NEWS ON THE HOUR
Friday, November 17, 2023
Written by Alleine Dragonfyre | Reported by Asclepius | PC Games by Drizz Dragonfyre
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NEWS ON THE HOUR November 17 2023
Local News
Shroud of the Avatar Release 120
Shroud of the Avatar is nearing a decade since Release One in December 2013, marking ten years of monthly updates. The Chicken Room, a nostalgic landmark from early development, resurfaced last April Fools' Day, revealing hidden secrets and pranks. Looking ahead, a special livestream on December 15th commemorates the milestone, featuring guests sharing memories alongside release updates, sales, and contests. Release 120, available starting Thursday, focuses on polish, covering Crafting, Decoration, Gear, User Interface, Store Information, Inky, Lua, and Inventory Item Changes. Brace yourselves for more improvements in R121 next month.
And now for a special announcement!
We join our community in celebrating 10 years of Shroud of the Avatar and to honor the SOTA Developers of past and present for their hard work in bringing our beloved MMORPG monthly content updates faithfully through the years. Thank you!
Friends & fellow Avatars, please honor us with your attendance to enjoy music, merriment, a buffet, an open bar, games, and gifts. This celebration is about our community too, for without us, there would be no Novia!
The Deca-Yule Ball is on Friday, December 15th, and shall be timed to commence shortly after the official Developer Twitch Livestream and ending many merry hours later. Formal or fantasy attire is required. Music and your on-air emcee for this live event is provided and broadcasted by Avatars Radio, simulcasting the TV feed at twitch.tv/avatarsradiorocks.
Attention Shroud of the Avatar music enthusiasts! Mark your calendars for Saturday, November 18th, 12 PM PST, at Haven Ridge's tavern, hosted by Eveara and Lebu. An hour of diverse tunes awaits, spanning all genres and eras. There is no need for fancy attire; “just come as you are,” as that song by Nirvana says! This unique experience promises fresh, handcrafted songs coded with love. Unite through music as we anticipate a gathering like no other. See you there!
The Robot Overlords have announced a sheet music hunt event in Shroud of the Avatar, that commenced on November 13th and will continue until a winner is found. 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. Happy hunting!
Download the FREE MMORPG Shroud of the Avatar today.
In Haven Ridge, an exciting month-long fishing event is happening until November 30th. Participants have a chance to win big in multiple categories, including a Grand Prize for Largest Lava and Saltwater Fish with a combined length of 2000 COTO's, 200k Gold, an in-game Gold Fishing Trophy & this is cool, Listeners, a sealed Shroud of the Avatar Video Game Box Set! There are prizes for the Largest Lava and Saltwater fish as well. Submit catches via In-Game Mail to Lebu Lionheart or use the Turn-In Chest near the main dock. Haven Ridge is just beyond Castle Atos in Shroud of the Avatar. Best of luck to all participants!
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!
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 visit the official Shroud of the Avatar forums and the Avatars Radio Discord at www.avatarsradio.rocks/discord
For information about advertising your in-game business, guild or gaming-related products and services on Avatars Radio, visit avatarsradio.rocks/patron.
Metaverse News
Unlock Star Citizen: Explore Free
Today is the first day of Star Citizen's Intergalactic Aerospace Expo 2953, granting free access to over 100 spaceships and vehicles until November 30. The expo introduces new ships like the Xi'an Gatak Syulen, Crusader Spirit C1 cargo ship, and Tumbril Storm light battle tank. Hosted in New Babbage on Microtech, each day focuses on different manufacturers. Patch alpha 3.21.1 brings ship trespass mechanics and a mission for daring data heists. Star Citizen, exclusively on PC, is in alpha access, raising $624,480,415 from 4,885,739 users. Many users, not necessarily paying, register for events like this one.
Fractured Online Makes Steam Return with Game-Changing Improvements
Fractured Online, the once-troubled MMORPG, is making a comeback on Steam after a tumultuous journey. Developer Dynamight Studios, now self-publishing, faces challenges following a rocky relationship with Gamigo. The game's return comes with a medium-sized patch addressing exploits, PvP system manipulations, bug fixes, and rebalancing armor, encumbrance, and spells. Dynamight plans to release a follow-up patch next week, focusing on further balance improvements and refining archery and fencing. The game boasts new features like alchemical potions, rest for recovery, item enchanting, and a revamped talent tree. Despite setbacks, Dynamight expresses gratitude for the community's support, aiming for a fresh start.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Physical Deluxe Edition: 2024 Release Revealed
Larian Studios recently announced the physical release of Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2024. The Deluxe Edition, priced at $79.99, includes a 3-disc soundtrack, mind flayer poster, 32 stickers, cloth world map, two patches, and game discs. Previously exclusive to Japan, global pre-orders are now open with shipping scheduled for Q1 2024. The physical edition, available on Larian's store, emphasizes value and includes all digital deluxe content. Michael Douse, Larian's director of publishing, sees this as an experiment shaping the future of physical media.