« Igniq.com Gaming News - Bookmark this site Advertisements  IGNIQ have today set up a server for Valve's Counter Strike: Source. This will probably be changed (in time) to Day of Defeat: Source when it is released. The server ip is 195.20.108.11:27040, do come along and join us for some CS: Source fun. If you have any problems or questions, don't hesitate to contact any of the admins: rob@igniq.com gary@igniq.com dave@igniq.com Have fun, The IGNIQ team :-) Discussion >>  For people who don't know how to get their Steam ID, I just stumbled across a neat little program that does just that. It's a tiny .exe file (24Kb in size), all you do is open it up and direct it to the Steam directory (which is located inside the Valve folder in your Program Files)Your Steam ID is a unique number that identifies you online when playing Valve games such as: Counter Strike: Source, Day of Defeat etc. If you ever get banned from a server, this number will be used in the blacklisting process. Related: Official Steam website Half Life 2 Counter Strike: Source Day of Defeat Valve Software Discussion >>  O.k so you've downloaded Hammer 4.0 through Steam, but cant seem to work out what to do. With this in mind I set out to create an easy to follow, guide and tutorial for the extreme beginner wannabe mapper, with easy to follow step by step guide to creating your very first room.Check it out here Related info: Source SDK Documentation Discussion >>  IGN has acquired some details regarding Battlefield: Modern Combat for the Xbox 2. Modern Combat will be a next-generation shooter based around the technology behind Battlefield 2 which is due out on the PC in June of this year. First, here's the mission statement for Battlefield: Modern Combat: EA intends to "Make Battlefield Modern Combat a Top three console shooter title in CY05 in North America and Europe and to establish the successful Battlefield franchise on consoles." That's not a surprise, seeing as how EA is bold, ambitious and the series is already a hit. Via jostiq Related: Battlefield 2 Screenshots Battlefield 2 engine demonstration Battlefield 2 website Discussion >>  Well, the April fool put out by Valve that Gabe Newell had left Valve to tour with his folk-rock trio "Left of the Dealer" has been unearthed.More antics over at Valve, in the form of the latest Steam update for Counter Strike: Source. Among many other things, the update promises: Doubled player speed when jumping. The effect to cumulative, so the more you jump, the faster you go. Full "April fools" update details here Via hlfallout Related: Shacknews list of gaming related pranks Gabe Newell: From Half Life To Folk-Rock Discussion >>  Gaming icon legend and superstar, Mario has recently demanded a Walk of Fame for video games developers and gaming icons a like. Usually only reserved for movie stars. Mario has approached Hollywood Mayor Johnny Grant with a petition signed by fans online pleading his case for recognition. The petition asks for an Interactive gaming category, this would also honor creators of digital characters and designers who are often overlooked. Video games are a huge part of the entertainment industry," argues George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Revenues from the video game industry routinely equal or top revenues from the film industry's U.S. box office. That's how big we are." In the words of Mario himself:I spent my whole life chasing stars, and now my fans want to give me one? Woo-hoo! Via Yahoo gmaes domain Discussion >>  Joystiq link to a $35,000 PSP accessory from Simmons Jewellery named the "Baby Phat":The Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons piece is made with one pound of gold and 8ct yellow and black diamonds on the front and crock finishing on the back. Baby Phat and Phat Farm logos accented with Simmons Jewelry Co diamonds dangle from the bottom of the luxurious accessory. The $35,000 design easily fits over any PSP to add extra bling. Dev Uncovers Hidden Browser In PSP PSP 101: Everything you need to know about the PlayStation Portable PSP Resource Centre Discussion >>  Meqon, the company whose physics technology has been licensed for 3D Realms long-awaited Duke Nukem Forever, have made their software development kit (SDK) available to developers.Until the end of April, developers can use the full SDK; Meqon say the positive response from their demo at last month's Game Developer Conference prompted them to make it available: Jonas Lindqvist, the chief executive officer of Meqon, said, "The response from development studios during the Game Developer conference and in the past couple of weeks, has been terrific. We had intended to pass this version of our software onto those people we met during the show, but requests have been coming in ever since the show ended. We're delighted that our technology has struck such a chord with the development community and we're very pleased to make the SDK available to studios worldwide." Download Meqon SDK free trial Demos and movies of Meqon tech in action Duke Nukem Forever Physics Pass HL2 Official site for Duke Nukem Forever Discussion >> After their devastating court win against Sony, that saw the electronics giant ordered to cease sales of the PlayStation and pay $90.7 million, Immersion CEO Victor Viegas agreed to speak with Spong.com Spong asked an obvious question first: why weren't Nintendo targeted in a lawsuit from Immersion? After all, their rumble pak controller does much the same thing as Sony's Dual-Shock. They got a pretty surprising answer: We never analysed Nintendo products. There is, I believe, a difference in the technologies used but we never investigated those of Nintendo. Spong then pointed out an interesting conspiracy theory - this is part of a well-executed plan by Microsoft to strike right at the heart of the XBox's main competition. Back in 2003, Microsoft settled in the same lawsuit filed against Sony, and part of the settlement was a 10% stake in Immersion:Immersion, backed by Microsoft will have the right to demand royalties from Sony on every single PlayStation product that makes use of DualShock, an astoundingly astute move resulting in a case that Sony simply must win. I cannot argue with the logic in what you say. Microsoft took full advantage of the opportunity offered to it and was fair in its dealings with us throughout. World Exclusive: How Nintendo escaped the case that might see Sony pay Microsoft for every PlayStation product soldRelated info: Immersion press-release on court win Dual Shocked: Sony Immersed in $90.7 million fine, injunction Court to Sony: Halt PlayStation Sales, Pay $90M Discussion >>  Oxygen Interactive has launched an official website dedicated to its upcoming title, Conspiracy: Weapons Of Mass Destruction. The site features information, movies, screenshots and more.
Via gamegossip Related: Movie of actual gameplay (4.3 Mb) (Quicktime required) Official website Kuju website (Developers) Discussion >> Once in-game, you have the opportunity to explore the vast, sprawling City, in which you will be spending so many of your waking hours over the next few weeks and months. The developers have done a bang-up job on the game environments; the sky is a perpetual leaden gray, always threatening rain over the concrete-and-chrome, neon-glittering sprawl of the City. Cars pass by in an endless stream, and pedestrians shuffle past, their eyes downcast as they travel the waypoints of their meaningless existence. The visuals are so lush that you very well may spend your first few hours in the City simply roaming around, seeing just how much trouble you can get into simply by sightseeing (quite a bit, as it turns out). Click here to read more of the review at MygamerMore Info: Matrix Online Trailer In-game Ads Offically Launches Buy Matrix Online Discussion >>  First of all, I've got to talk about the graphics, as this is easily the best looking Gamecube game ever made, as well as generally one of the best all around looking console games. How they managed to get the Gamecube to display environments like this is beyond me, as I never thought this relatively crippled console capable of such visuals. Click here to read more of the review over at gamershellI haven't had the chance to play this game yet, and I'm a fan of the Resident Evils. They are pretty much sold out everywhere! More Info: Screenshots Offical Site Discussion >> Sony Computer Entertainment have called off the planned pre-E3 Expo showing of the new PlayStation 3. Sony still plan to unveil the console at the Expo in May at the latest. Gamespot: Sony told Reuters that it decided to cancel the PS3 meeting because it "would pressure game publishers" if held in March, but it left the door open for another pre-E3 event. The company also emphasized that the cancellation is not a sign that the PlayStation 3 development is falling behind, and it still intends to unveil the machine at E3 at the latest. Related info:Slashdot | Sony Cancels PS3 Showing Spong.com - Playstation 3 Showing Cancelled at Last Minute In Japan Court to Sony: Halt PlayStation Sales, Pay $90M Fake PlayStation 3 Image Circles The 'Net Discussion >>  G4TV featured the "world's largest NES controller" on Monday's Attack of The Show - 8 foot long, 3 feet wide and fully-working, it took 3 people 20 hours to make. Link to story and video, via Boingboing Discussion >>  In an extraordinary turn of events, Gabe Newell (CEO of Valve Software) has left the gaming industry to go on tour with his 3 piece folk-rock band, "Left of the Dealer". The move has stunned gamers the world over (this one included) though when asked about reasons for his departure from Valve Gabe said: it wasn't because of any conflicts at Valve — they're a great team. And don't get me wrong, I love making games. But there's a ton of creativity I'm just not able to express unless I'm with my guitar If anyone is interested in hearing what his band sounds like, you can download "Chasing the Sun" (mp3) hereValve Engineering Lead, Rick Ellis summed up the mood over at Valve:
Via hlfallout Related: HL2 Lost Coast Tech Glimpsed on G4TV Valve's Anti-Cheat Beta Begins Next Week Discussion >>  G4TV's "Attack of The Show" guest last night was Valve's Doug Lombardi. He showed off a tiny glimpse of the new Half-Life 2 level "The Lost Coast", due for release in a few weeks, and which features the new HDR (high dynamic range lighting) technology.Fans who are looking forward to the extra level (which will be free to owners of HL2 via Steam), may be disappointed that their PC's aren't powerful enough to play it - when asked if it would require a high-end system, he said: Absolutely, no bones about it. This is targeted at the super hardcore early adopter guy, or gal who's got the latest and greatest stuff, and really the horsepower to haul the new API's and new lighting tricks. HDR will be a general upgrade to Half-Life 2 along with the new level, and an update to the Source SDK will allow modders to use the new tech in their games.For those that missed the show, a .torrent of the interview was posted in the comments section on Voodoo Extreme. More info: Half-Life 2 Expansion: The Lost Coast - links to concept art Discussion >>  The browser-based 3D adventure game RuneScape, which has received positive feedback from players on our forums, has hit 300,000 members for the first time. The basic game is free to play, but players who sign up as members for $5/ month get benefits like new adventures, new skills and new areas to explore.You control your own character who will improve and become more powerful the more you play. This isn't a game where everything that happens is pre-determined. What you do in the world is up to you! RuneScape.com Jagex.com - Developers Discussion >>  A pair of dedicated Finnish overclocking gurus have broken the 3DMark World Record with help from XFX makers of high-end graphics cards.The setup rig included a special liquid-nitrogen cooling system with a pair pf XFX's Nvidia GeForce 6800 GT cards with 256 Mb of video memory a piece. Pushing the PCI Express cards to the limit, the two overclockers managed a staggering score of 12,483 on 3DMark 2005.
Via p2pnet Related: Top PC Hardware According To 3DMark NVIDIA's SLI Shortchanges Gamers? Post your 3D Mark05 scores here Post your 3DMark 03 scores here Discussion >>  Shanghai man Zhu Caoyuan was stabbed to death after he sold a virtual sword lent to him by attacker Qiu Chengwei, a fellow player of MMORPG Legend of Mir 3.Qiu and a friend won the "dragon sabre" in the game last February; the dispute started when Zhu sold it on for 7200 yuan (€ 671). Qui went to the police to report the "theft" but was told the weapon was not real property protected by law. Related info: Onliner gamer stabbed over 'stolen' cybersword Japanese Woman arrested for Deleting MMORPG Items (23 Jan) Discussion >>  An interesting contest is underway on the role-playing world Second Life - they have been supplied with an ASCII text version of sci-fi writer Cory Doctorow's new novel, and users have the challenge of creating the best in-game representation of it: I didn't want this version to be just a very long text file on a notecard, so I challenged Residents to come up with a way to turn Cory's entire 320 page tome into an actual, three-dimensional book in-world-- a book with text transposed to a readable typefont, on 3D pages that you can actually turn, in a physical form you can set down and open in front of your avatar. The objects in Second Life are mostly all created by players, who are supplied with a 3D modeling program, and for a small fee players can also upload sounds and images for use in the environment - this is an example in a good intro video on C|Net, where music is uploaded to the world for use in a virtual disco. Another interesting aspect is the currency used in-game, which players get in weekly allowances; this money can be traded for real US dollars with the blessing of Linden Labs, the creators of the world, and in the video we hear of players who earn $1000's per month selling land from Second Life. A 7-day free trial of Second Life is available with a credit card, the game costs a one-time fee of $10 to play without limitations. More info: Second Life Second Life FAQ "At the end of seven days, Everquest 2 is off my subscription list and Second Life is on." 5 Things You Should Know about Getting a Second Life Virtual world teaches real-world skills About Cory Doctorow Discussion >>  Sony Computer Entertainment Europe has today announced an exclusive licence deal with Twentieth Century Fox that will bring the hit tv series 24 to the Playstation 2. Based around an intense thriller involving a "Counter Terrorism Unit" and all sorts of evil schemes that threaten the security of the world. The events in the show take place within one day and each episode makes up one hour of that day.The countdown has begun to the release of '24: The GameTM' on PlayStation®2. Sony Computer Entertainment Europe today announced an exclusive licence deal with Twentieth Century Fox to bring the acclaimed show '24' onto PlayStation 2. Set to become the biggest action adventure game of the year, '24: The Game' lets gamers take control and live a 'brand new day' in the life of Jack Bauer and the Los Angeles Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU). Press releaseVia gamershell Related: Fox 24 official website 24’ Counts Down for PlayStation 2 This Autumn Become Jack Bauer Court to Sony: Halt PlayStation Sales, Pay $90M Discussion >>  Like the PC version of DOOM 3, which was leaked to the Internet days before it was released, a warez copy of the as-yet-unreleased XBox version is reportedly spreading like wildfire on Bit Torrent and IRC.The XBox conversion is due for official release next Monday. WindowsBeta.net, via kotaku Related info: Latest Doom 3 Screenshots For Xbox Doom 3 XBox Impressions DOOM 3: Resurrection of Evil Official Trailer Carmack Tackles DOOM For Cell Phones Discussion >>  StarDock have released a new real-time strategy game, Uplink: Hacker Elite that puts players in the shoes of a hacker hired to break into computer systems, sabotage companies, frame innocent people and in general be a nuisance:One of the most alluring elements of the Internet is that of the hacker. They’re the elite programmers working in the dark reaches of cyberspace, going where nobody was meant to. Through Introversion Software’s Uplink: Hacker Elite, gamers can now take the role of one of these hidden agents. Using powerful virtual hardware, software, and an undercover network, players will hack into rival computer systems, frame the innocent, manipulate markets and much more. More info: About TotalGaming.net Discussion >>  Calling it a "major threat" to morality, the former 1st Lady has hit out at the Grand Theft Auto franchise. Some may see it as Hillary getting her face out there early enough to be making some political impact before the 2008 U.S. Presidential elections.
Via Kotaku Related: Hillary Clinton plays Grand Theft Auto card Jack Thompson, Anti-Game Lawyer Strikes Again enjoyment/terror GTA San Andreas - Review Discussion >>  Patch V1.01 for Chaos Theory has just been released. This patch contains minor bug-fixes and overall improvements to the game (full changes here) The patch is a whooping 79.4 Mb. You can download it via Bittorrent here or direct download mirrors here Related: Splinter Cell Chaos Theory - Gone Gold In Europe Fully playable demo (603 Mb) Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory Review Official Website Discussion >>  John Carmack, the main programming force behind Doom and id software's other games, is working on a cell-phone version of Doom, dubbed DoomRPG. Unhappy with the Java demo's installed on his new cell phone, he decided he wanted to make his own game: You aren’t going to be able to make an immersive experience on a 2” screen, no matter what the graphics look like. Moody and atmospheric are pretty much out. Stylish and fun is about the best you can do. Related info: id Software Armadillo AeroSpace - Carmack's aerospace startup company John Carmack profile on Wikipedia Discussion >> kotaku links to CBS GameCore's mailbag, which is about lawyer Jack Thompson's latest example of contempt for all things gaming. In February, the lawyer took part in an online Q&A for CBS News GameCore about violence in games such as Grand Theft Auto, and his replies to the questions seemed reasonable and sane - and in general he does have a point about excessive violence in games influencing kids - but he almost negates himself by showing total comical disdain for gamers when he speaks to people outside of the spotlight of mainstream media. The latest example is an attempt by the forum members of Ctrl+Alt+Del, whose owner is a gamer that took part in an alternate-view follow up to Thompson's Q&A, to engage him in an open discussion. The initial email sent to him was: Mr. Thompson, My website and email are for people harmed by these games, not for people Thompson's StopKill.com CBS GameCore Mailbag Freak Out - reader responses Jack Thompson won’t talk to bloggers, but he’ll talk to CBS Jack Thompson is at it again - 60 Minute quotes for your enjoyment/terror Anti-Game Lawyer Snubs GamersHell (2 Feb) Discussion >>  Brothers in Arms is a new action packed WW2 shooter from Gearbox Software, based on a true story.I never asked to be a squad leader. I've spent 8 days here. 8 days watching my men, my brothers kill and be killed. 8 days wishing it would stop. SGT Matt Baker - 101st airborne division This is an in-game quote and is found on the back of the CD case. The game is based on a true story and attempts as realistic an experience as possible from back then.System Requirements: Minimum: OS 2000/XP 1ghz Pentium/AMD 512mb RAM 32mb DirectX 9c Video card DVD-ROM 4X 16-bit DirectX 9c Audio card HD 5GB Multiplayer 64kps Upstream Recommended: 2.5ghz P4/AMD 1GB RAM 64MB DirectX 9c Video card Multiplayer Broadband 128 Upstream+  There are many differences with this WW2 based game compared to others in its genre. Even though you can see down your sight and get a shot at the enemy, it doesn't mean your going to hit. Your hands are extremely shakey, and it's almost like you're too drunk. Anyway you can't expect to hit as they have their own strategy which makes it a squad based game where if your team lays down covering fire, you can outflank and kill the enemy, where they have no protection. Also I noticed some more scenes similar to "Medal of Honor" and the expansion "Spearhead" where they are in the plane and jump. So a lot of these games base it around The 101st airborne. Now in this game, there are no renegade's or soloing. You need your team to do something whilst you do the other. As you don't have unlimited ammo but your team does, they carry out the suppressing fire whilst you out-flank and kill them.Graphics Now the graphics are kind of weird. The problem with this game is it reminds me of a console game (never a good sign) but in saying that it does have some great model textures and skies, with the day and night changing. I mean, it doesn't have water like Half Life 2/Far Cry but it does create the atmosphere. Audio Well before I can say anything, I have never fired a real gun in my life so I don't exactly know how the guns sounded back in the 1940's, except in movies and games, but as I've seen in a video interview, these weapons sound like they did 60+yrs ago. In my personal opinion they sound weak and awful but that is just my view. How does this compare to other WW2 games?  Well this has great graphics that run very smoothly compared to Medal of Honor: Pacific Assault, but to me it seems very strange. I know they want you to use the AI, which I find is different and more clever than most other WW2 games, but I mean if you're a good shot, you're a good shot.Impression Verdict I'm not really sure, I would need to complete the game but it does have something new to offer rather than these other WW2 games like Medal of Honor etc, which goes on for a life-time... More info: Hi-Res Trailer Offical Website Discussion >>  In a huge blow to Sony, a district court in California has ordered them to pay $90.7 million dollars to Immersion, a small company in Silicon Valley specialising in digital touch technology.Immersion claimed the famous Dual-Shock controller, that comes as standard with the PlayStation and PS2 and shakes in response to actions in-game, infringes on a patent held by the firm. The court order also requires Sony to suspend sales of the PlayStation in the U.S; but that order doesn't hold while Sony appeal the decision. Immersion CEO Victor Viegas: The compulsory license during the stay of the injunction creates a binding obligation for Sony to compensate us for the continued use of our technology in their PlayStation products. We have always believed, and continue to believe, in the strength of our intellectual property. We remain confident of our position in the appeals process. Sony Asked to Pay $90 Million Fine BBC News: Sony faces $90.7m patent damages Dual Shock facts on Wikipedia Discussion >>  Computer Gaming World's May 2005 edition magazine have got their hands on the first screenshots and information of the next Unreal Tournament game based on the revolutionary Unreal 3 Engine. Also included is talk of a completely new style of gameplay "Conquest". Details of the game are sketchy at the moment, however we can report that Epic programmer Steve Polge is the game's Lead Designer, with Jim Brown filling the role of Lead Level Designer. The article also tells of Epic's desire to put gameplay above graphics with the next UT, as demonstrated by the fact that the title's programming is currently "ahead" of its art. Link via gamershell Related: Unreal Engine 3 Impressions Unreal 3 Engine Trailer Computer Gaming World High-resolution render of next UT character Discussion >>  A plausible but fake PlayStation 3 image has surfaced on the Internet. It can be checked over on Gizmodo.com, a page from an official presentation type leaflet listing the features of the machine (Cell processor, Blu-Ray disc, PS3/PSP UMD MediaMove and Piano-Black Design). From kotaku: Although it’s probably a fake, mostly because it’s way too fat to come from Sony, there are a lot of things about the image that makes me think it could be real. Best PlayStation 3 Fake to Date Does the Rounds PS3 Fake, But Details Coming Pre-E3 Is this the PlayStation 3? Nice looking console, but a closer look suggests an impressive fake Cell Chip Tech Revealed (8 Feb) Discussion >> Face of Mankind is a futuristic multiplayer online game featuring real-time combat and true roleplaying, set against a cinematic ongoing storyline This little clip shows you about the interactive gameplay and the environment. People that have played this before will be familar and notice the updates. Download 1 Download 2 More info: Face of Mankind Open Beta Discussion >>  Worthplaying have gathered together all the latest screenshots of Doom 3 for the Xbox, which will be debuting on the aging console early next month. I have to say it looks like they have managed to pull it off pretty well, although compared to the PC version (mid to high-end PC) it will appear pretty flat, low-res and less crisp. Check out the screens over at worthplaying Related: Doom 3 Xbox impressions IGNIQ Doom 3 Mods list Resurrection Of Evil - New Screenshots Resurrection of Evil |
