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Remotely Helpful | LAS 425

chris — Sun, 10 Jul 2016 19:46:06 +0000

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This week we take a look at what Noah’s using at Altispeed to provide remote assistance to his clients. We ponder over what Microsoft might have planned for Skype on Linux, cover why Android’s full disk encryption might not be as secure as you think, Mycroft’s collaboration with Canonical, the picks, your feedback & more!

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— Show Notes: —

Brought to you by: Linux Academy

— PICKS —

Runs Linux

Tim Hortan’s Runs LINUX

Tim Hortons dougnut shop – RUNS LINUX!

Desktop App Pick

pinger-indicator

Ping Indicator is an app that shows the ping speed of various services or addresses.

The application “pings” a given set of hosts (with configurable ping interval) and monitors the response time with logarithmic scale, displaying the results in the indicator menu.

For each host, the app shows the response time as a graph in the AppIndicator icon. On packet losses, the graph turns red, as you can see in the screenshot above, for the latest entry, which doesn’t exist.

Ping Indicator is useful in many situations, including to track your latency in various areas (by adding hosts from certain areas), monitor your website latency, track when a website that went down goes back up and so on.

According to its developer, Ping Indicator still has some rough edges and unimplemented parts from the old Link Monitor Applet, and asks its users to star and watch the project on GitHub, to encourage further improvements.

Spotlight

Open Broadcaster Software

Open Broadcaster Software is free and open source software for video recording and live streaming.

OBS Studio (formerly known as OBS Multiplatform) is a complete rewrite of the original OBS from the ground up, with the main goals being multiplatform support, a more thorough feature set, and a much more powerful API. While still in its early stages, releases are currently available for Windows, Mac and Linux.

OBS Studio will eventually support many of the advanced requested features not present in the original OBS, such as multiple stream outputs and scene previewing, the latter of which is now available in the current release.

— NEWS —

Skype May Be Back on Linux

If you’re a GNU/Linux user, then you’ll be very aware at just how horrible Skype is on the platform. Not only has it not been updated since June 2014, but the Skype team at Microsoft – perhaps when they were bored – added extra hoops and complications as time went on.

Exciting news for Linux users

Encryption on Android just got weaker

Privacy advocates take note: Android’s full-disk encryption just got dramatically easier to defeat on devices that use chips from semiconductor maker Qualcomm, thanks to new research that reveals several methods to extract crypto keys off of a locked handset. Those methods include publicly available attack code that works against an estimated 37 percent of enterprise users.

A blog post published Thursday revealed that in stark contrast to the iPhone’s iOS, Qualcomm-powered Android devices store the disk encryption keys in software. That leaves the keys vulnerable to a variety of attacks that can pull a key off a device. From there, the key can be loaded onto a server cluster, field-programmable gate array, or supercomputer that has been optimized for super-fast password cracking.

The independent researcher that published the post included exploit code that extracts the disk encryption keys by exploiting two vulnerabilities in TrustZone. TrustZone is a collection of security features within the ARM processors Qualcomm sells to handset manufacturers. By stitching together the exploits, the attack code is able to execute code within the TrustZone kernel, which is an enclave dedicated for sensitive operations such as managing cryptographic keys and protecting hardware.
A third of enterprise Android phones exploitable

Both Google and Qualcomm are quick to note that both of the vulnerabilities involved—indexed as CVE-2015-6639 and CVE-2016-2431—have since been patched. The first was patched in January while the second was patched in May. Google also pointed out that it paid the researcher for his work through the company’s bug bounty program.

But researchers from two-factor authentication service Duo Security told Ars that an estimated 37 percent of all the Android phones that use the Duo app remain susceptible to the attack because they have yet to receive the patches. The lack of updates is the result of restrictions imposed by manufacturers or carriers that prevent end users from installing updates released by Google.

Mycroft: The Open Source Answer to Natrual Language

We’re thrilled to be working with Mycroft, the open source answer to proprietary natural language platform. Mycroft has adopted Ubuntu Core and Snaps to deliver their software to Mycroft hardware, as well as Snaps to enable desktop users to install the software regardless of the Linux distribution they are using! CEO of Mycroft, Joshua Montgomery, explains more within his piece below.

Mail Bag

https://slexy.org/view/s2mb9BXVeZ
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Call Box

Chris’ call out for the community to help him with his background

Catch the show LIVE SUNDAY:

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Chris’s Twitter account has changed, you’ll need to follow!

Chris Fisher (@ChrisLAS) | Twitter

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— NOAH’S STASH —

Noah’s Day Job

Altispeed Technologies

Contact Noah

noah [at] jupiterbroadcasting.com

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The post Remotely Helpful | LAS 425 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

All By My SELF | LAS 424

chris — Sun, 03 Jul 2016 20:13:49 +0000

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We go back in time and take a look at what you missed at SELF 2016. Plus we’re 1% closer to the Linux Desktop, why Evernote sucks & more!

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— Show Notes: —

Brought to you by: Linux Academy

— PICKS —

Runs Linux

Fireworks RUNS LINUX

A test of the Raspberry Pi sprinkler controller which I’m working on. I’m borrowing it to use as a fireworks controller since it’s just a relay controller.

I’m using a 12V SLA battery to power everything. Battery goes into switch box so that fireworks has a master control safety switch. A cheap switching power supply is used to step down the 12V to 5V for the Pi. The relay boards are controlled by three 74hc595 shift registers.

Desktop App Pick

rambox.pro

Free and Open Source messaging and emailing app that combines common web applications into one.

Notifications
Sync Services
Lock
Don’t Disturb
Add Custom Services
Reorder and grouping
Badges
System Tray

Spotlight

K3b -Disk Burning

K3b is a full-featured, easy to use CD and DVD burner, copier, ripper and more.

— NEWS —

End of 32bit machines?

Linux Reaches 2%

Infinity:One is OLPC XO’s bigger, more responsible sibling

Evernote limits free tier to two devices, raises prices 40%

Turtl – Find your private space

SELF 2016 coverage

SouthEast LinuxFest

Mail Bag

https://slexy.org/view/s2y1aGapyF
https://slexy.org/view/s20lJgvN10
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Call Box

Chris’ call out for the community to help him with his background

Catch the show LIVE SUNDAY:

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Chris’s Twitter account has changed, you’ll need to follow!

Chris Fisher (@ChrisLAS) | Twitter

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— NOAH’S STASH —

Noah’s Day Job

Altispeed Technologies

Contact Noah

noah [at] jupiterbroadcasting.com

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The post All By My SELF | LAS 424 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Jumping to the Nextcloud | LAS 420

chris — Sun, 05 Jun 2016 19:18:36 +0000

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Frank & Jos of Nextcloud join us to discuss their fork of ownCloud, some of the history behind the fork, the reaction by ownCloud, & what they plan to do differently this time around.

Plus we debate if Valve’s Steam Machines are a bust, a bit more on Oracle vs Google & much more!

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— Show Notes: —

Brought to you by: Linux Academy

What is nextcloud?

OwnCloud foundation announcement:

nextcloud announcement: About – Nextcloud | nextcloud.com

ownCloud reacts to nextcloud: ownCloud Statement concerning nextcloud

OwnCloud closes US office, blames Nextcloud | ZDNet

nextCloud reacts to ownCloud’s reaction:

Wow. ownCloud Inc. collapses only 12 hours after the Nextcloud announcement. I didn't expect it to be so fragile. Sad day.

— Frank Karlitschek (@fkarlitschek) June 3, 2016

Nextcloud GmbH has enough funding to hire everyone from ownCloud who is looking for a job.

— Frank Karlitschek (@fkarlitschek) June 3, 2016

Contributors to owncloud/core · GitHub

— PICKS —

Runs Linux

This Good old country wedding runs Linux

Desktop App Pick

Turtl: A secure, encrypted Evernote alternative | Turtl

Turtl lets you take notes, bookmark websites, and store documents
for sensitive projects. From sharing passwords with your
coworkers to tracking research on an article you’re writing,
Turtl keeps it all safe from everyone but you and those you
share with.

Spotlight

QLC Plus

QLC+ is a free software to control DMX or analog lighting systems like moving heads, dimmers, scanners etc.

This project is a fork of the great QLC project written by Heikki Junnila that aims to continue the development of QLC and to introduce new features.

The primary goal is to bring QLC+ at the level of other lighting control commercial softwares.

https://www.amazon.com/RioRand-Interface-Adapter-Lighting-Controller/dp/B00V7MQ99G/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1465147589&sr=8-9&keywords=USB+DMX

— NEWS —

https://slexy.org/view/s29Xzr9wZr

Seven months later, Valve’s Steam Machines look dead in the water

_Put it together, and you find that there have been less than half a million Steam Machines sold over a span of more than half a year.

Google’s fair use victory is good for open source

Let me first explain the main facts and claims in the lawsuit, and then why Google’s fair use victory is a good thing not only for Google but also for open source developers, for software developers more generally, and for the public.

So why is this a victory for the open source community as well as for Google? The main reason is because open source programs are often designed to interoperate with, either as complements or substitutes for, existing programs.

Hurst is wrong in asserting that Google’s fair use victory means that anyone can freely appropriate whatever they want from open source and other programs.

Mail Bag

https://slexy.org/view/s2yZF9Wwwl
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Call Box

Chris’ call out for the community to help him with his background

Catch the show LIVE SUNDAY:

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Chris’s Twitter account has changed, you’ll need to follow!

Chris Fisher (@ChrisLAS) | Twitter

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— NOAH’S STASH —

Noah’s Day Job

Altispeed Technologies

Contact Noah

noah [at] jupiterbroadcasting.com

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The post Jumping to the Nextcloud | LAS 420 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Linux Switch Competition | LAS 415

chris — Sun, 01 May 2016 19:58:08 +0000

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Noah & Emma set out to switch as many users to Linux as possible. Our team documents their competition to switch the most people to Linux within two hours in the Pacific Northwest!

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— Show Notes: —

Runs Linux:

ESA astronaut Tim Peake will take part in an experiment dubbed ‘SUPVIS-M’ (Supervisory Control of Mars Yard Rover) in which he will operate, from the International Space Station (ISS), a UK-built rover – Bridget – located in the Airbus Mars Yard in Stevenage, UK.

Source: [Runs Linux] Rover controlling software – ESA – Starts at 5:09s : LinuxActionShow

Getting started with Linux:

Obtain the Ubuntu Install image from ubuntu.com

Write the Ubuntu installation image to a USB flash media device. On PC use Etcher or Rufus & on a mac, use Etcher. Be careful to make sure the flash drive is chosen in this step.

Once that is finished, eject the drive and insert the drive into your PC/Mac

When booting the PC/Mac press F2 (or your computer’s hotkey to access the boot menu), or if you’re running a newer version of Windows such as 8 or 10 boot into Windows, press start, go to advanced start options, choose UEFI Settings, Disable secureboot. Boot back into Windows repeat the steps to get back into UEFI and choose to boot off of the USB device.

Play around with the live demo system and if you enjoy it, follow the on screen instructions to install Ubuntu either as a secondary option to MacOS X or Windows, or as the only option, whichever you prefer.

The post Linux Switch Competition | LAS 415 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Obama Sells ISIS | Unfilter 113

chris — Wed, 10 Sep 2014 20:42:00 +0000

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In the live run up to Obama’s sales pitch to the nation to go back into Iraq, we analysis the recent developments of ISIS, and dispel common memes being pushed out by the media. Then cover Obama’s speech in real time with our commentary.

Plus new leaks from the CIA Torture report suggest the scope of waterboarding and other tactics by the CIA were much more brutal than the public has been lead to believe.

Then we end on a surprising high note, and in-depth discussion.

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— Show Notes —

CIA Torture Report

CIA ‘tortured al-Qaeda suspects close to the point of death by drowning them in water-filled baths’ – Telegraph

As the US Senate prepares to release a report documenting US
torture programme after 9/11, Telegraph reveals new details about the scope
of CIA excesses

“They weren’t just pouring water over their heads or over a cloth,” said the source who has first-hand knowledge of the period. “They were holding them under water until the point of death, with a doctor present to make sure they did not go too far. This was real torture.”

The account of extreme CIA interrogation comes as the US Senate prepares to publish a declassified version of its so-called Torture Report – a 3,600-page report document based on a review of several million classified CIA documents.

Publication of the report is currently being held up by a dispute over how much of the 480-page public summary should remain classified, but it is expected to be published within weeks.

Snowden

Switzerland will host Edward Snowden, if he testifies against the NSA- The Inquirer

The Swiss attorney general has said that whistleblower Edward Snowden can reside there if he responds to state requests for testimony against the US National Security Agency (NSA).

A document provided to the Swiss Sunday newspaper Sonntagszeitung is titled, “What are the rules would apply to consider when Edward Snowden would [be] brought to Switzerland and then the United States would make a request for extradition“, and it relates that the rules would allow the movement and repel the requests.

Speaking to the newspaper, Snowden’s Swiss lawyer Marcel Bosonnet revealed that he is pleased with the results of the study, commenting that, “The legal requirements for safety are met.”

ISIS

CNN poll: Majority of Americans alarmed by ISIS – CNN.com

Seven in 10 Americans believe ISIS has the resources to launch an attack against the United States, just days before President Barack Obama plans to address the nation on the subject.

The poll released Monday shows that Americans favor:

— Additional airstrikes against ISIS (76% favor, 23% oppose)

— Military aid to forces fighting ISIS (62% favor, 37% oppose)

— Providing humanitarian aid to people fleeing ISIS (83% favor, 16% oppose)

U.S. targets ISIS fighters near Iraq’s second-largest dam

But a majority of Americans, 61%-38%, oppose placing U.S. soldiers on the ground in Iraq and Syria to combat the terrorist group.

Even as Americans support military action against ISIS, they still want Obama to seek authority from Congress before taking any action. More than 7 in 10 Americans think Obama should ask Congress for the ability to strike ISIS militarily. And 8 in 10 Americans support Congress approving military force against ISIS.

Straw Poll

Loading poll…

High Note:

Washington’s indoor pot grows could be big power suck – Local – MyNorthwest.com

“You’re installing 1,000 watt lights over about every two plants and running those 16 to 18 hours a day to grow the product over a 10, 12, 14 week cycle. It’s a pretty significant consumption of electricity.”

The council studied a number of growers across the state earlier this summer after they were granted licenses by the Washington State Liquor Control Board. It determined demand for electricity could grow between 60 and 160 average megawatts over the next few years.

“That’s significant,” Eckman says. “That’s about half of the size of a new combustion turbine gas generating plant.”

Pot producers add demand on Northwest power grid | Local & Regional | Seattle News, Weather, Sports, Breaking News | KOMO News

Since Washington voters in 2012 approved an initiative to legalize recreational pot use by adults, the state Liquor Control Board has so far issued more than 200 licenses to marijuana growers out of about 2,500 who have applied.

Recreational pot eclipses medical pot in Colorado – National – MyNorthwest.com

Colorado is now selling more recreational pot than medical pot, a turning point for the newly legal industry.

Tax records released by the state Department of Revenue on Wednesday showed that the state sold $29.7 million worth of recreational marijuana in July, the most recent data available. That was slightly higher than the $28.9 million worth of medical marijuana sold in the same month.

Colorado has many more medical pot shops than recreational pot shops, which are open to all 21 and over. Colorado has some 500 medical shops, fewer than 200 open to all adults.

Since January, Colorado has reaped more than $37 million in taxes from marijuana. That figure includes taxes, licenses and fees from both medical and recreational pot.

The post Obama Sells ISIS | Unfilter 113 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Windows 8 Preview | WAS | s21e03

chris — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 13:02:57 +0000

Microsoft is rolling out their latest version of Windows, and it changes everything. Tune in to find out just how revolutionary this amazing new UI is and how it leaves the competition in the duts!

PLUS: Microsoft cracks down on evil doers

And so much more!

All this week on, The Windows Action Show!

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NEWS:

Windows 8 Preview

Ribbon Everywhere
SmartScreen for Apps
Storage Spaces that provides Drive Extender-like data redundancy and storage pooling.
Push Button Reset
13 New Shortcut Keys in Windows 8
50 Windows 8 tips, tricks and secrets

What’s Bryan Doin?

Chris’ Stash:

JB’s Public Xonotic server

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The post Windows 8 Preview | WAS | s21e03 first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Classic Adventure Gaming | In Depth Look

chris — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 19:44:18 +0000

Can a 20 year old Star Trek game contain the secrets to a fantastic Action Adventure game for anyone? Well I think so, and in this episode I\’ll attempt to make my case!

Why I think Star Trek the 25th Anniversary has the key ingredients to a great game!

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Intro:

Instead of a game in which you simply rehash events that have been modified into a playable format, Star Trek: 25th Anniversary presents you with all new scenarios that run in the same vein as the original television series.

Graphics
Although the game graphics are clearly unspectacular by today\’s standard, they serve their purpose well. They were able to bring scenes to life that the TV shows budget, would never have allowed for.

Not afraid to have a more advanced look.

Fans got to see well known locations re-imagined, or in one mission, all beat up!

Voices
The digitized voices are available only on the Enhanced CD-ROM version. Playing the CD-ROM version is like acting out as an episode of Star Trek.

The Floppy disk version of the game was too limited on space for the voices.

Voice overs, multiple choice, often funny

**A real challenge*
NO hand holding, you have to look up facts, use tools in the scene. Find them your self.

First scene is a battle, no tutorial. Later in the game there are rather clever things you have to pick up on, to solve locks and puzzles. (This was pre-Google too).

Many missions had a sub-game wherein the player would figure out how to get the redshirt killed, although this would diminish their rating at the end of the mission.

The use of your crew is a key game play element. Turning them from token tagalongs, to full fledged helpers. And they act/help in the way you expect for their character.

Adorable copy protection
As a holdover from the Floppy Disk version, the CD-ROM version retains the copy protection in the form of a star chart inside the instruction manual. This chart must be used in order to choose the correct destination star system for each mission. This is a simple but effective copy protection scheme that fits well into the context of the game, unlike the traditional but tiresome \”find the fifth word on the third page\” routine.

Copy protection via the manual / sector map

The game contains a copy-protection system that asks the player to consult the game\’s manual to find out what star system to warp to on the navigation map. Warping to the wrong system sends the player into either Klingon or Romulan neutral zones, and initiates an extremely difficult battle that often ends in the destruction of the Enterprise.

The lost 4th Season

When the writers wrote this game, they viewed it as the never aired 4th season. And wanted it to feature stories and characters that would have been in that season.

Combined with the voice overs, this gives the game a nearly episodic feel to it. And sucks in the player.

This game manages to cross blur the lines between game and dramatic entertainment. Much how TOR does for me now.

Final Notes:

One of DeForest Kelley\’s last roles
When a closeup of Harry Mudd is displayed on Enterprise\’s viewscreen, his facial features are obscured by shadows. This is because Paramount required that when likenesses of real actors or actresses were used in the game, the approval of the actor or actress in question was needed. However, Roger C. Carmel, who played Mudd originally, had passed away by the time the game was made. This problem was only noted near the end of development, and negotiating a solution with Paramount would have delayed the release. Therefore the decision was made not to actually show Mudd\’s face clearly.

Abandonware

Download Star Trek – 25th Anniversary | Abandonia

Download Star Trek – Judgment Rites | Abandonia

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The post Classic Adventure Gaming | In Depth Look first appeared on Jupiter Broadcasting.

Secret World | MMOrgue 16

chris — Sat, 17 Sep 2011 13:35:51 +0000

In today’s episode, we’re going to take a first look at Funcom’s upcoming Horror/Conspiracy MMO, The Secret World. Despite not having the hands-on demo they hoped to have available at PAX, they still dropped a boatload of information onto awaiting fans, including several innovative features and game mechanics that make this game worthy of attention.

Direct Download Links:

HD Video | Large Video | Mobile Video | MP3 Audio | YouTube

MMOrgue iTunes Feeds:	MMOrgue RSS Feeds:
HD Video iPad & Apple TV Video iPod Video MP3 Audio	HD Video RSS Large Video RSS Mobile Video RSS MP3 Audio RSS

Show Notes:

In addition to that, we’ll cover some recent news from DC Universe, as well as updates on the F2P conversions of City of Heroes and Fallen Earth.

Before that however, I’d like to share some potentially upsetting news about the immediate future of SWTOR:

SWTOR – Release Delay Imminent?

Beta Weekends Cancelled: LINK
Official Statement
Release Date Might Slip

Anyone following the beta news closely may have already heard that Bioware recently chose to cancel a couple of their beta test weekends, after the first round of them went in a few unexpected directions. They’ve spun this as being in the best interest of potential players and testers – and honestly, I believe that assessment to be true – but it’s still another potential red flag that Bioware may not be completely ready to be in charge of a top-shelf MMORPG such as this. I hope they DO take their time with this beta process, and work out all the kinks prior to launch. But at the same time, too many hiccups similar to this one may begin to erode consumer confidence in the eventual launch of the title.

And, as if this beta cancellation wasn’t enough bad news for the game’s supporters, it recently slipped out during an internal conference call that EA already has contingency plans in place just in case the launch of TOR may slip from Q4 of 2011 to Q1 of 2012. Could a launch delay be imminent? I can trust that’d be in the game’s best interest if so, but I’m hoping that it’s smooth sailing for this title from here on out, simply due to the amount of attention the title is receiving in both MMO communities, and gaming communities in general. As I mentioned a few episodes back, this game has enough hype behind it that any potential missteps by Bioware through this process have the potential to further reinforce the poor reputation that MMOs have for launching in a buggy, unplayable manner. Please Bioware… get your act together, for all our sakes!

Secret World

PAX Info from Funcom

Based on the gameplay footage I’ve seen of this game so far, I’ll admit that I’m not all that impressed with the game as a whole. My primary complaint being that this is supposed to be a SECRET world of conspiracy and intrigue, and everything we’ve seen so far shows hordes of magic-wielding superheros doing combat with monstrous zombies and cthulu-esque creatures that stand 2–4 stories tall. Not so secret looking, if you ask me.

Then there’s the development process itself, which has been suffering from repeated delays and mixed messages. Despite already having publicized a launch date of March 24th, the game is not even in Closed Beta yet. This, to me, feels like jumping the gun in a very big way, despite that launch date being more than 6 months from now.

But, my personal gripes with a few of the game’s details do not diminish the innovations that are taking place in regards to a few specific mechanics within the game. Some of them are inventive enough that I’ve decided to take the time to showcase them in a brief preview.

Environmental Interactions
- Ambient critters will react to environmental stimulii. The examples we’ve so far seen are car alarms getting zombies’ attention (and spawning extra baddies), and light sources attracting the attention of baddies in the dark.
- This added layer of complexity assists in keeping the game in the Real World.
- This light source mechanic can also be utilized in PvP, where some maps will be too dark to see clearly in, but using a light source will attract the attention of enemy players. Meaning you have to choose between being seen, and being able to see.
PvP outfits
- When entering a PvP match, players will have their appearance automatically altered to match their “role” based on the powers they have chosen. Healers will end up looking like healers, stealthy melee types will look like thiefs, etc.
- While this diminishes the players’ ability to show off their custom avatar in PvP, it also makes it easier to be able to pick targets in a match. So your allies will know who to protect and synergize skills with, while the enemy will know who to focus their attacks on.
3-faction gameplay
- This is something that Funcom is not talking much about, but that I feel the need to draw attention to.
- The only prior game that I know of with a 3-faction PvP gameplay mechanic, was Dark Age of Camelot, which is still considered by many one of the best PvP experiences that has ever been available online.
- The strength of 3-faction PvP comes in the form of a socially-driven balance. It is exceedingly difficult for any single faction to gain dominance over the remaining two at any point, because which ever faction gains such a strong foothold will inevitably be targeted by the other two.
Skill System, No Respecs
- Over 500 unique skills (not just improved ranks of other stuff, but unique effects)
- You earn more and unlock them as you adventure, but start with a full suite of abilities.
- Much like Guild Wars, you can freely respec at any time. Swapping out a full set of 7 actives and 7 passives, for any other skills you have so far learned.
- Funcom claims that the difficulty of this game is based on players’ skill, and not the abilities in the game scaling up. That even “starter” abilities are viable later in a players’ life, and will scale up based on your equipment, and not any set of stats or level.
ARG – Investigation Missions
- Scattered throughout TSW will be missions that inspire the player to investigate strange leads OUTSIDE OF THE GAME.
- This is perhaps the most importantly unique aspect of TSW, as it allows players to feel like a real part of their world, rather than playing in some fantasy realm. It adds an extra level of instinctual immersion when visiting iconic cities like NYC and London, when you are also asked to research the history and myth of these locations in a real-world scenario.
- One example given, is a locked crate in the wreckage of a shipping barge. Using the internet, you can look up the ship’s manifest online and cross-reference the crate number printed on the side of the shipping container in-game. Following these clues will lead you to the access codes to the crate.
- Some are FAR more complicated than this, requiring players to actually research occult references in general, drawing the player further into the game’s mythos.
- The downside here is that, unless Funcom is able to author a full suite of these missions anew every few months, players will quickly solve them all and post the solutions online for anyone to find without having to follow the clues.
There will also be events that take advantage of this mechanic, and are cross-faction competitive. Whichever of the 3 factions solve it first, gets a boost of some sort as a reward that affects the entire faction.

Subscription Model
Monthly Subs + Cash Shop
We’re TOLD it will be “cosmetics and conveniences only” … but we’ve been told the same thing in other games, and it never quite works out that way. So, time will tell if they can stick to their guns on this.
Really, though, this is GOING to upset players. Subscribers are left asking why, exactly, it is that their monthly subscription fee doesn’t get them the entirety of all this game has to offer, when it does in other competitor MMOs. Why should they be asked to pay extra to have a specific look?
To quench those fears, Funcom needs to make these same cosmetic items available in-game in some manner. In fact, offering a way for players to acquire those items in-game may even drive additional cash shop sales of those same items. I know it seems backwards, but MMO players are generally more likely to buy the CONVENIENCE of being able to bypass a time investment, than they are to simply buy an item that they cannot otherwise obtain.

Fight for the Light – FREE!

https://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/06/dcuos-fight-for-the-light-pack-available-today/

Many of you may recall that I covered SOE’s big PR blunder a few weeks back, regarding their decision to charge subscribers for the “Fight for the Light” mini-expansion to DCUO. I was not alone in my outrage over this decision, especially considering their prior promises that future content would be delivered free of charge.

Well, I have a bit of good news for anyone still following this subject… SOE has mended their ways, and decided to offer the Fight for the Light expansion free of charge to all subscribers.

In my opinion… this is too little, too late.

The damage to their reputation over this violation of trust has already been done. I don’t foresee them digging themselves out of this particular blunder simply by going back on a bad decision. The decision was still made, and they took too long to recognize their mistake. It’s nice of them to have eventually come around, but I believe the damage has already been done.

Additionally, with their competitors in the Superhero MMO genre both now offering their game under a F2P subscription model, I don’t foresee a bright future for DCUO. Which is a shame. I had high hopes for this title for many reasons, not the least of which its action-oriented combat which I’d like to see more frequently in the MMO arena. It would be a real waste to see an innovative set of mechanics like this be buried by poor management decisions on behalf of SOE.

Free-To-Play Conversion Updates

Fallen Earth – F2P launching Oct 12th
Link directly to matrix of subscription levels

Before I sign off for this week, I’d like to do a quick update regarding the impending F2P conversion of City of Heroes and Fallen Earth.

First off, we now have an official launch date and subscription matrix available for Fallen Earth, which will undergo its F2P conversion on October 12th.

Based on my review of the matrix, it looks like they’re doing a good job of incentivizing the subscription options available. Even the cheap-o $10/mo one looks nice. But the $30/mo subscription looks to have very little benefit for players going into the game alone, as its primary benefit is in the form of an aura that bestows “premium” boosts similar to a $15/mo sub, on anyone grouped with the $30/mo player. I could see that being handy, but the value is questionable in my opinion.

It’s nice to see the trend of offering stipends to subscribers is continuing, however.

City of Heroes – VIP access starts this week!

And City of Heroes undergoes a launch to existing subscribers on Sept 13th… in fact, by the time you’re seeing this episode, VIP members (those with active subscriptions) will already begin playing the game with the new set of features.

They still haven’t announced a solid launch date for when Freebies will be able to join the rank and file of Paragon City’s superheroes and villains. I’m taking that indication to mean that this is a sort of beta period rather than a head start. So subscribers get to be the guinea pigs before the unwashed masses are let back in. Now that’s what I call a subscriber benefit!

Wait… what?

Next Week:

Age of Conan – Unchained

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