• An Actual Crisis: Crysis 2 Leaked Online [Updated]


    According to a thread of the Facepunch forums via RPS, a developer build of Crysis 2 containing the full game, multiplayer and the master key for the online authentication has been leaked, and is currently freely available from all sorts of astonishingly illegal websites. This sounds like it might be a serious tragedy for Crytek. Crysis 2 was scheduled for release on the 22nd of March, so the leaked build could be dangerously close to be finished.

    Update #1:

    The leak also includes the CryEngine 3 Editor. OMG


    Update #2:

    Publisher EA has issued a statement in response to the gut-wrenching news that Crysis 2 was leaked online nearly five hours ago. The company says it is “deeply disappointed” over today’s events and was keen to point out the PC leak is not representative of the final build, urging fans to wait it out until March 22.

    The full statement is after the break.

    Crytek has been alerted that an early incomplete, unfinished build of Crysis 2 has appeared on Torrent sites. Crytek and EA are deeply disappointed by the news. We encourage fans to support the game and the development team by waiting and purchasing the final, polished game on March 22. Crysis 2 is still in development and promises to be the ultimate action blockbuster as the series’ signature Nanosuit lets you be the weapon as you defend NYC from an alien invasion. Piracy continues to damage the PC packaged goods market and the PC development community

    Disclaimer Note: This article is purely for informational purposes only. We did not create the leak, nor do we endorse or promote the use of it. We don’t share links or encourage people to do so. We are not responsible for any consequences that may occur.

  • Nokia Uses Apple’s Macs to Announce Microsoft Partnership


    As Noted by the folks at Appleinsider Nokia used Apple’s mac to announce their precious partnership with Microsoft, here is the details:

    When Nokia wanted to convince the world that it would bring consumers “stellar hardware and innovative software and great services” in its partnership with Microsoft, it turned to Apple’s Mac-only iMovie to get word out.

    Following the announcement of Microsoft Nokia partnership a video posted by the company’s NokiaConversations YouTube account presents its new chief executive Steven Elop, formerly the head of Microsoft’s Office-centric Business Division, speaking about how Nokia’s new partnership with Microsoft will “create opportunities beyond anything that currently exists.”

    Verizon has already brought Bing to some of its customers forcibly, erasing Google as the default option and generating a response that indicates that, perhaps, consumers don’t really want the brand that much after all. Microsoft also failed to bring Office to mobile phones as promised in its previous partnership with Nokia in 2009, when it was Elop himself representing Microsoft in the photos of executives of the two companies shaking hands.

    Nokia talks Microsoft but uses iMovie

    But that’s not the only thing familiar about Nokia’s video. Adrian Boioglu, a Romanian blogger, noticed that Nokia’s soundtrack was the same used by Apple in its presentation of the new unibody MacBook Pros in 2009. But they’re not just borrowing the same catchy tune.

    The song is actually Pendulum, an Apple Loop installed as part of iMovie, available for royalty free use by anyone who uses a Mac to create iMovies, at least for non-commercial use.

    The license agreement for Apple’s included “loop content’ reads, “You may use the Apple and third party audio loop content (”Audio Content”), contained in or otherwise included with the Apple Software, on a royalty-free basis, to create your own original soundtracks for your video and audio projects. You may broadcast and/or distribute your own soundtracks that were created using the Audio Content, however, individual audio loops may not be commercially or otherwise distributed on a standalone basis, nor may they be repackaged in whole or in part as audio samples, sound effects or music beds.”

    Oops! This isn’t the first time Microsoft has been embarrassed by the use of Macs within its efforts to sell Windows. In 2008, the company’s “I’m a PC” campaign graphics were found to have actually been made on a Mac.

  • Egypt: TGIF


    From Al Jazeera English: Scenes from Cairo, hours after president Hosni Mubarak ceded power to Egypt’s military following 18 straight days of popular protest.

    Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian president, has resigned from his post, handing over power to the armed forces. Omar Suleiman, the vice-president, announced in a televised address on Friday that the president was “waiving” his office, and had handed over authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces.

    Suleiman’s short statement was received with a roar of approval and by celebratory chanting and flag-waving from a crowd of hundreds of thousands in Cairo’s Tahrir Square, as well as by other pro-democracy campaigners who attending protests across the country. The top figure in Egypt’s new regime is now Mohammed Hussein Tantawi, the country’s defense minister.

    Image courtesy of Reuters

  • The Hobbit to start Shooting on March 21st


    Production company 3Foot7 Ltd, is pleased to announce that the first day of principal photography for The Hobbit will be Monday 21 March, 2011. It was supposed to start shooting this month, but director Peter Jackson was recently in the hospital for an operation, which kind of slowed down production a bit. He’s OK though, and here’s what the director had to say,

    Despite some delays we are fully back on track and very excited to get started.

    3Foot7 Ltd (who released this news) added,

    This date has been chosen following practical considerations of the filming schedule requirements, actor availability and the NZ seasons. Shooting will take place at Stone Street Studios in Miramar and on location around New Zealand.

    Confirmed cast include Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage, Ken Stott, Graham McTavish, William Kircher, James Nesbitt, Stephen Hunter, Rob Kazinsky, Aidan Turner, Peter Hambleton, John Callen, Jed Brophy, Mark Hadlow, Adam Brown, Cate Blanchett, Andy Serkis, Mikael Persbrant, Sylvester McCoy and Elijah Wood.

    The two Hobbit films will be released in December 2012 and December 2013.