.halo3.com). Once unlocked, the “Server” starts to show up on 206.16.223.65 and you were able to download 4 things, and watch a video of which seems to be AR’s final transmission before being completely compromised.
Screenshots and a whole lot more after the jump!
The site 206.16.223.65 before the Unlock provided by Ibeechu of ABO
At the top of the page, you see the audio picture, getting a clip that says
Quote:
This is how it all begins.
Just in time to, once again, dance on the knife-edge of oblivion.
To relive what the Halos have hoped to destroy, and more.
For two enemies now stand, where before, there was only one.
With fate we escaped, and fate we may relive.
I almost convinced myself that no one was listening; that the waves of the past would roll through once again.
But a chance remains to change the universe anew.
Learn of our past.
Take these keys and dip from the wells of history.
Perhaps through others’ eyes, you may find how to save us all.
The Video Provided by CrashWave
Transcript (This is also “Log5_Transcript.txt” on the 206.16.223.65)
Quote:
THIS IS MY FINAL ENTRY, AND I AM LEFT WITH ONE HOPE
THAT ONE DAY, SOMEONE, ANYONE IS AROUND TO WITNESS THIS WARNING
{//}
KNOW THAT A THOUSAND OTHER PLANS WERE TRIED AND FAILED
{//}
KNOW THAT ENERGETIC AND TENACIOUS AS LIFE IS
IT HAS AN ANTITHESIS JUST AS POWERFUL
IT IS THAT THING THAT WE MUST OBLITERATE
Slide_Ref070107.jpg
Array_Recorder_Data.txt
Quote:
Halo array –System Data Recorder[
3 minutes 5 seconds]
{c-match-reconfirmed}. Sphere secure to .1889 of passing fleet. Offensive tactics confirmed.
Feint tactics in limited push.
Sys//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
//////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////{online}
Index: {check}
{D-com} There is no peace left. No place where the parasite cannot reach. You were right about it
all. Let us hope the final measure is not too late.[
1 minutes 12 seconds]
Confrm: Array burn radium {check} 3.0
Confrm: Array sync …1…2…3…4…5…6…7…{check}
Commence…_{ }[
60 seconds]
Commence…_{check}
Confrm: -00-00-00-59-0999-
{c-match-line-hold} acceptable losses confirmed
{D-com} It’s done. By my hands. The pyrrhic solution is ignited. All I have left is the quiet of
space to lull me to sleep. I will dream of you.[
49 seconds]
Authorize -00-00-00-48-0999-
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_
Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_ Array
Authorized…_ Array Authorized…_{check}[
23 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-22-0999-
Confrm: wpnt {auth}
Core sequence <%> <%>[
11 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-10-0999-
{c-match-burn} effectiveness of enemy core fleet negligible
{D-com} I feel no peril.[
5 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-04-0999-
{D-com} No pain. No remorse. Is that normal?[
0 seconds]
fire: -00-00-00-00-0001-
Reversion Sequence…{negative}
Array Authorized…_{Activate}
Rings online…_{Activate}
[
7 seconds]
+00+00+00+07+0001+
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
reset…………………………..
I cut alot of the reset part because it would take the whole page…
How many resets there are : 104 (For Future Refrence)
StarImage1.jpg
Alright, now that we have this new information, where do we go from here???
WETA’s handiwork
Nice – JAY132 was digging around the WETA Workshop website, and came across what looks to be a BR55 in production. (It’s the first image in the Gallery link he’s posted.) Who knows if they’ll ever get back to those…(Louis Wu 15:35:31 UTC)
H3 Brute Captain, Modelled
ethereal has been working on modeling the Halo 3 Brutes, as shown in the Brute ViDoc a few months ago. Awesome start!(Louis Wu 15:07:49 UTC)
If you’re gonna steal…
Both Blackstar and nash–housewares noticed that a video of an iPhone knock-off also contains some Halo content…(Louis Wu 15:05:27 UTC)
The Making of Starry Night
Wow, very cool. S3NATOR noticed that over at the Digital Domain website, they not only have the Starry Night commercial shown last December, but they have a very cool ‘Making Of Starry Night’ piece, as well. The site is Flash-based, so you’ll have to navigate there. Go to ‘Commercials’, then ‘Behind the Scenes’. Click on the Starry Night image in the top row, and you’ll get the commercial, along with clips showing how it was put together. Very fun to watch.(Louis Wu 15:02:05 UTC)
New McKay Art
Luke McKay posted a new image in his Red vs Blue collection – we’ve added it to his gallery here. He wanted to make it clear that the Master Chief is very, very tall; I think he gets the point across. (It also seems that I forgot to mention back in April that I added another RvB comic he did… oops.)(Louis Wu 13:02:06 UTC)