Source: TheSixthAxis

According to NowGamer, GAME might be struggling to stock new videogame releases.

The site has quoted an unnamed source who said that the retailer has “lost credit assurance with most of its publishers.”

If the company has lost this assurance then publishers will not allow GAME to stock their games due to the financial risk involved.  “If true, it could have a huge impact on the upcoming PS Vita launch,” says the story, although doesn’t state that one of the publishers is Sony.

NowGamer’s source also states that staff wages will be withheld in an attempt to make GAME Groups finances appear better than they are, which seems baffling.

We’ve reached out to our contacts at the retailer for comment.

In the meantime, trade magazine MCV has refuted these claims, “we can absolutely confirm that GAME has NOT ‘lost credit assurance with most of its publishers’” it tweeted.

Update: NowGamer seems to have misunderstood or misrepresented the story.

MCV has already been in touch with Game and has been assured that, although there are concerns over the retailers credit insurance (markedly not “assurance”), their relationship with publishers is still good and new releases will, of course, still be available this Friday.

We’re still waiting to hear back from our contacts at Game.

Update 2: We’ve just heard from an anonymous employee at the retailer who told us their pay was late, confirming at least one of the allegations above.

Update 3: It appears it’s the ‘sale or return’ that GAME has lost with the publishers in question, something backed up by Eurogamer. This basically means that any games not sold can’t just be sent back to the publisher, and GAME is being asked to pay upfront for these games now.

DownForEveryoneOrJustMe.com is reporting the department's site as universally nuked, and an Anonymous-affiliated Twitter account is boasting success. This is almost certainly the result of a quickly-assembled DDoS attack—and easily the widest in scope and ferocity we've seen in some time. If you had any doubts Anonymous is still a hacker wrecking ball, doubt no more.

The combination of the hacking nebula's SOPA animosity—they've been a vocal opponent of the bill since its inception—combined with today's sudden Megaupload news has made the group bubble over: hundreds upon hundreds of Anon operatives are in a plotting frenzy, chatting about which site will go down next. In Anon's eyes, the government and media interests are responsible for the undue destruction of Megaupload (and the arrest of four of its operators), so it'll be exactly those entities that're feeling the pain right now. Pretty much every company that makes movies, TV, or music, along with the entirety of the federal government, is in Anonymous' crosshairs.

Update: Anonymous says they've also knocked off the RIAA's site—looks down for us at the moment as well.

Update 2: Universal Music Group has also fallen off an e-cliff.

Update 3: Goodbye for now, MPAA.org.

Update 4: Affected sites are bouncing in and out of life, and are at the very least super slow to load. Anon agents are currently trying to coordinate their DDoS attacks in the same direction via IRC.

Update 5: The US Copyright Office joins the list.

Update 6: This Anon sums up the mood in their "official" chat room at the moment:

Danzu: STOP EVERYTHING, who are we DoSing right now?

Update 7: Russian news service RT claims this is the largest coordinated attack in Anonymous' history—over 5,600 DDoS zealots blasting at once.

Update 8: the Anonymous DDoS planning committee is chittering so quickly, it's making my laptop fan spin.

Update 9: Major record label EMI is down for the count.

Update 10: La résistance est international—French copyright authority HADOPI bites the dust under Anon pressure.

Update 11: The Federal Bureau of Investigation has fallen and can't get up.

Update 12: Anonymous has released a statement about today's attacks.

Source: Gizmodo

I really get a kick out of the fact that I am now considered an “indie” again after all these years. I have been making games for nearly 30 years, having built a top-five PC publishing house called Interplay around such major franchises as The Bard’s Tale, Wasteland, Baldur’s Gate, Fallout, Descent and more. In the early days, I developed games for other companies and moved up the food chain to become a publisher so that I could make games “my way.” And here I sit, again readying our first major release in Choplifter HD as a digital publisher and having created the game the way I wanted. Our company tagline at Interplay was “By Gamers. For Gamers” and it is those same values we used in creating Choplifter HD.

Choplifter was a very important game when it was originally released back in 1982 and achieved #1 status at the time. Dan Gorlin, the original creator, really understood the humanness of saving little people from tough situations. It was a great action game for sure, but there was something about saving those little guys. And certainly it just never gets dull blowing things up in a big way! I felt that Choplifter would be a perfect game style to bring back, but fully realized with all the modern gameplay expectations.

I’m not too fond of the word “retro game” since it sometimes conveys an over-reliance on nostalgia. I can assure you we went all out to make this a state-of-the-art game that goes way beyond the goals of the original game. We took some of the industry’s top artists and used the Unreal engine to power an intense over-the-top action experience. The entire team put its heart and soul into the game and it was great to see such passion. In fact, some people might even say we spent too much money when compared to other digital titles, but we believe that quality comes first.

We pit you against over 30 levels of mayhem that introduce a number of variables all the way to the end. You will be commanding three different helicopter types, each with its own set of upgrades. You will need to deal with your guns and keep an eye on their overheating, utilize your missiles intelligently, boosting when necessary, and of course, keep track of your fuel. You will come up against AA guns, RPGs, jets, tanks, snipers, jeeps, hordes of zombies and more. We guarantee to keep you on your toes and even laughing here and there until the very end. You will definitely feel accomplished when you finish this baby!

We proudly announce Choplifter HD will go on sale this January 10th for $15 on PSN. And keep an eye out for free DLC with lots more zombies very soon…

• 

• GoDaddy girl Danica Patrick, one of several models the popular domain registrar employs.

It’s a boycott of viral proportions.

GoDaddy.com, one of the largest domain registrars on the Internet, stands to potentially lose thousands of customers on Thursday, Dec. 29, after the company gave and then repealed its support for a controversial bill before Congress that many fear could heavily restrict the web.

On the eve of what has been dubbed “Dump Go Daddy Day,” imgur.com — pronounced "imager," it's one of the largest image hosting sites in the world, responsible for an astonishing 28 terabytes of bandwidth and nearly 200 million page views today alone — has already changed its registry entries, foreshadowing the potential negative effect of a boycott set to begin Thursday morning.

GoDaddy.com originally supported the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA) — which opponents say will hinder free speech and infringe on first amendment rights — but quickly recanted its position when the call of a boycott circulated.

“The outcry kind of forced our hand,” imgur founder and owner Alan Schaaf told FoxNews.com. “I’m against the SOPA act and imgur as a company is against it. We just feel it is terrible that GoDaddy.com would support this legislation.”

SOPA would make websites responsible for illegal copyright content uploaded by any user, making it difficult if not impossible for companies like Imgur, YouTube, and Facebook to operate.

“If SOPA were to pass, Imgur would not be able to exist,” Schaaf said, “We survive on user-generated content. It would be impossible for us to police the amount of traffic we get for what is or isn’t copyrighted material. It’s just not possible.”

The photo site is run by a skeleton crew of just three employees, yet the massive site is responsible for putting about 200 million cute cat pictures, skateboarding slip-ups and girls in bikinis on computer monitors every day — and nearly 11 billion per month.

The call to dump Go Daddy started when one user of popular link-sharing site reddit.com was unhappy with the response he got from the company after writing a letter expressing how uneasy he felt about their support for the legislation.

“My heart was broken. I’ve used them for years,” the reddit poster who would only give his first name "Fred" told FoxNews.com. Fred claimed to have already transferred 51 domains to another registry. “I didn’t like the generic letter they sent back to me so I posted a call to boycott. I didn’t know it would catch on the way it did,” he said.

GoDaddy did not respond to repeated emails and phone calls from FoxNews.com.

Fred, who goes by the handle SelfProdigy, says since posting, he’s received hundreds of emails from people asking for help in transferring domains, which can normally be a tricky process.

“No one is against piracy, but not at the hand of smashing innovation,” he said.

Hopefully the message has already gotten to Washington,” Schaaf said. “I hope people can come up with other ways to fight piracy.”

I ordered 2 of the upcoming PS3 controllers (invoice xxxxxxxxx—Nov 3, 2011). Any chance of getting an update of when these items will ship? I’m not really happy about being forced to pay upfront then have the advertised date of “Early December” be completely missed without any sort of update on availability. I really need one of them for a X-mas present as well. Anyways, looking forward to finally using one of these bad boys. Thanks and happy holidays.

-Dave

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 16, 2011 2:45 PM

Dec 17

- Paul Christoforo

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 19, 2011, at 11:02 AM

Thanks for the reply Paul.  Can you clarify whether my particular order already sent or if Dec 17 was the first day shipments went out?  I have not received any sort of shipping confirmation email or tracking information.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 19, 2011 11:21 AM

They still haven’t shipped yet on the way here from china

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 20, 2011 4:29 PM

So then delivery to customer doors by December 24th is no longer likely correct?  Do you have an estimated date of when units will arrive in California? Thanks.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 20, 2011 5:11 PM

They are in the USA now in customs so its wither before or after Christmas.

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011, at 9:47 AM

I noticed the updated info on the webpage, and I don’t understand why there is absolutely no benefit given to those like me who have already ordered, and paid their money.  You’ve had my money interest free for nearly two months, yet now ANY new order will get $10 off….meaning I should just cancel my order for 2 controllers, get my money back, then re-order.

My other questions is regarding item compatibility.  Ocean Marketing seems to be involved with the Xtendplay controller holder, so I was wondering if the Avenger N-Controller can be used in conjunction with the Xtendplay (for both Xbox and PS3)?  Thanks

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 10:14 AM

Yes it can be used with xtend play if you remove the stand and no one is allowed to cancel and re order if we catch anyone doing it we will simply just cancel your order all together and you can buy it retail somewhere else.

Things happen in manufacturing if your unhappy you have 7 days from the day your item ships for a refund. You placed a pre order just like any software title the gets a date moved due to the tweaks and bugs not being worked out and GameStop or any other place holds your cash and im sure you don’t complain to activision or epic games so put on your big boy hat and wait it out like everyone else. The benefit is a token of our appreaciation for everyone no one is special including you or any first time buyer . Feel free to cancel we need the units were back ordered 11,000 units so your 2 will be gone fast. Maybe I’ll put them on eBay for 150.00 myself. Have a good day Dan.

At this point Dave is (I think) understandably frustrated. His next email is sent to me as well as Kotaku and a few other news sites.

-Gabe

From: Dave
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 12:11 PM

Then cancel my order if you want to.  I’m making a legitimate complaint about your poor communication and you’re the one stooping to childish levels, a patronizing attitude, and threats.  Hell you can’t even get the spelling of my name right.

And Gamespot pre-orders…wow what a terrible comparison.  Retailers take a couple dollars IF THAT for you to guarantee your game availability on the release date, whatever that is. That’s the understanding and that’s what you get.  Plus, I don’t have to complain to Activision or Epic games about these issues because they’re usually not missing the street dates for their AAA titles.

Now let’s take YOUR situation:
1) You’ve promised a new product based off the design for an existing, working product
2) For the longest time, you’ve stated on your website (your failure to update regularly is another issue) the initial/special/limited batch of your new product by early December, obviously in time for the all-important holiday gift-giving season.  I and thousands of other customers GIVE YOU OUR MONEY, INTEREST FREE on the promises you made online.
3) I reach out to you, on Dec 16 (AFTER you have FAILED TO MEET YOUR ADVERTISED DEADLINE AND FAILED TO COMMUNICATE TO ANYONE WHAT THE SITUATION IS) obviously a little frustrated but more curious about when I and other customers can expect the product we paid for.
4) Your reply to me is a cryptic “Dec 17” with absolutely no explanation of what that means.  In the mean time you having been using funds from pre-paid customers to complete Research & Development, product redesigns, and manufacturing mis-steps.
5) You force me to follow-up with an email asking for clarification about what “Dec 17” means since the day has passed and I have yet to receive any new information about my order.  Now you instead of ANSWERING MY QUESTION OF WHAT THE NEW DELIVERY DATE IS, you tell me the goods have yet to leave China…  Why are you telling me this?  I’m not your employee I’m your goddamn customer!  TELL ME WHAT THAT MEANS IN TERMS OF MY TIME AND WHEN I CAN EXPECT MY PRODUCT I PAID FOR.
6) So great…I have to email you AGAIN trying to get a CLEAR answer from you whether a Dec 24th delivery date is possible and if not, what the new date is.  Rinse & repeat: You give me an update of the delivery process (wow, thanks…you haven’t told me anything I don’t know about the order of international shipping procedures) but instead say “…so its wither before or after Christmas.”  WHAT THE HELL DOES THAT MEAN?  GIVE ME A DATE!?  One that you’re actually going to follow, because I already see “late Nov to early Dec”;  “Dec 17”; and now “CHRISTMAS” in my rear-view mirror.
7) So I guess what’s left for me to do but just wait?  Oh but what’s this, you’ve updated your website…Ok at least you’ve clarified the dates more, I can expect my controller my latest first week of January.  But now as a “token of our appreciation” to all your “loyal customers” (you mean like customers who put up cash for you hold an use?) you’re giving a $10 coupon.  Let me get this straight…so you held my money interest free for 2 months to help bring this product to market, and now some new customer can place an order and pay $10 less than what I paid?  You have financially penalized me in two ways for being a “LOYAL CUSTOMER.”

I’m SURE you’re getting tons of other inquiries and I’m sure you’re not enjoying the fact that your product is not out when you wanted it to be.  I and everyone else understands that “sh*t happens,” but if you want us to be understanding of that, then you need to keep us in the loop.  You’ve already set yourself up for failure by making explicit promises that aren’t even “likely” given that the design and manufacturing are still be refined.  Then you make sure you’re going to fail by actually taking all of our money, Not just a little bit….THE WHOLE F*CKIN BEEFALO.  Why wouldn’t we trust that you’re going to deliver our merchandise on time?  Besides…it’s based off an existing product so how hard can it be?  Well as your youtube video shows, making any consumer device is hard and requires many iterations and improvements.  But I’m not going to apologize for holding your feet to the fire.  You created these expectations by acting like the release was already a done deal and by hiding the fact that it was faaaar from it.

I want my two n-controllers.  I 1) PAID FOR THEM   2) WAITED   3) DEALT WITH YOUR UNHELPFUL ASS.  I also didn’t want to feel like my trust and loyalty as a customer was being abused and then actually punished in comparison to other customers.  But I guess we can’t have it all… so right now I’ll settle for getting my merchandise and hopefully never having to deal with you again.  I’ve spent enough time writing this email which I hope you gain some insight from.  If you actually do want to screw me over by not fulfilling my order, then I assure you be hearing more from me or people representing me.

You show a surprising lack of business polish for someone who’s quite established, AND an lack of awareness of your customer base: Hardcore gamers.  We’re a demanding, vocal customer but the flip side is we’re loyal and eager to spend.  It’s lucky for you that I really want this product because it seems really deliver on making the gaming experience more effective and enjoyable.  Hell, I want to combine the aventer-controller with the xtend play to make the ugliest, most comfortable, most awesome controller ever.  And I’ll still buy the xtend, so let that be a testament to your products, the rise above your poor representation.

-DAVE with a V

p.s. You look really douchy be having one youtube video complaining about the noise of traffic next to your home and then another video showing off your obnoxiously loud rice rocket (which is nice, I gotta hand it ya).

p.p.s. Welcome to the internet, bitch.  That’s how I roll.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Dave
Dec 26, 2011 2:19 PM

LOL Thanks for the Free PR I know the Editor N Chief of Kotaku , IGN , Engadget I’ll be meeting them at CES .The noise complaint was for people high up on the food chain in a corporate world of real estate you have no clue about.  Thanks for the Rice Rocket Compliment too love me some motorcycle . Send that over to Engadget you look like a complete moron swearing and sending your customer service complaints to a magazine as if they will post it or even pay attention do you think you’re the first or the last what are they going to do demand us to tell you were your shipment is or ask for a refund on your behalf … Really … Welcome to the Internet ? Son Im 38 I wwebsite as on the internet when you were a sperm in your daddys balls and before it was the internet, thanks for the welcome to message wurd up.  Grow up you look like a complete child bro. I Don’t have my controller so im gonna cry to the world … Really ?? Hey take that free time and do something more productive. All you had to do was check the like everyone else , people have inquired but you’re the douchiest of them all J

To all our pre-order customers looking for information on the status of their orders after a busy couple of months The PS3 Avengers are on their way from our Manufacturing plant overseas. We are aware that everyone is anticipating having their Avengers under their Christmas Tree and were doing our best to get these orders shipped out as fast as possible. We appreciate you as loyal customers and for supporting our company. Customers will start receiving their products this week before Christmas and After Christmas and into the New Year. As a token of our appreciation we are offering all our pre-order customers and new customers 10$ off your next order with us just enter Avenger1001 at Checkout. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

Oh and FYI When a street date gets pushed by a publisher on a video game you pre ordered do you cry to them too ?

You just got told bitch … welcome to the real internet check kotaku in 2 weeks when they are reviewing free PS3 Avengers we send them as well as G4 and all the other majors hell yeah , don’t forget to check Amazon, gamestop.com, play n trade , Myers , Frys and a ton of other local stores coming your way you think you speak for billions son your just a kid you speak for yourself no one cares what you think that’s why were growing and moving 20-50 thousand controllers a month. We do value our customers but sometimes we get children like you we just have to put you in the corner with your im stupid hat on. See you at CES , E3 , Pax East ….? Oh wait you have to ask mom and pa dukes your not an industry professional and you have no money on snap you just got told.

The Pax East comment gets my attention and I decide to engage. I tend to have a calming effect on these sorts of arguments.

-Gabe

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Dave, Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:45 PM

Holy shit this is unbelievable. Dave, if this guy has a booth at Pax east we will cancel it.

From: Dave
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:53 PM

Hey thanks Mike.  It’s truly a shame because I think this device is great for gamers with disabilities and problems.  I think of Child’s Play and if anyone’s gonna need greater accessibility when using complicated gamepads…it’s sick kids!  Shit man, I’m really gonna feel bad if I think that sick children may somewhere down the line have fewer avenger controllers because I got into a pissing match with a sad old man.  Please don’t cancel their booth on my account.  As much as I hate this asshole, I still WANT his product and think it should be out there.  GAH, I wish I was in a position to make a competing product to really stick it to guy.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 8:54 PM

Hey Mikey,

We’re not renting a booth at pax east this year , bigger and better shows to be at we got nothing from the show . Oh so you know this guy has sold over 500 thousand dollars of product in Dec and is my main distribution arm landing us in GameStop , fry’s , Myers , Best buy , Activision , MLG , play N trade and a lot more . Were in 6 countries and you’re not going to take my money for a booth that’s a crock I can guarantee I’ll get a booth if I want one money buys a lot and connections go even further.  He’s a native Bostonian from Little Italy . Who are you again ?

Oh Teh Noes!

-Gabe

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:08 PM

I am mike krahulik, Pax is my show. Feel free to google me=) I can promise you that you will never have space at any future Pax event.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:33 PM

OK Mike whatever you say lol , are you sure hour not in Boston I spoke to the person who ran the show in Boston last year. If you let some little kid influence you over a pre order then we don’t want to be a your show ,Ill be on the floor anyway so come find me , I’m born and raised in Boston I know the people who run the city inside and out watch the way you talk to people you never know who they know it’s a small industry and everyone knows everyone. Your acting like a douchbag not that it matters pax east pax west , e3 , CES , Gamer Con , SSXW ,Comic Con, Germany I’m all over the place. If we want to be there we will be there with industry badges or with a booth you think I can’t team up with turtle beach , Callibur or Koy Christmas , I can’t get Kevin Kelly to pull some strings or G4 , Paul Eibler Ex CEO of take 2 ,  Rich Larocco Konami , Cliff Blizinski Epic who were working with on a gears version , Activision who were working with on a MW3 and Spider man Bundle , The Convention Center Owners themselves , Mayor of Boston come on Bud you run a show that’s all you do and lease a center in Cities you have no pull in its all about who you know not what you do.  I’ll see space where ever I want , with who I want when I want and where I want so many ways around you and so many connections in this industry its silly. Anyway , I have no issue with you Sean Buckley Engadget, Scott Lowe IGN and the list goes on and on. Little kids unhappy with a PRE ORDER starting trouble and you email that to us , he’s a customer unless you’re his boyfriend then you should side with the company not the customer. Be Careful

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:40 PM

I do run Pax, but I also run a website called penny arcade. It’s kinda popular.

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:41 PM

Love penny Arcade !!

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:42 PM

I’m glad you like it! You will be on it tomorrow:)

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Great !! Love PR

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:46 PM

Mike I’m not trying to fight with you I’m really not , you should give me the benefit of the doubt before judging over one person’s bitching . Did I feed into his emails a little bit too much yeah ok . But it’s one person dude for real. No disrespect intended for you , My name is good in this industry and I know a lot of people. I’ll be at CES are you going ?

From: Mike Krahulik
To: Ocean Marketing
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:47 PM

Please remove me from this mailing list

From: Ocean Marketing
To: Mike Krahulik
Dec 26, 2011 at 9:57 PM

Your spamming me you’re not on a mailing list you idiot ! You sent me an email remember . Make sure you stir up a lot of controversy about us the more the better we needed some drama gets good blood flow going about the new product launch .  Your sites amateur at best my son could put together a better site than yours and you run PAX ?? Wow , Ill put my marketing team on a smear campaign of you and your site and your emails , I have about 125 dedicated people to run PR , Blogs , Articles , Videos you have no clue who I am . Thanks again

I can’t wait for the Penny Arcade smear campaign!

Oh and I’ll just leave this here:

-Gabe out

info@avengercontroller.com
Ocean Marketing Paul Christoforo on Twitter – @OceanMarketting
800-492-5455#

Source: Penny Arcade

Apple is currently leading the smartphone market with Android. But Apple is in a more beneficial condition as its latest generation smartphone, the iPhone 4S has its own voice control assistant called Siri. Of course, it can’t be a revolutionary feature, as Google has been working on such a system for a long time, but at the moment Siri ensures high sales for the iPhone 4S. The truth is Android users envy iOS users and it can’t be ignored. Well, at the moment I have good news for all non-iPhone 4S users — Google’s version of Siri is in works and most likely will be calledMajel.

Siri is a result of long years of work. It was not designed especially for the iPhone 4S, but the latter was in the right place at the right time. On the other hand, other giant tech companies have been working on a similar software simultaneously with Apple. For example, earlier Nokia announced it would use voice texting technology in its Windows Phone smartphones, and though at the moment the Nokia Lumia 710 and the Lumia 800 don’t offer anything like Siri, there is Nokia Drive — the first voice navigation software in the globe.

Moreover, we have already talked about Iris, the twin of Siri, which is designed by third party developers and is meant for especially Android devices. But Google can’t leave things as they are and probably as you know it has been collecting voice samples for a long time now through its Voice Search app. During these years Google learned how people used to make their voice-based commands and looks like the company has discovered the key of creating “natural language” recognition.

Google X Team is currently working on Majel. Its beta version is expected to be launched before the beginning of 2012. If you wonder what Majel means, according to Android and me, it comes from Majel Barrett-Roddenberry, better known as the voice of the Federation Computer from Star Trek.

 4 classic battlefield maps re-made in frostbite 2 for Battlefield 3, it includes 10 new weapons, 4 vehicles, 1 new game-mode and 5 new trophies.

It is free to all players who bought the "Limited Edition" (new) free of charge or £11.99 for those who could not obtain one.

Developer: DICE

Publisher: Electronic Arts

Release Date: December 6th (source: link)

Maps:

Strike at Karkand:

Gulf of Oman:

Wake Island:

Sharqi Penninsula:

Game Modes:

Conquest Assualt:

The Attackers have more tickets than the defenders who hold all flags the attackers must take back enough flags to start a ticket bleed for the defenders in order to win.

Weapons:

Famas:

L85A2:

MP5:

PP-19:

QBZ-95B:

MG36:

QBB-95:

MK3A1:

L96:

QBU-88:

Vehicles:

• F-35B Jet
• BTR-90 IFV
• DPV Buggy
• Skidloader (Forklift)

Trophies:

Complete Warrior (Silver)

"Got a kill with the following weapons in a life: Assualt Rifle, Jet, Tank"

Like A Boss (Silver)

"Got a kill with the skidloader"

Jaws (Bronze)

"Took a swim in the Oman Hotel swimming pool"

Third Tour (Bronze)

"Got a kill with each of the following vehicles: the BTR-90, DPV and F-35"

Gunslinger (Bronze)

"Got 10 kills with each of the ten Back to Karkand weapons"

---

Attorneys for the founder of infamous private military company Blackwater are threatening to sue a member of congress over statements she made during an interview about the PMC's bizarrely self-aggrandizing video game Blackwater.

Rep. Jan Shakowsky was galled at the idea that Blackwater, a company she says has become synonymous with the misconduct of private military companies, had created a video game that seems to equally trivialize war and boast about Blackwater's heroic efforts to protect aid workers.

The game does nothing to address the myriad of serious accusations leveled against the PMC or accusations by Shakowsky and others, that the company operates under a "culture of recklessness", created by founder Erik Prince. Blackwater employees have been implicated in a wide range of alleged misconduct since 2004, from shooting and killing civilians to gun-running, the congresswoman points out.

In a Sept. 8 story about the video game by The Independent, Shakowsky goes a step further in her accusations:

"Blackwater is a company of mercenaries who have operated in a way that compromises the safety, reputation, and lives of Americans and Iraqis, and whose employees have been guilty of killings," she said. "The notion of playing a game in which they are the hero is wrong on almost every level."

If Mr. Prince had not emigrated to the United Arab Emirates, which does not have an extradition agreement with the U.S., he too would now be facing prosecution, the Congresswoman said.

Apparently it was that last statement that spurred Prince's attorney to send a letter to the congresswoman threatening legal action, something Shakowsky described to the House yesterday as a new "heavy-handed tactic -trying to intimidate a Member of Congress."

"In short, Blackwater, now renamed Xe, has been a center of controversy for years – in Congressional committees, the press, and among members of the military," she said on the House floor. " Yet the company has received over $1.25 billion in taxpayer dollars. Recently, Mr. Prince has launched a video game, called Blackwater, glorifying the discredited company he started.

"And now, Mr. Prince has adopted a new, heavy-handed tactic – trying to intimidate a Member of Congress. Last month, a letter from his attorney was hand-delivered to my congressional office. I am entering that letter in the Congressional Record. It accuses me of defamatory statements, characterizes my efforts to urge investigations into Mr. Prince as a violation of Congressional power, and describes possible legal action if I persist."

Schakowsky_ErikPrince

In the letter, sent to Kotaku from the Congresswoman's office, attorney Victoria Toensing, counsel for Prince, says that Shakowsky's comments about Prince facing prosecution were defamatory and blatantly false.

The letter proceeds to attack the congresswoman, pointing out that her husband plead guilty to federal fraud charges, then walking through a number of things Prince has done for his country and to support human rights.

"If you do not like the 'Blackwater' video game," the letter concludes, "you are free to express your opinion. But you are not permitted under the laws of the United States and numerous countries where your statements are published to make false accusations about Mr. Prince's status under the criminal law."

Source: Kotaku

Previous project update: Ultra-cheap 3D printing startup SeeMeCNC H-1 has raised an amazing $7,945 and considering it only needed $2,500 to begin with, it seems clear you guys really do love your 3D printers.

In the future, we'll all be slaves to rectangles. No, really. Well, at least that's the prognosis, albeit sanitized, Microsoft has slickly pieced together in its Productivity Future Vision concept video. It's a mostly seamless world where all of our interactions are made to be mobile, virtual, efficient and white-washed, but it actually just reads as too darn fussy and overcomplicated. Sure, we could get behindcontactless payment, tablets with holographic displays and eyeglasses that translate conversations when you've just stepped off a red eye into some foreign destination — that's all incredibly useful. But car windows with agenda overlays and transparent refrigerator door displays? Some things are better left lo-tech. For Redmond's part, the company's merely aiming to project ways these various implementations of "real technology" will intersect and "actively assist" us with our harried lives. Take a peek at MS' sanctioned tomorrow land and its sparse piano soundtrack after the break.