Daily Column
New MMOG Articles at TenTonHammer Today
Hot Content
Real World News - You Can't Make This Up
1. Daily Column
Thanks to everyone who wrote in yesterday about the duplicity of the industry. You can read the public comments here. Thanks to everyone who wrote in privately via e-mail. I apologize for not replying to each of you, but yesterday brought a literal flood, a deluge if you will of letters, most of them coherent on the topic of double-dipping advertising dollars for good reviews.
It's Friday and that means you are getting ready for the weekend. Here are some links to put a smile on your face.
Internet Help Desk (video - sound warning)
Posting to Internet Forums and You (video - sound warning)
Summoner Geeks (video - sound warning)
And last, but certainly not least a story that I felt deserved some attention. Game developers get hacked to bit by the media, the public and teh Interwebz denizens every day. Let's see them take a shot at this story.
"The Riverside fifth-grader has a brain tumor. The diagnosis isn't good; metastatic cancer. Splitting headaches started in March, which led to an emergency room visit in April. Doctors had to sedate him for the pain and he didn't wake up for a week. Groggy and weak in the hospital, Chatterton only wanted to play the massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft.
When the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, an organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening cases, came calling two weeks ago, Chatterton knew exactly what he wanted.
"I wished for a trip to Blizzard because I'd like to see if they could make a character and do some things for us."
Chatterton didn't think his wish would come true. He's starting treatment today. And, at most, he thought it could just be a video conference call. But when he found out Blizzard was nearby, and willing, Chatterton became the envy of the 8.5 million World of Warcraft players worldwide. He not only got the chance to tour the company, but to create something new for the game. "
Blizzard, my hat is off to you! You can read the whole story here.
Comment in the blog (now with direct link goodness) or email me directly.
2. New MMOG Articles At Ten Ton Hammer Today
Blog: Talking With Legends
"As the "Legends" series of interviews keeps rolling, Micajah discusses what it's like talking with these powerful figures and asks readers for their thoughts on who should be the next legend to be interviewed."
Dungeons and Dragons Online: The Skald
"The Arcane Ally is able to provide scouting, arcane support, trap disarming and lock picking, and isn't a horrible archer to boot. Find out how to make one with Darkgolem's rebuild of the Arcane Ally!"
EverQuest 2: Dwarven Moving (and wrecking) Company
"Crafting guru and professional home decorator Niami Denmother takes a humorous look at the new moving crate mechanic which assists players in changing residences. What could go wrong? You'll have to read to find out."
Fury: Q&A With Mike Hampden
"If you're tired of the slow, tedious, methodical grind of many modern MMOs, the upcoming massively multiplayer third person slasher (MMOTPS) Fury may be the game for you! Recently, we had a chance to ask some questions of Mike Hampden, Content Designer for Auran Games - the developers of Fury. Below you'll find both the questions and his answers, which all focus around the player character and advancement in the world of Fury."
Lord of the Rings Online: Guide To Farming
"Yeehaw! RadarX turns on the Dukes of Hazzard and takes up the Farming profession in order to make moonshine. Sadly he finds you can't make that in Lord of the Rings Online, but he does provide everything you need to know to get out in the fields.
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Druid Creation Guide
"If you're considering rolling a Druid in Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, you'll want to start with our newly updated Druid Creation Guide. Learn about choosing the right race, important stats, level 1-10 strategies and more."
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Druid Class Guide
"We've updated our Druid class guide, which includes adding links to all of Vanguard Ten Ton Hammer's druid content, from our creation and leveling guides to our forums."
Vanguard: Saga of Heroes - Monk Guide
"Our Monk Class Guide now has sharp new graphics and a breakdown of identifying characteristics."
Wiki: Fallen Earth, Dark Solstice, Final Fantasy XI Updated
"Our wiki has been updated with new information on Fallen Earth and Dark Solstice, along with respective new images for these two games! Also, a small character creation guide was added to the Final Fantasy XI page."
3. Hot Content
Fury: Q&A With Mike Hampden
38 Studios: R.A. Salvatore Interview Part 2
Gods and Heroes - Video Interview With Chris Launius
OGDC: Auto Assault Post-Mortem With Scott Brown
OGDC: EVE Online Interview With Peter Gollan
Pirates of the Burning Sea: Video Interview With John Scott Tynes
OGDC: An Analysis Of Video Game Writers
OGDC: How Developers Use Public Relations To Build A Brand
Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising - Video Interview With Chris McKibbin, Executive Producer
OGDC: Stargate Worlds Interview With Joe Ybarra - Part 2
OGDC: Interview With NetDevil
4. Real World News
Gay Flamingos Pick Up Chick [Thanks John]
First sign of the apocalypse, CHECK!
Man With 700 Snakes Arrested At Airport [Thanks Matt]
Samuel L. Jackson unavailable for comment.
Nudist Slams Testicles In Car Door [Thanks Matt]
Ballsy move.
Thanks as always for visiting TenTonHammer.com
John "Boomjack" Hoskin