December 26th, 2008
Earlier this year I tried LOTRO. I was still playing SWG and was drawn back to that MMORPG due to real life friends. Yet I have been checking on the LOTRO on a weekly basis. After watching the first movie I knew it was time to return. This month I finally communicated to my friends that I am done with SWG for good and would really like to return to LOTRO.
The first thing I noticed when logging in was how beautiful the game world is. When I first tried LOTRO I was using an Nvidia 7800. I have upgraded since then to an ATI 4850. The settings were all cranked up and the beauty of the world came alive. Or perhaps I am in a different place at this time?
It is great to be back playing on Brandywine. The server population is healthy. I am a level 29 guardian. I look forward to leveling and meeting new players along the way. The community is extremely well thought out by Turbine. I hope to group up with you soon.
Characters name: Lateris
Server: Brandywine
Class: Guardian
Level: 29
Race: Dwarf
http://my.lotro.com/astrall/
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December 9th, 2008
I finally wrapped up all my design projects this year for 2008. We definitely put in some overtime on the Science Fiction front. My favorite design was the Star Wars Moisture Farmer Simulator Project. This was an interesting design that requires the input by a community of online players to form an economic infrastructure for the game to work. The players actually will influence the game world. It is a mini MMORPG. This design focuses on the details that remind me of the pre combat days of SWG. My design goes further as an actual simulator.
You will be able to host 50 players per server on a regular desktop in your home. If you have the bandwidth for it then you can host up to 150-250 users. We want to put this in the hands of the gamer. This will be my last Star Wars affiliated design for non profit. I plan to get back to basics and move away from the pop culture. I am doing this for creative reasons as I have built my experience as an independent game designer.
It is time for a new direction with Science fiction based themes for 2009. All new designs will be based on original conceptual ideas under Obscuri Lateris Productions. 2008 was a rough year in finding investments for the studio so I feel it is time to just pull back from the mainstream market and go back to the freedom of the garage. There is definitely more room for creative growth and expression in this environment. In truth I want to operate with zero investments value, or control, from any outside source. I prefer Valves business model and will be heavily influenced by their community. Small studios really do not need publishers.
The blog theme has finally been updated. I decided to go with a simpler theme. Expect updates on the appearance of this theme. I want to add some more color and a possible background image. Comments will be opening sometime in 2009. I might even add a message board. See you all on the flip side. I hope your vinyl records and CD’s remain unscratched for 2009.
Happy holiday’s planet earth.
-Astral-
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December 9th, 2008
Massively.com has reported in a piece of news that comes out of nowhere, Atari has announced that they’ve bought Cryptic Studios, the developer responsible for City of Heroes. Right now, Cryptic has three upcoming games: Champions Online, Star Trek Online and a third unannounced title. As part of the acquisition, Atari will have access to Cryptic’s technology for use of their games as well as for their website portal. Read more over at Massively.com
Another talented studio is swallowed up.
~Astral~
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November 29th, 2008
Sometimes I wish I could get the old band back together and just sort of chill out and forget the bad vibes of the past. I really miss the music and working with those guys. I miss Jim , Chris, and Jason. We all brought something very unique to the table which produced “our’ sound that can never be replaced by anyone. When I look back at our first few years I remember some fantastic music. And to me time will judge Trunk Federation as one of the greatest sub culture bands of the 20th century. I really miss our music and hope you are all doing well. Most of all I miss writing together.
- Mark
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November 2nd, 2008
Recently I purchased an Xbox 360. I am playing Mass Effect on the Xbox. On the PC I am still playing Eve Online. I am truly excited for the future of Eve Online with Ambulation. With the recent announcements for the new Star Wars MMORPG “The Old Republic” I have cancelled Star Wars Galaxies. Lately the level of communication for SWG reflects the early days of the NGE. And a lot of information has come to the surface from the previous ranks of the old SWG staff that are “off the record” and mostly “gossip” about a possible expansions that was halted. I just can’t see putting any of my free time into SWG any longer or have any respect for the current layout. My sub ends in December.
On a side note Obscuri Lateris has been closed. The studio is at a halt due to lack of investment and the guild portal is no longer running. I would like to thank everyone who was involved in OL.
*Astral*
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November 2nd, 2008
Spacetime Studios has announced that they have found a publishing deal and are working on a truly evolutionary project. At the Vertigo we are truly excited to see a Sci Fi based studio to be back in full swing for the MMORPG fans.
~Lateris~
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October 30th, 2008
What a cool month it has been. The Old Republic was announced. John Smedley from SOE came forward and stated how SWG might have a sunset in the future. Why am I happy about that? Because he tried honesty and that was cool. I am still bummed for my guild in SWG. They really love SWG. Read the rest of this entry »
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October 16th, 2008
This day is very unusual for me. I awoke at 6:00 AM Arizona time and did my daily ritual to see what discussions were available on the official SWG boards. I first noticed the post “City of Skies”. [Source] Read the rest of this entry »
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October 1st, 2008
Sad news has struck the Developer community. Jeff Freeman has passed away. We would like his family to know that you are in our hearts and wish you all the best. Jeff Freeman was best known for the amazing work that he accomplished on the pet system for Pre CU SWG. Read the rest of this entry »
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September 28th, 2008
In the midst of a fantasy filled MMORPG market the time came to replenish the creative flow with a good Sci FI MMO. And after all I love the taste of tragedy and pleasure. Such is Star Wars Galaxies. Read the rest of this entry »
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