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
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
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
The Reasons People Play Games
What is it that makes you enjoy playing games? Some people love the mental stimulation that word games or puzzles provide. Other people love to play mindless little addictive games that pass the time between periods of activity and yet still others play in order to have a friendly (or sometimes not so friendly) competition among friends. But no matter why it is that you play the games that you play they can be so addictive that you find yourself taking up most of your day playing them. Here is a breakdown on why people play games, perhaps you will be able to fit yourself into one of these categories.
1. The Time Waster - This person plays games just to pass the time, either at work or at home when they have nothing better to do. The problem with being a time waster is that the game playing often spills over into the periods of time that should be productive
2. Busy Minds - The person who plays games for the stimulation needs to have something that is constantly occupying their minds at all times. These people generally like puzzles, word games and sudoku and they play them addictively.
3. The Competer - This person plays games to compete against other players. They often find themselves frustrated if things aren't going their way with the game. They don't care if they play against someone online or if they play with them in their living rooms, they just love competing.
If you find yourself in one of these categories there is only one thing that you can do, play more games.
if you love games you should see our pages on [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freeaddictinggames.html]freeaddictinggames, [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freetypinggame.html]freetypinggame and [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freearcadegames.html]freearcadegames
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Miers http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Reasons-People-Play-Games&id=398451
1. The Time Waster - This person plays games just to pass the time, either at work or at home when they have nothing better to do. The problem with being a time waster is that the game playing often spills over into the periods of time that should be productive
2. Busy Minds - The person who plays games for the stimulation needs to have something that is constantly occupying their minds at all times. These people generally like puzzles, word games and sudoku and they play them addictively.
3. The Competer - This person plays games to compete against other players. They often find themselves frustrated if things aren't going their way with the game. They don't care if they play against someone online or if they play with them in their living rooms, they just love competing.
If you find yourself in one of these categories there is only one thing that you can do, play more games.
if you love games you should see our pages on [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freeaddictinggames.html]freeaddictinggames, [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freetypinggame.html]freetypinggame and [http://www.yourgamestop.org/freearcadegames.html]freearcadegames
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Miers http://EzineArticles.com/?The-Reasons-People-Play-Games&id=398451
Monday, December 17, 2007
Finding Free Online Role Playing Games
Participating in Free Online Role Playing Games
Role playing games are popular games in which players assume
the roles of imaginary characters. A variety of role playing
games is available for players of all ages. There are even free
online role playing games for internet users.
Although role playing games are traditionally played in person,
there is a good selection of websites that offer free online
role playing games. Online role playing games can involve
telling a story or describing the actions of your character.
This type of role playing game is a fun way to be creative and
to construct your personalized role playing game. This game can
be done in person or on the internet. There are many website
forums or chat sites specifically for this type of online role
playing.
Free online role playing games come in various formats,
including games designed for:
• single player
• multiple players on one computer
• multiple players at various locations
The games designed for multiple players from different
locations involve participating with an individual located just
about anywhere in the world. Free online role playing games are
a great way to meet and play with other gamers who all share the
same interests.
The internet is full of free online role playing games,
however, there are some sites that offer multiple free games all
in one website. To find free online role playing games from
these convenient sites, complete an internet search. Simply type
"free online role playing games in the search box, and you will
open the door to a large number of gaming sites that offer free
online role playing games. When finding free online role playing
games, it is important to remember not to give out your credit
card information. Some sites may advertise games that free for a
limited period of time. If this is the case, the games are not
actually free, they are only being offered as a free trial.
A fairly new website for free online role playing games is
http://www.orpgs.com/. ORPGS stands for Online Role Playing
Games. Online Role Playing Games currently offer six free online
role playing games, and membership is free. Registering for a
membership is a fairly easy process compared to signing up on
many other online gaming sites. In addition to free online role
playing games, ORPGS offers a members' forum and other useful
resources. Forums are a great way to contact other gamers and to
learn about online role playing games in general or about a
specific game, especially if you are new to the scene.
The internet opens up a whole new world of fun and excitement
for individuals who enjoy participating in free online role
playing games. Although traditional role playing games still
exist in person, online role playing games have greatly
increased in popularity. For some individuals, it may be hard to
find a friend or acquaintance nearby to participate in
face-to-face role playing.
Just about every day, someone else becomes interested in or
thinks about playing a free online role playing game. Free
online role playing games make it easier for new gamers to test
the waters. There are online role playing games that do cost a
small fee, however, many of the free online role playing games
are of the same quality as games that cost money and offer the
same gaming experience. Start gaming today, and you will find an
unlimited number of free online role playing games.
About the Author: Matt Garrett http://www.free-mmorpg.net
http://www.free-mmorpgs.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=35725&ca=Entertai
Role playing games are popular games in which players assume
the roles of imaginary characters. A variety of role playing
games is available for players of all ages. There are even free
online role playing games for internet users.
Although role playing games are traditionally played in person,
there is a good selection of websites that offer free online
role playing games. Online role playing games can involve
telling a story or describing the actions of your character.
This type of role playing game is a fun way to be creative and
to construct your personalized role playing game. This game can
be done in person or on the internet. There are many website
forums or chat sites specifically for this type of online role
playing.
Free online role playing games come in various formats,
including games designed for:
• single player
• multiple players on one computer
• multiple players at various locations
The games designed for multiple players from different
locations involve participating with an individual located just
about anywhere in the world. Free online role playing games are
a great way to meet and play with other gamers who all share the
same interests.
The internet is full of free online role playing games,
however, there are some sites that offer multiple free games all
in one website. To find free online role playing games from
these convenient sites, complete an internet search. Simply type
"free online role playing games in the search box, and you will
open the door to a large number of gaming sites that offer free
online role playing games. When finding free online role playing
games, it is important to remember not to give out your credit
card information. Some sites may advertise games that free for a
limited period of time. If this is the case, the games are not
actually free, they are only being offered as a free trial.
A fairly new website for free online role playing games is
http://www.orpgs.com/. ORPGS stands for Online Role Playing
Games. Online Role Playing Games currently offer six free online
role playing games, and membership is free. Registering for a
membership is a fairly easy process compared to signing up on
many other online gaming sites. In addition to free online role
playing games, ORPGS offers a members' forum and other useful
resources. Forums are a great way to contact other gamers and to
learn about online role playing games in general or about a
specific game, especially if you are new to the scene.
The internet opens up a whole new world of fun and excitement
for individuals who enjoy participating in free online role
playing games. Although traditional role playing games still
exist in person, online role playing games have greatly
increased in popularity. For some individuals, it may be hard to
find a friend or acquaintance nearby to participate in
face-to-face role playing.
Just about every day, someone else becomes interested in or
thinks about playing a free online role playing game. Free
online role playing games make it easier for new gamers to test
the waters. There are online role playing games that do cost a
small fee, however, many of the free online role playing games
are of the same quality as games that cost money and offer the
same gaming experience. Start gaming today, and you will find an
unlimited number of free online role playing games.
About the Author: Matt Garrett http://www.free-mmorpg.net
http://www.free-mmorpgs.com
Source: http://www.isnare.com
Permanent Link:
http://www.isnare.com/?aid=35725&ca=Entertai
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