News on the Hour
Good day, Avatars! NEWS ON THE HOUR is broadcast at the top of every hour, Tuesday - Sunday, 24 hours a day. The news we report is available for reading on our Discord in the Newsstand section...
Good day, Avatars! NEWS ON THE HOUR is broadcast at the top of every hour, Tuesday - Sunday, 24 hours a day. The news we report is available for reading on our Discord in the Newsstand section...
Wednesday, January 17, 2024
Written by Alleine Dragonfyre | Reported by Asclepius | PC Games by Drizz Dragonfyre
Local News
In Knight's Watch, a new Treasure Hunt is on the horizon. Belladonna Rose, the event organizer, plans to engage the community with an interactive challenge. Participants armed with a "clue book" will seek hidden clues around town, recording numbers and answers on provided sheets. The event promises a Grand Prize and rewards for second and third place, and everyone receives a "booty" bag of goodies for participating. The specific Date and Time will be announced shortly, inviting all Avatars to join the adventure.
The weekly Lightbringer Isle Auction takes place every Wednesday. Determine your prices, starting bids, and reserves. Drop labeled items at the Auction House or mail them to Hemnu Lighbringer, along with bid details. Expect a diverse array of offerings for a rich experience. Remember, a 10% commission on the final sale price applies. Visit the Shroud of the Avatar official forums for info.
The Robot Overlords are currently running a music hunt event in Shroud of the Avatar. Participants search for music sheets with a twist. Ten specific sheets of music are now listed on the official forums. Finding one makes you eligible for the grand prize. Discovering five or more earns an additional special reward. Players must post a screenshot of the sheet on the forum thread and its drop to claim victory. This event will continue until a winner is found. Happy hunting!
Download the FREE MMORPG Shroud of the Avatar today.
Lightbringer Isle hosts a monthly fishing contest that invites avid anglers to cast lines for the largest fish in the Isle’s salt and lava waters. Prizes will be revealed monthly for each group, with the ultimate Grand Prize awaiting the angler who nets the longest combination of lava and saltwater fish caught. Visit the Shroud of the Avatar official forums for info. Best of luck to all participants!
General Player Event Info
For more information about player-run events, developer game updates, and more happenings in Shroud of the Avatar, or to have your events broadcasted during NEWS ON THE HOUR for free, visit the official Shroud of the Avatar forums and the Avatars Radio Discord at www.avatarsradio.rocks/discord
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Metaverse News
Martha is Dead Game Transforms into Cinematic Thriller
In collaboration with Swedish film-production company Studios Extraordinaires, Italian game studio LKA is bringing the 2022 World War II horror game "Martha is Dead" to the big screen. Set in Tuscany in 1944, the first-person adventure follows twin sisters Giulia and Martha, daughters of a Nazi general. After Martha's mysterious death, Giulia assumes her identity, facing supernatural events involving the White Lady.
Studios Extraordinaires, led by André Hedetoft and Andreas Troedsson, known for high-end action, horror, and sci-fi films, will helm the adaptation. The game's intricate narrative and attention to detail have earned critical acclaim, and the film aims to capture this cinematic quality.
Fan-Created VR Mod Unleashes Lethal Company Immersion
Modder DaXcess has released a fan-made VR mod for Lethal Company, a hit game on Steam last year. Compatible with various headsets, the mod integrates hand movement and motion-based controls seamlessly for both VR and non-VR players in the same lobby. Using Unity's OpenXR, it supports Oculus, MetaQuest, Virtual Desktop, SteamVR, and more.
The mod features unique controls, including motion-based spray paint shaking and shovel/sign swinging. Available for free on Thunderstore and GitHub, it offers an immersive experience of the game's creepy corridors and surprises. Lethal Company's success on Steam continues, attracting players with its engaging content.
Netflix Abandons Interactive Shows, Embraces Gaming Evolution
Netflix has bid farewell to interactive shows, including renowned titles like Black Mirror's Bandersnatch. Mike Verdu, head of Netflix Games, cited the limitations of the technology and its inhibiting nature. The streaming giant now shifts focus to "interactive narrative games," striving to make viewers feel part of the show. Upcoming projects include a game spinoff for Squid Game and bringing popular titles like Hades and Dead Cells to its service. This move aligns with Netflix's broader strategy to enhance its gaming offerings and explore revenue avenues.
Sims 4 Unveils Community-Voted Castle and Goth Kits
The Sims 4 enthusiasts, get ready for two new kits! Players voted, and on Thursday, January 18, EA will release the Castle Estate Kit and the Goth Galore Kit. Castle Estate boasts 25 items for regal builds, including gothic arches and llama-shaped gargoyles. Goth Galore focuses on fashion, offering 24 edgy clothing items like combat boots and mesh tops. These community-chosen kits reflect Sims 4's diverse player base, showcasing EA's commitment to user input. More content is expected between January and April 2024. The Sims 4 base game is free.
Ubisoft Teases Laser-Focused Far Cry Spin-Off
Evidence suggests Ubisoft is developing a Far Cry spin-off titled Captain Laserhawk Niji Warrior, inspired by their animated series Captain Laserhawk: A Blood Dragon Remix. Based on Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, the series was well-received after its October 2023 Netflix debut.
The Pan-European Game Information database recently listed the spin-off as a multiplayer laser deathmatch, with a PEGI 12 rating and microtransactions for in-game cosmetics. Targeted for PC, its release date is December 19, 2023, hinting at a potential delay. The spin-off references Niji 6, superhero characters inspired by Power Rangers and Rainbow Six Siege in Captain Laserhawk. Ubisoft is concurrently developing Far Cry 7.
Supreme Court Rules on Apple-Epic Clash
In a significant legal development, the U.S. Supreme Court has rejected appeals from both Apple and Epic Games in their ongoing battle. The decision mandates Apple to allow app developers to include links directing users to external payment systems. However, it does not require Apple to permit third-party stores or sideloading on the App Store. The ruling originated from Apple's removal of Fortnite in 2020 due to Epic Games' attempt to bypass Apple's 30% commission. Epic CEO Tim Sweeney remains optimistic about challenging Apple's monopoly despite the setback, citing global legislative efforts. Apple's stock dipped over 2% following the news.
The Finals Unleashes Solo Gameplay
The Finals gears up for Season 1's major update, which drops today. Update 1.5.0 introduces the experimental Solo Bank It playlist, allowing solo players to engage in The Finals' popular Bank It mode against eleven others. The limited-time feature aims to diversify gameplay. Additional updates include balance tweaks, enhanced security to combat rampant cheating issues, bug fixes, and an expanded in-game store. Despite prior aim-assist adjustments, the game's unique teamplay focus remains a standout feature.
