Nobody makes a fake Pokémon game and gets away with it, nobody I tell ya. Develop reports that the two Pokémon game scams that slithered their way through Apple's stringent approval process onto the App Store are kaput. Both Pokémon - Pocket Edition and Pokémon Yellow are no more, but only after one managed to hit the top five on the App Store paid apps chart and gyp thousands of hopeful Pokémon fans out of a buck.
"We continue to combat the unauthorized release of games, applications and merchandise that trick our fans into purchasing something that does not meet our quality standards," The Pokémon Company, a Nintendo subsidiary and rights holder of the Pokémon brand told Develop. "Fans who encounter questionable products should report to us immediately so we can keep other fans from falling victim to these scams."
While it's a wonder that either "app" managed to slip past Apple's approval process onto the App Store, it's equally mind-blowing that it took this long for either scam to be removed from the iPhone and iPad ecosystem. According to Develop, the Pokémon Yellow "game" alone could have made more than $10,000 before Apple ripped it from the App Store. It makes you wonder what kind of damage the real deal could do, huh?
[Via PocketGamer]
Are you more surprised that it took so long for the game to be brought down or that it could have tens of thousands?
Thứ Ba, 21 tháng 2, 2012
Monopoly, Mahjong and more take to the skies through Pogo and Gogo
Gaming on the go knows no bounds, and neither does EA. The veteran games publisher announced that three games from its popular web gaming service, Pogo, will be available on US Air, Alaska Airlines and select Delta Airlines flights. Soon, passengers will be able to play Monopoly, First Class Solitaire and Mahjong Safari on flights equipped with Gogo, an in-flight Internet service.
Players who want to get their game on will first have to pay for Gogo's in-air Internet access, which can cost anywhere from $1.95 to $14.95, depending on the length of the flight. Then, would-be airborne Monopoly pros can log into their Pogo account from an Internet-enabled device (i.e. a tablet or smartphone) and get to gaming. (We hope Gogo is available from the screens behind the seats.)
"Pogo games offer the perfect distraction for the plane. Sometimes you just need five minutes of fun to improve your mood on a long flight," EA VP of publishing for Pogo Beatrice Spaine said, according to IntoMobile. "Our games are easy enough to pick up and play and entertaining enough to keep you seated for an entire cross-country flight."
Depending on how successful this move is, we wouldn't be surprised to see more Pogo games become available through Gogo. At any rate, here's to seeing more social games go airborne through Gogo or otherwise. But not everyone has an iPad, you know, so let's get on with putting these games in the seats.
Is this a trend you'd like to see continue? Where else would you like to have access to your favorite games while in transit?
Players who want to get their game on will first have to pay for Gogo's in-air Internet access, which can cost anywhere from $1.95 to $14.95, depending on the length of the flight. Then, would-be airborne Monopoly pros can log into their Pogo account from an Internet-enabled device (i.e. a tablet or smartphone) and get to gaming. (We hope Gogo is available from the screens behind the seats.)
"Pogo games offer the perfect distraction for the plane. Sometimes you just need five minutes of fun to improve your mood on a long flight," EA VP of publishing for Pogo Beatrice Spaine said, according to IntoMobile. "Our games are easy enough to pick up and play and entertaining enough to keep you seated for an entire cross-country flight."
Depending on how successful this move is, we wouldn't be surprised to see more Pogo games become available through Gogo. At any rate, here's to seeing more social games go airborne through Gogo or otherwise. But not everyone has an iPad, you know, so let's get on with putting these games in the seats.
Is this a trend you'd like to see continue? Where else would you like to have access to your favorite games while in transit?
PopCap goes for broke on Facebook with Lucky Gem Casino
Consider the rumors confirmed: PopCap, creator of hits like Bejeweled and Plants Vs. Zombies, has released Lucky Gem Casino on Facebook. A slots-based social game, Lucky Gem Casino allows players to pull the lever in seven games of chance based on popular PopCap franchises, including Bejeweled, Bookworm, Chuzzle and Zuma. Of course, the winnings are merely virtual.
"The strength of PopCap's game brands and the quality of the Lucky Gem product combined with our experience in luck-based games outside of Facebook means we are perfectly positioned to deliver the ultimate online free casino game experience – PopCap style," PopCap VP of worldwide publishing Dennis Ryan said in a release. "Enlivening traditional casino games with our franchises will delight millions of PopCap fans while introducing our world-class brands to a new and enthusiastic audience of online gamers."
Players can enjoy the slots game alone or with friends, like all PopCap games on Facebook. Much of Lucky Gem Casino's social elements come through in players' ability to compare winnings and chat in real-time. The play hook is largely what you would expect from a slots game, with the added ability to share the results of each spin. However, PopCap plans to mix things up a bit with mini games to play and more community features.
PopCap joins a number of other social game makers in entering the casino games arena, including Zynga with its Zynga Slingo and Zynga Bingo. (Games like DoubleDown Casino and Slotomania led the pack.) It looks like all the top social game makers are prepared for the online gambling explosion, and PopCap looks to come out on top with the help of its iconic characters.
Click here to play Lucky Gem Casino on Facebook Now >
Are you psyched or surprised to see PopCap come out with its own casino game on Facebook? What would you like to see PopCap do differently with its slots game?
"The strength of PopCap's game brands and the quality of the Lucky Gem product combined with our experience in luck-based games outside of Facebook means we are perfectly positioned to deliver the ultimate online free casino game experience – PopCap style," PopCap VP of worldwide publishing Dennis Ryan said in a release. "Enlivening traditional casino games with our franchises will delight millions of PopCap fans while introducing our world-class brands to a new and enthusiastic audience of online gamers."
Players can enjoy the slots game alone or with friends, like all PopCap games on Facebook. Much of Lucky Gem Casino's social elements come through in players' ability to compare winnings and chat in real-time. The play hook is largely what you would expect from a slots game, with the added ability to share the results of each spin. However, PopCap plans to mix things up a bit with mini games to play and more community features.
PopCap joins a number of other social game makers in entering the casino games arena, including Zynga with its Zynga Slingo and Zynga Bingo. (Games like DoubleDown Casino and Slotomania led the pack.) It looks like all the top social game makers are prepared for the online gambling explosion, and PopCap looks to come out on top with the help of its iconic characters.
Click here to play Lucky Gem Casino on Facebook Now >
Are you psyched or surprised to see PopCap come out with its own casino game on Facebook? What would you like to see PopCap do differently with its slots game?
Feed your Linsanity with this flash game -- it's a slam dunk every time
Linsanity game
And we mean that both literally and figuratively. Gonzo Games has created a Jeremy Lin flash game where you get to play as Lin, as he tries to shoot as many baskets as possible within 60 seconds. Since Lin's got perfect aim, your job is to decide when he shoots and to maneuver him around the court for power-ups (score multipliers; time extension) and avoiding trick ups: Kaboom! (subtracts 10 points off your score) and Troll Face (knocks you back down to earning 1 point per shot). The highest score so far is over 200. Think you can do better? Click here or scroll down to play "Linsanity" below!
And we mean that both literally and figuratively. Gonzo Games has created a Jeremy Lin flash game where you get to play as Lin, as he tries to shoot as many baskets as possible within 60 seconds. Since Lin's got perfect aim, your job is to decide when he shoots and to maneuver him around the court for power-ups (score multipliers; time extension) and avoiding trick ups: Kaboom! (subtracts 10 points off your score) and Troll Face (knocks you back down to earning 1 point per shot). The highest score so far is over 200. Think you can do better? Click here or scroll down to play "Linsanity" below!
Blackwood & Bell Mysteries on Facebook puts a magnifier on story
Playdom helped jump start the hidden-object genre on Facebook, and now it looks to keep it rolling. The Disney-owned developer announced Blackwood & Bell Mysteries on Facebook, its next seek-and-find game on the platform set to launch on Feb. 22. Blackwood & Bell aims to evolve the hidden-object genre by injecting more story into the play with a "darker Victorian mood," according to Playdom.
The game follows two detectives in that era, James Blackwood and Catherine Bell, as they team up to solve various mysteries and wicked crimes. (The former is British while the latter is American, which we imagine will somehow play into the story.) Across four chapters initially, players will piece together the objects they find and recreate the scenes of the crimes in their evidence yard, which looks similar to to property management hook in Gardens of Time.
Players will venture deep into abandoned ghost ships and haunted Victorian mansions to--what else?--find hidden objects. But with features like an evidence yard, we imagine players will use said objects as clues to solve the crimes at hand. Like games in the genre before it, players can send challenges to one another. But Playdom claims to offer a wide variety of play modes in the Headquarters tab of Blackwood & Bell.
Blackwood & Bell on Facebook
Zynga's recently echoed the hidden-object trend on Facebook with Hidden Chronicles, which is now the third most popular game on the network. That said, it's tough not to see Blackwood & Bell as Playdom and Disney's attempt to reinstate its position as top hidden-object game developer on Facebook. See for yourself whether that's the case starting Feb. 22.
Are you psyched for another hidden-object game from Playdom? Do you think this could help Playdom reclaim the top spot in the genre on Facebook?
The game follows two detectives in that era, James Blackwood and Catherine Bell, as they team up to solve various mysteries and wicked crimes. (The former is British while the latter is American, which we imagine will somehow play into the story.) Across four chapters initially, players will piece together the objects they find and recreate the scenes of the crimes in their evidence yard, which looks similar to to property management hook in Gardens of Time.
Players will venture deep into abandoned ghost ships and haunted Victorian mansions to--what else?--find hidden objects. But with features like an evidence yard, we imagine players will use said objects as clues to solve the crimes at hand. Like games in the genre before it, players can send challenges to one another. But Playdom claims to offer a wide variety of play modes in the Headquarters tab of Blackwood & Bell.
Blackwood & Bell on Facebook
Zynga's recently echoed the hidden-object trend on Facebook with Hidden Chronicles, which is now the third most popular game on the network. That said, it's tough not to see Blackwood & Bell as Playdom and Disney's attempt to reinstate its position as top hidden-object game developer on Facebook. See for yourself whether that's the case starting Feb. 22.
Are you psyched for another hidden-object game from Playdom? Do you think this could help Playdom reclaim the top spot in the genre on Facebook?
Thứ Hai, 20 tháng 2, 2012
Asura's Wrath maker says mobile social games are 'all rubbish'
At least they're "junk" in Japan, according to Hiroshi Matsuyama (pictured), CEO of Fukuoka, Japan-based developer CyberConnect 2. During an interview with Gamasutra, the chief overseeing upcoming traditional console games like Asura's Wrath for publisher Capcom and a Naruto game for Namco Bandai, said, "Another thing that I dislike is social games. Everybody is talking about social this, and social that. Even Bandai Namco. I don't like that."
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
However, don't think that Matsuyama's ire for social games is uninformed--the guy has reached Level 250 in DeNA's Kaito Royale for smartphones. "They're not fun at all. But, I have to play it," Matsuyama told Gamasutra. "The reality is that it has over 3 million users, and it's true that they're making money. I need to be aware of those businesses, so of course I play them. GREE's Dragon Collection. I've played that, too. [Matsuyama pulls out two smartphones] This is my iPhone, and this is my Android phone, and I play these games on both of these phones -- but they're all rubbish."
Ouch, Matsuyama. Keep in mind, however, the CyberConnect 2 president is referring specifically to Japanese mobile social games. Though, Matsuyama name dropped Infinity Blade for iOS (and soon on Mobage) as a favorite mobile game of his. Regardless, Matsuyama appears to think that, frankly, both Gree and DeNA have work to do before their games are suitable.
This point of view certainly isn't unique to Japan, as designers far and wide in the U.S. have called social games out for shallow gameplay, predatory design or just not being social enough. It seems that, regardless of the fact that social games are making a killing, they have a long way to go before earning the respect of traditional game designers. That is, of course, as their colleagues leave in droves for the social games scene.
Do you think social games deserve the respect of traditional game designers in their current state? Should social game creators even be working toward earning that respect?
MapleStory Adventures hits home on Facebook in new content update
Remain calm: Nexon hasn't added the chance for home wreckers to ruin things just yet--only homes. The Korean developer of MapleStory Adventures, the Facebook edition of its hit online game, has allowed players to shack up in their very own homes. This major content update brings multifaceted living spaces to the game's 1.7 million monthly players, which players can visit daily.
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
At any point during play, you can now press the "Go Home" button on the right hand side of your screen to enter your house. From here, you can craft various items and enchant your own equipment to upgrade its effectiveness. The home space also features a peach tree that you can pick daily for extra experience, and a mail box to collect daily bonus items from.
Players can visit each friends' five times daily and help them reduce item crafting times or harvest their peach trees. But even for just visiting, players will score an experience bonus. Along with the homes, Nexon seems to have added a Heart Level, which we imagine works like Reputation does in most Facebook games. The update certainly helps MapleStory Adventures feel more like a full game like its predecessor. Now, for those additional class choices--I've got dibs on the Archer.
Have you tried MapleStory Adventures since the new update? What do you think of Nexon's first ever Facebook game?
Disney My Store: Gree gets a Disney-branded game before Playdom?
Technically, yes: Japanese social gamers now have a game that features Disney's iconic characters before the Western world. According to Serkan Toto, Gree has announced Disney My Store, a mobile social game for feature phones that will allow players to create shops complete with Disney products like Mickey Mouse plush dolls and Lightning McQueen toy cars.
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Earlier this year, Walt Disney Japan worked with DeNAto release Disney My Land on the Mobage mobile social game network, but now it's Gree's turn. Alright, so the game doesn't feature the characters in the flesh, so to speak, but it is a game centered around said characters. That's more than we can say for Disney in the U.S. and abroad when it comes to social games.
Disney My Store allows players to sell their Disney-themed goods to their friends, dress up avatars just like their favorite Disney characters and work in their friends' stores. Of course, players will get to send each other gifts and trade items to sell in their respective stores--of which 300 will be available at launch.
Serkan Toto reports that the game will also be used to advertise real-life Disney Store items, and that Walt Disney Japan will use the game to spread word of new Disney movies that hit theaters. In the U.S. and abroad, however, Disney Interactive has dragged its feet in bringing its insanely lucrative characters to social games. But since the company slapped its name on Playdom's recent Gnome Town to positive results, Disney Interactive announced that a number of Disney-branded games will hit Western social networks in the next year. Well, it's 'bout time.
Why do you think Disney waited so long to bring its brand into Western social games? What Disney character do you hope gets a Facebook game first?
Internet safety expert accuses The Sims Social of promoting cybersex
I hope you packed some dry clothes, because we're about to lead you down one slippery slope. (Zing!) Charles Conway, self-proclaimed UK-based Internet safety expert and editor of Scam Detectives, alleges that EA and Playfish's enormously popular The Sims Social promotes cyber sex between children and adults (fat chance). And it's all thanks to The Sims Social's Woo-Hoo feature.
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
While playing the game, players can build asynchronous relationships with one another that can quickly grow into romantic relationships. Ultimately, those relationships will draw the players' avatars closer and can result in them having Woo-Hoo. And like any social activity in the game, players are rewarded Social Points for this that they can use to buy new items.
"Even if Facebook did verify the age of it's users (which it doesn't), at what age does it become acceptable for a child to engage in "virtual sex" for rewards," Conway asks. "Does it ever become acceptable? Isn't sex for rewards the very definition of prostitution? How is playing this game different to children having "cybersex" in a chatroom?"
The list of questions goes on. Sure, Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social is an allusion to having sex, but the "sexual" act displayed is arguably far from lewd--way less provocative than what children have access to on basic cable. More importantly, Woo-Hoo does not allow players to directly communicate within the game in real time like a chat room would.
"When 40% of kids admit that they have Facebook 'friends' that they don't know in 'real life,' there's a real risk of a predator using a game like this to build a relationship with a child that could lead to real world abuse," Conway writes. However, what is not pointed out is that all social relationships requested between The Sims Social players--including romantic ones--require the consent of the player from the start and at every stage of advancement.
If a player feels uncomfortable during any point of the "relationship," they can halt its progress. As for Playfish and EA restricting adult content (which suggestiveness is debatable), there are a number of Facebook games that arguably promote drug trafficking, serial murder and nearly genocidal manslaughter. Maybe it's time for Facebook to meet with the ESRB and PEGI.
Do you think that Woo-Hoo in The Sims Social promotes cybersex or prostitution? Would you agree with a rating system for Facebook games like one that exists for traditional games?
DoubleDown Casino's Photo Booth Friends: Play slots with faces friends
Now, you can literally play slots with your friends ... as in use their likeness to win big. DoubleDown Interactive has announced Photo Booth Friends, the newest slot game to hit its popular DoubleDown Casino Facebook game. Photo Booth Friends allows players to customize their slot reels with up to 11 of their friends' faces, but they can also be picked at random.
Of course, matching your friends' faces nets you lots of chips to play more with, which you can brag about or share through Facebook News Feed posts. According to DoubleDown Interactive, this is the 18th game the developer has introduced to the DoubleDown Casino app, all of which we just recently had an in-depth peek at. The Seattle, Wash.-based studio also hinted that more games will be released within the overarching app later this year.
"We've made a significant investment to develop a truly social slot game, one that takes full advantage of the many social features provided by Facebook," Double Down Interactive CEO Greg Enell said in a release. "We've done it with Photo Booth Slots by providing a unique slot game that's full of social and viral features, culminating in an experience that's all about winning with friends. I'm confident that our millions of players will embrace this slot, once again proving that we are the world's premiere developer and distributor of virtual casino games."
Photo Booth Friends Snapshot Bonus
Players can hit up the new mode of slots by entering DoubleDown Casino and going directly to the slot machines section of the game from the lobby. While DoubleDown Casino enjoys an impressive 1 million daily players and 3.4 million monthly players, according to AppData, its competition is about to heat up with both Zynga and PopCap preparing casino-style social games. But with nearly 30 percent of its player base playing daily, DoubleDown Casino has its feet firmly in the red and gold carpet.
Have you tried Photo Booth Friends in DoubleDown Casino yet? What do you think of slot and casino games on Facebook thus far, and will you jump ship to Zynga or PopCap's casino game when they release?
Of course, matching your friends' faces nets you lots of chips to play more with, which you can brag about or share through Facebook News Feed posts. According to DoubleDown Interactive, this is the 18th game the developer has introduced to the DoubleDown Casino app, all of which we just recently had an in-depth peek at. The Seattle, Wash.-based studio also hinted that more games will be released within the overarching app later this year.
"We've made a significant investment to develop a truly social slot game, one that takes full advantage of the many social features provided by Facebook," Double Down Interactive CEO Greg Enell said in a release. "We've done it with Photo Booth Slots by providing a unique slot game that's full of social and viral features, culminating in an experience that's all about winning with friends. I'm confident that our millions of players will embrace this slot, once again proving that we are the world's premiere developer and distributor of virtual casino games."
Photo Booth Friends Snapshot Bonus
Players can hit up the new mode of slots by entering DoubleDown Casino and going directly to the slot machines section of the game from the lobby. While DoubleDown Casino enjoys an impressive 1 million daily players and 3.4 million monthly players, according to AppData, its competition is about to heat up with both Zynga and PopCap preparing casino-style social games. But with nearly 30 percent of its player base playing daily, DoubleDown Casino has its feet firmly in the red and gold carpet.
Have you tried Photo Booth Friends in DoubleDown Casino yet? What do you think of slot and casino games on Facebook thus far, and will you jump ship to Zynga or PopCap's casino game when they release?
Toyota's Social Network Racer flaunts flashy concept car [Video]
Sure, branded games are huge on Facebook, but Toyota is just plain showing off. The global car manufacturer announced its first branded Facebook game, Social Network Racer. (Wow, original, huh?) The game, which launches Oct. 19 at 11 p.m. PST right here, is designed to promote the company's brand new product model car that will be officially unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show this December.
Social Network Racer is said to run from Oct. 19 right up until Dec. 31, or the very day the Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public. If you hadn't guessed already from the game's brilliant title, players will race the concept car around a predetermined track in full 3D, thanks to Flash Player 11. Come to think of it, Toyota may be one of the first to use the new Flash Player's 3D capabilities commercially.
The track is only predetermined to a point: The track's surroundings will incorporate information from your Facebook profile like photos and News Feed updates as if they were billboards and video advertisements. According to a release, players will get to create and host their own races with their friends, and compete in events hosted by Toyota.
A special event known as the Toyota Championship will pit racers against each other for the ultimate prize: a trip to Tokyo, Japan to see Toyota's mysterious concept car in the flesh--err, metal, rubber and chrome. Oh, and if you win, you'll also receive "a secret prize," a Toyota representative tells us.
Gearheads, it's OK to nerd squeal now. Based on the preview trailer below, the concept car looks to be a variation of the FT-86 II unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Also, we doubt that the driving displayed in this preview is indicative of what Toyota's concept car is capable of. Well, we sure hope not.
(Editor's Note: This post was edited for clarity regarding the prize in store for players and the car to be featured at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.)
Click here to play Social Network Racer starting Oct. 19, 11 p.m. PST >
Are you psyched to get behind the virtual wheel of Toyota's next major sports car? Do you think a full-blown 3D racing game could work on Facebook?
Social Network Racer is said to run from Oct. 19 right up until Dec. 31, or the very day the Tokyo Motor Show opens to the public. If you hadn't guessed already from the game's brilliant title, players will race the concept car around a predetermined track in full 3D, thanks to Flash Player 11. Come to think of it, Toyota may be one of the first to use the new Flash Player's 3D capabilities commercially.
The track is only predetermined to a point: The track's surroundings will incorporate information from your Facebook profile like photos and News Feed updates as if they were billboards and video advertisements. According to a release, players will get to create and host their own races with their friends, and compete in events hosted by Toyota.
A special event known as the Toyota Championship will pit racers against each other for the ultimate prize: a trip to Tokyo, Japan to see Toyota's mysterious concept car in the flesh--err, metal, rubber and chrome. Oh, and if you win, you'll also receive "a secret prize," a Toyota representative tells us.
Gearheads, it's OK to nerd squeal now. Based on the preview trailer below, the concept car looks to be a variation of the FT-86 II unveiled at this year's Geneva Motor Show. Also, we doubt that the driving displayed in this preview is indicative of what Toyota's concept car is capable of. Well, we sure hope not.
(Editor's Note: This post was edited for clarity regarding the prize in store for players and the car to be featured at this year's Tokyo Motor Show.)
Click here to play Social Network Racer starting Oct. 19, 11 p.m. PST >
Are you psyched to get behind the virtual wheel of Toyota's next major sports car? Do you think a full-blown 3D racing game could work on Facebook?
Atari's Heroes of Neverwinter gets ghoulish and ghastly for Halloween
For a game that's all about slaying the undead and green-skinned beasts in dank dungeons, Halloween comes pretty easy. Atari has updated its flagship Facebook RPG (role-playing game), 1 Comment, with a bevy of Halloween content in celebration of being the third-fastest growing social game on AppData last week.
Namely, the update brings three brand new encounters for players of multiple levels. But Atari threw in a list of new items and bonuses. Oh, and the developer did some redecorating around town to get the feeling right. Here's a look at all the new Halloween content in Heroes of Neverwinter:
Gobble up a free Underdark Cookie, added to each player's Chest of Wonders, which permanently increases one character's maximum hit points!
Find and acquire other potently powerful potables and treats, including Zombie Juice, Potions of Black Cat's Grace, Glyphs of Terror, and more!
Delve into new dungeons to claim rare and wondrous items, including wearable masks (who doesn't want to be a kobold or an ogre for Halloween?), a Skeletal Crossbow, and high level rings!
Thwart a sinister Thayan plot in a new three-part adventure series!
Level 1: Bones, Thugs and Sorcery can be found in Neverwinter
Level 5: Trick or Trap can be found in the Ruins of Illefarn
Level 10: Monster Mash can be found in the Neverwinter Woods
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a seasonally revamped town hub, along with a variety of other game updates and improvements!
Atari fixed a litany of bugs found in Heroes of Neverwinter since its launch and released some new features, including clearer visuals while in fullscreen and improvements to the game's interface. Heroes of Neverwinter currently hosts 320,000 monthly players, but is on the up and up with 10,000 players added today, according to AppData. And we bet at least a few hundred of them are dressing up as elves for Halloween. What? Look, this is D&D--it's just deductive reasoning at that point.
Have you tried Heroes of Neverwinter on Facebook yet? What do you think of RPGs on Facebook so far?
Namely, the update brings three brand new encounters for players of multiple levels. But Atari threw in a list of new items and bonuses. Oh, and the developer did some redecorating around town to get the feeling right. Here's a look at all the new Halloween content in Heroes of Neverwinter:
Gobble up a free Underdark Cookie, added to each player's Chest of Wonders, which permanently increases one character's maximum hit points!
Find and acquire other potently powerful potables and treats, including Zombie Juice, Potions of Black Cat's Grace, Glyphs of Terror, and more!
Delve into new dungeons to claim rare and wondrous items, including wearable masks (who doesn't want to be a kobold or an ogre for Halloween?), a Skeletal Crossbow, and high level rings!
Thwart a sinister Thayan plot in a new three-part adventure series!
Level 1: Bones, Thugs and Sorcery can be found in Neverwinter
Level 5: Trick or Trap can be found in the Ruins of Illefarn
Level 10: Monster Mash can be found in the Neverwinter Woods
Enjoy the sights and sounds of a seasonally revamped town hub, along with a variety of other game updates and improvements!
Atari fixed a litany of bugs found in Heroes of Neverwinter since its launch and released some new features, including clearer visuals while in fullscreen and improvements to the game's interface. Heroes of Neverwinter currently hosts 320,000 monthly players, but is on the up and up with 10,000 players added today, according to AppData. And we bet at least a few hundred of them are dressing up as elves for Halloween. What? Look, this is D&D--it's just deductive reasoning at that point.
Have you tried Heroes of Neverwinter on Facebook yet? What do you think of RPGs on Facebook so far?
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