Apple is now offering free next day shipping for all iPhone models in its U.S. online store—a promotion that can be seen on the iPhone’s purchase page. There is a limit of two iPhones per customer in the offer, and there is no indication of how long the promotion…

A funny thing happened at Forbes today: the magazine published something positive about Apple. That's a rare occurrence any more, as a lot of anti-Apple FUD has originated from Forbes. In any event, Mark Rogowsky penned a piece asking if Tim Cook is the right man for Apple. His answer is one our friend Jim Dalrymple might approve: "Yep." He makes a cogent argument that Apple is doing very well, thank you. Favorite line: "The idea that there was some other visionary out there [...] suggests that some other company should’ve revolutionized something [...] since Steve Jobs‘ death. And yet, we’ve seen no such thing."

...

They say actions speak louder than words, and a couple of Apple's recent app updates say quite a lot about what could be in store for iOS this year, and what's in store could turn out to be great for the company's customers.

Jeff Gamet, The Mac Observer's Managing Editor, joined the team at The Mac Show to talk about the ongoing iWatch smartwatch rumors, along with the ongoing security headaches for Apple, and Adobe's Kevin Lynch making the move to Apple.

iLounge’s 2013 iPad + iPad mini Buyers’ Guide is now available for download! The newest edition of our guide features everything you need to know about the iPad and iPad mini, including an extensive overview of the devices, top apps and games, and of course, our look at the…

The Mac Observer's Managing Editor Jeff Gamet joined The BIG Show from the British Tech Network to talk about Samsung's Galaxy Note 3 launch in the U.S., hackers taking over the U.K. Weather Twitter accounts, and the new Evernote challenger Google Keep.

Learn about changes in Apple TV (2nd and 3rd generation) software updates version 4.1 and later.

After installing a Certificate Identity into the System keychain, the certificate appears in Server App or Server Admin, however the server services may not utilize the selected certificate. It may appear that the certificate is being used for the services, however when connecting to the service, it may not establish a connection.
OS X Server (Mountain Lion) symptoms: After selecting the certificate from the Certificates pane in Server App, the drop down menu may switch to a previously set certificate or to Custom. If a connection is attempted to a service set to use the new certificate, it may not establish the connection.
Lion Server symptoms: After setting the certificate in the Settings pane of the Server app, it might show Custom settings instead. After clicking the Edit key to show the custom SSL Certificate settings, you may notice all services are set to use the new certificate, except for Web. If you attempt to set the certificate to be used with Web, it may...

Find answers to questions about installing Microsoft Windows 7 on your Mac via Boot Camp.

When upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8, a "Free up space on Drive C" message may appear on MacBook Air (11-inch, Mid 2012) computers with 64GB flash drive.

Thunderbolt devices are not recognized when you start up in Windows 8 after upgrading from Windows 7 to Windows 8.

After installing the Boot Camp Support Software on a MacBook Air (Mid 2012), Microsoft Windows 8 may not start, or may start with a low screen resolution (VGA) .

When installing Microsoft Windows 8 on a MacBook Pro (13-inch, Late 2012) using Boot Camp, a black or distorted screen may appear during the Windows installation process. This happens because the Windows 8 installer does not include the necessary graphics driver for this Mac.

Learn about the general requirements needed to install Microsoft Windows using Boot Camp. Review the tables in this article to determine which Windows versions are supported for your specific computer.

This document describes the security content of OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.3 and Security Update 2013-001, which can be downloaded and installed via Software Update preferences, or from Apple Downloads.

Learn about the OS X Mountain Lion v10.8.3 Update.

Java for Mac OS X v10.6 Update 14 delivers improved security, reliability, and compatibility for Java SE 6. Java for Mac OS X v10.6 Update 14 supersedes all previous versions of Java for Mac OS X v10.6.

This article explains how to view the Ethernet MAC address of your locally-connected AirPort base station using AirPort Utility 6.

Several different methods for managing XProtect settings have surfaced since rapid fire Java and Flash updates were released over the past few weeks.  Some methods disable the auto update feature of XProtect and require that you manually update the XProtect settings.  Rich Trouton came up with a method for managing the XProtect settings without having to mess with too much stuff. His solution essentially blocks any version of Java that is older than what is currently installed.  This allows you to push out the latest version of Java that you can without worrying about clients having the Java plugin disabled altogether.  Check out the details over on Rich’s blog.

About...

Make it easy for users to discover and download your app from a website on iOS devices. With Safari’s new Smart App Banner feature in iOS 6, you can display a banner that provides a direct link to your app on the App Store, or opens the app if the user already has it installed. Smart App Banners integrate seamlessly, have the same look and feel users know from the App Store, and are easy to implement. Learn more.

Take advantage of new features in OS X Mountain Lion, like Game Center, Notification Center, Documents in the Cloud, advanced security features, and Facebook integration. Learn more.

Flash Forward / Nattress / Media Summit / News Corp / AAPL

Spotlight - Basic Searches

Photoshop - Opening Camera RAW in Adobe Bridge (CS2)

Get TurboTax on sale now at Amazon (or the new version of TaxCut).

Save a bunch on MobileMe renewals, too.

Amazon has discounts on the brand-new Mac Mini models
plus the new iMacs and new MacBook, not to mention the iPod Touch.

Amazon also saves you money on the MacBook Pro, Mac Pro and MacBook Air
and offers deep discounts on Snow Leopard.

Check the great selection of DRM-free MP3 music at very competitive prices (including free downloads!).

Digital cameras and HDTV's get outstanding discounts, as well.

*And*, while you're saving yourself money, you're also providing critical MacInTouch support just by clicking through any of our links to purchase!

privacy protection techniques for travelling

8mm Film

online meeting application needed

home theater problem

"Attackers can exploit these issues to bypass certain security checks, execute arbitrary code in the context of the browser, and cause denial-of-service conditions; other attacks are also possible."

BusinessMan is a modular, FileMaker-based customer relationship management (CRM) system that includes integrated email and communications, document management, quote generation, order processing, and more.

Objective Development's content management system for web sites adds CKEditor support, improvements in supported server configurations, better PHP 5.3 support, a fix for a problem with borders in the Gallery and Loop Elements, and other changes.

The XHTML editor adds keyboard navigation for its new tabbed interface.

This release of the SDK includes a simulator for the new iPad and tools for building iPad applications.

This release of the data mining tool brings more accurate predictions when using Similar Patterns modeling, improved export to Excel for regression models, and a new prediction project.

Rhapsoft's image editor adds flip transformations, a shadow effect, an option to import images from other devices (including iPhones, scanners, and cameras), improved accuracy when working at the pixel level, enhancements for drawing tools, and more.

The keyboard update "improves battery performance of the 2007 aluminum Apple Wireless Keyboard when used in combination with other bluetooth devices (eg. Magic Mouse, some bluetooth headsets)" and also addresses an issue with key repeats.

"While all the world is still talking about holes in Internet Explorer and Flash, Adobe has casually closed two critical security holes in Shockwave that allow attackers to inject and execute code."

MAXPower eSATA 6G PCIe 2.0 Controller Card adds two 6GB/second eSATA ports to any Mac Pro (or PC) with an available PCIe 2.0 slot.

The multi-channel audio editor and recorder adds a 64-bit version, the ability to automatically split a sound file by detecting silences, export to iPhone ringtone files, and other changes.

Acclivity's small business management and accounting package adds integration with Enstore web store software, tracking of additional item information, a Show Profit Analysis function (gross profit, margin, and cost for each item and for the entire invoice), and other improvements.

We've added an addendum to cover some tips and questions brought up by readers in response to our in-depth review, which examines the $999 Mini Server product product from Apple, which combines a dual-hard-drive Mac Mini with a full version of Snow Leopard Server (unlimited client license). We look at everything from web services to performance, along with security, installation, admin utilities and more.

[Expanded Sept. 12] - answers to questions about pre-requisites, installation, security, QuickTime, Rosetta, 64-bit operation, networking, compatibility and much more...

reviews, basics, availability and pricing, networks and carriers, features, sync with iTunes, Internet, apps, widgets, tech specs, jailbreaking and unlocking, misc.

Robert Mohns reviews the second-generation iPod Touch, covering its fast hardware, OS 2 software, App Store, compatibility issues, applications and much more.

Kindle 2 improves on the highly successful original version of the wireless media reader, bringing faster performance, better grayscale imaging, speech synthesis, and Apple-like design improvements. We also include audio samples, screen shots, comparison photos and lots of links to more info.

The new Shuffle has just one button: off/play. Everything else is controlled by earbuds, proprietary Apple controller chips and synthesized voices....

We examine fancy new features in Apple's latest creative-consumer software suite, as well as its user interface elements and its misfeatures/bugs.)

Like an iPod for video recording, the MinoHD combines friendly simplicity with effective media processing in a remarkably tiny device at an attractive price.
[Includes HD video sample.]

Robert Mohns's review of Apple's new iPhone 3G offers comparisons with the first iPhone, discussion of new features and enterprise support, a look at the new "ecosystem" Apple has built around the device, a screenshot and sample photo gallery and links for more information.

Our MacBook Air review digs into details of its design, features, performance, compatibility and suitability for various customers. Includes benchmark test results.

essential info, including data-loss bugs

We dig into the technology and benefits of RAID storage systems, along with a number of issues involved, as we review SoftRAID, the leading application for configuring these systems on the Mac.

We've added some benchmark results charts (with more to come later) in a thorough review of Apple's latest laptop from Robert Mohns, covering technical advances, the overall experience, and an audio quality issue.

We have added a few more notes on Ethernet and Airport Disk performance to our comprehensive examination of Apple's new wireless base station (complete with benchmark test results.

February 1, 2010 6:00 AM

New Star Games has announced the release of New Star Tennis, its newest sport title. The game features a full tennis tour with 66 tournaments, a variety of court styles, training challenges, and a detailed career mode spanning 15 tournaments.

New Star Tennis Features:

• Exciting Gameplay
  Experience thrilling rallies as you compete against the world's elite. An intuitive control system allows you to put the ball anywhere on the court, but you will need some slick skills to become number one.
  
• Intense Training
  To beat the best you will need to train hard and increase your abilities. There are 5 skills to master, Serve, Forehand, Backhand, Volley and Spin. You will also need to work in the gym to build up your Speed and Stamina. Now, get down and give me twenty!
  
• The NSG World Tour
  There are 66 tournaments on the NSG World tour in which you can earn points to improve your ranking. You...

February 1, 2010 6:00 AM

TopWare Interactive and Reality Pump recently released a new Two Worlds II newsletter. The thirteenth edition of the newsletter includes information about the game's cave and mine system, a developer Q&A, a description of the Droser monster, and details on a new contest. Two Worlds II will send players to the unexplored land of Eastern Antaloor and will feature detailed graphics, an active combat system, and a complex storyline.

INTO THE DEPTHS ON A CAVE ADVENTURE
A truly first-class RPG has cave systems full of twisting paths, hidden crannies and hair-raising dungeon labyrinths - and TW2 really comes up trumps in this dark world. The games designers describe it as being a very extensive cave and mine system and we AP editors were at last allowed to experience the legendary underworld of Antaloor for ourselves! Reality Pump invited us to visit one of the vast mines near Hatmandor. This is where the mysterious and magical raw...

February 2, 2010 6:00 AM

Macworld has posted a new article examining Onverse, a title which fuses social networking with an online virtual world. Onverse allows users to combine 2D features of sites like Facebook and MySpace with the 3D virtual experience of MMOs. The game is free to join, with microtransactions for premium items available from the Onverse store.

Released on November 25th, the latest update added a third world that augments the real estate available to new users. The Hub is Onverses main drag, with a few high-rise apartment buildings, a casino, a nightclub, an amphitheater, and plenty of stores to shop in. Meanwhile, Volcano Island and Ancient Moon are home to themed housing communities as well as a few outdoor sites to spend time in.

All of these worlds are scattered with points that players can collect to use as currency to buy things like furniture, clothing, and tools. For those willing to spend some actual money, Cash Coins can...

February 2, 2010 6:00 AM

Edge Online recently published a brief interview with id Software's Todd Hollenshead. The game developer discussed the company's merger with Bethesda Softworks parent company Zenimax Media.

Of course, everyone looks at it as, Well, id was purchased by Zenimax! but I think its just as true that we acquired an internal publishing capacity, said Todd Hollenshead. Thats really what the relationship is. As much as we have valued our publishing relationships with other thirdparty publishers in the past, there is a difference, because we were separate companies. Although we were trying to work together, ultimately there is an idea that we have divergent goals.

Its actually worked out really well. They value development for its own sake, rather than just trying to put something in a box and relying on marketing for sales, said Hollenshead. They believe in the quality of the product you put in and the value of the entertainment the...

February 3, 2010 6:00 AM

Isotope 244 recently announced work on a Mac version of the recently released Land Air Sea Warfare, a new game from the developers of Machines at War. The strategy war game features 70 new types of units, new technologies, and six "gigantic mega units" for players to control.

After two years of development I have finally completed my next game! It builds on my previous real time strategy game Machines at War and takes it in a different direction. Battles are now a rich mix of different types of units and your headquarters can even be in the sea! There are over 70 new types of units, new technologies, and six gigantic mega units which are awesome in battle! I would list all of the changes, but looking at my work log there are over 800 of them! I will be working on the Mac version next and am still developing the game every day, so if you have any suggestions for the game please let me know. - James Bryant

Land Air Sea Warfare:
...

February 3, 2010 6:00 AM

Paragon Studios has announced the beginning of the Spring Fling in-game event for its super hero themed MMO, City of Heroes. The event, which began on February 2 and continues through March 2, features a variety of Valentine's Day themed missions and unlockable content.

Ganymede, Scratch, and DJ Zero are once again flinging out the fun and creating seasonal harmony from that jumpin-est of joints, Pocket D. Blue side and Red side have another chance to join forces and Snap some Teeth.

This popular event is back with the potential to earn unlockable costume pieces and badges. Brave the Well of the Furies, find Aphrodite's Girdle, and take down that mischievous Red Cap, Snaptooth. Don't forget the exciting temporary powers available only from this event...confound your enemies with the Nectar of the gods and enemies become allies with the crossover Dimension Drop buff.

Starts: Tuesday, February 9, 2010 at 8:59 a.m....

February 4, 2010 6:00 AM

Hive Media has announced the acquisition of Windmill Games and the creation of Hive Media Games. HMG's first release is Angela's World an action game which challenges players to gather enchanted roses while dodging sparks and other hazards on a small planet.

William Weaver, President and CEO of Hive Media, Inc. stated, I am proud that Hive Media has had the opportunity to form Hive Media Games with Sven Paroth as Senior Programmer. Hive Media is comprised of extremely talented professional artists, audio engineers and programmers. Through our team and a large business network, I am sure that many people will be enjoying our games for years to come.

Sven Paroth, ex-owner of Windmill Games stated, After review, I welcomed the opportunity to become a part of Hive Media and help build Hive Media Games. Working as one entity, we are excited to bring a varied number of qualitative games on multiple platforms in the coming months....

February 4, 2010 6:00 AM

NCSoft and Paragon Studios have announced a second Mission Architect contest for the company's super hero themed MMO, City of Heroes. Contest entrants are asked to write an arc for levels 5 to 10 with a story about a known hero or villain who loses their powers. The contest winner could receive a permanent title on a character of his or her choice, and a Developer's Choice for the mission arc.

Sigh...you know, sometimes it's tough being the creator of so many great products, living the good life in the high tower with all these responsibilities. So many things to juggle...remember when it was easier? When you were still new and didn't have so many things to take care of? Back when you could...could just be yourself? I'm not crying! Ahem...I'm just...aha! Coming up with an idea for the next challenge! That's it...I know EXACTLY what it'll be! I challenge you all to write an arc for levels 5 to 10 with a story about a known hero or villain...

February 5, 2010 6:00 AM

Aspyr Media has announced the release of a digital download version of Civilization IV for Macs. The download is available exclusively from Aspyr's GameAgent store. The company has also opened up preorders for upcoming downloadable versions of the games two expansions: Warlords and Beyond the Sword, as well as Civilization III: Complete.

Sid Meiers Civilization IV comes-to-life like never before in a beautifully detailed, living 3D world that expands the gameplay experience. This latest installment takes the franchise to new heights with the addition of new ways to play and win, new tools to manage and expand your civilization, all-new easy to use mod capabilities and various multiplayer modes and options..

With Sid Meiers Civilization IV, rule throughout time and create your own legacy as you guide your civilization from the dawn of man through the space age and beyond. Implement new technologies, conduct diplomacy or wage...

February 5, 2010 6:00 AM

Mac|Life has posted a new review of the Mac version of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. The game features Realm vs Realm combat and allows players to enter a grim fantasy world where the armies of Order and Destruction collide to determine the fate of nations. Mac|Life gave Warhammer Online a score of 4 out of 5.

From the review:
Really, the expectation is that youve played this kind of game before and know the implications of your decisions, so anyone unfamiliar with the MMORPG universe will likely stumble through their first 10 levels or so. Fortunately, once you get the hang of it, the experience is rich and rewarding. You can embark on solo quests, start battles alongside other players, fight against other players, join guilds, start guilds, craft items, and explore the enormous (and beautiful) world.

The games main focus is realm-versus-realm and player-versus-player combat, where the two factions square off for...

February 8, 2010 6:00 AM

Macworld has posted a new review of the Mac version of Dragon Age: Origins Collector's Edition. Bioware's latest fantasy role playing epic challenges players to take on the role of a Grey Warden and defend the land of Fereldin from the monstrous Darkspawn. Macworld gave the game a score of 5 out of 5.

From the review:
On my MacBook Pro 2.66GHz running Mac OS 10.6, Dragon Age was stunning. From the fire effects of enemy spells to the gush of blood from a blade, the details were beautiful and realistic. Unlike some RPGs, there isnt a major drop off between cut scenes and combat; the shadows and shading were impressive in both. There are some moments of slow-down, particularly in the bigger environments, but on the whole I was impressed with my machines ability to handle this high-end game.

While chaotic, battles are easy to manage thanks to the pause button and the ability to instantly order your party to change tactics....

February 8, 2010 6:00 AM

Blizzard Entertainment has published an Insider interview with World of Warcraft Lead Encounter Designer Scott Mercer and Lead Systems Designer Greg Street. The developers discussed the Fall of the Lich King content update released with version 3.3 of World of Warcraft.

Can you give us any teasers about the final Lich King encounter from a gameplay standpoint? How difficult will he be? Any insight into how his skills and powers from Warcraft III will carry over into the final Lich King raid event?
Scott Mercer: We're going to keep those cards close to the vest, as players will be toe-to-toe with the Lich King soon enough, but I can say that he will pose the greatest challenge yet found in World of Warcraft. Beyond that, I can only share a few additional details. The battle against the Lich King takes place at the top of Icecrown Citadel where the Frozen Throne protrudes from the citadel's tallest tower. Throughout the fight, players...

February 9, 2010 6:00 AM

Soldak Entertainment has released an update for the beta version of its upcoming action RPG, Din's Curse. The beta version is available to testers and those who have pre-ordered the game. In addition to a variety of quests to complete and monsters to slay the final game will feature 6 characters classes with 18 specialties for a total of 141 possible character combinations.

Din, champion of the gods, has cursed you into a second life of service because you selfishly squandered your first one while causing misfortune to those around you. To redeem yourself, you must impress Din by building a reputation for helping others. Travel the spacious western plains of Aleria and save desperate towns from the brink of annihilation. Until you're redeemed, you're doomed to wander the earth alone for all eternity.

In Din's Curse, you will explore an extensive underground, slaying dangerous monsters, solving dynamic quests, dodging deadly...

February 9, 2010 6:00 AM

Orange River Studio's Michael Rubin has informed us that his Classic OS shareware game set in outer space, Missions of the Reliant, will be receiving an OS X version. Reliant fan and Mac Programmer Gwynne Raskind has started work on porting the game and will be offering progress updates on her blog.

From The Monk's Brew:
For those of you who dont know, I did write one other computer game in the past, The Missions of Starship Reliant (aka, Missions of the Reliant). I had always wanted to write and release a game throughout my childhood, but all I knew back in the 80s was BASIC, and that never got me very far. And so, at one point in my mid-twenties, and being a Mac fan and all, I decided to pick up some books and learn Pascal. In 1994, amid great imaginary fanfare and to much fictitious critical acclaim, the first version of Missions was released in all of its $20 shareware glory. (The sequel, Missions II, was released in 1996, but it...

February 10, 2010 6:00 AM

MacTech Magazine has posted a new article detailing recent benchmark testing of Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion running on Intel based macs. Comparing performance on MacBook, MacBook Pro, iMac, and Mac Pro models the tests covered performance, differences running Windows XP and Windows 7, the impact of multiple processors, and comparisons of 64 vs 32 bit.

Games
One of the most frequent questions that we were asked after our last virtualization benchmarks was "What about games?" The 3DMark06 testing did give us good insight and excellent data, but we also wanted to try some games and see how they worked.

Devil May Cry 4:
Devil May Cry 4 is the fourth in the Devil May Cry series of action games by CAPCOM. In the game, you fight enemies in close combat using firearms, swords, and other weapons. High speed, high action.

We looked at Devil May Cry 4 (from DVD, not Steam) in part because it has some very nicely...

February 10, 2010 6:00 AM

In a blog post from last month Dingo Games revealed that work has begun on a sequel to Tasty Planet. The game put players in the role of a grey glob of experimental bathroom cleaner that rolled over items and slowly increased its size until capable of devouring worlds. The blog update offers a few details about features in the sequel.

Ive been working for a couple weeks on a sequel to Tasty Planet. We havent finalized the story or setting for the new game, but weve picked a general direction and things are moving along. Here are some features that we have in mind:

• Larger scale in levels. We want the ability to go from really small to really large in a single level instead of spread across multiple levels.
• Many more levels. Ive been working on tools to speed up our ability to generate content.
• New physics system. This will make object interactions feel better.
• 2-Player Cooperative play. Should be super...

February 11, 2010 6:00 AM

Apple Games has published a new article on High End Loft Stuff, a new item pack for The Sims 3. The pack adds a variety of new items to the popular sim title including three items returning from the previous two Sims titles: the heart-shaped vibrating bed, the electric guitar, and the aquarium.

Nothing beats relaxing in a well-furnished living room after a tough day at the Mad Scientist lab, and no Sim can go wrong with the aptly-named Cradle of Civilization, billed as the most comfortable sofa in the entire world. Thats right, not just in Sunset Valley or in Sim City: the entire world. Dont be surprised if the neighbors start feeling a little jealous.

And you might have to start coming up with excuses for why they cant drop by daily after they see your Sims MedeaMedia wall-mounted flat-screen TV, especially if its connected to a GUGA JoyToy 3 videogame console. Nothing beats an intense game of DeathSaga or Blood Buckets 7 in...

February 11, 2010 6:00 AM

NCSoft and Paragon Studios have revealed some new information about Issue 17: Dark Mirror, an upcoming update for the company's comic book hero themed MMO, City of Heroes. The patch will include a new Ultra Mode featuring improved graphics for Paragon City and the Rogue Isles, and offering an idea of the new visuals coming in the upcoming Going Rogue expansion.

A while ago, we announced Ultra Mode, a brand spanking new addition to the City of Heroes universe that will bring Paragon City and the Rogue Isles to an even fresher and visually more pleasing level!

Ultra Mode will allow you (as long as your computer can handle it) to experience City of Heroes in a completely different light...literally! You will rediscover places and landmarks in Paragon City and the Rogue Isles as if you'd never seen them before, and best of all, it will be in Issue 17: Dark Mirror, our next free expansion! And it is worth mentioning that once...

February 12, 2010 6:00 AM

Soldak Entertainment, known for its Depths of Peril and Kivi's Underworld fantasy games, has released more new information about the upcoming action RPG, Din's Curse. The latest update reveals the game's Rogue class and its associated specialties: Assassin, Trickster, and Thief. This is the fifth revealed class of the six planned for the game.

Rogue:
Living by their own rules, this tricky class excels at stealthy deception, trap evasion, lock picking, and are lethal killing machines.

Specialties: Assassin, Trickster, and Thief.

Assassin
This vanquisher is a lethal killer, racking up huge amounts of damage.

Bonuses: higher attack per dexterity, higher health per vitality, and higher damage per strength
Mana gen: Mana gain on critical hits and kills
Armor: Cloth and Leather
Weapons: Daggers and Swords

• Rupture - This has extra damage and a high chance of deep wounds. Deep...

February 12, 2010 6:00 AM

NCSoft has announced a Double XP and Account Reactivation weekend for its super hero themed MMO, City of Heroes . Starting on March 4 and continuing through March 7 both villain and hero characters will receive double the usual experience points for their accomplishments. The company will also allow gamers with inactive accounts to rejoin the game for the duration of the weekend event.

Get excited because one of your favorite times of the year is quickly approaching - Double XP Weekend! All the fun begins on March 4th!

What is a Double Experience Weekend? It's a three day stretch of time during which all participating Hero and Villain characters receive double the XP, Influence, and Infamy for their accomplishments in game. All you have to do is log in and take advantage of this opportunity to level up your favorite characters twice as quickly as normal! And if you pre-purchase Going Rogue, you'll be able to take advantage of...

February 15, 2010 6:00 AM

Phil Hassey has announced the release of Galcon Fusion for OS X. The game is a "fast-paced multi-player galactic arcade-strategy game", which now features improved HD graphics, a full soundtrack, a variety of new multi-player modes, achievements, and detailed rankings.

Developer, Phil Hassey, created the original prototype in just two days for the Ludum Dare 48-hour game development competition in 2006. Galcon was such a hit with the Ludum Dare crowd that Phil decided to rework it into a multi-player desktop game. In 2008, Phil ported the game to the iPhone where Galcon distinguished itself as the first multi-player strategy game in the App Store. Galcon went on to win the Independent Game Festival Innovation in Mobile Game Design award in 2009. With the introduction of Fusion, Galcon comes full-circle back to the desktop, with all new graphics, missions, and more!

Game features include:

• Beautiful new HD graphics...

February 15, 2010 6:00 AM

Rikard Peterson has announced the release of version 2.0 of SLUDGE, a 2D Adventure Game Engine. Originally created for Windows by Tim Furnish, SLUDGE has been modified by Peterson to work on Mac and Linux machines as well. Other updates include OpenGL graphics and support for 32 bit images with alpha channels.

Some of you may be aware of the cross-platform open source adventure game engine called SLUDGE. It used to be Windows-only, but starting with version 2.0 it's available for Windows, Mac and Linux. (The 2.0 development kit is currently Mac-only, but games made with the 1.x dev kit in Windows can be run in the 2.0 engine, and there are plans to bring the new dev kit to all three platforms.) Version 2.0 is currently in beta, but it's reached the point where it's working well, so we want more people to try it to find any bugs that may be remaining.

I have packaged up the game Nathan's Second Chance with the engine, so that...