For those of you who don’t know, the Sims Online is undergoing a revolution. Having been left standing for the last few years with little to no input, EA are at last re-shaping the game, and the world of multiplayer gaming as we know it. Sound like hyperbole? Perhaps, perhaps not; check out their latest addition to the online gaming experience: AvatarBook.
Facebook made flesh
So what is Avatarbook? Well, the clue is in the name. What is one of the largest social networking websites on the planet at the moment? That’s right -– Facebook. With over 58 million users, Facebook is the primary reason that many of us log on in the morning. But, as we all know, it has its limitations. As do online games.
One problem with online games is that they can be too divorced from reality -– you have your online friends, and your real-world friends, and the two remain firmly divided. Ditto Facebook -– your user-circle is limited by who you already know, and it’s hard to get to know people outside of that circle on a one-to-one basis without sharing all your private data or being introduced by a friend of a friend.
All that is set to change, with a new application that could change our networking community forever. When Linden Labs made Linden Dollars (the currency of the hugely popular game Second Life) exchangeable for real-world currency, they opened up the world of online gaming by bringing it into the real world. Now EA want to do the same thing, by allowing users of the Sims Online to link their Avatars' accounts to their Facebook profiles.
Sharing Information
Avatarbook has two faces -- the in-game version and the Facebook version. In-game you can use it much like Facebook, in that you can find other Avatars and view their limited profiles. For friends the full profiles are visible, with walls for people to write on and updatable status. Your profile will also show if your lot is open or not, and the application an be used to quickly make your way around EA Land as you jump from friend to friend.
In Facebook, the application shows your Avatar's details (unless you have chosen a private setting) and picture, and whether or not you are logged on to the game. This is a useful way for players to find out who is online without having to log in themselves. You can also invite other users of Facebook who are not already Sims Online players to download the application and see your Avatar profile -- a move that EA hopes will attract more people to the game.
For the time being, then, the bulk of information that can be shared is Avatar-related. Their skills, properties and friends can all be viewed, and their Wall. The identity of the real-life person behind the Avatar is kept private, at least for now.
Privacy
Privacy is a major issue as far as EA are concerned, so at the moment Avatarbook is fairly limited in how much information can be shared. In the Sims game you can add people to your friends list, which will provide them with a link to your Facebook profile rather than making a direct link, though that is set to change as the application grows. Also, nobody in EA Land (the Sims Online world where the application will be available) will have access to your real name - you will be searchable only by your Avatar's name. EA have stated that they intend to allow players to lower their privacy settings so that more information can be shared, but at the moment they're playing it safe.
The Future
This application obviously shows great potential, and it is something that EA are going to continue to develop as they gain feedback from users. The Sims Online game is going through a revolution at the moment, with their free trial set to become permanent free play in the very near future (with limited gameplay for non-payers, much like in Second Life). For years now Second Life has been leading the pack in terms of innovation and social interactivity, but if EA keeps this up then we could be looking at a new contender for the crown. After all, they did come up with the two most popular games of all time (Sims and Sims 2), so some would say that this is less of a surprise than a belated homecoming. Certainly one to watch, at any rate.
By Owen Smith.
Discover more about the Sims Online free trial and how to get started in it by following this link:
The Sims Online Free Trial
Also check out:
Lots of Random Stuff about Something or the Other Submitted by: Free Article Publisher
Article Source: http://www.articlecube.com
Showing posts with label online. Show all posts
Showing posts with label online. Show all posts
Monday, December 31, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Nintendo DS Online Gaming
Every gadget that comes along these days can’t be without the latest technology buzzword, Wi-Fi. For those who don’t know, this allows a device to connect to other compatible devices without the traditional mess of wires by using a radio connection. Nintendo’s hand held console, the Nintendo DS, is no exception to this.
And why have they done this? So you can play Nintendo DS games online for free. There are a number of Nintendo DS online games available including Mario Kart that let you pit you gaming skills against other DS gamers all over the world.
On its own the Nintendo DS has a wireless range of only 30-100 feet so you can only play with other gamers who are close by. But in November 2005 Nintendo launched a service called Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that lets you connect to other DS’s over the Internet. Not only that, but this service is free!
How can you connect to this free service? Well, you can do this using one of several different methods. First off, Nintendo have set up a network of wireless hotspots in public places such as cafes, libraries and they have arranged a deal with McDonalds to set up hotspots in some of their restaurants.
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to access Wi-Fi Connection. If you have access to a wireless router you can you can set up your Nintendo DS to connect to other gamers online. There is room on your Nintendo DS to configure and store up to 3 of these connections.
Don't worry if you don’t have a wireless router. You can still play Nintendo DS games online with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection if your PC has a broadband connection. All you need is Nintendo’s USB Connector. This plugs into your one of your PC’s USB sockets and doesn't even require you to set up the connection like a wireless router does.
With an ever growing list of online games your Nintendo DS has become the gateway to a whole new gaming experience you can share with others all across the world.
Thomas Heaney is the webmaster of [http://www.ds-gamer.com]Nintendo DS Gamer and has been playing video and computer games in one form or another since he got his first computer, a ZX Spectrum back in 1984.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Heaney http://EzineArticles.com/?Nintendo-DS-Online-Gaming&id=96064
And why have they done this? So you can play Nintendo DS games online for free. There are a number of Nintendo DS online games available including Mario Kart that let you pit you gaming skills against other DS gamers all over the world.
On its own the Nintendo DS has a wireless range of only 30-100 feet so you can only play with other gamers who are close by. But in November 2005 Nintendo launched a service called Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection that lets you connect to other DS’s over the Internet. Not only that, but this service is free!
How can you connect to this free service? Well, you can do this using one of several different methods. First off, Nintendo have set up a network of wireless hotspots in public places such as cafes, libraries and they have arranged a deal with McDonalds to set up hotspots in some of their restaurants.
You don’t even have to leave the comfort of your own home to access Wi-Fi Connection. If you have access to a wireless router you can you can set up your Nintendo DS to connect to other gamers online. There is room on your Nintendo DS to configure and store up to 3 of these connections.
Don't worry if you don’t have a wireless router. You can still play Nintendo DS games online with Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection if your PC has a broadband connection. All you need is Nintendo’s USB Connector. This plugs into your one of your PC’s USB sockets and doesn't even require you to set up the connection like a wireless router does.
With an ever growing list of online games your Nintendo DS has become the gateway to a whole new gaming experience you can share with others all across the world.
Thomas Heaney is the webmaster of [http://www.ds-gamer.com]Nintendo DS Gamer and has been playing video and computer games in one form or another since he got his first computer, a ZX Spectrum back in 1984.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Heaney http://EzineArticles.com/?Nintendo-DS-Online-Gaming&id=96064
Saturday, December 15, 2007
Play Video Games Online 2008
A console with premium chrome finish, a wireless controller, Has a hard drive and AV cables, The Ethernet cable allows you to connect with the other players, and the hard drive that contains an array of original games and allows you to download even more games.
Sony
Sony promises to make a media center for your living room. Sony"s new proprietary Blu-ray disc can hold more than five DVDs worth of content online capability wireless connection to the PSP support up to seven game controllers and finally, exciting and stunning new video games whose release are lined up to coincide with the release of Playstation 3.
Design Games
When programmers design games specifically for the PSP, they are sometimes referred to as Homebrew Games. There are a lot of games designed with playing cards. These days, a huge number of websites and online sources of games designed for mobile phones continuously offer better and more exciting games at affordable prices, and the selection can cater to a wide range of players.
Computer Games
Many artists contributed to computer games in more recent times. Often as we see the developers of computer games and genres they choose seems as if they take quite a bit of potential future Technologies and weave them into the game. Well, with online games, you can truly compete with the best there is. If you want to play free slot machine games online, you will find no shortage of types of games.
Power Games
At this time, we have the chance to have love and brotherhood form the basis of our existence
instead of our habitual money and power games. The other issue is more complex and is
based largely on the economics and power games of man"s ambitions.
Kids Games
Sports facilities, pools, kids games, and more await you. There are many card games easy for kids right up complicated ones for teenagers and adults. So take your time and enjoy.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Spybot go to the Internet and get a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Free Spybot Download or a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Spybot Search and Destroy Download
to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?Play-Video-Games-Online-2008&id=684967
Sony
Sony promises to make a media center for your living room. Sony"s new proprietary Blu-ray disc can hold more than five DVDs worth of content online capability wireless connection to the PSP support up to seven game controllers and finally, exciting and stunning new video games whose release are lined up to coincide with the release of Playstation 3.
Design Games
When programmers design games specifically for the PSP, they are sometimes referred to as Homebrew Games. There are a lot of games designed with playing cards. These days, a huge number of websites and online sources of games designed for mobile phones continuously offer better and more exciting games at affordable prices, and the selection can cater to a wide range of players.
Computer Games
Many artists contributed to computer games in more recent times. Often as we see the developers of computer games and genres they choose seems as if they take quite a bit of potential future Technologies and weave them into the game. Well, with online games, you can truly compete with the best there is. If you want to play free slot machine games online, you will find no shortage of types of games.
Power Games
At this time, we have the chance to have love and brotherhood form the basis of our existence
instead of our habitual money and power games. The other issue is more complex and is
based largely on the economics and power games of man"s ambitions.
Kids Games
Sports facilities, pools, kids games, and more await you. There are many card games easy for kids right up complicated ones for teenagers and adults. So take your time and enjoy.
If you really want to take the work out of looking for that right Spyware Protection from a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Spybot go to the Internet and get a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Free Spybot Download or a [http://www.new-spybots.com]Spybot Search and Destroy Download
to prevent your vital information from being ripped from your computer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jesse_Miller http://EzineArticles.com/?Play-Video-Games-Online-2008&id=684967
Monday, December 10, 2007
MULTIMEDIA FIRM OFFERS FUN AND PROFITABLE ONLINE GAMES by Jacqueline Dyach
Madison Heights, Michigan, August 14, 2007 - You will need quick wit for clue solving. You will need swiftness for mouse clicking. What won't you need at eScavengers.com? Your pocketbook.
Brothers Zac and Josh Ball, managing partners at Way Creative Media, have set up a way for businesses to gain product, brand, and web site exposure while simultaneously offering consumers free incentives such as grand prizes and Doubloons. "We wanted to create an entertaining way for consumers to interact with businesses that would create a beneficial relationship for both," explains Josh Ball. The brothers used to play scavenger hunts around the house when they were kids. "We thought it would be really cool if there was something like that on the net. You can teach people about your web site and make it fun for others along the way," said Zac.
Rewarding relationships with consumers are important, especially in the 24 percent of online adults who, according to Jupiter Research, are "influential brand advocates" that help companies profit from the internet and emerging technologies. eScavengers.com has shown that they act as a valuable breeding ground for these types of connections. In its fourth month, eScavengers.com has incurred over 7.5 million hits and 105,000 unique visitors. The site has hosted over 30 Adventures and given away over $20,000 in laptops, iPods, TVs and other prizes to competitors who complete the Adventures first. All participants receive Doubloons for completing Adventures, which they can trade for exciting merchandise at Treasure Island.
eScavengers plans to soon release a third version later this month. They will offer Adventures that can be played anytime for Doubloons in addition to the real-time competitions. The businesses, who pay to set up the Adventures, in addition to paying for page views, emails, and survey questions, can expect improved consumer tracking.
For more information, visit http://www.escavengers.com
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
Brothers Zac and Josh Ball, managing partners at Way Creative Media, have set up a way for businesses to gain product, brand, and web site exposure while simultaneously offering consumers free incentives such as grand prizes and Doubloons. "We wanted to create an entertaining way for consumers to interact with businesses that would create a beneficial relationship for both," explains Josh Ball. The brothers used to play scavenger hunts around the house when they were kids. "We thought it would be really cool if there was something like that on the net. You can teach people about your web site and make it fun for others along the way," said Zac.
Rewarding relationships with consumers are important, especially in the 24 percent of online adults who, according to Jupiter Research, are "influential brand advocates" that help companies profit from the internet and emerging technologies. eScavengers.com has shown that they act as a valuable breeding ground for these types of connections. In its fourth month, eScavengers.com has incurred over 7.5 million hits and 105,000 unique visitors. The site has hosted over 30 Adventures and given away over $20,000 in laptops, iPods, TVs and other prizes to competitors who complete the Adventures first. All participants receive Doubloons for completing Adventures, which they can trade for exciting merchandise at Treasure Island.
eScavengers plans to soon release a third version later this month. They will offer Adventures that can be played anytime for Doubloons in addition to the real-time competitions. The businesses, who pay to set up the Adventures, in addition to paying for page views, emails, and survey questions, can expect improved consumer tracking.
For more information, visit http://www.escavengers.com
Article Source: http://www.articlerich.com
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