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JJ & Gabe's Dice 2013 Keynote

Dice posted the JJ & Gabe keynote in its entirety and I wanted to share it with yall. Apparently it contains some choice words so ensure you watch it!

**Edit** This talk is epic as hell, seriously JJ & Gabe trading off on each others work and doing a bit of a deep dive into the elements of what works and what doesn't.

25 people exit Valve

http://www.develop-online.net/news/43261/Jason-Holtman-leaves-Valve
http://www.gameranx.com/updates/id/12754/article/valve-steambox-controller-engineer-jeri-ellsworth-fired/

Reports dribbling in regarding large changes in staffing at Valve, at least some of which are in the group focusing on hardware.

Anyone up for some speculation?

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 09:27pm

Hmmm, seems like some kind of shake-up for sure. Hard to say why though.

Valve is making a __HUGE__ push to hardware, so I imagine this is in some way in service of that? I don't know how, but its possible there might be more visibility on this later on. IE they might say something about it.

I hope this doesn't hold up the Steambox too much, because it needs to happen.

Travis Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 10:28pm

It seems like the SteamBox is already on it's way, other hardware providers on-board and everything. I doubt at this stage that would just stop.

I do hope there's some transparency on this.

Gary_Butterfield wrote on 02/13/2013 at 11:23pm

So, as a semi professional video games podcaster, I don't actually keep up with much in the way of news about new games/new shit. What advantages does the Steam Box have over, say, a computer?

Travis Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 11:35pm

Gary, essentially marketing and a prettier box to have in your living room. It's Valve focusing on the living room, sharing the space consoles normally do. You can boot up into Steam's Big Picture mode, control everything with the controller, etc. Valve's will be based on Linux, which they're banking a lot on, and hopefully this will get more Linux games in Steam. But others can/will be made by third-parties and can be based on Windows if they so desire.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/14/2013 at 12:18am

Want to add to what @panickedthumb said a bit.

Gabe gave a few talks recently where he talked a bit about value. It kind of goes like, "With each console generation when you upgrade to the next, eventually you have to toss away your old stuff and get new stuff." Which is true, can't get a PS3 to play your PS2 games anymore but PS1 works? Eventually the Wii U+1 won't play Wii games.

So its kind of an interesting idea. Buy a game once on Steam, play it on your PC and console. When you upgrade you don't have to toss out your games, DLC and friends.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/14/2013 at 01:45am

"We don't usually talk about personnel matters for a number of reasons. There seems to be an unusual amount of speculation about some recent changes here, so I thought I'd take the unusual step of addressing them. No, we aren't canceling any projects. No, we aren't changing any priorities or projects we've been discussing. No, this isn't about Steam or Linux or hardware or [insert game name here]. We're not going to discuss why anyone in particular is or isn't working here."

http://www.engadget.com/2013/02/13/valve-gabe-newell-layoffs-statement/

scrypt Supporter wrote on 02/14/2013 at 01:46am

My speculation is that this is just spring cleaning. Valve is an interesting organization, given the dynamics of its amoebic infrastructure, but it's still a business. If reports are true, these individuals make up roughly 8% of the Valve team. Which doesn't seem crazy, to me. Some may have left voluntarily. They seem like they are in various talents, too. Feels weird to me that this is actually news.

Travis Admin wrote on 02/14/2013 at 04:49am

Thanks for posting that Jon, that eases some of my fears. He's right though, speculation is dangerous, and only leads to fans panicking about their favorite thing going away :)

Gary_Butterfield wrote on 02/14/2013 at 05:12pm

I am a bigger fan of gaming in my computer space but I supposed it'd be nice to have the option for Isaac: Rebirth.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/14/2013 at 05:32pm

When I got Portal 2 for PS3 that had the Steam code for the PC version that could also play on the Mac it was magical. I want more of that, buy once, play where you like. I prefer PC but sometimes I wanna sit on the couch and shoot stuff.

Gary_Butterfield wrote on 02/14/2013 at 05:59pm

I've been couching for Demon's Souls and it's not bad but I like being closer to the screen, like I am with the PC. Also, ease of alt-tabbing and looking up shit.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/14/2013 at 06:02pm

Oh yeah for sure. Doing a search on a Phone on the couch ain't awesome, like I said I prefer PC for gaming. But playing Portal 2 or Halflife 2 while my wife was in the room is an epic experience. Her comments on GlaDOS or Wheatley made the game that much more memorable and a quotable for both of us in "I saw a Deer today" is a really awesome thing.

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Anti-ValentiNES

This seemed like a good time to share these. :)

http://www.2pstart.com/2009/02/11/anti-valentines/

While I don't necessarily hate valentines day I think we can all agree it is deserving of a little fun mocking.

System Shock 2 on GoG.com

http://theplayvault.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/Shodan_SystemShock.jpg

Well, I thought it was an eternal joke, much like Duke Nukem Forever never coming out. Proven wrong yet again, GoG.com has announced through Rock Paper Shotgun and a teaser on their website that System Shock 2 will get a full "digital collector's edition" release. This means a full soundtrack, design docs, an Interview with Ken Levine, among other goodies.

Being one of my Top 5 PC games of all times, I really have to advertise this whole deal. System Shock 2 is a bit like Bioshock, but with much more of a PC slant. This means stats you must level up, an inventory system, and intense exploration of each level. Not only a shooter, but more of a space survival horror game,... Read All

Travis Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 01:48pm

I have yet to play this game, so this is definitely welcome news.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 03:18pm

Wow, I will be checking it out when it comes out for sure. Didn't really see this one coming, welcomed news.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 02/13/2013 at 04:39pm

Thanks for the heads up. Take my money, GoG!

Gary_Butterfield wrote on 02/13/2013 at 05:14pm

This is indeed good news. I'm excited.

Will_Owens Post Author wrote on 02/14/2013 at 12:58am

This is the best press release they've had ever, I think. They usually botch their huge announcements and they just let this one out quickly and quietly. Works much better than what they've done in the past.

Will_Owens Post Author wrote on 02/14/2013 at 11:52am

Well, it's out now if any of you have a desire to be a cool person.

scrypt Supporter wrote on 02/14/2013 at 04:41pm

Done! I actually do feel a little more cool now...

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Interview with Game Designer Kevin Wilson

jdodson: The last time we talked you dropped the news you were leaving Fantasy Flight and going freelance. I wonder how things have been going for you since we talked?

Kevin Wilson: Things have been going quite well for me so far. I might have as many as 6 new games out this year, depending on production times and if my 2 unsold games get picked up soon. I've also managed to get my LLC (limited liability company) set up, started a blog, and put together a website for my company. Money's still tight, as I expected while getting started, but I'm beginning to feel reasonably confident that I'm going to be able to make it as a freelancer in the long run.

jdodson: You are... Read All

Brawl Available Right Now in Patch 1.0.7

"For those who wish to test their mettle against fellow Nephalem, your time has come. Players will now be able to battle one another in a new zone designed specifically for this style of combat called "The Scorched Chapel." This zone can be accessed by speaking with Nek the Brawler in any of the four Act hubs, and supports 2 to 4 players in a Free-For-All format."

Been really interested in Brawling coming to Diablo III and as such @panickedthumb and I updated our games and headed in to BRAWL just a bit ago! I came to the fight with the level 56 Witch Doctor and he had a level 60 Monk. His Monk kicked me into the dirt each battle hands down. Still, it was fun to enter... Read All

The Showdown Effect (Beta) - impressions

Arrowhead Game Studios, the guys that brought us Magicka, are giving us an altogether different experience and a chance to replay our favorite '80s cinematic action sequences in The Showdown Effect, published by Paradox Interactive. Up to 8 players involved in Solo and team games can join in a mix of 4 different game modes, each customizable to host preferred rule sets (e.g. swords only). Fight with ranged or melee weapons, and even throw in a little kung-fu action, if you like. Rewards are unlocked with points earned based on performance in a match. Unlockables are mostly cosmetic, comprised of skins for weapons and character attire, with the exception of the weapon... Read All Arrowhead Game Studios, the guys that brought us Magicka, are giving us an altogether different experience and a chance to replay our favorite '80s cinematic action sequences in The Showdown Effect, published by Paradox Interactive. Up to 8 players involved in Solo and team games can join in a mix of 4 different game modes, each customizable to host preferred rule sets (e.g. swords only). Fight with ranged or melee weapons, and even throw in a little kung-fu action, if you like. Rewards are unlocked with points earned based on performance in a match. Unlockables are mostly cosmetic, comprised of skins for weapons and character attire, with the exception of the weapon types, which are pretty standard pistol/shotgun/rpg fare. Simple, and effective. There is also leveled character progression, but no details on what that affords just yet.

The charm of this game comes from the individual character personalities - action heroes from different genres - expressing themselves in exclaimed, cliched one-liners while dusting opponents in all manner of breakneck repertoire. In Showdown Mode, environments are affected at the end of the 5 minute round to reflect the "showdown", a sudden-death phase of kill or be killed, leaving only one standing as the world falls in ruin behind you. For awesome, indeed. The beta includes two levels - a fish market in Neo Tokyo, and a medieval castle - cut from the two main environments, which appear to be the larger Neo Tokyo and Medieval landscapes. Interactive to a degree: glass shatters as you dive through windows, elevators can take you between floors, and weapon pickups are scattered all around, for improvisation. The games description references that "four levels across two different environments" will be available in the full game, so if you are in the beta, and you like what you see, expect twice as much of exactly that. Announced game modes so far include free-for-all (Showdown mode) and team elimination. Dev diary videos seem to indicate testing with a capture-the-flag type game mode, which I would love to see.

When it comes down to what makes or breaks a platformer, its usually the control mechanics. Movement here is fluid and precise; a real sense of tangible footing, and the timing in your responses is trustworthy, barring latency. Maneuverability within The Showdown Effect quickly becomes a natural reflex, freeing you up to focus on turning foes into headless, limbless victims, like extras in a Tarantino film, in the all glory of a John McTiernan film. Targeting these poor souls is a matter of precision as well. The reticle has to be on target, not behind or in front, otherwise it's a no-hit. Takes a little getting used to, but ultimately satisfying. This would also seem to deny any support for gamepads.

One cool little feature is integrated Twitch.tv streaming, to premiere to your hordes of adoring fans just how you get it done. No third party software required.

Really, the only frustration that I've come across in the ten hours I've logged is latency issues, which are unavoidable. Granted, this is still beta, but even at this stage of the process, I don't regret the money I dropped to join in. You can participate by pre-ordering on the Steam page or at the official website:

http://store.steampowered.com/app/204080/
http://theshowdowneffect.com

Prices are $9.99 for the standard edition, $19.99 for deluxe edition, both come with cool extras. According to developers, there is no option yet to upgrade from standard to deluxe, but it sounds like they are trying to work something out. The Showdown Effect is due out March 2013.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 12:01am

I totally dig how the trailer used the voice of the guy that did lots of action movie trailers in the 80's and 90's.

Is this multi-player only or does it have some sort of Single Player component as well? I like the action movie brawler feel, its really cool. Since I love grisly action films, this feels familiar :D

The Twitch native integration is a totally awesome idea as these kinds of multi-player games will be all over Twitch anyway and taking out the middle man is a nice feature. In fact, I hope to see more of this come out in the future. That or some kind of in game video export or something.

scrypt Supporter Post Author wrote on 02/13/2013 at 05:41am

It will be primarily multiplayer, but the devs said they are playing with ideas that give the sense of a single player experience in specific game modes. Sounds like an interesting challenge.

I never gave Twitch much of a chance until recently. Now I'm surprised more games haven't implemented this as a feature. I'm hooked.

jdodson Admin wrote on 02/13/2013 at 03:16pm

Thats a good way to approach it. Even UT3 had a single player of sorts, it was just a story wrapped up in UT3 matches. Still fun.

Twitch is interesting. Right now its hard for me to get over certain channels "Wacky DJ" mentality. I love humor and fun, but sort of left 90's radio shock personalities and with bigger Twitch people they seem to be coming back. Beyond that, its fun to watch people play games I am not thinking about too often.

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Stardew Valley, A Retro Community Farming RPG

When I first saw the video for Stardew Valley I was excited. A retro styled farming game focusing on the local community, RPG elements and featuring *drumroll* 4 player co-op? Yes please. Since Harvest Moon I haven't seen much surface that advances this kind of game unless you count disappointments like Farmville, which I do not.

The folks behind Stardew Valley released a video showcasing more of the 4 player co-op and it looks epic and you should watch it right now:
http://youtu.be/FJggZec6qqo

In a world featuring the next Call of Duty shooter and game sequels that go to 11, its nice to see a game less world cataclysmically epic and something a bit more simple. Don't get... Read All

scrypt Supporter wrote on 02/12/2013 at 05:46am

Voted "yes" for this a little while ago. I could totally go for some peaceful co-op about now.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/12/2013 at 06:15pm

I agree. Totally want to cut down bushes Zelda style and tend to my farm. Its pretty much what I do in Minecraft for the most part. No huge ambitions to build the Pyramids, just like tending my farm and such.

Timogorgon Member wrote on 02/13/2013 at 12:36am

You had me at retro community farming RPG.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/13/2013 at 01:10am

Totally :)

The developers agreed to an interview, if you have any questions you want asked put them here and ill ship them over.

Planning on sending the questions tomorrow!

Timogorgon Member wrote on 02/13/2013 at 06:13pm

This obviously is a take on the whole Harvest Moon series, but that scene in the cave kind of looks a little secret of mana-ish. You should ask what games kind of games they were inspired by and/or hoped to emulate while making this one. :)

Also, the video showed off quite a bit of combat. (Is that an orc at 1:24?) But I noticed the list of skills they mentioned don't seem to relate at all to combat. Will combat be a major part of the game, and if so, how will your character improve their fighting ability?

As far as the co-op goes, can they provide some more details about how that will be handled? Will co-op work over a LAN or will it be internet only? Will the other players just be dropped into your town as visitors or will you all exist within the same town?

scrypt Supporter wrote on 02/13/2013 at 08:02pm

I haven't researched it at all, but I'm wondering if there are any story elements, or adventure objectives.

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/13/2013 at 09:27pm

Ill add that to my list, thanks guys!

jdodson Admin Post Author wrote on 02/14/2013 at 01:22am

Ok added your stuff to the list, shipping it off later tonight or tomorrow morning.

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Ultima Underworld (No Ultima Underworld tag!)

http://media.pcgamer.com/files/2012/10/Ultima-Underworld-The-Stygian-Abyss-3.jpg

Well, since I haven't been able to play much for www.backlogkiller.com I thought I would just write something short and sweet about Ultima Underworld here. Ultima Underworld is one of the most original and revolutionary PC titles to come out in the early 90's and really set the stage for many modern titles. First designed as a complete dungeon diving simulation and later combined with the Ultima universe, Ultima Underworld puts you in the role of the Avatar who is now wrongly accused of kidnapping. Forced to prove your innocence, you are thrown into the Stygian Abyss to rescue the duke's daughter.

Beginning with nothing more than the clothes on your back, you are forced... Read All

Skyrim High Resolution Texture Pack Update

"In a continued effort to support our PC fanbase, we’ve released a Steam update to Skyrim’s (free) HD Texture Pack. In addition to high resolution textures in the main game, the update adds improved textures for Dawnguard, Hearthfire, and the newly-released Dragonborn.

Before you download, make sure your PC has the horsepower to support it. Make sure your system requirements exceed Skyrim’s recommended specs before attempting to install, and that your PC has Windows Vista/7, a minimum of 4GB of system RAM, and a DirectX 9.0c compatible NVIDIA or AMD ATI video card with at least 1 GB of RAM and the latest drivers."

Its pretty crazy how large game updates are getting. I... Read All