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...
Tuesday, November 7, 2023
Written by Alleine Dragonfyre | Reported by Asclepius | PC Games by Drizz Dragonfyre
In Haven Ridge, there is an exciting month-long fishing event until November 30th. Participants have a chance to win big in multiple categories:
Grand Prize for Largest Lava and Saltwater Fish (Combined Length): 2000 COTO's, 200k Gold, Shroud of the Avatar Video Game Box Set (SEALED), Gold Fishing Trophy.
Largest Lava Fish: 1,000 COTO's, 100,000 Gold, Silver Fishing Trophy.
Largest Saltwater Fish: 500 COTO's, 50,000 Gold, Bronze Fishing Trophy.
Submit catches via In-Game Mail to Lebu Lionheart or use the Turn-In Chest near the main dock. Lava Pools are near Kosh Summers Estates. Haven Ridge is nestled at the mountain's base, just beyond Castle Atos. Haven Ridge thanks Knight Rider for their generous donation of the Box Set. Best of luck to all participants.
Download the FREE MMORPG Shroud of the Avatar today.
Gear up for the weekly Lightbringer Isle Auction, which 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.
Lighbringer Isle also 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!
Metaverse News
Opening Statements in Epic VS Google Legal Fight
In the ongoing Epic v. Google legal battle over app store fees, both companies presented opening statements and cross-examined witnesses on Monday. Epic Games admitted that its digital PC game store, the Epic Games Store, which launched in 2018, is still not profitable. Despite offering free games and a favorable profit split for developers, the store has struggled financially. During the trial, Epic Games Store boss Steve Allison stated that "growth" remains the company's primary objective. This trial stems from a 2020 dispute when Epic modified Fortnite to bypass Google's 30% transaction fee, leading to its removal from the Google Play store. Epic alleges that Google's payment policies stifle competition. Epic is also engaged in a similar case against Apple, with previous rulings favoring Apple. Epic is concurrently pursuing legal action against Google in the UK and Australia.
Modders Fix Starfield for Bethesda
It's been two months since Starfield’s release, and players are still waiting for Bethesda to address the numerous bugs. Enter the Starfield Community Patch (SCP), a dedicated team of modders striving to fix the game's issues. They've been at it since before the game's launch, aiming to enhance the vanilla experience by tackling major bugs and more. The SCP is an open-source, community-driven project, with a focus on standard software development practices. Despite limited support from Bethesda, the team remains committed to making Starfield shine.
Cryptic Studios, Owned by Megacorp Embracer Group, Suffers Layoffs
In a recent development, Cryptic Studios, known for creating MMOs like Star Trek Online and Dungeons & Dragons MMORPG Neverwinter, has confirmed layoffs. These cuts are a result of the ongoing restructuring within parent company Embracer Group. Reports surfaced in October, with key team members indicating their search for new opportunities. Cryptic has disclosed that an undisclosed number of their 100-plus employees have been affected. They will now operate under free-to-play publisher-developer DECA Games. This move follows Embracer's announcement of widespread restructuring affecting over 16,500 employees across their studios. This has been a challenging year for the video game industry, with layoffs affecting various developers and publishers.
Best Buy Canada Says Silent Hill 2 Remake Will Have Pyramid Head Origin Story
A listing on Best Buy Canada reveals that Silent Hill 2 Remake will feature a playable origin story for iconic character Pyramid Head. While Konami has yet to confirm this detail, it's likely from official sources. Developer Bloober Team aims to stay faithful to the original story, causing speculation about this new addition. Fans on Reddit suggest it may refer to the existing side story, 'Born From a Wish.' Bloober Team assures fans they're preserving the game's essence. Release date details remain scarce.
There May Be a Cow Level in Diablo IV
At BlizzCon 2023, IGN spoke with Diablo 4 production director Tiffany Wat and associate game director Joe Piepiora. They hinted at the elusive Cow Level, a sought-after mystery since Season 2's start. To access, players must vanquish 666 cows for three "Items of Great Significance." One relic weekly, all three craft a key to Forlorn Hovel. Wat and Piepiora teased about cows before dropping the hint. Gamers wonder if it’s too late.
Japanese Version of Baldur’s Gate 3 Not Spicy
In the Japanese release of Baldur’s Gate 3 on Dec. 21, publisher Spike Chunsoft will remove explicit sexual content to comply with CERO’s Code of Ethics. This includes disabling options for "display of genitals," "nudity in cutscenes," and "sex scenes." Notably, this content can already be toggled off in other versions. Additionally, players won't have the option to torture NPCs in Act 1's Goblin Camp. Despite a Z rating, equivalent to an M rating, Larian Studios made these changes to align with CERO's regulations on explicit content. This practice of censoring games for nudity and violence in Japan is not uncommon.
Offensive “Advertisement” Removed from Cities Skylines “Radio Station”
Last week, developer Colossal Order took action, patching out an in-game radio ad in Cities: Skylines 2 deemed offensive. The “Spasm Electronics” ad sparked concern in the community due to its sound effects, likened to seizure-like sounds. CEO Mariina Hallikainen addressed the reaction, urging for a respectful discourse. Hallikainen emphasized the aim for a welcoming environment in Cities: Skylines 2, asking for constructive feedback and discouraging attacks on fellow community members or developers. The community's support and kindness were highlighted as crucial elements moving forward.
Editors note: Perhaps if Colossal Order chose to have an actual radio station…*cough* Avatars Radio *cough* broadcasting in their games they wouldn’t have these problems. :)
