A Swedish Indie Pack on Steam offers 10 games by Swedish developers in a bundle that saves customers 81%. Games in the bundle include Blueberry Garden, Bob Came in Pieces, Dwarfs!?, Hamilton’s Great Adventure, Harvest: Massive Encounter, Lead and Gold: Gangs of the Wild West, Noltu Love 2: Devolution, Puzzle Dimension, Saira and The Ball.
“Today, as we speak, the Swedish Indie Pack is released on Steam. It’s a bunch of indie games developed in Sweden (yes, that’s where the idea for the name came from) previously released that you now can buy for a very attractive price. Actually, the price is extremely attractive right now – 80% off!”
Bohemia Interactive today confirmed that two of its employees were arrested during their holiday trip to Lemnos, an island of Greece. The two were charged with espionage after apparently photographing and filming a military base on the island, which will be one of the settings in the upcoming Arma 3 game.
“We can confirm that two Bohemia Interactive employees, our colleagues and friends, were arrested during their holiday trip to Lemnos. They visited the island with the sole purpose of experiencing the island’s beautiful surroundings.
Since its establishment in 1999, Bohemia Interactive has created games based only upon publicly available information. We always respect the law and we’ve never instructed anybody to violate the laws of any country. The same is true for Arma 3.
Currently, all our effort goes towards supporting the guys over there, as well as their friends and families affected by this difficult situation. We sincerely hope that this is an unfortunate misunderstanding of their passion as artists and creators of virtual worlds.
Valve today announced the first set of games submitted through Steam Greenlight that have been picked for worldwide distribution.
“The first set of titles to launch via Greenlight will be released independently in the months ahead (as they are varying stages of completion). Â “The Steam community rallied around these titles and made them the clear choice for the first set of titles to launch out of Greenlight,” said Anna Sweet of Valve. “Since launch, hundreds of titles have been submitted, with more coming in every day. We expect to be announcing more titles coming to Steam via Greenlight soon.” Â The first 10 titles coming to Steam from Greenlight are:
Black Mesa
Cry of Fear
Dream
Heroes & Generals
Kenshi
McPixel
No More Room in Hell
Project Zomboid
Routine  Â
Towns
Steam Greenlight is a new platform feature that enlists the community’s help in selecting some of the next games to be released on Steam. Launched on August 30, Greenlight allows developers and publishers to post information and media about their game in an effort to convince Community members that their game should be released on Steam. Â For more information, please visit steamcommunity.com/greenlight/“
GamersGate today announced IndieFort Bundle 3, allowing customers to pick a certain number of titles to purchase, depending on the package chosen, out of 24 total games. In addition, a competition on the GamersGate Facebook page allows fans to vote for their favorite 3 games, which will be available in a special package after a week of voting.
“The IndieFort Championship opened for the public today at 12.00pm GMT with 24 games available, but it’s also possible to just get a few of them in smaller packs. Bronze will give your choice of 3 games, with Silver you can choose 6 games or at Gold level you pick 9 out of the available 24 games.
This IndieFort bundle, as with earlier ones, has been put together with the help of Alex Poysky – a veteran in the indie games business. “I think this is an amazing opportunity for gamers to get hold of some of the best indie games around, and I’m proud to be a part of the biggest indie bundle ever†he comments.”
Valve today announced an open beta for Big Picture, the latest addition to Steam that allows gamers to access their games and use the Steam service on their big screen television.
“Steam’s new Big Picture mode lets gamers access all of their favorite Steam games on a television. With the press of a button, Steam displays a new full-screen user interface optimized for readability and interaction on TV. Big Picture has been designed to be used with a traditional game controller, while also fully supporting keyboard and mouse input. Â
Steam gamers can experience Big Picture by connecting their PC or Mac to a TV, typically with a single HDMI cable. Access to the complete Steam store is included, as is the Steam Community. In addition to their complete library of Steam games, each user’s cloud files, Steam Workshop content, account information and preferences will be accessible automatically in the new mode.
“Sega’s roots are in living-room gaming.” said John Clark, Vice President of Digital Distribution at Sega. “For the first time since the advent of PC games decades ago, gamers are finally going to have access to the kind of entertainment experience we’ve always wished they could have with our PC titles – one that’s incredibly social, comfortable, and accessible. We’re excited about the opportunity, and Big Picture has inspired us to bring even more of our titles to Steam in the future.”
“There is nothing more satisfying than slaying thousands of orcs on your big screen. And many of the most die-hard players of Orcs Must Die 2 have always preferred playing with a game controller. Steam’s Big Picture mode finally marries these two and delivers a true living room entertainment experience to players.”
“We’re pleased that gamers on Steam will now be able to immerse themselves in our entertainment experiences in the comfort of their living room on large screen TVs,” said Steve Glickstein of Take-Two Interactive Software. “From action and adventure to sports and sims, our titles deliver big fun on big screens.”
“PC gaming continues to be the leading edge of entertainment, whether it’s social gaming, MMOs, graphics hardware, free-to-play, or competitive gaming,” said Gabe Newell, president of Valve. “With Big Picture for Steam, we are trying to do our part to give customers and developers what they want – their games, everywhere, optimized for the environment in which they are playing.”
Big Picture also includes a new web browser designed for televisions and game controllers. It is accessible from anywhere within the Big Picture UI, and even while playing Steam games on a TV. It supports Big Picture’s new method of typing with a game controller, which is useful for entering URLs, filling out forms, chatting, and other functions.
The Mass Effect 3 blog has been updated with the announcement of Operation: VILIGANCE, an in-game event that runs from today through the 9th.
“Unexpected attacks have taken out several squads and damaged vital Alliance equipment. We will deploy drones to repair damage and investigate the nature of these attacks.
Squad Goal: Complete up to and including wave 10 on any difficulty without using a consumable (medi-gel, ammo, Ops pack or Cobra missile launcher).
Allied Goal: Complete 250,000 escort missions on any difficulty.
Special Circumstance: None
Squad Goal Success: All individual players awarded a Commendation Pack
Allied Goal Success: All players awarded a Victory Pack”
Sony Online Entertainment today announced the Player Studio, a new featured added to the EverQuest games that allows players to create in-game items and sell them in the marketplace. In addition, new EverQuest: Rain of Fear and EverQuest II: Chins of Eternity expansions were announced.
“SOE’s Player Studio invites players to download sample geometry for actual in-game objects and through the use of third party art tools, learn how to develop, design and personalize items of their own. Players will be encouraged to name and create a description for their item, explain how the item fits into the prospective game’s ongoing narrative storyline, and submit it to SOE for review and possible inclusion in the SOE Marketplace. If selected, SOE will share 40 percent of the net amount it receives from the sale of these items with the player that created the item. Â “For the first time in SOE history, players will be able to build and sell their own items, truly creating a unique, customizable online marketplace within our games,” said John Smedley, President, Sony Online Entertainment. “At SOE, we believe everyone is a gamer at heart, and our goal with Player Studio is to provide a platform on which our players can further explore their inner gamer while showcasing their passion for the games they love. We are looking forward to seeing our players’ creativity come to life in an entirely new way.” Â Players and fans of the franchise will also be able to continue their Norrathian adventures with new expansions to the EverQuest franchise. Rain of Fear is the 19th expansion for EverQuest, now in its 14th year of continuous development. The ongoing story that started with House of Thule and the death of Cazic-Thule, will now take on a new twist in this upcoming expansion. Rain of Fear will offer new content for players to explore with all-new features, character customization, in-game items, and will now allow characters to level to an unprecedented max level of 100! Â EverQuest II: Chains of Eternity is the ninth expansion of the franchise’s lauded title. This expansion will offer brand new features, including level increases, prestige abilities, adornments that become more powerful with players’ characters, and a new level cap of 95. The content in this expansion will feature two spirit-realm versions of overland zones to explore, as well as new dungeons; additionally, exclusive new in-game items will be debuted and will only be available with this expansion. Â “Following two very successful transitions to free-to-play, we knew it was time to give our EverQuest community a rich offering of new content,” said Dave Georgeson, executive director of development of the EverQuest franchise. “The EverQuest team is committed to keeping the community enthusiasm high through continued content updates that dial up the player experience; the new features in these expansions are proof points of that continued commitment, and we have no plans of slowing down anytime soon.” Â Preceding the launch of the two expansions will be SOE Live, SOE’s annual player celebration. Registered attendees of SOE Live will be treated with a complimentary copy of the standard editions of Rain of Fear and Chains of Eternity when they become available this November. SOE Live will take place at Bally’s in Las Vegas, Oct. 18-21, 2012.”
Paradox Interactive and VSTEP today announced the release of free Customs Vessel DLC for Ship Simulator Extremes in celebration of the game’s second anniversary.
“‘Customs Vessel’ tasks players with the role of a maritime customs officer, responsible for upholding the law and ensuring nothing fishy gets smuggled into the harbor. Piloting a brand new customs ship named Zilvermeeuw players will embark on two exciting missions which include searching vessels for contraband as well as high speed sea chases to apprehend ships evading inspection.
VSTEP developed Customs Vessel with guidance from The Port of Rotterdam Customs Authority and the Customs & Tax Museum in Rotterdam to ensure the most realistic gaming experience.
Customs Vessel is now available to download for free from www.shipsim.com and selected digital distribution sites including the Steam Store.”
Valve today announced the launch of Steam Greenlight, a new feature that allows the community to help select new game releases on the digital distribution platform.
“Announced earlier this summer, Steam Greenlight allows developers and publishers to post information and media about their game in an effort to convince the Community that the game should be released on Steam. Greenlight piggybacks on Steam Workshop’s flexible system that organizes content and lets customers rate and leave feedback. Â “We’ve been working on this feature for the last few months with the input from a group of indie partners, and the response has been extremely positive,” said Valve’s Anna Sweet. “With the additional help of beta testers, we are able to launch with a solid line-up of titles for the community to start viewing and rating. And, as we’ve done with all Steam features, we intend to continually grow and modify Greenlight as more and more developers and community members have a chance to get involved.” Â As well as serving as a clearing house for game submissions, Greenlight provides an incredible level of added exposure for new games and an opportunity to connect directly with potential customers and fans. Â For more information, please visit www.steampowered.com/greenlight“
Paradox Interactive and Zeal Game Studios today announced the released of Starvoid.
“Paradox Interactive and Zeal Game Studios are running low on fuel for their massive fleet of starships, and have put out the call to every mercenary, bounty hunter, and armed lunatic in the galaxy to collect more, by any means necessary. Starvoid, a real-time strategy (RTS) skirmish for up to 12 players at once, has launched today on digital game stores everywhere. Starvoid players must assemble a customized robot army and use one of several unique commanders to seize control of valuable Starvoid extractors for fun and profit.
Starvoid is available now for the suggested retail price of 9,99 USD. To learn more about Starvoid, visit Paradox Interactive at www.paradoxplaza.com/games/starvoid“
Sign up for a chance to be part of the closed beta for March of the Eagles.”
Game features:
A Decade of Fire: Rule a major European power from 1805 to 1815 and ride out a decade of tactical innovation and strategic duplicity.
Manage Great Men: Take advantage of your generals’ unique skills to be sure they are in the right place when rival armies meet.
Manage Great Armies: Recruit vast armies from your population or build a navy to contest the rule of the seas.
The Velvet Glove: Build coalitions to strengthen your hand and use diplomacy to undermine your enemies
Logistics and Tactics: An army marches on its stomach, so keep your supply lines secure while your forces master new tactics and new modes of fighting in an era that revolutionized warfare.
Mutiplayer: Up to 32 people can go online and duke it out for mastery of Europe.
Paradox Interactive today announced Crusader Kings II: Legacy of Rome, a new upcoming expansion pack set in Rome.
“In the rich politics of Byzantium, you’ll find your cranky and disgruntled vassals split into factions, which will band together in revolt against your rule (they’re getting smarter)! Thankfully, your generals have improved to match them. Legacy of Rome introduces Leader Focus, with generals’ skills carrying more importance than ever before. This may prove useful if you have any generals that are (I) competent and (II) not plotting to drown you in a lake.
As for the wealth of features, let’s talk about wealth! You’ll be able to appoint your very own Orthodox patriarch instead of depending on that miserable old patriarch of Constantinople, plus you’ll have greater control over where you demand levies from your vassals, and, of course, indulge in new, Byzantine-specific events and decisions. You’ll need your regent to be at the top of their game, so it’s a good thing there are now Self-Improvement ambitions for them! It’s almost as if not everybody in the kingdom is out to get you.
The last gasp of the Roman Empire is in your hands, dear leader. Try not to screw it up.
This second expansion pack for Crusader Kings II arrives Q4 2012 on all major digital download portals for the suggested retail price of 9,99 USD.”
Features:
New Faction System: Join a royal faction and use your allies in the party to enhance your strength and tear down rivals
Raise Standing Armies: You will now be able to use retinues to have standing armies in your domain: the size of which is determined by technology
Experience Factional Revolts: No more easily defeated rebellions. Disgruntled vassals will now band together in revolt against your rule through their faction
Appoint Orthodox Patriarchs: Orthodox kingdoms and empires can now control their own heads of religion and their powers, instead of being dependent on the patriarch of Constantinople
Streamlined Mobilization: You will always raise a single, larger levy from your direct vassal; no need to worry about the opinions of the lower vassals
Leader Focus on Combat: Appoint your generals wisely, their traits and skills are now of vital importance on the field of battle. More commander traits are now added to increase the importance of your choice of military leaders
Byzantium Comes Alive: New sets of decisions and events specifically designed with the Byzantine Empire in mind
Improve your ruler: You can now actively strive to improve your skills or traits through the new Self-Improvement Ambitions
The Guild Wars 2 website has been updated with the announcement of the Guild Wars 2 launch.
“Enter the ever-changing fantasy world of Tyria, where you control the story and your actions shape the world around you! With action-oriented combat, deep personal storylines, epic dynamic events, world-class PvP, and no subscription fees, Guild Wars 2 defines the future of online roleplaying games.”
“A reminder to North American players who pre-purchased or pre-ordered a physical copy of the Standard Edition, European players who pre-ordered the game, and any players who pre-purchased the Collector’s Edition: remember to pick up your Guild Wars 2 box and final serial code to continue playing!
These players will need to return to the retailer where they made the original transaction in order to receive their retail game boxes and final serial codes.
Pre-Order customers have 2 days after launch day —Aug 28 — to apply the final serial code to their account, while Pre-Purchase customers have 5 days after launch to do this. After this grace period ends, you will be unable to access the game until you apply the final serial code.”
