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STREAMING GAMES, FISHING MONEY
(7 July 2004, 21:56 | Misc) An article in MSNBC`s `Technology & Science` section by Paul Hyman explores the lucrative monies to be and are being made through on-demand computer games streaming over broadband Internet connections. The write-up highlights game publisher Atari`s "On Demand" service, but also others from Comcast, RCN, Bell Canada and Yahoo!. On the latter most`s ten most requested titles, Civilization III and Rise of Nations` placed first and second respectively on a recent chart followed by Rollercoaster Tycoon 2.
Amongst other facts, it is noted that market research firm NPD Group notes a 11% decline in unit sales and a 14% drop in revenue in the computer gaming industry between the years 2002 and 2003 causing some, including Exent Vice President of Products and Markets Strategy Yoav Tzruya, that the games on demand sector is going to look awfully good to publishers seeking new revenue sources. One screenshot from RT2 headlines the text. - DanQ
`ESSENTIAL` AND DON`T `OVERLOOK`
(7 July 2004, 21:48 | RoN) On July 6th The Houston Chronicle (THC) became the latest American newspaper to publish its review of Rise of Nations: Thrones and Patriots in its pages. [There's] more stuff to do [in the RoN universe] and more ways to do it, writes Dwight N. Odelius. For gamers who enjoyed [the original], [T&P] is essential. And those who overlooked it have a good reason to pick it up.
T&P is RoN`s first expansion pack from developer Big Huge Games and publisher Microsoft Game Studios. No screenshots or grade accompany THC`s piece. - DanQ
PLUS: CURRENT USERS IDENTIFICATION & MORE
(6 July 2004, 13:14 | About | 210 comments) The following ApolytonPLUS benefits have been implemented the last few days:
Current Users Identification
Usernames of PLUS Members on the "Currently Active Users" listing (in the bottom part of the main forum page) are now in bold.
No Load-Saving Features
PLUS members will not be affected by load saving features, like avatars dissapearing when load is high or even being denied use of the forums.
Forums Access When Forums Are Closed
On the rare occasion (like yesterday) that the database is up but forums are closed for maintainance, they will be availiable for full use by PLUS members.
And we continue... :) - MarkG
JUL 5 MAINTAINANCE
(6 July 2004, 13:10 | About | 21 comments) In a maintainance that lasted over 7 hours, the following occured
- database maintainance and backup
- 50k posts moved off main post sql table
- a couple more PLUS benefits implemented (more on that on the news item above) ;)
We are still not done with everything we need and want to do to face the server load issues... - MarkG
ENTHUSED: FIRST MAC PREVIEW
(5 July 2004, 21:49 | RoN) The first known preview of Rise of Nations` Macintosh port has appeared on InsideMacGames in an article by Michael Phillips. [This] will be a genre bender unlike any our platform has ever seen, he begins. [It is] a delicate mélange of real-time [(RTS)] and turn-based strategic gameplay. Barring a disastrous port by the competent pros at [developer] Westlake Interactive, this game will rock.
A general description of the game`s goals and concepts are outlined over the first page paragraphs, spilling over onto page two. Phillips is clearly enthused. [RoN] takes dozens of traditional RTS elements and refines them to a new level. [..] This game will truly redefine RTS['] on the Mac. It is noted that for now, it is unknown exactly how the [port]... will handle its multiplayer support.
Macsoft is publishing the RoN port, the first transfer of the game onto a computer operating system from its native PC. - DanQ
NOT TO BE BOTHERED
(5 July 2004, 21:37 | RoN) Durward Holt does not want to be disturbed: he`s playing Rise of Nations with expansion Thrones and Patriots installed. In his review of the title on DailyGame, he gives the add-on an 9/10 `Overall` matching categorical scores for `Gameplay`, `Sound` and `Replay` -- only `Graphics` measures lower, at 8.5/10. [Publisher] Microsoft [Game Studios] and [developer] Big Game Studios have done just that, and they’ve done so in a way that really completes an already outstanding game. [..] The overall gameplay and functionality have changed little, yet it seems like there is an entirely new world to conquer.
The article includes three screenshots throughout its text and the following statement in closing: if you find yourself in the "already own [RoN]" category, go get [T&P] and never look back. - DanQ
