Hey Pokefans, Pokemon Black and White has been a little scarce with the videos until now! We get a really thorough look at the newest title in the popular franchise. Sure, it’s completely in Japanese, but you will still be able to see a lot of what they have in store for us when it lands in your hands. Seems like there is going to a lot of different ways to interact with other people in this version. Overall from this glimpse, I’m sold. If everything pans out, if you have not gotten Pokemon fever, this may infect you. Check it out! Continue Reading
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All posts for the month July, 2010
At some point in our lives, we’ve all played a game with an introductory video that has absolutely blown us away. Regardless of how many times you’ve seen it, you just can’t bring yourself to skip it and the further you advance in the game, the more meaningful and exciting that video becomes. It never fails to get you pumped about playing.
Below is a list (in no particular order and not the least bit all-inclusive) of such videos in the RPG genre. For some of you, it’ll inspire a pleasant trip down memory lane; for others, it’ll inspire a trip to your favorite online retailer.
Suikoden II
With 108 playable characters, a lot of the fun in this video is pointing out the ones you already have. Not to mention that it perfectly captures the theme and spirit of the game. Also, Luca Blight is friggin’ crazy.
Suikoden III
Suikoden III was a big departure for the series. The 108 Stars of Destiny are still there, but there were three main characters to choose from whose stories were broken into chapters. With an emotionally charged theme and matching imagery of war and suffering, this video is all epic.
.hack//G.U. Series
It was difficult to choose just one and while the third volume doesn’t quite stand-up to the first two in terms of music, the visual style and cryptic feel alone was enough to earn it a spot on the list. These videos don’t differ much from one another, so rather than provide a description beneath each, let me just summarize by saying that they all possess an irresistible feeling of eeriness and grandeur – even if the gameplay didn’t quite match.
Volume 1//Rebirth
Volume 2//Reminisce
Volume 3//Redemption
Kingdom Hearts
Everyone marveled at the absurdity of a Final Fantasy and Disney union (those who haven’t played still do) and even I was skeptical. But I don’t think anyone still had reservations about that prospect when they watched this. It was an assurance that while you may be playing with Mickey’s gang, there would be some adult themes and a story that would be far from goofy.
Kingdom Hearts II
I watched this a few times before I actually got into the game. It’s epic and the music has a cool haunting quality to it, but those aren’t the only reasons why I kept coming back. It was because I had no clue what the hell was going on!
Chrono Cross
I’ve got to be honest, here: I did not enjoy Chrono Cross at all. Some people were able to look past the fact that it was a direct sequel to Chrono Trigger for SNES (and one of my all-time favorite games), but I could never forgive it for involving the original story and characters in such a nonhazardous and seemingly care-free manner. Even so, this has got to be some of the best video game music to-date and the video clips really piqued my interest. Before I knew better.
Shin Megami Tensei: Digital Devil Saga
When I first saw this trailer, I had no idea who Etro Anime (the band responsible for that catchy electro-jazz ditty known as “Danger“) were, but I’ve since become well-versed. This video blew me away simply because of the fascinating setting: Gangs of apocalypse survivors gunning each other down for dominance over the coveted Wasteland, when suddenly…. Anyway, as if that disembodied voice at the beginning wasn’t enough to grab your attention. “Warriors of Purgatory….”
Wild Arms 3
When it comes to RPGs, the Wild Arms series has always been the underdog. They’re just solid enough to establish a nice following, but not strong enough to be a heavy-hitter. Regardless, who can resist the appeal of an RPG that takes place in a fantasy western setting? The appropriate music and fitting character design drew me in quick and I wasn’t disappointed. Luckily, Wild Arms 3 is pretty different from its predecessors.
Fragile Dreams: Farewell Ruins of the Moon
I don’t think I’ve ever been more in love with the setting and mood of a game. Where Fallout 3 emphasized the danger and lawlessness of a post-apocalyptic world, Fragile Dreams created an atmosphere of hope struggling to overcome loneliness and despair. The imagery in this video always makes me wonder “what if”.
Valkyria Chronicles
Not only is this video absolutely gorgeous, but it somehow manages to capture the feeling of a World War II era epic in only a few minutes. There’s something inspiring about this video and it drops just enough hints about certain characters that make you want to get to know them. Brilliant – but what do you expect from the folks behind Skies of Arcadia?
So there you have it, folks: Some of the best introduction videos RPGs have to offer. Naturally, I’m sure there are a million more and I’ve probably missed a lot of your favorites, but we’d love to see your own opinions below! Which RPGs do you feel have the best openings and why?
With Metroid: Other M’s release just a month away, Nintendo is really starting to pump out trailers and information for Samus Aran’s latest adventure. The following trailer contains mostly footage of what we’ve seen before — bottle ship, jungle, snow area — but there are some new locales shown off including a gorgeous canyon. The sound cuts in at around the 1:15 mark, so adjust your speakers accordingly.
[ Source ]
Worms: Reloaded.
Team17 and LaunchPR announced today that the legendary Worms series will be making its glorious return to the PC in classic 2D fashion on August 26th, 2010. The developers promise that this new game, titled Worms: Reloaded, will be the definitive Worms experience for newcomers and veteran players alike. You can view the game’s debut trailer and the press release straight from Team17 and LaunchPR below.
From humble beginnings, the original Worms™ titles took PC gaming to new levels of popularity and mass appeal. Selling in excess of 25 million copies over its 15 year lifespan, Worms™ has taken its wholly unique brand of addictive gameplay, hilarious humour and wild weaponry across almost every console possible, and on Thursday 26th August 2010 it will be returning to the format that made it most successful; the personal computer.
“Worms Reloaded has been a labour of love for the team given the legacy of 2D PC Worms™ titles such as Worms 2, Worms Armageddon etc. It has been almost 10 years since the last 2D game was released on personal computers”, said Martyn Brown, iconic figure in the world of Worms™ and Business Development Director at Team17. “In bringing Worms Reloaded to PC, we’ve reintroduced so much of what gamers loved about the good old days, and it’s fitting that it is also the first Worms game we’ve self-published since the early games. We are very much looking forward to supporting the game through the community on Steam as well as our own Facebook page.”
Indeed, while the most celebrated features of the series are present and correct, Worms™ Reloaded also sports a large amount of new additions to almost every facet of the gameplay experience. Over 60 single-player missions (including new Warzone Campaign and Bodycount Mode), a fully featured landscape creator, 45+ plus weapons spanning the entire Worms™ series and a huge currency based customization system – all wrapped up in HD quality visuals – means that Worms™ Reloaded will be a highly enjoyable experience, whether playing alone or with friends.
Worms™ fans will be able to pre-order Worms™ Reloaded from Thursday 29th July 2010, with bonuses including a 10% discount, 24 hours early access to the game and exclusive in-game items to enhance your chosen team. To pre-order Worms™ Reloaded, go to http://store.steampowered.com/app/22600.
A brand new trailer is available at http://www.youtube.com/Team17SoftwareLtd and more information on Worms™ Reloaded can be found at www.team17.com andhttp://www.facebook.com/WormsTeam17.
About Worms™ Reloaded.
Developed and Published by Team17 Software © 2010 Team17 Software and Worms Reloaded are Trademarks or Registered trademarks of Team17 Software limited. Original concept Andy Davidson. All rights reserved. All other trademarks, copyrights and logos are property of their respective owners.
About Team17 Software Ltd.
Team17 Software Limited (Team 17), celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2010 and headquartered in West Yorkshire, England, is a leading independent developer and digital publishing company. Founded in 1990, the company develops and publishes interactive software worldwide for digital game systems, personal computers, wireless devices and the Internet. More information about Team17 products can be found at www.team17.com.About Steam.
The leading online platform for PC games and digital entertainment, Steam delivers new releases and online services to over 25 million PC users around the world. For more information, please visit www.steamgames.com.
Nexon America released a slew of new content for their first-person shooter, Combat Arms, today.
A room within Sector 25. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
The content includes a new map called Section 25, three new weapons, two new helmets, and a vision gauge listing a targeted player’s kill-to-death ratio and their current hit points along with a new recruitment program that will run through Aug. 25.
Section 25 is a laboratory facility shaped in an oval circuited by long hallways with a central corridor leading to the outer halls. Players will be able to find cover behind large pillars in the core of the map with an incredibly high ceiling. The map is also littered with boxes providing for ample cover and hiding places. Though the facility is sans scientists, the lights and automated doors are still active.
A hallway corridor of Sector 25. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
The Ultimax 100 Machine Gun is a beast of an addition with enough firepower to turn the tide in any firefight. With a drum magazine loaded to the teeth with ammunition, the Ultimax 100 light machine gun chews through enemies like a rabid wolverine. Though it’s firing speed is lower than most machine guns, the Ultimax 100 has incredible accuracy for a lead-slinger with a high mark of precision due to it’s rate of fire. If you find yourself starring up the barrel of this monster, duck and cover quickly. 30 days of use will cost 4,900 NX, 90 days of use will cost 8,900 NX, while permanent ownership will soak up 19,900 NX.
The Ultimax 100 slinging some lead. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
A bolt-action sniper rifle has been added as well. Dubbed the DSR-1, this rifle is a bit shorter than you might expect; but don’t let it’s length fool you. The DSR-1 has enough kick to stop a Grizzly mid-rush, no joke. Due to it’s portability and bull-pup configuration, the DSR-1 will provide an asset for sniper-prone players in run-and-gun situations. 1 day will cost 1,600 GP, 7 days will cost 7,840 GP, while 30 days and 90 days of use will cost 31,200 GP and 86,400 GP respectively. The DSR-1 is restricted to First Lieutenants.
The DSR-1 sniper rifle has serious kick. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
Every Baron needs a pimp cane, and the new m416 CQB (Epic) assault rifle is just that. Obtainable only through MYST-N supply crates, the Baron M416 CQB is as beautiful a weapon as it is deadly. Though a smaller assault rifle (and thus lighter with more portability) the Baron M416 boasts a lethal increase in damage over other M416 models with remarkable rate of fire and accuracy.
The Ballistic Helmet has a wonderful aesthetic while offering multiple benefits to the wearer. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
The Ballistic Helmet may turn out to be the most useful addition to gear. Offering players 40% headshot protecion with 80% flash protection, the helmet also increases speed by 5% while increasing sprint stamina by 20%. The Ballistic helmet will cost players 2,500 NX for 30 days of use and 5,900 NX for 90 days of use. It is restricted to Specialists.
Clan members will also be able to purchase the new Clan Helmet. Limited to clan members, the helmet will place a picture of your clan’s logo on the sides of the helmet. Featuring an integrated headset for faster communication during the heat of battle, the helmet will also offer 35% headshot protection. The helmet is limited to level 3 clan members and Specialists. A single day of use will cost 500 GP, a week will cost 2,450 GP, a month will cost 9,750 GP, with three months costing 27,000 GP.
The Clan Helmet will sport your clan's logo on each side above the ear pieces. Photo courtesy of Nexon America
KDR/HP Vision will show a targeted player’s current hit points along with their kill-to-death ration in the gauge’s reticle. A day’s use will cost 1,500NX, with one month and three months of use costing 2,900 and 6,900 NX respectively.
The recruitment plan will incentivise players to recruit friends into the Combat Arms arena. New recruits will be given a starter kit with a week’s worth of guns and gear with access to a training program that will reward them with 3,000 GP. Recruits that reach the rank of Sergeant will be rewarded with additional GP, while their friends will receive rewards based on the number of recruits they bring into the fray.
Beginning on July 31st and ending on August 27th, Nintendo is giving players of Pokemon HeartGold and SoulSilver an item known as the Enigma Stone, which will allow players to catch either Latios in HeartGold or Latias in SoulSilver.
In order to access this WiFi Mystery Gift item you will need to have obtained the Pokedex in-game, and have fewer than two Wonder Cards saved on your game. Once you receive the Enigma Stone you must take it to Steven at the Museum of Science in Pewter City, and he will change the stone into a Soul Dew, which is a hold item that powers up the Special Attack and Special Defense of Latios or Latias. Upon leaving the museum you will encounter the Pokemon for your game, and it will be at level 40, so be ready!
The Zelda timeline: It's a secret to everybody... Except for Nintendo.
The timeline in The Legend of Zelda series is a highly debated topic amongst the Zelda community, with split timelines akin to Back to the Future, a singular chronology, and no timeline at all. Eiji Aonuma — current Producer of the series and Shigeru Miyamoto’s right hand man when it comes to Zelda — recently stated that there is, indeed, a timeline to the critically acclaimed franchise. That statement is more a nod to Zelda timeline enthusiasts than anything; they may have super secret timeline documents now, but they didn’t in the past and probably haven’t had an idea of it until after The Wind Waker. Hardcore Zelda fans such as myself have been over analyzing the series and piecing together a jigsaw that doesn’t quite fit for years now, but with a confirmation that The Legend of Zelda actually has a set chronology, it’s time to flesh it out. The following representation of the Zelda timeline, of course, is not fact. It’s also noteworthy that non-canon games such as Link’s Crossbow Training and the forsaken CD-i series are not included. Please note that this article also assumes the reader has basic knowledge of each game’s story.
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (1)
The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword.
In the same interview in which Aonuma confirmed the existence of a timeline, he also spilled the beans on where Skyward Sword is placed. Ocarina of Time was considered the starting point to the chronology (see below) due to having Ganondorf in his original Gerudo form, but now Skyward Sword is taking that spot. This was obvious after the game’s first story details poured in about it being the Master Sword’s origin story — the Master Sword has appeared in almost every Zelda game. That’s all we currently know about the story; we could even see Ganondorf as a child or the original form of Majora in Skyward Sword.
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (2)
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time.
Much like Skyward Sword, Ocarina of Time is also very easy to place. Not only is it the first appearance of series antagonist Ganondorf, but it is also the debut of the Hero of Time — the original banisher of Ganondorf — who is mentioned in other Zelda titles. After this point things start to get a little wacky. Once Ganondorf is banished to the Sacred Realm at the end of the game, Princess Zelda sends Link to his original time so he can have his childhood back (for the few who may have not played this spectacular game: when Link obtains the Master Sword he is sent seven years into the future in order to better combat Ganondorf, who had then conquered Hyrule). This creates a branching timeline in which there is no Hero of Time Link present — this is called the Adult Timeline. When Link returns to his original time as a child, he then warns Princess Zelda, as she instructed him, of Ganondorf’s evil plans before he can actually carry them out; this is why after the ending credits for Ocarina of Time Link is seen approaching Princess Zelda. After Link gives the warning, he departs on a quest to find his missing companion, Navi, who left upon returning the Master Sword. Link’s travels take him to the parallel land of Termina, as seen in Majora’s Mask — this is the start of the Child Timeline.
Note: The timeline has now split, and this article will continue with the Child Timeline before switching to the Adult Timeline.
The Legend of Zelda: Majora’s Mask (Child Timeline, 1)
The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
Concerning the timeline, Majora’s Mask has next to no relevance since it takes place in a parallel universe to the rest of the series. It’s a direct sequel to Ocarina of Time, making the Link in Majora’s Mask the Hero of Time. It’s never said whether Link returns to Hyrule or even finds Navi, but the fact that the Link in Twilight Princess already seems to possess the Triforce of Courage — making him a direct descendant to the Hero of Time — means that Link must have returned to his homeland at some point.
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess (Child Timeline, 2)
The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess.
Twilight Princess takes place 100 years after the events of Ocarina of Time. In several cut-scenes throughout the game, the banishment of Ganondorf before he acquires the Triforce of Power the way he did in Ocarina of Time is shown. However, a Sage tells Link and Midna that by some “divine joke”, Ganondorf still gets his hands on the piece from the Twilight Realm where he is sealed. At the end of the game Ganondorf is defeated as the Triforce of Power fades from the top of his hand.
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap (Child Timeline, 3)
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap.
For many theorists, The Minish Cap once took place before Ocarina of Time. This was due to Ezlo giving Link his iconic green hat at the end of the game, and the belief that the Picori Blade created by the Minish is the Master Sword. However, since Skyward Sword is the tale of the Master Sword’s origin, this theory has been dismissed. The Minish Cap‘s main role in the timeline is to show the creation of the Four Sword, and pave the way for Four Swords Adventures.
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures (Child Timeline, 4)
The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords Adventures.
Like The Minish Cap, Four Swords Adventures is nearly irrelevant to the Zelda timeline. Its placement is also highly debated, as many believe that it can be placed almost anywhere in the timeline without consequence. Four Swords Adventures has to be placed on the Child Timeline after The Minish Cap, however. The game has Vaati as one of the main antagonists, who made his first appearance in The Minish Cap, along with the Four Sword. In Four Swords Adventures there’s talk of a “Dark Mirror” and an ancient tribe that was sealed away long ago — the Mirror of Twilight and the Twili tribe from Twilight Princess, respectively. These factors place the game after Twilight Princess in the Child Timeline. At the end of Four Swords Adventures, Ganondorf returns in the form seen in Twilight Princess and uses a dark Trident to transform into his demonic pig form, known as Ganon, but he is sealed away in the Sacred Realm.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (Child Timeline, 5)
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Not only do the Hyrules of A Link to the Past, Twilight Princess, and Four Swords Adventures look very similar, but Ganon also has possession of the dark Trident from Four Swords Adventures, placing it after the aforementioned game. Ganon also uses Agahnim as a puppet much like he did with Zant in Twilight Princess.
The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening (Child Timeline, 6)
The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening.
It’s common knowledge that Link’s Awakening is a direct sequel to A Link to the Past, with several confirmations in the game, including the final boss who morphs into bosses Link has fought in A Link to the Past. The entire game is pointless, though, because it’s the dream of a shipwrecked Link.
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons (Child Timeline, 7)
The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Ages/Seasons.
Oracle of Ages and Seasons can switch spots with each other due to their huge irrelevance in the timeline. Their justification in the Child Timeline after A Link to the Past is because in a linked game, the final boss is Ganon with the dark Trident. Twinrova are also in the linked ending, which is only possible in the Child Timeline since they were killed by Adult Link in Ocarina of Time, erasing them from existence in the Adult Timeline.
The Legend of Zelda (Child Timeline, 8 )
The Legend of Zelda.
The Legend of Zelda takes place several hundred years after the events of A Link to the Past. By this time, the land of Hyrule has been taken over by Ganon and a new Hyrule was formed to the north of Death Mountain. The events of The Legend of Zelda take place in the original southern Hyrule. A popular theory places The Legend of Zelda and its sequel in the Adult Timeline after Spirit Tracks as the “New Hyrule” founded after the Great Flood; this doesn’t work though, because Ganon appears in The Legend of Zelda — meaning his demonic form seen in other games from the Child Timeline and not the Gerudo form that was sealed in Ocarina of Time.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (Child Timeline, 9)
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.
Zelda II: The Adventure of Link serves as the current end point for the Child Timeline. The game also explains why every Princess of Hyrule is named Zelda.
Note: The Child Timeline has now come to an end, and the article will shift to the Adult Timeline. For a refresher — At the end of Ocarina of Time, after the sealing of Ganondorf, Princess Zelda sends Link back to his time so he can experience his childhood. When she does this, it takes Link away from that branching timeline. This means that every Link in the Adult Timeline has no direct relation to the Hero of Time. Ganondorf is also sealed in the Sacred Realm in this timeline.
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker (Adult Timeline, 1)
The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker.
After reading through the entire Child Timeline, one common theme can be seen: Ganondorf is usually in his demonic pig form (Ganon). In the Adult Timeline, though, Ganondorf retains his Gerudo form. Even though he’s Ganon at the time of sealing in Ocarina of Time, he becomes his Gerudo form once again; this is seen at the end of Ocarina of Time when Ganondorf is floating in the abyss of his Sacred Realm imprisonment and says that he’ll seek revenge on the descendants of Link and Zelda when the seal fades. Coincidentally, that’s almost exactly what happens. The seal on Ganondorf eventually fades, and the King of Evil attacks Hyrule. The Hylians wait for the Hero of Time to appear once again and defeat the Ganondorf, but he never returns — that’s because he was sent back to his own time. The Gods then flood the land of Hyrule so that Ganondorf can’t take over, as explained in the prologue to The Wind Waker. After a time so long that Hyrule as been forgotten, the Hero of Winds arises and turns Ganondorf to stone at the end of the game by stabbing his head with the Master Sword.
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass (Adult Timeline, 2)
The Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass.
Phantom Hourglass is the direct sequel to The Wind Waker. Link and Tetra are off to find a new land for Hyrule, but encounter the Ghost Ship and are thrown into an alternate universe. Like Link’s Awakening, Phantom Hourglass has no relevance to the overall timeline.
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks (Adult Timeline, 3)
The Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks.
Spirit Tracks takes place 100 years after Phantom Hourglass in New Hyrule. Mentions to the Hero of Winds Link are made, and players can even get the old hero’s shield from Old Niko. The only real impact Spirit Tracks has on the overall timeline is the fact that Link and Tetra were able to find a New Hyrule. The Legend of Zelda and Zelda II: The Adventure of Link are sometimes placed after Spirit Tracks, but those such placements can’t be clearly justified as the Hyrule of Spirit Tracks has train tracks going through it and those games do not. Furthermore, Ganondorf is turned to stone at the bottom of the Great Sea in the Adult Timeline, and wouldn’t be in his demonic form that he takes in The Legend of Zelda.
We won’t know the true placement of the Zelda games until Nintendo decides to release the “secret” documents, and that day may never come. For now, feel free to sound off in the comments section below! Do you agree with my placement of the games? What’s your theory as far as the timeline is concerned?
Straight from the Japanese Nintendo Channel comes the latest trailer for the highly anticipated Nintendo-Team Ninja collaboration project, Metroid: Other M. The entire trailer is, of course, in Japanese, which makes me wish for an option in the North American release for optional Japanese voice acting — the English VA is cringe worthy. New areas are shown in the trailer, including a snow area and an outdoor field. Classic music is also prominent throughout, with Ridley’s theme being the most notable. Could Ridley be making another return appearance in Other M? Be sure to check out my E3 2010 impressions of the game, and check back when the game releases on August 31st for Ryan Worthey’s review of the game. For now, enjoy the trailer below.
Hello RoboFans and thanks for tuning in for yet another RoboCast.
The format is a little different this time around (it’s attention deficit disorder compliant) so you can expect this episode to be shorter and more focused than some of our other long winded formats. We think you’ll enjoy it.
Jessie and Aron talk in depth about all things Pokemon. Sometimes the conversation gets a little too deep to the point of disturbing. What can you say folks – these Pokescussions never end well…
Be sure to listen all the way to the end of the ‘cast because we have a super awesome riddle we hope you’ll solve. Whoever sends us the answer first wins a super crappy prize!
You can listen to the podcast right on the website by clicking here.
[podcast]http://www.archive.org/download/Robocast12/RoboCast_012_20100726.mp3[/podcast]
Don’t forget to subsribe via iTunes!
Despite being in the midst of summer a cold day froze the perpetually sunny atmosphere of Irvine, California earlier this month.
After years of moderating a cesspool of trolling, spamming, and general immaturity on their provided forums; Blizzard Entertainment attempted to institute a policy requiring those who would post on their official forums to disclosure their full and legal, or “real” name with each post or reply, instead of an online moniker or in-game character name.
However, after a tidal wave of negative responses towards the new policy ranging from vagrant replies to well-informed posts regarding our basic rights to privacy, Blizzard Entertainment CEO and Co-Founder Mike Morhaime issued a statement explaining that the disclosure of one’s real name will not be implemented through the Real ID feature at this time.
Though in legal context this policy would not violate rights to privacy, since posting on the forums is not necessary to play the games which you’ve purchased; this policy and response shows a lack of foresight towards privacy issues in a digital age, a contradiction to the current Battle.net Forum Guidelines and Rules, and disregard for certain social aspects that gravitate around the mass of online gaming.
From the online gaming community perspective it is also lacking in spirit by detracting from the esprit de corps of one’s online persona, which though an extension of one’s “real persona”, is something in and of itself.
Known as “Real ID,” the new community-connection feature intended to, among other things; provide an iron-fist response to the recklessness commonly seen within the Battle.net and World of Warcraft Forums.
As Blizzard Poster, Nethaera, stated;
“The official forums have always been a great place to discuss the latest info on our games, offer ideas and suggestions, and share experiences with other players — however, the forums have also earned a reputation as a place where flame wars, trolling, and other unpleasantness run wild. Removing the veil of anonymity typical to online dialogue will contribute to a more positive forum environment, promote constructive conversations, and connect the Blizzard community in ways they haven’t been connected before. With this change, you’ll see blue posters (i.e. Blizzard employees) posting by their real first and last names on our forums as well.”
However, children play these games, aside from adults. It takes no degree, no expertise, but only common sense to realize that children will act accordingly to their age.
Though in an era when senior citizens can unleash a textual rant edging on juvenile immaturity while hidden behind their “veil of anonymity”, there is no proof but only conjecture that forcing one to name themselves and thus be held accountable to their words on their name will result in mature discourse.
Just check out the Myspace.com Forums. I’ve been in conversation with people on that site who are just out-of-control with the way they communicated back to me; knowing that I had full access to their name, age, city and state (at a time when I worked for a few airlines). Did that stop them from their berational barrage? Absolutely not.
And when children as young as eight play games such as World of Warcraft, how could one expect a person so young to conduct themselves as a considerate adult? There is a lapse in rational there, and a gaping one at that.
As the Center for Democracy and Technology stated on their Web Site, “Without privacy, freedom of expression is chilled and dissent becomes risky. A sense of being watched is deeply corrosive of democracy and human development.”
Considering the Battle.net Forum Guidelines and Rules states:
“These forums are here to provide you with a friendly environment where you can discuss ideas, give game play advice, role-play, and converse about any other aspects of Blizzard’s games with other players. Community forums are at their best when participants treat their fellow posters with respect and courtesy. Therefore, we ask that you conduct yourself in a civilized manner when participating in these forums.”
It seems rather Orwellian to institute such a policy.
For requiring one to name themselves, for the sake of accountability in context to an open forum, treats a name as bar code.
Though the issue of immaturity will arise in response to this, one cannot combat immaturity through accountability. People will act immature even though accountable for their acts if it is their nature or disposition to do so. Did the disclosure of one’s name during roll-call in class (at any grade or educational level) halt one’s immaturity from arising while discussing materials or ideas in the course?
As a college graduate and one gifted with a memory as verbose as mine (I remember stuff back to when I was 3 and 4, quite vividly) I can say for a fact that I’ve witnessed immaturity at every level of my education. Especially in context to this one guy (a business major) I took Contemporary Moral Issues with. To him, falsifying accounting books or filling a small office with people acting as though they were busy answering phones to give an illusion that the business did well to obtain advertising in a well-to-do publication was absolutely fair game.
His response to my opinion of his own opinion was simply, “whatever man.”
By requiring a customer to disclosure personal information to others, considering our American ideals towards privacy, with a purpose of combating immaturity, is itself logically immature.
People online create a persona that represents something about them that is personal, that speaks to their core perhaps even more so than their given name; by combining the two the esprit de corps of that persona evaporates. In response to the forum posts plenty of people stated to a degree, that their post or reply due to the Real ID policy would be their last within an official Blizzard forum.
Were these potential issues considered before Nethaera’s post went live? It appears not.
Furthermore, the Battle.net Forum Guideline and Rules state the following:
“Releasing any real-life information about other players or Blizzard Entertainment employees.
If a player is found to have participated in such actions, he/she will: Be permanently banned from the Battle.net forums.”
Rather contradictory wouldn’t you rationalize?
Yet Morhaime stated, “we’ve decided at this time that real names will not be required for posting on official Blizzard forums.”
Thus leaving the door slightly ajar for that requirement to be implemented at sometime down the road.
Leaky ships on the open seas allow for the life in the water to breach their hulls.
As for the social questions that filled my mind when I first learned of the Real ID possibility…
What of minors? Certainly parents have a wealth of access and control over their child’s access to Blizzard games and services, yet their privacy policy states the following, “once a child states that his/her age is under 13, we do not collect or store any personally identifiable information such as name, address, or email address.”
During the time I played World of Warcraft I played with many kids under that age who posted on our Realm Forums frequently. How would they, under the now defunct Real ID policy be privy to post?
And of course the inherent threat of internet stalkers preying on females. This is widely known to occur at every level and through every facet of social internet interaction. But you never know based on the sex of the in-game character nor by the name of that character, what the sex of the individual playing that character is. There is a more tangible veil of anonymity between you and them, it’s called your monitor; and they are not looking glasses. Requiring all people who post to do so with their real name will only place the ladies that play your games under an unwanted spotlight.
A former girlfriend on mine was stalked via her Facebook account. She relocated and only allows friends she knows access to her private information.
Though a name is not an address, see if you can find yourself here, http://www.veromi.com/. Michael Topper typed in my name using that site (as a control to this point) and guess who was atop the list? That’s right, me. Name, age, and city.
Also, professionals that responded to the policy post stated they would be disenfranchised from posting on official Blizzard forums because they don’t want patients/clients, fellow co-workers, or even potential employers to know their opinion on their past-time. They keep their professional life and their private (or personal life) separate. A simple Google search would breach that separation.
Furthermore public figures of every shape, size, and career choice play these games as well. Some of them simply enjoy them, others find an escape within them. Though rather comical, I found a stark pretense in one of the responses on the Battle.net forum post.
“I can’t wait to see names like President Obama posting on the forums,” replied Stalker145.
Though I know after a solid 15 years on the internet this is pissing into an active fan, I do ask that all responses are written with a sense of respect, decency, and tact. Might as well prove to Blizzard and the internet community at large that despite our age, maturity is a personal cultivation rather than a measurement of time spent alive. If you believe the winters you have weathered are your sole mark of maturity like the rings in a tree, take time to question your own growth before cutting loose in the comments section or posting in forums. The forums are provided as a privilege not a right.
Decency in an open forum requires a moderation of ourselves by ourselves, no requirement of disclosure will ever remedy that truth.
Sincerely,
_delero
