استریم

برچسب: the

  • The battle to play Borderlands Online continues, as dedicated archivists ask for help in pursuit of the long lost MMO

    The battle to play Borderlands Online continues, as dedicated archivists ask for help in pursuit of the long lost MMO


    The Borderlands Online archival saga continues, with the small group of people hoping to get the game playable putting out a call-to-action for those with coding experience (specifically with software like DNSpy and Unity Ripper) in order to break through the game’s character selection screen.

    Previously, we covered YouTuber, game designer, and dataminer EpicNNG managing to get to the game’s class selection screen, but it seems he and his small team working on the archival project have hit a brick wall. Not in terms of skill, but in terms of time. They have a version of the game at their finger tips, they just need more hands to get the build working. He states: “Number 1: We know that we have the full game, we have confirmed we have the full game. Number 2: We know that we can get in eventually, it is just a matter of when.”

    In this call-to-action, a lengthy video detailing the journey so far, EpicNNG showed the perilous task as his small team went through old Chinese Borderlands Online websites in the search for a way to actually play the game. Doing so, they found ghost links and viruses, so it’s worth emphasising here that you should only really help out with this effort if you know what you’re doing.

    The video is covered in statements making it clear that this is purely for archival purposes, and that he nor his team are looking to infringe on 2K’s intelectual property as to avoid the possibility of a cease and desist. However, it’s made equally clear that this project may be nearing a dead end thanks to the release of Borderlands 4 and the potential actions of 2K’s legal team, unless it gets more people on board to help. It’s worth noting that this article was only written following an exchange of DMs with EpicNNG, in which he stated that he understood the potential risks of this call-to-action being further publicised and was happy with it being covered nonetheless.

    In the video, EpicNNG acknowledges that time is of the essence here, pointing to Activision’s take down of the H2M Call of Duty mod in fears it would suck attention away from the next Call of Duty. The worry is that, unless the team gets the game working soon, 2K would fear a similar thing with Borderlands 4 and send out a Cease and Desist.

    This archival project, if successful, would be somewhat of a white whale for the video game archival scene. Not only is archiving any game difficult, Borderlands Online is a Chinese-only MMORPG that has been dead for years. Getting it working is an admirable goal. Here’s hoping that folks that can help see it and lend a hand before it’s too late. Though, if you’re a greenthumb when it comes to Unity or video game software in general, maybe it’s best to leave it with the experts and wish them luck.



    Source link

  • The Power of the Premium Pledge Tier

    The Power of the Premium Pledge Tier



    We’re also trying to sort out a super-premium tier offering with a lacquer wooden game box – although we haven’t puzzled out economic manufacturing.

    Having options, add-ons, and premium upgrades adds value for your customers.

    Price Discrimination

    Despite the nefarious sounding name, price discrimination is about allowing consumers to pay what they want for the goods that they want.

    It is the other side of the coin to offering consumers more options. They will self-discriminate based on their preferences. For instance, consumers who can afford more premium options, and find value in them, will spend more money on those items.

    When some portion of backers pledge for higher tier levels, or add-ons, it raises the average revenue and (ideally) profit per backer. This allows for faster funding velocity, but also aids in a number of areas such as making advertising more profitable (and so a campaign can afford higher costs per click).

    Discoverability & Momentum

    It’s important not to underestimate the power of Kickstarter’s algorithm – we found that 52% of backers discover our Nut Hunt campaign through Kickstarter, versus 43% through organic or direct non-Kickstarter sources.





    Source link

  • What is the fastest possible game in Splendor?

    What is the fastest possible game in Splendor?


    In the game of Splendor, what is the fewest number of turns you could take to get 15 points?

    All cards and nobles



    Source link

  • What’s the highest score you can get in Pyramido: Forgotten Treasures?


    I have been playing some Pyramido: Forgotten Treasures (BGA | BGG) recently and while my personal best is at 122 points, I feel like there’s not a lot of room for improvement in a "real" match. On the other hand, I also feel like, in theory, it could likely get to around 140, if not more…

    What’s the highest possible score one could get on a multiplayer game? What about the highest score for a round?



    Source link

  • How To Find All Time Runes In Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker

    How To Find All Time Runes In Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker


    A time rune in Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker

    Screenshot captured by the Escapist

    Image of Jesse Lab

    |

    Published: May 28, 2025 09:48 am

    Back in 2023, Sea of Stars was a critical and commercial hit, reminding gamers why SNES JRPGs like Chrono Trigger and Secret of Mana were as beloved as they are. Two years later, the game has free DLC. Throes of the Watchmaker, which includes a new collectible called Time Pieces.

    While Time Pieces are an entirely optional new item as you explore the clockwork circus of Horloge, they’re necessary to see and unlock everything the 8-10 hour DLC has to offer. If you want to acquire all 12 Time Runes, here’s how to find each of them.

    All Time Rune Locations In Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker

    An important thing to note is that while you’re searching throughout Horloge for the Time Runes, you most likely will not be collecting them in order. Some of these Time Runes are discovered naturally, while others will force you to engage in side quests or go to optional areas. With that in mind, here’s how to find all 12 Time Runes in Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker!

    • Time Rune #1: Found in Horloge in the southwest corner of town. You’ll have to defeat the three Wheels players to earn it. In order to challenge them, you must first find the Warlock figurine, which can be acquired in Were-Lake. However, in order to get it, you must have collected one of each type of Goodie Bag from the three lakes in Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker.
    • Time Rune #2: In Goodies Pond behind the waterfall.
    • Time Rune #3: In Rail Forest. After grappling onto the wall midway through the level, search the eastern side of the area until you find a hidden puzzle room.
    • Time Rune #4: Outside of Ivory Towers in the overworld.
    • Time Rune #5: In Ivory Towers, before entering the fourth tower, head south until you see a door. Enter it, then solve the light puzzle (you’ll have to make a shadow in the face of the Puppeteer to solve it).
    • Time Rune #6: In Horloge, solve the sliding block puzzle in the northeast of town (you’ll need to have completed Ivory Towers to access it).
    • Time Rune #7: To the east of Goodies Pond.
    • Time Rune #8: In Wolf Rock, after crossing the bridge, enter the cave to the east.
    • Time Rune #9: In Horloge, complete the combat challenge in the eastern tent.
    • Time Rune #10: To the north of Goodies Pond (you’ll need to have completed Ivory Towers to access it).
    • Time Rune #11: At the Big Top, after defeating Pantouf, find a small cave in the upper room to the right.
    • Time Rune #12: Complete Sea of Stars: Throes of the Watchmaker.

    Once you’ve collected all 12 Time Runes, make your way to the giant clock in Horlege, insert them all into the clock, and watch the secret cutscene play! Now you’ve fully completed the DLC!

    Sea of Stars is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and Steam.

    The Escapist is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more about our Affiliate Policy



    Source link

  • The Board Game Content Ecosystem — Pine Island Games

    The Board Game Content Ecosystem — Pine Island Games



     Paid Versus Unpaid

    It’s important to note the difference between paid and unpaid content. Most review content and round ups is unpaid, while a lot of preview content is paid. Whether content is paid or unpaid will also depend on the individual creator, and the size of the channel’s audience.

    For instance, a smaller channel will likely create preview content for free (to help build its audience and have novel content), while larger established channels will charge a fee for content.

    Not all paid content is created equal, and it’s important to partner with creators whose tastes and audiences align with your design. Even when content is paid, you can tell how enthusiastic content creators are about the game they are covering.

    Getting Coverage

    There are two main kinds of coverage – coverage before your game is released or crowdfunded, and coverage after your game is published.

    I wrote up an article on how to reach out to content creators: How to Query Content Creators.

    It’s worth noting that the process of reaching out to content creators is relatively similar in each case. However, once your game is published you will get a higher proportion of inquiries for coverage, as well as unprompted coverage.

    Once a game is published, unless you are paying for specific content (like a how to play video), the vast majority of coverage will be unpaid (although you may send a review copy of your game).

    Where to Find Content Creators

    Most readers will have their own favorite board game content creators. Those are a great place to start when looking for reviewers and previewers for your game. But, it’s always worth expanding your playlists. Here are a few places to look for content creators for your game:

    Who are your favorite under the radar board game content creators?





    Source link

  • Balatro meets Hades in The Devil’s Due, a poker deckbuilder where cheaters win

    Balatro meets Hades in The Devil’s Due, a poker deckbuilder where cheaters win


    They say that cheaters never prosper, but in The Devil’s Due, it’s the only way you’re going to save yourself from Hell. This deckbuilder sees your cowboy losing his soul to the Devil in a poker match, and the only escape is to put together the most dishonest, low-down dirty deck of cards you can.

    The Devil’s Due may not be out until next year, but it’s already off to a strong start. The trailer for this card game tells its tale through a brilliantly silly song, with your cowboy protagonist on a Hades-style quest to escape the underworld.

    To accomplish this goal, you’ll have to face off against a host of demonic poker-playing characters who want to send you back down to the lowest pits of Hell. So what do you do? You cheat. After all, no-one can send you to Hell for it, you’re already there! You’ll swap out cards, hide others, and generally be as underhanded as you can.

    You can fail, absolutely, but that’s where this game’s roguelike element kicks in. You can unlock permanent upgrades, new cheat cards and more until you’ve finally earned your redemption.

    YouTube Thumbnail

    Except, does it really count as redemption if you cheat your way there? Your cowboy’s cheating is what drew the Devil’s attention in the first place, after all. As Joachim Barrum, the artist behind the game’s delightfully bizarre monsters puts it:

    “The monsters hate when you cheat. It makes them feel like they’re being treated unfairly. Sure they are demons. But which of you is the real tormentor?”

    The Devil’s Due is pencilled in for a Q2 2026 release date. If you want something to play in the meantime, we’ve got the best strategy games and the best indie games.

    You can follow us on Google News for daily PC games news, reviews, and guides. We’ve also got a vibrant community Discord server, where you can chat about this story with members of the team and fellow readers.



    Source link

  • Which property group colour gives the best ROI , undeveloped or fully developed, in Monopoly?


    Everybody always goes for the dark blues in Monopoly (Mayfair and Park Lane in the UK edition), but I’m convinced that the cheaper colour groups offer a better return on investment, partly because you can fully develop them quicker, and partly because you can own more squares, thereby giving you more "hits" and a steadier income. But is there any analysis to support (or refute) this view?



    Source link

  • How likely are you to lose because Fool’s Landing sinks into the abyss?


    Since I like probability questions, and tttpp brought it up, I figured it might be interesting to calculate how likely you are to lose on the first turn in Forbidden Island, because Fool’s Landing sinks into the abyss. This question is only interested in figuring the odds of losing the game during the first players turn. It would be slightly more difficult to figure the odds of losing during the first round, where each player has taken one turn at most. If this question gets enough attention, I might decide to ask that question and figure out the odds. To figure out the odds of losing, you will need to calculate the following:

    • What are the odds that the first player cannot shore up Fool’s Landing? (depends upon the first player’s character, their starting location, and Fool’s Landing location)
    • What are the odds that no player has received a Sandbag/Helicopter (depends upon number of players)
    • What are the odds that a Waters Rise card is drawn?
    • What are the odds that Fool’s Landing is redrawn after Waters Rise? (difficultly level effects this)

    What are the odds range of losing on the first turn for a 2-4 Player game? Calculate each individual component separately, and then provide a range of maximum/minimum odds of losing on the first turn based upon the individual components above. Assume the following:

    • The all players will attempt to shore up Fool’s Landing. (use Sandbags/Helicopter)
    • The default island map is used.
    • The first player and their character are randomly determined, per the rules.
    • Ignore the odds of losing because a player sinks into the abyss. (optional:)
    • Ignore the odds of losing because both tiles for a particular treasure sink into the abyss. (optional)

    Note: Calculate this if you want, but I am not uninterested in the minimal effect on the result of losing first turn.



    Source link

  • What a Journey – A Board Game 15 Years in the Making — Pine Island Games

    What a Journey – A Board Game 15 Years in the Making — Pine Island Games



    But, Sigil didn’t start with me. It wasn’t my brain child, and while I helped tighten the game up around the edges, the design fully belongs to Andy Voellmer.

    15 Years in the Making

    If you were near Montreal’s Parc LaFontaine in summer 2009, you might have seen a couple of college aged kids playing a game with maple leaf pennies.

    Unfortunately, I don’t have any pictures of those first plays – and I’m not sure that those first iterations would even be recognizable to someone introduced to the game as it stands today. The rules were a bit different, spells weren’t even modular, and that’s not even getting into how the game looks.

    But, the spark of it was there.  

    That spark stayed with Andy through a PHD, from Canada to California, and to New York City where we met.

    While I don’t have pictures of those first plays, I do have a picture of one of my early plays with Andy.





    Source link