⨯ Every article tag can be clicked to get a list of all articles in that category. Every article tag also has an RSS feed! You can customize an RSS feed too!

Latest Comments

Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By Half-Shot, 26 March 2014 at 5:52 pm UTC
Quoting: scainePledges on Kickstarter don't give you any leverage, but the engagement and communication give you the illusion of leverage. OR has destroyed that now. No one will trust a hardware-based kickstarter after this. No one with any sense that is.

To be honest, right now its getting harder to trust start-ups/indie games in general that get acquired. A few years ago 'Ace of Spades' was a windows/mac/Linux game which was only in 0.3 but rocked because it was 'Minecraft with Battlefield'. Jagex marched in and remade it and made a REAL mess of it. It cost £6-10 and I believe its only on Windows. So yeah, why do people bother with Kickstarters if they just go onto making deals and pretty much making the kickstarters seem worthless.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By scaine, 26 March 2014 at 5:04 pm UTC
Quoting: edgley
Quoting: scaineIf you ever got a chance to try it, you'd understand. It's fundamentally a new experience. Really, really game-changing. I was same - very sceptical. Then I tried it and if I'd had $300 there and then, I'd have bought one. Simple as that. It's that amazing.

Or rather, it /will be/ that amazing, because there are still a few kinks to iron out.
I wouldn't agree with that. Tried it for long enough to know that I really don't care for it; it's a gimmick more than anything else. Your hands are still tied to some controller and you're sitting down, so the immersion is immediately removed.

I know the "release" versions were expected to be better, but the quality of the screens was also difficult to adjust to, all I could ever see was scan lines and the awkward FOV (that was either too narrow or too warped).

I was really hyped before I tried it out -- though fortunately, I didn't actually invest in it.

Sounds like we came at from different expectation. You were hyped and left disappointed. I was sceptical and left hyped.

We agree that the initial version didn't cut it. Poor resolution and a tiny, but noticable, lag made the experience just short of "immersive". But that will change.

Remember Wolfenstein for the first time? Remember how, despite the ridiculously poor graphics, you still felt that this, right here, was a game changer? Then Doom came along. Then Hexen, Quake, Half Life and the rest is history. That's the journey the Rift started.

But succeed or fail, I'm most pissed about the damage they've done to Kickstarter. Pledges on Kickstarter don't give you any leverage, but the engagement and communication give you the illusion of leverage. OR has destroyed that now. No one will trust a hardware-based kickstarter after this. No one with any sense that is.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 4:49 pm UTC
Quoting: edgley
Quoting: scaineIf you ever got a chance to try it, you'd understand. It's fundamentally a new experience. Really, really game-changing. I was same - very sceptical. Then I tried it and if I'd had $300 there and then, I'd have bought one. Simple as that. It's that amazing.

Or rather, it /will be/ that amazing, because there are still a few kinks to iron out.
I wouldn't agree with that. Tried it for long enough to know that I really don't care for it; it's a gimmick more than anything else. Your hands are still tied to some controller and you're sitting down, so the immersion is immediately removed.

I know the "release" versions were expected to be better, but the quality of the screens was also difficult to adjust to, all I could ever see was scan lines and the awkward FOV (that was either too narrow or too warped).

I was really hyped before I tried it out -- though fortunately, I didn't actually invest in it.

I have to completely disagree, I loved every second of using it, but I respect your opinion.
Unepic 2D NES Style Platformer-RPG Is Still In The Works For Linux
By CFWhitman, 26 March 2014 at 4:48 pm UTC
It could be that porting the game to any platform other than the original helps with most other ports because the code has to be cleaned up and made more generally portable. Of course there is also the possibility that they had to make it work with OpengGL or some other more universal library for the Wii version, and that is also available for Linux and OS X.
Postal 2 DLC progressing
By Hamish, 26 March 2014 at 4:46 pm UTC
Quoting: RWSGOG, Mac and Linux owners - we've not forgotten you. It's our focus after workshop to get you the updates. Now with 90% less bugs!
https://twitter.com/RWSPOSTAL/statuses/447110299590852608

They also now have a Postal 2 Humble Widget, although for the moment at least it is just another Steam storefront:
http://runningwithscissors.com/main/index.php?topic=1833
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 4:41 pm UTC
This acquisition opens up the space for someone else to step in. I really can't imagine where Facebook's goals and those of OR's early adopters overlap in any way, so these people will surely be looking for alternatives now.

As someone above said though, this could be a major blow to Kickstarter and similar platforms. Reading comments on the web, it seems that quite a number of backers are wondering "can they even do this?", suggesting they thought they had gained some form of control over Oculus with their backing. Obviously this isn't the case, however people might have perceived it that way, so if this reality about Kickstarter starts sinking in to more and more people's minds, crowdfunding will probably see a major reduction in spending. Currently it seems people see it like an investment while in reality it is only a pre-order scheme.

Concerning the OR headset, I'm still quite bummed about this news though. So much potential now going to waste...
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 4:31 pm UTC
Quoting: scaineIf you ever got a chance to try it, you'd understand. It's fundamentally a new experience. Really, really game-changing. I was same - very sceptical. Then I tried it and if I'd had $300 there and then, I'd have bought one. Simple as that. It's that amazing.

Or rather, it /will be/ that amazing, because there are still a few kinks to iron out.

I wouldn't agree with that. Tried it for long enough to know that I really don't care for it; it's a gimmick more than anything else. Your hands are still tied to some controller and you're sitting down, so the immersion is immediately removed.

I know the "release" versions were expected to be better, but the quality of the screens was also difficult to adjust to, all I could ever see was scan lines and the awkward FOV (that was either too narrow or too warped).

I was really hyped before I tried it out -- though fortunately, I didn't actually invest in it.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By OZSeaford, 26 March 2014 at 4:10 pm UTC
How sad!

“It is easier to forgive an enemy than to forgive a (facebook)friend.”
― William Blake

“Et tu, Brute?”
― William Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

Hamlet:
I did love you once.
Ophelia:
Indeed, my lord, you made me believe so.
Hamlet:
You should not have believ'd me, for virtue cannot so
inoculate our old stock but we shall relish of it. I lov'd you not.
Ophelia:
I was the more deceiv'd.

One of the products I was waiting for with anticipation, trepidation and awe.

I was imagining that I would one day be able to immerse myself completely in fantastic digital worlds like never before, a sort of oracle on the verge of . But no, I shall be logging into FB to play Farmville 3D.

Pffff

PS - am really sorry for the people who invested in the Occulus kickstarter, just feeding the giant, as if FB needed cash. Interesting to note that as far as I am aware FaceBook did not even kickstart it, so much for their interest in seed companies.

Facebook them!
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 4:05 pm UTC
I know why they made this move since most of their team dreams of bringing Snow Crash to life and Facebook has everything they need to make a huge virtual social space like that a reality.

But I don't trust Facebook with my information and certainly wouldn't trust living in a virtual world of their creation. This also burnt any bridges they had with the community that had supported them up until this point.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 3:30 pm UTC
I would try and order Oculus Rift as soon as it'd come out but not anymore. Facebook is nothing but a greedy corporation. What makes this news even worse is that the founder of Oculus says Facebook are "champions of open hardware and software". There's no recovering from the pile of crap Oculus is in now.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By Orkultus, 26 March 2014 at 3:15 pm UTC
Found something about Zuckerberg. https://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Mark_Zuckerberg
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 2:56 pm UTC
You may like VR or not, I think it will have a huge impact in the future (not only for gaming). So I was quite optimistic about support for Valves Steam Machines and Linux. Now that everyone is disappointed by this move and withdraw their support it may play into Sonys hands for their PS4 VR device which probably won't be available for Steam Machines.. So I hope that Valve continues to make their own device now
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 2:34 pm UTC
Guess ill be rooting for valve and their VR kit, as for occulus it looks like they have stabbed the community in the face.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By loggfreak, 26 March 2014 at 2:20 pm UTC
razer responded to notch 'perhaps we can help out. Will be in touch.'
https://twitter.com/minliangtan/status/448606945272803328
so now there's going to be a VR-headset thats overhyped AND overpriced, were all doomed
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By scaine, 26 March 2014 at 2:12 pm UTC
Quoting: WorMzyI don't get the excitement or need for VR in the first place.

Facebook taking over Oculus is no big loss as far as I'm concerned.

If you ever got a chance to try it, you'd understand. It's fundamentally a new experience. Really, really game-changing. I was same - very sceptical. Then I tried it and if I'd had $300 there and then, I'd have bought one. Simple as that. It's that amazing.

Or rather, it /will be/ that amazing, because there are still a few kinks to iron out.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By WorMzy, 26 March 2014 at 2:02 pm UTC
I don't get the excitement or need for VR in the first place.

Facebook taking over Oculus is no big loss as far as I'm concerned.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 1:51 pm UTC
Oculus Rift was one of the most awaited things ever for me, I love the idea of seeing my favourite universes and characters face to face, but now I don't know how it's gonna turn out. I hope FB is gonna prove me wrong, but I'm still sceptical.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 1:50 pm UTC
liam : You should all know my thoughts on VR by now, I don't like it and it is as simple as that. I don't want to strap some big ugly device to my face and block out anyone else in the room to play a game. I don't know anyone else if my own circle that want to either regardless of what platform they game on, they simply don't want to.


I couldn't agree more to this point. I don't wear headsets for same reasons.

As for everything else, I am confused with all the rage. Maybe because I one of the few who never joined the social media movement and so don't feel anything towards facebook other than it's an apparent waste of time. I do game, which is also a waste of time but it doesn't mess with lives or portray falsities as truths in the same way. Or maybe it's because I didn't back this product because I never wanted it. The game people backing out would actually make me made at them. If it's a privacy concern, have you met the U.S.? They probably have your laptop lens photographing you as you sit there. Use google, yahoo or microsoft products? It's sorta just redundant spying at that point. Anyhow please help me understand the rage part, I don't get.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 1:08 pm UTC
AAAAAAAH?!?!?!?!?!? WHY? How could Oculus sell themselves to such a (if i would type this word, someone would die!) company like Facebook!?!?!?!?!?!?!
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By killx_den, 26 March 2014 at 1:07 pm UTC
I had to check the date twice this morning, I thought we have April the 1st. Well, definitely no Occulus for me then :/
I hope Valve will bring a VR now.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 12:58 pm UTC
Just stop using facebook owned stuff like Whatsapp and Oculus. Competitors will find their way through.

SteamVR is the future now, at least we can count on our lord and savior GabeN!
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By alexThunder, 26 March 2014 at 12:52 pm UTC
That's really nasty. I was sooo looking forward to that :/ Now I can only despise them :(
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By scaine, 26 March 2014 at 12:51 pm UTC Likes: 1
This is incredibly damaging to Kickstarter. I suspect that most hardware based Kickstarter campaigns will now face a torrent of cynicism as a result of this. Kickstarters have a hard enough time gaining trust in the face of the Ouya shenanigans - I hope I'm wrong, but this could wreck everything.

As for Oculus itself... I was about to pre-order the crystal cove edition just last weekend. Glad I didn't, and I won't be touching it now. I suspect that continuing Oculus as an open platform died with this announcement.

Finally, what will Valve do? They've staked their colours to VR as the future of gaming. I guess they'll revive their own headset (assuming they buried it in the first place) and sell it as a Steam Machine peripheral. Hopefully it will remain open and cross platform.

What a mess.
A Big List Of Linux FPS Games, Here's Over 30 To Check Out
By Liam Dawe, 26 March 2014 at 12:18 pm UTC
Quoting: RustyboltsLove Doom? No one ever mentions this linux fps freebie
Well freedoom isn't actually a game, it is a game-pack for an open-source engine, this post was for full games.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By DrMcCoy, 26 March 2014 at 12:17 pm UTC
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By Liam Dawe, 26 March 2014 at 12:02 pm UTC
Quoting: GuestI had to see the top comment on their blog, and then saw the irony of the comments being done via facebook.

Hah I know right.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By , 26 March 2014 at 11:48 am UTC
Let's wait and see what is happening next, this is not a bad new per se.
Facebook Buys Oculus VR, The Internet Freaks Out
By Half-Shot, 26 March 2014 at 11:37 am UTC
Its up to GabeN and SteamVR to save us now :|.
Star Conflict Free 2 Play Space-MMO Developers Confirm Linux Version For Next Update
By , 26 March 2014 at 10:45 am UTC
After my desaster with Entropy (2D Map!) i put some hope in this ;)
Still missing EvE, maybe the day will come and CCP makes a native Linux Version.
@PlayX TeamUP ;)
Maia, A Space Colony Simulator Unleashes Some Handsome Looking Rocks In A New Update
By Orkultus, 26 March 2014 at 3:30 am UTC
★ Support Us
Popular this week
Search or view by category
Contact
Latest Comments
Latest Forum Posts
Misc