Big Download Blog http://news.bigdownload.com Big Download Blog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://news.bigdownload.com/media/feedlogo.gif Big Download Blog http://news.bigdownload.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Farewell and good-bye]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/30/farewell-and-good-bye/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/30/farewell-and-good-bye/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/30/farewell-and-good-bye/#commentsFiled under:

As some of you might have discovered already, the main Big Download site is now being redirected to our sister site Joystiq. The reason for this is that unfortunately this site is being closed after three years of operations. It's been a great ride to give all of our readers the most up to date news and features on the PC game industry and we hope all of you have enjoyed coming to the site as much as we have had working on it.

Going forward, our free and fast download service will continue to live on via Joystiq. PC game news will continue to be covered on Joystiq and our sister site Massively will also continue to cover the MMO beat which is still largely a PC game platform. And yes, WoW Insider is still going to be around with the best coverage on perhaps the biggest exclusive PC game, World of Warcraft.

We want to give our thanks to all of you who have visited Big Download for the past three years. Remember, the PC game platform, despite all those who have considered it to be dead, remains the single biggest game platform there is. We know all of you will continue to support PC gaming, from the small one man indie titles to the massive multi-million dollar budget blockbusters. Again, thanks for coming and keep playing.

Farewell and good-bye originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Sat, 30 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-downloadSat, 30 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 29]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-29/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-29/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-29/#commentsFiled under:

Tomorrow we will have an important announcement concerning the future of Big Download. Stay tuned.

Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 29 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Assassins-Creedback-to-the-futuremarvel-super-hero-squadportal-2RAGEFri, 29 Apr 2011 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview: We chat with the new head of Nival's US operations]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/interview-we-chat-with-the-new-head-of-nivals-us-operations/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/interview-we-chat-with-the-new-head-of-nivals-us-operations/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/interview-we-chat-with-the-new-head-of-nivals-us-operations/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Long time PC gamers may be familiar with the publisher Nival Interactive. The Russia-based game developer and publisher is best know for its turn-based and real-time strategy titles. In the early 2000s it released a number of acclaimed games in this genre including the Etherlords series, the Blitzkreg series and the Silent Storm series. In 2006 Nival released Heroes of Might and Magic V for publisher Ubisoft to great acclaim and followed it up with two expansion packs.

In 2005 an American company called Ener1 Group announced that it had acquired Nival Interactive with hopes to expand its operations. However, for still murky reasons, things didn't work out and the previous owner of the company, Sergey Orlovskiy, took control again in 2007.

Now Nival is expanding its reach into the US market once again. Later next week Nival plans to officially announce that it will open up a new US-based office. In an exclusive interview with Big Download, we got Nival's North America's general manager David D Christensen to give us a little more info about the company's plans.

Continue reading Interview: We chat with the new head of Nival's US operations

Interview: We chat with the new head of Nival's US operations originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednivalNival-InteractiveFri, 29 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Portal 2's first free DLC detailed (a little)]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/portal-2s-first-free-dlc-detailed-a-little/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/portal-2s-first-free-dlc-detailed-a-little/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/portal-2s-first-free-dlc-detailed-a-little/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We knew that there would be free DLC for Portal 2. It was just a matter of time before it would be announced. Today Valve announced that its puzzle-shooter sequel would officially get its first free DLC pack this summer. The pack will be free for all of its platforms (PC, Mac, PS3 and Xbox 360).

The pack itself will contain "new test chambers for players, leaderboards, challenge mode for single and multiplayer modes, and more." Of course the free DLC pack with the promise of more to come just makes Portal 2 a bigger bargain than it already is.

[Via email press release]

Gallery: Portal 2 Screenshots

Portal 2's first free DLC detailed (a little) originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>portal-2valvevalve-softwareFri, 29 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Firefall trailer shows off some pirate ship action]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/new-firefall-trailer-shows-off-some-pirate-ship-action/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/new-firefall-trailer-shows-off-some-pirate-ship-action/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/new-firefall-trailer-shows-off-some-pirate-ship-action/#commentsFiled under: ,

We are still excited about the prospects for Firefall, the upcoming free-to-play multiplayer shooter that's more than a little inspired by Tribes. Today the game's developer Red 5 Studios sent out a new trailer for the game that seems to take place in and around an abandoned pirate sailing ship.

The action is plenty fast and furious in the over 3 minute trailer that showcases some of the game's playable characters like the Assault, Recon and Medic classes. You will be able to experience all this action in the coming months as Firefall is due out sometime this winter.

New Firefall trailer shows off some pirate ship action originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallred-5-studiosFri, 29 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Friday PC game sales are all over the place]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/friday-pc-game-sales-are-all-over-the-place/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/friday-pc-game-sales-are-all-over-the-place/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/friday-pc-game-sales-are-all-over-the-place/#commentsFiled under:

No time to waste; there's a lot of PC game sales to report on today:

Friday PC game sales are all over the place originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct2driveEAgog.comimpulseSTEAMUbisoftFri, 29 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstarter.com raises over $1 million in pledges for indie game development]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/kickstarter-com-raises-over-1-million-in-pledges-for-indie-game/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/kickstarter-com-raises-over-1-million-in-pledges-for-indie-game/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/kickstarter-com-raises-over-1-million-in-pledges-for-indie-game/#commentsFiled under:

A couple of years ago, the Kickstarter.com web site launched. Its business model was and is based on the crowd funding idea as is became a place for people and small companies to ask for donations to help "kick start" various products. To celebrate its second anniversary this week, the Kickstarter.com web site decided to reveal some info about the funds it has helped to gather for various projects.

A total of over $53 million have been pledged over the past two years with over $40 million successfully donated via the site to its various projects. For game development $1,052,557 have been pledged. While that's a lot it still pales in comparison to the donations for music projects ($13,094,547) or film projects ($19,717,790).

Kickstarter.com raises over $1 million in pledges for indie game development originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kickstarter.comorion-preludeFri, 29 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free version of CryEngine 3 now used by over 250 universities]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/free-version-of-cryengine-3-now-used-by-over-250-universities/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/free-version-of-cryengine-3-now-used-by-over-250-universities/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/free-version-of-cryengine-3-now-used-by-over-250-universities/#commentsFiled under:

Over two years ago, developer Crytek announced plans to allow universities to get a free license to use its CryEngine 3 graphics engine for educational use. This week Crytek announced that over 250 universities from all over the world have been granted such a license.

The engine is being used by schools for game development courses but it's also being applied to teach students about "hysics, computer science, architecture, film-making, art and design use" and more. As we recently reported, Crytek plans to offer up a free version of CryEngine 3 for anyone to use to make free stand alone games sometime later this summer.

Free version of CryEngine 3 now used by over 250 universities originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryengine-3CrytekFri, 29 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Disciples 3: Resurrection announced]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/disciples-3-resurrection-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/disciples-3-resurrection-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/disciples-3-resurrection-announced/#commentsFiled under:

The Disciples turn-based strategy game series will be getting a new installment soon. The franchise's current owners Akella has just announced plans to release Disciples 3: Resurrection. Despite its title its being called a "large-scale sequel" to the last game in the series Disciples 3: Renaissance.

The storyline sees the Undead Hordes coming back to the land of Nevendaar and of course you have to stop them. The game's press release claims that it will have a whopping 70 hours of gameplay along with two storyline characters, four leaders of the Undead Hordes, two bosses and over 50 new units. No release date for the game was announced.

Disciples 3: Resurrection announced originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akellaDisciples-3-ResurrectionFri, 29 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed The Run to use Battlefield 3's Frostbite 2 engine]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/need-for-speed-the-run-to-use-battlefield-3s-frostbite-2-engine/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/need-for-speed-the-run-to-use-battlefield-3s-frostbite-2-engine/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/need-for-speed-the-run-to-use-battlefield-3s-frostbite-2-engine/#commentsFiled under:

After a trailer for the game made its way to the internet on Thursday, Electronic Arts has officially announced its plans for Need For Speed The Run, the next game in the long running driving game series. The game is being developed by EA's Black Box studio and will use the Frostbite 2 engine for its graphical basis. That's the same graphics engine that's being used for Battlefield 3.

The game's premise keeps the racers vs cops theme that Criterion broke back for Need For Speed Hot Pursuit. However this time the game centers on The Run, a highly illegal cross-country race from San Francisco to New York City. Players will have to "weave through dense urban centers, rocket down icy mountain passes and navigate narrow canyons at breakneck speeds" while also evading the cops. The game is due out on November 15.

Need For Speed The Run to use Battlefield 3's Frostbite 2 engine originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-black-boxElectronic-Artsneed-for-speed-the-runFri, 29 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oddworld: Hand of Odd revival announced]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/oddworld-hand-of-odd-revival-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/oddworld-hand-of-odd-revival-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/oddworld-hand-of-odd-revival-announced/#commentsFiled under:

A real time strategy spin-off of the Oddworld game franchise that was started and then abandoned is getting a revival. Eurogamer reports that developer Just Add Water is working with Oddworld Inhabitants on the game, titled Oddworld: Hand of Odd.

The game was first announced by Oddworld Inhabitants way back in 1998 but the game was canceled after a year of development. Just Add Water plans to use the original design document for Oddworld: Hand of Odd but will make its version in a more casual design direction. The game is still a ways off and won't be released until sometime in 2012.

Oddworld: Hand of Odd revival announced originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>just-add-wateroddworld-hand-of-oddOddworld-InhabitantsFri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe MMO to be free-to-play game; hires Brian Michael Bendis as writer]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-mmo-to-be-free-to-play-game-hires-brian-michael/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-mmo-to-be-free-to-play-game-hires-brian-michael/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-mmo-to-be-free-to-play-game-hires-brian-michael/#commentsFiled under:

Gazillion Entertainment has been quiet about the details of its plans for its super hero themed Marvel Universe MMO game since it was first announced over two years ago. That all changed late on Thursday at a press conference that was streamed at the Marvel.com web site.

The main revelation from the press conference was that the game, currently in development at Gazillion's Secret Identity studio, will be a free-to-play game when it launches. This shows more evidence that this business model is becoming more and more mainstream compared to the older monthly subscription model.

It was also announced that Brian Michael Bendis, one of the most prolific writers for Marvel Comics, will be the head writer for the Marvel Universe MMO game. Bendis's credits include writing a number of Marvel's big crossover event mini-series including House of M, Secret Invasion and Siege.

According to the live stream, the game will feature a "grand, epic tour, a reimagining of some of the biggest events in Marvel history. " One big difference between this game and Sony Online's recently launched DC Universe Online is that the Marvel MMO will allow players to play as the mainline Marvel characters. Yep, instead of creating your own character to team up with the Marvel heroes you will play as Captain America, Thor, Iron Man or Spider-Man, among others. Also Dr. Doom will be the main bad guy in the game's story.

The game will be released for the PC but Gazillion is not commenting if the game will be browser-based or not. They are also not commenting on the game's release date yet.

Marvel Universe MMO to be free-to-play game; hires Brian Michael Bendis as writer originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazillion-entertainmentmarvel-comicsmarvel-universe-mmoFri, 29 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 28]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-28/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-28/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-28/#commentsFiled under:

The weekend, and indeed the end of the month, is fast approaching. We have plans to check out Darkspore. What about you?

Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 28 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 23:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cities-in-motionsol-survivorSTEAMTeam-Fortress-2the-settlers-7Tommy-TronicThu, 28 Apr 2011 23:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Mythos launches in Europe; US players welcome]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mythos-launches-in-europe-us-players-welcome/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mythos-launches-in-europe-us-players-welcome/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mythos-launches-in-europe-us-players-welcome/#commentsFiled under:

Yet another MMO game that once was lost has now been found. Today marks the official public launch of Mythos Europe. The free-to-play fantasy MMO game started life at Flagship Studios but that studio's closure in 2009 caused the game, still in beta, to be shut down. Korea-based Hanbitsoft bought the rights to Mythos and together with partner Frogster helped bring the game back to life.

Apparently, folks in the US can download and play the game from its European servers. That's good news for US Mythos fans as we are still waiting for our own version of the game. The US Mythos web site hasn't been updated since July 2010 and there's no word on when, or even if, a beta test will begin, much less the game's official launch.

Mythos launches in Europe; US players welcome originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flagship-studiosfrogsterhanbitsoftmythosmythos-europeThu, 28 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Civilization V patch released on Steam]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-civilization-v-patch-released-on-steam/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-civilization-v-patch-released-on-steam/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/big-civilization-v-patch-released-on-steam/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

As promised, developer Firaxis Games has released a massive new patch for 2010's turn-based strategy game Civilization V. The patch is now available for automatic download via Steam and the huge patch list is available to check out on the Steam web site.

There's lots of changes and improvements to many of the game's AI features in this new patch along with lots of gameplay changes as well (for example, the game's Stealth Bombers can now get promotions). There's also a boatload of change to the game's user interface and there's also been some bug fixes for mod support, achievements and more.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Civilization V Screenshots


Big Civilization V patch released on Steam originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCivilization-5Firaxis-GamesSTEAMThu, 28 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Need For Speed The Run revealed]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/need-for-speed-the-run-revealed/#commentsFiled under:

A UK-based online retailer has leaked out the title and apparent premise for the next game in the Need For Speed driving game series. Shopto.net hads posted up a pre-order listing and a pre-rendered trailer for Need For Speed: The Run from publisher Electronic Arts.

The trailer, which you can check out after the jump, seems to show that the premise is a cross-country race from Los Angeles to New York City with some police and other resistance during the trip. The trailer claims the game is due out on November 18. So far EA has yet to officially announced the game.

[Via VG247.com]

Continue reading Need For Speed The Run revealed

Need For Speed The Run revealed originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaElectronic-Artsneed-for-speed-the-runThu, 28 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mount and Blade: With Fire And Sword gets Team Fortress 2 pre-order hats]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mount-and-blade-with-fire-and-sword-gets-team-fortress-2-pre-or/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mount-and-blade-with-fire-and-sword-gets-team-fortress-2-pre-or/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/mount-and-blade-with-fire-and-sword-gets-team-fortress-2-pre-or/#commentsFiled under: ,

The latest Team Fortress 2 tie-in with another game has been revealed. This time it's for the upcoming RPG stand alone expansion pack Mount and Blade: With Fire and Sword. People who own Valve's multiplayer shooter and pre-order the Taleworlds developed (and Paradox Interactive published) game by May 3 will get access to two exclusive items in TF2.

The two items are, naturally, in-game hats; the Hetman's Headpiece for the Engineer players, and the Janissary Ketche for the Spy characters. In related news, the recently released puzzle game SpaceChem has added three new team Fortress 2 levels to the game.

Mount and Blade: With Fire And Sword gets Team Fortress 2 pre-order hats originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mount-and-blade-with-fire-and-swordParadox-InteractiveTeam-Fortress-2Thu, 28 Apr 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Brink PC dedicated server support detailed]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/brink-pc-dedicated-server-support-detailed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/brink-pc-dedicated-server-support-detailed/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/brink-pc-dedicated-server-support-detailed/#commentsFiled under: ,

Brink's developer Splash Damage have always said that its upcoming sci-fi first person shooter would include dedicated server support for the PC version. Today on the Bethblog.com site more info on the dedicated server features were revealed for the game.

The stand alone server files themselves will be available to download via Steam on their "Tools" menu before Brink is released on May 10. You will be able to run several instances of the server files on one PC and there will be a variety of options available for the server administrator to run multiplayer games including "team sizes, time limits and overtime, warm-up rules, friendly fire, voice chat, availability of Command Post buffs, rank restrictions, number of bots, and password."

Gallery: Brink Screenshots


Brink PC dedicated server support detailed originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Bethesda-SoftworksBrinkSplash-DamageSteamWorksThu, 28 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Thursday PC game sales include free game]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/thursday-pc-game-sales-include-free-game/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/thursday-pc-game-sales-include-free-game/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/thursday-pc-game-sales-include-free-game/#commentsFiled under:

Getting something for nothing is always a good thing and we have that in today's PC game sales deals.

Thursday PC game sales include free game originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon.comdirect2drivegames-for-windows-marketplaceimpulseSTEAMThu, 28 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Empires Online video blog reveals Defense of Crete Booster Pack]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/age-of-empires-online-video-blog-reveals-defense-of-crete-booste/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/age-of-empires-online-video-blog-reveals-defense-of-crete-booste/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/age-of-empires-online-video-blog-reveals-defense-of-crete-booste/#commentsFiled under:

Age of Empires Online is in the middle of its closed beta test at the moment but the development team at Gas Powered Games is already revealing more about what players can get when the online free-to-play RTS game launches later in 2011. In the latest video blog, we learn about one of the game's Booster Packs, Defense of Crete

This new gameplay mode is basically a tower defense game where you have to build up your forces and structures to defend your Wonder from an invading horde. This is a mode that you can play by yourself or you can team up with a buddy online to have him help you defend your wonder.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online Screenshots

Age of Empires Online video blog reveals Defense of Crete Booster Pack originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empires-onlineGas-Powered-GamesMicrosoftMicrosoft-Game-StudiosThu, 28 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Red Faction Armageddon delayed one week to June 7]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/red-faction-armageddon-delayed-one-week-to-june-7/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/red-faction-armageddon-delayed-one-week-to-june-7/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/red-faction-armageddon-delayed-one-week-to-june-7/#commentsFiled under:

Red Faction Armageddon, the latest game in the sci-fi action-shooter series, has been delayed yet again but this delay is a small one. Publisher THQ sent over word that the Volition-developed game, last scheduled for a May 31 release, will now be coming out on June 7.

No reason for this new delay was revealed but we are betting part of the reason has to do with Red Faction Origins. The TV movie/pilot, which is a prequel to the game's story, is due to be shown on the Syfy cable channel on June 4. Having the movie come out before the game instead of after is certainly a better marketing move.

Gallery: Red Faction Armageddon Screenshots

Red Faction Armageddon delayed one week to June 7 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Red-Faction-ArmageddonTHQVolitionThu, 28 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Volition's founder to depart developer]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/volitions-founder-to-depart-developer/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/volitions-founder-to-depart-developer/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/volitions-founder-to-depart-developer/#commentsFiled under: ,

The founder of Campaign, Illinois developer Volition, Mike Kulas, has announced that he will depart the company this coming Monday. The local newspaper-based web site News-Gazette.com states that Kulas is leaving the developer voluntarily and his decision to go was not based on any particular event.

Kulas co-founded Volition's predecessor Parallax Software in 1993 which first gained fame with the release of the first two Descent games for Interplay. The company later re-branded itself as Volition and went onto make a sizable number of games, including the Freespace, Red Faction and Saints Row series of titles. THQ acquired the company in 2000. Kulas said he has no immediate plans for what he will do next in his career. His role at Volition will be taken over by Dan Cermak, who has been a vice-president at the developer since 2003.

[Via Gamasutra]

Volition's founder to depart developer originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>descentinsaneRed-Faction-Armageddonsaints-row-3THQVolitionThu, 28 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Diablo III is in the "home stretch" says Blizzard]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/diablo-iii-is-in-the-home-stretch-says-blizzard/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/diablo-iii-is-in-the-home-stretch-says-blizzard/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/diablo-iii-is-in-the-home-stretch-says-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: ,

First announced nearly three years ago and under development for years beforehand, fans of the Diablo action-RPG franchise have been waiting, sometimes patiently and sometimes not so much, for developer Blizzard to release the third game in the series.

In a new article about the game at the New York Times web site, the game's director Jay Wilson still wouldn't cop to a release date but did say, "We're definitely in the home stretch. We're crunching. This is when the magic happens." That should make some fans breath easier but we suspect we still have several months before Diablo III finally comes out.

Gallery: Diablo III Screenshots

Diablo III is in the "home stretch" says Blizzard originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdiablo-3diablo-iiiThu, 28 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX Prime 2011 three-day tickets selling quickly]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/pax-prime-2011-three-day-tickets-selling-quickly/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/pax-prime-2011-three-day-tickets-selling-quickly/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/pax-prime-2011-three-day-tickets-selling-quickly/#commentsFiled under:

Tickets for the 2011 edition of PAX Prime went on sale less that a couple of weeks ago. But if the game show's Twitter page is to be believed, the three-day tickets for the Seattle-based event could sell out months before the show begins on August 26.

The Twitter post states, "I don't want to alarm anyone, but based on current sales trends, we're going to sell out of PAX Prime 3-day badges in about ... 15 days." Of course even if that happens you can still purchase one day tickets for each day of PAX Prime 2011 but we suspect those will all be spoken for long before the show begins.

PAX Prime 2011 three-day tickets selling quickly originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pax-prime-2011penny-arcade-expoThu, 28 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes due to launch, finally, on June 21]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-due-to-launch-finally-on-june-21/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-due-to-launch-finally-on-june-21/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-due-to-launch-finally-on-june-21/#commentsFiled under:

An MMO game that was canceled before it was even released will finally be launching to the public very soon. Developer Heatwave Interactive has announced that the Greek mythology-themed game Gods and Heroes will open to the public on June 21. Pre-orders for the game are being taken at its official web site. Those who pre-order will get access to the game a week earlier and get a couple of exclusive in-game items.

Gods and Heroes was first announced way back in 2005 by Perpetual Entertainment. After being development for a couple of years the game was put on "indefinite hold" in October 2007. A few months later Perpetual shut its doors. Heatwave Interactive announced its plans to revive the game in February 2010.

Gods and Heroes due to launch, finally, on June 21 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gods-and-heroesheatwave-interactiveperpetual-entertainmentThu, 28 Apr 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Driver San Francisco due for release on August 30]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-due-for-release-on-august-30/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-due-for-release-on-august-30/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/driver-san-francisco-due-for-release-on-august-30/#commentsFiled under:

Driver San Francisco has suffered through a few release date delays since being offically announced a year ago. Now it looks like publisher Ubisoft has finallly settled on a new date for its revival of the driving-action game series from developer Reflections Software.

Our sister site Joystiq reports that Ubisoft will release the game for the PC and Mac, along with other console platforms, on August 30 in the US. That's when we will get to see if this mix of car chasing game with some odd, almost supernatural, elements (your player character is in a coma and all the in-game action is inside his head) will work.

Driver San Francisco due for release on August 30 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Driverdriver-san-franciscoReflections-InteractiveUbisoftThu, 28 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First free issue of Dungeon Siege III online comic goes live]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/first-free-issue-of-dungeon-siege-iii-online-comic-goes-live/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/first-free-issue-of-dungeon-siege-iii-online-comic-goes-live/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/first-free-issue-of-dungeon-siege-iii-online-comic-goes-live/#commentsFiled under:

Dark Horse Comics launched its digital comics storefront this week, offering a number of the publisher's comic book titles for sale. The site, which also has an iPhone-iPad app, is also offering select issues of their comics for free. One of them is the first online issue of the comic book tie-in to Dungeon Siege III.

You can check out the 10 page first issue now (free registration required) which sets up the storyline in the upcoming fantasy action-RPG title from developer Obsidian Entertainment and publisher Square Enix. As we have reported before, Dark Horse is also producing a 22 page print comic that's being offered as a pre-order bonus for Wal-Mart shoppers.

First free issue of Dungeon Siege III online comic goes live originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dark-horse-comicsdungeon-siege-3Obsidian-EntertainmentSquare-EnixThu, 28 Apr 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Detour coming to Steam on May 17]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/detour-coming-to-steam-on-may-17/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/detour-coming-to-steam-on-may-17/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/28/detour-coming-to-steam-on-may-17/#commentsFiled under: ,

Would you like a game that looks like a Sim City title but lets players blow stuff up like a Command and Conquer game? Then Detour may be the game you have been waiting for. Indie developer Sandswept Studios announced today that its first game will be released for the PC via Steam on May 17.

The game uses a grid system much like Sim City where you can build structures and roads but you are not a govial mayor in this game; your goal is to also build units to blow up your enemies. The game will have a number of single player challenges, multiplayer and co-op modes for up to four players and a map editor so you can make your own levels and share them with others. Pricing for the game has yet to be revealed.

Detour coming to Steam on May 17 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detoursandswept-studiossteamThu, 28 Apr 2011 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 27]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-27/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-27/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/big-downloads-news-bits-and-bytes-april-27/#commentsFiled under:

We have to say that the first real trailer for Trackmania 2 looks mighty impressive. Combine the great looking graphics with an easy-to-use track editor and this could be our new Saturday night thing when it comes out.

Big Download's News Bits & Bytes - April 27 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hector-badge-of-carnageportal-2shoot-many-robotswarhammer-40000-dawn-of-war-iiWed, 27 Apr 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minecraft's next update to include in-game mapping]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/minecraft-nets-next-update-to-include-in-game-mapping/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/minecraft-nets-next-update-to-include-in-game-mapping/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/minecraft-nets-next-update-to-include-in-game-mapping/#commentsFiled under:

Minecraft has had a very busy few weeks, releasing a major new update that added weather, stats and achievements to the hit sandbox game title. Oh, and the game reached its 2 million unit sale a few days ago. Now word comes that the game's main developer, Markus "Notch" Perrson, is working on the next update for Minecraft.

While the 1.6 update will contain bug fixes there will be a new feature; in-game mapping of your game world. "Notch" says, "It will be centered on the location where you craft it, and it will fill in as you explore the land. If you go outside the edges of the map, it will stop updating, so each map is of a specific area. (like real maps!)" You can zoom in and out of the map and if you make changed to the world the map will reflect that change. The map feature doesn't yet work in multiplayer but "Notch" stares, " ... that's my next task. The code I write to support that will also be possible to reuse in the future for things like books and notes written by players, and possibly even custom paintings/hand drawn signs." There's no word on when the 1.6 update on Minecraft will be released.

Minecraft's next update to include in-game mapping originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>minecraftminecraft-betaminecraft-patchWed, 27 Apr 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon.com offers free casual game every day for next 10 days]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/amazon-com-offers-free-casual-game-every-day-for-next-10-days/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/amazon-com-offers-free-casual-game-every-day-for-next-10-days/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/amazon-com-offers-free-casual-game-every-day-for-next-10-days/#commentsFiled under: ,

Would you like to download a PC game for the price of absolutely nothing at all? Then you might want to check out Amazon.com for the next 10 days. The online retailed announced today via its Twitter page that starting today it will cut the price of one casual game every day for 24 hours down to, well, zero. Zlilch. Nada.

The first game up for this treatment is Chicken Invaders 2, a title that looks like what would happen if Galaga got hit with a bunch of cartoony birds. We will keep track of the freebie games as they are revealed.

Amazon.com offers free casual game every day for next 10 days originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazon.comchicken-invaders-2Wed, 27 Apr 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dragon Age 2's first DLC item packs released]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2s-first-dlc-item-packs-released/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2s-first-dlc-item-packs-released/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/dragon-age-2s-first-dlc-item-packs-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Dragon Age 2 came out nearly two months ago but the fantasy RPG from developer BioWare is finally offering its gamers its first post-release downloadable content. This release is an item pack (the first of a series apparently) that gives your characters some extra stuff to use.

In fact there are three items packs to download and install for the Mage, Rogue and Warrior characters to use. Each pack has new weapons, amour and other in-game items for your RPG pleasure. You can download each of the character packs for 240 BioWare points (about $3) or get all three character DLC packs in a bundle for 400 BioWare points (about $5).

Gallery: Dragon Age 2 Screenshots


Dragon Age 2's first DLC item packs released originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareDragon-Age-2EAElectronic-ArtsWed, 27 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First Portal 2 DLC coming this summer, says Valve]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/first-portal-2-dlc-coming-this-summer-says-valve/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/first-portal-2-dlc-coming-this-summer-says-valve/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/first-portal-2-dlc-coming-this-summer-says-valve/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's almost a no-brainer that Valve would be providing post-release downloadable content for Portal 2. The developer has always been good about releasing new (and free for PC owners) content for its games over the year. However it's always good to get the official word that new stuff for the puzzle shooter sequel is on its way in the near future,

At the end of a (spoiler filled) interview with Valve team members on the Fast Company web site, Valve's marketing head Doug Lombardi states, "We will be announcing some DLC for it, so folks can keep a look out for more content coming this summer. We'll be putting more details out about that in a week or so. We'll support that with more videos or more comics." Hopefully we will see stuff that was cut from Portal 2 that was shown in the game before its release such as the Pneumatic Tubes.

Gallery: Portal 2 Screenshots

First Portal 2 DLC coming this summer, says Valve originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>portal-2portal-2-dlcvalvevalve-softwareWed, 27 Apr 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[F.E.A.R. 3's release pushed back (again) to June 21]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/f-e-a-r-3s-release-pushed-back-again-to-june-21/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/f-e-a-r-3s-release-pushed-back-again-to-june-21/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/f-e-a-r-3s-release-pushed-back-again-to-june-21/#commentsFiled under: ,

Yet another game originally scheduled for a release in May has now pulled out of that rather crowded month of new game releases. Publisher Warner Bros Interactive has confirmed that its horror-themed shooter F.E.A.R. 3 has suffered another delay and will now be released on June 21. That new release date has also been changed on retailer web sites such as Gamestop.

This is the latest delay for the Day 1 Studios-developed title. It was originally announced as coming out in fall 2010, then pushed back to March 2011 and then to May 24 before today's latest delay announcement.

Gallery: F.E.A.R. 3 Screenshots

F.E.A.R. 3's release pushed back (again) to June 21 originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Day-1-Studiosfear-3Warner-Bros-InteractiveWed, 27 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brink trailers teach us some lessons]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/brink-trailers-teach-us-some-lessons/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/brink-trailers-teach-us-some-lessons/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/brink-trailers-teach-us-some-lessons/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

With just a couple of weeks left before Brink is finally released, developer Splash Damage and publisher Bethesda Softworks have started releasing what can be described as instructional videos designed to get players up to speed on the many unique aspecits of this first person shooter.

The first video, Basics, does exactly what it states. It goes over all aspects of the game quickly including gameplay modes, character classes, UI features and more. The second video goes into much more detail on the objectivs and challenges that the player will have to go through to gain experience points in the game. Brink finally takes us to school on May 10.

Download the Brink Basics Trailer at Big Download
Download the Brink Objectives Trailer at Big Download

Gallery: Brink Screenshots

Continue reading Brink trailers teach us some lessons

Brink trailers teach us some lessons originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betheda-softworksBrinkSplash-DamageWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duke Nukem Forever portrait prints to be sold off for charity]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/duke-nukem-forever-portrait-prints-to-be-sold-off-for-charity/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/duke-nukem-forever-portrait-prints-to-be-sold-off-for-charity/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/duke-nukem-forever-portrait-prints-to-be-sold-off-for-charity/#commentsFiled under:

The majesty (get it?) that is the vision of Duke Nukem could soon be on your wall if you are lucky. 2K Games announced this week that a portrait of the Dukester himself has been created by "artist Frank Frid" (we put that in quotes since we are not convinced that this guy is a real person).

The print, which you can check out in full after the jump, is of course a way for publisher 2K Games to continue to promote the upcoming first person shooter Duke Nuke Forever. The nice thing is that 2K Games plans to sell 200 prints of this great man to the general public sometime soon. Proceeds from the sale will go to unnamed charities.

[Via email press release]

Continue reading Duke Nukem Forever portrait prints to be sold off for charity

Duke Nukem Forever portrait prints to be sold off for charity originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamesduke-nukem-forevergearbox-softwareWed, 27 Apr 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wednesday's PC game sales are nice and neat]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/wednesdays-pc-game-sales-are-nice-and-neat/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/wednesdays-pc-game-sales-are-nice-and-neat/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/wednesdays-pc-game-sales-are-nice-and-neat/#commentsFiled under:

There's always some new PC game sales to report every day and hump day is no exception.

Wednesday's PC game sales are nice and neat originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct2drivegog.comimpulseWed, 27 Apr 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Assault Baptism of Fire announced]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/team-assault-baptism-of-fire-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/team-assault-baptism-of-fire-announced/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/team-assault-baptism-of-fire-announced/#commentsFiled under:

What? A new strategy game that's set during World War II? What will game developers think of next. Actually Team Assault: Baptism of Fire is looking like it will stand out from the crowd of WWII titles. This is a 3D turn-based tactical strategy game from developer Zeal Game Studio.

The game, which is being published by Matrix Games, will feature close combat gameplay with a lot of customization features to make sure your fighting squad is the best it can be. Look for realism features like "...weapon accuracy and penetration, cover versus weapon penetration, recoil, encumbrance and wounded soldiers." The game is due out sometime in June.

Team Assault Baptism of Fire announced originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>matrix-gamesteam-assault-baptism-of-firezeal-game-studioWed, 27 Apr 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Civilization V DLC pack coming next week; massive patch in the works]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/new-civilization-v-dlc-pack-coming-next-week-massive-patch-in-t/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/new-civilization-v-dlc-pack-coming-next-week-massive-patch-in-t/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/new-civilization-v-dlc-pack-coming-next-week-massive-patch-in-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Two more paid DLC packs for Civilization V are being prepped for released via various download outlets next week, according to Computer and Video Games. One of the DLC packs for Firaxis Games' 2010 turn based strategy game will add the Denmark civilization to the game along with a related new scenario. The other DLC pack will add 10 new maps to the game. Five of the maps will be based on real location while the other five are more scripted map environments.

In addition to the DLC packs, Firaxis is also working on a massive free patch to the game that should be released soon. The game's official message boards has a list of what is currently included in the patch, which will have a large number of AI, UI, graphics and other changes and bug fixes.

Gallery: Sid Meier's Civilization V Screenshots


New Civilization V DLC pack coming next week; massive patch in the works originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-Gamescivilization-vFiraxis-GamesWed, 27 Apr 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Witcher 2 goes gold]]>http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-goes-gold/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-goes-gold/http://news.bigdownload.com/2011/04/27/the-witcher-2-goes-gold/#commentsFiled under:

At least one game due in May is sticking to its proposed release date. Developer CD Projekt has just announced that its long awaited fantasy RPG title The Witcher 2 has now "gone gold" meaning that the game is completed and is being replicated onto disks that will later be shipped to stores.

That ship date is still scheduled for May 17, a date that CD Projekt announced several months ago. The game, a sequel to the million selling The Witcher, will be released in retail stores in the US via publisher Atari as well as download sites. However the CD Projekt owned GoG.com will be the only place to download and purchase a DRM-free copy of the game.

[Via email press release]

Gallery: The Witcher 2 Screenshots

The Witcher 2 goes gold originally appeared on Big Download Blog on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AtariCD-Projektgog.comthe-witcher-2Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST