Friday, August 31, 2012

John Bates apologize for Sometrics

Hello Entropians, 

First off, let me apologize for the issues some people have had with Sometrics. Our plan was to begin with only top quality offers, but, there was glitch with that and some offers got through that were not up to our standards. We very much apologize and have completely changed the way we bring offers online with Sometrics so we can be sure they are of the highest quality going forward. Here’s more about what we’re doing.

First off, you don’t have to fill out Sometrics offers. We implemented Sometrics so that players who can’t, or don’t want to put their own funds into the game have another way to earn PED, since it’s nice to have some PED in the game. Sometrics is a quality offer company, owned by American Express and they are now completely clear on our priorities; your experience being our number one priority.

With Sometrics it turns out that there is no way to tell, beforehand, if you’re qualified for a survey, or not. Since that seems unfair, we have removed all surveys.
As well, there were some downloadable offers that came with arguably legitimate, but perhaps unwanted, nonetheless, payloads. We have removed, and will not bring back, any offers like that.

It can take varying amounts of time for offers to pay out. Some happen very quickly, some take up to 24 hours. You cannot contact Sometrics support until at least 3 hours after completing an offer, to give the points time to come through. It will usually say how long an offer takes, but it can still vary. If you have properly completed an offer, and for some reason did not receive PED, all you have to do is provide proof (a screenshot, an email from the offer company, etc.) and Sometrics will credit you. They are being very fair about this.

As mentioned above, we are committed to only offering high quality ads and offers. You must completely finish those steps for which the offer calls. And, we have made it more obvious how to contact Sometrics Support, who are aware of the previous complaints and are standing by to assist us.

To contact Sometrics Support, click on "View Status for your Sometrics Offers" above their offerwall on the offer page and there you will see a list of offers you've clicked. If the appropriate amount of time expires (minimum 3 hours) after you completed the offer, please click "Report Problem" next to the offer and there you will see a pop-up field to report not receiving your PED to Sometrics. From there, Sometrics Customer Service team will contact you to resolve the problem.

Finally, here is the Sometrics FAQ

Who is Sometrics?
Our service helps gamers earn PED through easy to complete surveys and offers. All of our surveys and offers are localized and cover over 100 different countries.

How long do offers take to credit?
Since our offers come from a wide variety of advertisers it is hard to know exactly how long an offer takes to credit you. Most offers that are quick to convert take a minimum of 20 minutes to credit. Every offer does contain information about the timing. However, some offers can be delayed. If an offer has exceeded the expected time please report the offer. Once you have reported the offer be sure to reply to the email that we send to you.

How long before my account is credited?
The vast majority of our surveys and offers will credit your credits account within minutes! However, some make take a few hours or a couple days. The time to credit your account is explained within every survey or offer. Please reach out to our support team with questions.

How do I report an offer?
Navigate to the website to where you saw the offers and click the button labeled "Check Offer Status." From that page you can report any offer that you have clicked on. Please note that you are not able to report an offer unless it has been 3 hours since you first clicked on it.

How can I make sure I get my PED?
While you complete any offer its a good idea to gather evidence showing that you have done your part. Screenshots work great. If you were charged for an offer a screenshot of your account activity showing the charge. You can also capture screenshots from within the offers themselves (be sure to include the url in your screenshot). Lastly, make sure to save any confirmation emails you receive from completed offers.

Why am I not seeing an offer I just viewed on the offer status page?
It takes about 20 minutes for offers to show up on the status page. Every offer you ever clicked on should be listed.

Why am I not able to report an offer I just completed?
You are only able to report offers 3 hours after they have been viewed or completed. We want to make sure that enough time has elapsed for your points to come through.

How do I contact support?
If the appropriate amount of time expires after you completed the offer, please click on the "View Offer Status" link. From there you can report a problem for the specific offer you are having trouble with. Be sure to reply to the email we send once you report the offer. Our support team can be reached through email and live chat support with no need to contact The game directly - we can help get the points you earned.

I reported the offer, why am I not getting help?
In order to receive assistance for an offer that you have reported all you need to do is reply to the email that we send you. Be sure to check your spam folder. When you reply be sure to include any evidence you have showing that you have completed the offer.

What is the offer status page?
Offer status is where you find the history of your transactions, any pending transactions and customer service support.

Can I take the same offer twice?
Most offers do no allow for more than on completion. For those offers the advertiser will know that you have attempted to complete the same offer twice, and you will not receive points for the second completion. Completing the same offer twice is considered fraud. However, a few offers do allow you to complete them more than once. To find out if an offer allows for multiple completions visit the offer status page. Every offer listed shows the number of completions allowed.

I was told by customer service that I was credited, but the offer still shows up as viewed on the offer status page... why?
When a customer service team member manually awards points for an offer that offer will shows as viewed even though the points have been given out.

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Arkadian Instance - Key 1


Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Becoming a Planet Partner in Entropia Universe

Becoming a Planet Partner

There is no text book definition of a Planet Partner. However, to successfully create and maintain a planet, a Planet Partner should have a long-term perspective, a creative mindset and a secure and stable economy for marketing, personnel and planet operations.

Each Planet Partner must have a unique concept to increase the diversity in Entropia Universe and must contribute with a new market, rather than just utilizing the existing end user base. Furthermore, there is no acceptance for concepts and content of gambling, a pornographic nature or any other concept that MindArk deems inappropriate or that is illegal.

Planet Partners with strong unique ideas, ability to bring in new customers and with sufficient funds for planet content production and marketing have a high probability for a quick return of investment.

Regarding the Success, or Failure, of Your Virtual Planet in the Entropia Universe.

MindArk is the platform provider supplying each planet partner the proven tools and systems to which allow them to build their own unique, individual, virtual planet inside the Entropia Universe.

The success or failure of your virtual world can depend on many factors. A few stand out as must have factors. The first is theme and game play. You must have a compelling story and theme which attracts and engages the interest of YOUR registered users. Without this major component the success of your planet is in serious jeopardy. Imagine a movie with little to no plot. Imagine an unimaginative book written with poor grammar. They are both like a virtual world without a compelling storyline and gameplay. You must be able to attract and engage your users.

As with any other business, competent staff, management and leadership are needed to create and run a successful company. This is as true for Planet Partners as it is everywhere else. Core competencies includes graphic design teams, game design competency, public relations and mores. You will also need the financial security and stability to sustain the company before release, while you create your unique virtual world in the Entropia Universe.

Although it may be tempting to believe that you will succeed in bringing the entire pre-existing population of the Entropia Universe to your planet that is not the goal, nor will it happen. Although there is a big advantage to creating your virtual world inside an already thriving universe your ultimate success will depend completely upon your ability to bring new players to your offering. You must have a strong marketing plan with a substantial budget to cover a successful, long term marketing plan.

Once you have made it to launch you will need a competent "live team" to run the day to day Planet operations including ongoing storyline, content upgrades, game play, community management, and ongoing marketing.

Just like any other venture anywhere else, the success of your virtual planet in the Entropia Universe requires that YOU have these things in place and competently running. Without these minimum steps in place your virtual empire may not succeed. So, be sure you have these pieces solidly in place and you’ll be on the right road to success.

If you are interested in learning more about becoming a Planet Partner, please contact us here.

World of Warcraft blocked in Iran


Blizzard Entertainment released a statement confirming that it will comply with government legislation and pull its products from affected territories.

"United States trade restrictions and economic sanction laws prohibit Blizzard from doing business with residents of certain nations, including Iran," read the statement.

"Several of you have seen and cited the text in the Terms of Use which relates to these government-imposed sanctions.

"This week, Blizzard tightened up its procedures to ensure compliance with these laws, and players connecting from the affected nations are restricted from access to Blizzard games and services.

"This also prevents us from providing any refunds, credits, transfers, or other service options to accounts in these countries."

World of Warcraft was not available legitimately in the region to begin with, but scores of Iranians access the game through virtual private networks.

Guild Wars, RuneScape, Second Life, Dofus, Evony and Entropia Universe are among the other games unavailable in Iran due to the US sanctions.

Entropia Universe Version Update 28 Aug 2012


Mining With PigBenis-Arkadia Gold Rush 2012


NASA-themed Massively Multiplayer Online Game

I still don't know what exactly this means, but here is another news about the NASA MMO. The big question is: "Is this going to be another planet in Entropia Universe?"

Project Whitecard Studios sent over a press release announcing that the NASA-themed online game formerly named Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond is now known as Starlite. Starlite is an adventure game focused on mankind’s future missions into the outer reaches of the solar system, this time to stay. The game will feature mission-based space exploration, career advancement and awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). The game is being privately funded and developed in accordance with a "Space Act Agreement" with NASA Learning Technologies.
Project Whitecard Studios Inc. will enable delivery of Starlite on browsers and mobile-based platforms enabling users to play from virtually anywhere and recently announced a collaboration with MindArk, developers of Entropia Universe. A beta level for Starlite will be available before the end of 2012.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Annual Migration 2012 Ending

The Imperial Exobiology Institute reports that the annual migration has finally come to an end, and the Eomon and Exarotherium herds are breaking up and dispersing. Scientists are still baffled as to where these gigantic herbivores settle after their annual migration; speculations are they may habitat large underground cave systems around Eudoria. The Imperial Exobiology Institute has announced today that more research will be allocated to unravelling the mystery of these great beasts.

With the migration ending along with the abundant food source it provided for the larger predators. Colonists are advised to travel with caution around the east of Ashi and north of Nymphtown areas until the end of the week, due to large aggressive packs of Atrox that are feeding there.

Cyrene Patch Notes August 28th 2012

ADDITIONS

Planet Cyrene

Missions
Challenge Missions
Several challenge missions for Cyrene have been added for eight creatures on Cyrene, such as the SwampLurker and Tide Claw.
The challenge missions award stats at stage one (the only available stage for four, more after the mini patch)
The Center of Janus has become a Mission hub that can lead to different quest areas.
The Zyn'Kimbro tribe is looking for help, talk to the Zyn'Kimbro Envoy at the center of Janus for more info.
The Turrelion Envoy can help you get started in PvP, head to the Center of Janus.
Crafting
Approximately 35 Blueprints have been added, from weapons to tools to armor to attachments; available from token rewards and discoveries. These are from level 1 to level 10.
Token Rewards
Ferguson now has his own line of component blueprints available from Imperium Tokens.
The Zyn'Kimbro Token is now available from the Zyn'Kimbro missions, with it's own rewards.
Vehicles
Two new vehicles are available (from crafting):
The P.I.G.V. , a ground vehicle

The Dragonfly, a helicopter


CHANGES

Planet Cyrene 

The terminals have been placed in a more crafter friendly manner.
The night cycle has been brightened and shortened in all areas.
Some Cyrene tools are available from the trade terminal and improved versions are found from certain creatures.
The Lancer now handles more like a VTOL and less like a helicopter.
Many loot items on Cyrene have new models to distinguish them from current MindArk items.
Many Creatures have undergone rebalancing.
A new teleporter has been added to Janus, the Cyrene Port teleporter, for all the pilots who fly into Cyrene.
The following Hides are now refined into leather: Swamp Lurker, Rough, Creature, Perfect, Flesh Ripper.
The city of Janus should be more lit up at night and easier for players to navigate.
Info-bots have been added near Quarter Masters to show non-blueprint rewards.

BLUEPRINTS & MISSIONS

Blueprints
A.R.C. Craftable Weapons
Enkidd Howler S4
A.R.C. Craftable Armor
A.R.C. Ranger (full set)
A.R.C. Craftable Tools
O.S. F.A.P. M1 (L)
O.S. F.A.P. M7 (L)
H.E.A.R.T. M1 (L)
H.E.A.R.T. M7 (L)
Finder X2 (L)
A.R.C. Components
Ferguson's All Purpose Lube
Ferguson's All Purpose Amalgam
Ferguson's Refined Amalgam
A.R.C. Wire Harness
Robotics Enhancing Gel
Bonding Liquid
A.R.C. Vehicles
P.I.G.V. MK1 (L)
Dragonfly v1 (L)
Spear v5-346 (L)
A.R.C. Attachments and Tools
Enkidd Red-Back (BLP Amp) (L)
Xent Tech Light Amplification Vine (Laser Amp) (L)
Enkidd Dismalites (laser sight) (L)
Hawk 1k (scope) (L)
I.D.A. 004 (mining amp) (L)
Ripper Hide Armor Plate (L)

Missions
Janus
Go check out the Hub
Reward: Confiscated Duster Slicer
Discreetly head to A.R.C. Head Quarters
Reward: Broken Scorpion
Travel from Janus to Zyn'Kimbro Village
Reward: Busted Zyn Morndincran
Zyn'Kimbro Village
NOOO, food sack!
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
Pict's Pollen Issue
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
Tribute to the Councilmen (Bonding Liquid)
Reward: 5 Zyn'Kimbro Tokens
Tribute to the Councilmen (Zorn Star Ore)
Reward: 5 Zyn'Kimbro Tokens
The Chief's Request!
Reward: 20 Zyn'Kimbro Tokens
Test of Courage!
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
Test of Strength!
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
Getting Slimed!
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
The Ambassador Needs You!
Reward: 1 Zyn'Kimbro Token
Challenge Missions
A.R.C. Challenge - 100 SwampLurkers
Reward: Aim Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 100 Tide Claws
Reward: Bravado Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 100 Crystal Pedes
Reward: Dexterity Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 100 Dire Weeds
Reward: Perception Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 100 Paneleons
Reward: Combat Reflexes Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 500 Paneleons
Reward: First Aid Skill Increase
A.R.C. Challenge – 1000 Paneleons
Reward: Imperium Detectonator X2 (L) Blueprint (L)
A.R.C. Challenge – 5000 Paneleons
Reward: Imperium Tokens

Token Rewards

New Imperium Token Rewards
Assistant Engineer Wayan
Ferguson's All Purpose Lube Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Ferguson's All Purpose Amalgam Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Ferguson's All Refined Amalgam Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
A.R.C. Wire Harness Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Robotics Enhancing Gel Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Bonding Liquid Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens

New Zyn'Kimbro Token Rewards
Zyn Token Blueprint Vendor
Enkidd Red-Back Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Xent Tech Light Amplification Vine Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Enkidd Dismalites Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Hawk 1k Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Spear v5-346 Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens
Zyn'Kimbro Token Vendor Grippa
Zyn Smasher – 300 Tokens
Zyn Bone Club – 300 Tokens
Zyn Campfire – 300 Tokens
Reforged Zyn Smasher Blueprint (L) – 20 Tokens

KNOWN ISSUES

Planet Cyrene
The Lancer sounds like a VTOL, this will be corrected in a future VU.
The quest “Travel from Janus to the Zyn'Kimbro Village” the destination is not default so you can not teleport there unless you go there first. The quest will be changed to reflect that you can not go there from the teleporter in the mini patch.
Some of the loot is undergoing changes in appearance and will change with the mini patch.
A.R.C. Ranger Armor Pieces all take A.R.C. Armor Mold (Shin Guards), this is a bug and will corrected in the mini patch.
The following items are currently non-tradeable and will be changed to tradeable in the mini patch:
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Leg Guards)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Shin Guards)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Arm Guards)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Gloves)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Boots)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Harness)
A.R.C. Armor Mold (Helmet)
Broken Scorpion
Broken XT
Broken Firestarter
Broken Imperium Officer XT
A.R.C. HK Mold
Busted Zyn Mordincran

Planet calypso content release 2012.4

PLANET CALYPSO CONTENT RELEASE 2012.4

2012-08-28
***PLEASE READ THIS DOCUMENT IF YOU FIND SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY IN PLANET CALYPSO! IT MIGHT PROVIDE THE INFO YOU NEED BEFORE CONTACTING THE SUPPORT DEPARTMENT!***

REVAMPED NEW COLONIST EXPERIENCE

The “New Colonist Experience” of Planet Calypso has been improved to offer our newcomers a more instructive, accessible and engrossing introduction to Entropia Universe.

We have redesigned the “Start Room” and “Gateway” to address concerns expressed by the new players who took part in our surveys this past spring. Among other things they feature a simpler and more linear layout that will be less confusing to the newcomers. The “New Colonist Experience” also contains significantly more information about the gameplay of Planet Calypso and Entropia Universe. All of this has been done in a story driven approach in order to provide the player with an early peek into the rich history of Calypso.

Current participants will have the ability to test drive the improved New Colonist Experience beginning several days after this release by activating the televator in Port Atlantis named “Calypso Gateway”.

PLANET ATMOSPHERE AND LIGHTING

The default atmospheric and lighting settings of Planet Calypso have been modified to give a more enjoyable experience when exploring Calypso. Some of the features include the following:
  • The moons have been moved closer and their texture resolutions have been increased.
  • The length of a full day cycle has been lowered from about 5 to 2 hours
  • The portion of the cycle allotted to night-time has been lowered.
  • Nights are now significantly less dark.

SETTLEMENT UPDATE

It is no longer possible to teleport to a location within 150m of an oil rig.

It is no longer possible to use or spawn a vehicle within 25m of an oil rig.

Gun turrets have been placed in the land grab forts.

The use of vehicles have been disabled inside the contaminated area known as “PvP4”.

Camp Icarus, a new outpost, has appeared to the east of Port Atlantis.

A new oil rig and PvP area has been added to the north-east of the new outpost.

Several dozen new quests have been implemented.

The Atrox has been updated with new graphics and animations.

New equipment has been added and is waiting to be discovered.

Argonaut Elites have been added to the Silver Mission.

KNOWN ISSUES

It is not possible to skip the new tutorial and go straight to Calypso at the “Mr Yoshida” NPC in the new starting area. If you want to skip the tutorial, you will need to run to the end of the new area and speak with the NPC Lieutenant Smith to gain passage to Calypso.

MindArk and the Planet Partners strive to insure a smooth and problem-free Version Update. Nevertheless, even after extensive testing some issues may arise after release. Such issues are often addressed via mini-patches directly after a release and in subsequent patches.

Monday, August 27, 2012

Acro review Planet Cyrene

1. The graphics are great!
The planet looks alot nicer than Calypso, the style so far is good and appealing.

2. The token system is interesting.
Daily missions for tokens, armor molds for crafting bought with tokens, weapons and more. It adds a part to the economy and makes certain armors and weapons worth more!
3. There's room for profit and trade on Cyrene.
The economy is new and PED do not move fast compared to the other planets, but there is room for trade and profit. Certain resources are needed by high level crafters and since many ores/enmatters aren't available on Cyrene, things like Force nexus and mind essence have to be imported to support players with implants ect. Planet specific ores/enmatters are also needed!!
4. Mining seems to be good!
5. Hunting is alright.
The mobs look good and drop a variety of different things.
6. Crafting seems to be growing.
More crafters coming to Cyrene which means the economy should slowly take off. The more crafters there are, the more hunters and miners are needed to get parts. 

Friday, August 24, 2012

Migration Update

The Imperial Exobiology Institute reports that large packs of Atrox and their offspring are growing in numbers around Nymphtown and Ashi. Colonists are advised to approach these hungry carnivores with caution, and don`t pet their hatchlings.

New space transport business starts in Entropia Universe

Narfi, who won the Rocktropian of the month a year ago now also won Mothership and now he is starting new space transport business.  He is starting with full 24/7 scheduled route to Rocktropia with Warp upgrade options to ALL planets.


Calypso <--> Rocktropia Schedule

The goal is flights departing every 3 hours to bring space accessibility to all timezones and player budgets.

Here is the website: EntropiaTransport.com 

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

21 of August 2012 update delayed

In case you are wondering why no update today - it is delayed:

Kim/Calypso: "The release has been delayed until Wednesday (22.08.2012) (possibly longer)."

Monday, August 20, 2012

Homeless guy saves money in game to buy Home IRL

I just read the story of this dude from Portland, Oregon in the USA. His avatar in Entropia Universe is  Kathryn Kay-T Ellauren. He lives in a tent, get shower in the gym, play on free Wi-Fi with his laptop. Because he doesn't have a residence address he can't get bank account to save his money. So he is using Entropia Universe as a safe bank account for his real life money to deposit 100-200 USD per month and if he owns few Calypso Land Lot Deeds he will even get better return than what real world banks will give him. And after years when he has enough Project Entropia Dollars in his game account he can withdraw them in real life as real US dollars and buy real home to live in. Here is his story as he describes it:

"For me Entropia serves as a long term, non liquid interest bearing savings account. they way my r/l situation works I'm basically able to only deposit but unable to withdraw.
i hope to someday after maybe another 5-20 years to withdraw and have a a fat stack of cash to buy a decent r/l investment like a place to live or r/l land.


Here in the USA in order to have a bank account you have to have a place to live. a residence address if you will. i don't have one i actually am called "homeless" or a "rough sleeper" so this game allows me to save money which i cant do otherwise with the financial system of my country. MA doesn't require me to have a resident address unlike all banks in USA. i will only need to get a bank account to withdraw. not only that but this is the only savings account that includes fun, play, and escape from reality. currently I'm finding lots of enjoyment from hanging out at the rig with the friends i made there. finally learning how to pvp a little and slowly getting better at it, with the bonus is the share of oil i get helps pay for the cost of pvp so its a break even venture and in a sense some free fun. i still hunt now and then mainly to skill but am kinda discouraged with limited weapons, misses and loot, but gotta skill somehow only one way to skill attributes.

No, i have a laptop computer. i go to a cafe with wifi to get on line. i have a gym membership that gets me a shower, i have a storage where i keep my stuff that i dont want to grow legs. i have a gore-tex single person tent and good sleeping bag that lets me sleep nearly anywhere and stay dry and warm. i have a mailbox that lets me get mail and even packages. i have a mobile phone to txt and get web pages without wifi. the sleeping bag and tent were one time expenses. my monthy expenses for gym, storage, mailbox and phone combined is about $250 a month. i get a disability benefit that get me $900 a month. average rent for a 1 bedroom in portland oregon is around $600 and comes with all kinds of unreasonable rules. with those expenses, food, and time at the cafe i can still afford to depo $100-200 a month : )

I forgot that another reason i stick around entropia is, i find it a productive way to get rid of my frustrations.
its one of the few things that help me to relax and provides me an escape and de-stress fro the constant stress of life and existence. i am also an explorer at heart there are tons of places i still have yet to see especially after the graphics update. and this world is expanding constantly so provides lots of new things to see and i dont have leave my seat."

Sunday, August 19, 2012

How to play when you are low on PEDs 2 in Entropia Universe

Take your time, don't try to hunt Atrox and only use a vehicle for emergencies i.e. stuck at an outpost which is surrounded by mobs that easily kill you.

One of the things now missing from EU is the tp run, it's a great way to spend time in EU learning about the various mobs that inhabit it, even if it does mean you get insta-killed by a mob several times when escaping from an outpost.

You don't have to spend every moment hunting, mining or crafting i.e. spending ped. Exploration can be just as rewarding (just not in loot or skill), just pick a tp and then run out to see what's there. You won't be looking at the same thing day in day out and some of the runs along the northern coast of Eudoria can last a couple of hours plus you've got a couple of Castles to look at along the way.

Then when you've collected all the tp's get a land based vehicle and drive them instead because running and driving need different techniques and you'll have to think about your route.

Flying between each tp to collect them easily takes away one of the personal achievements that a newbie can get in EU.

Friday, August 17, 2012

Preview of 21 August 2012 Version Update

Some nice changes are coming in the next update at 21 of August 2012.
Part of the update will be the change of day/night cycle from 5 to 2 hours and the nights will be a bit less dark. And here are some screenshots from what is coming to Calypso:





How to play when you are low on PEDs 1 in Entropia Universe

It is feasible to play this game on small budgets, however, you DO need to find the sort of time-sink which will allow you to occupy yourself when you are low on PED.

Now on to the things you can do for zero PED:
- Sweating is the age-old and accepted way to gather some skills while harvesting a saleable resource in Entropia. It can also get you into more social circles, help you meet new people in the same position as you, etc.

- Gathering resources is another option if crowds annoy you and loads of green dots cause your computer to grind to a halt. This involves just walking about and paying attention to the ground and scenery to notice when various types of fruit, stones, or dung appear on your screen.

The market for fruit is a little flat at the moment, but stones sell well for textures. Dung has always been fairly worthless in terms of markup.

- Collect the Teleporters!
Dying is free in Entropia, and sometimes dying close enough to where you want to go is in fact the fastest way there. Collect Teleporters (see www.entropedia.info) so that you can jump around the maps faster later to hook up with friends etc.

This simple project will take far longer than you imagine, and can be done for free. You need to be careful in many cases and you may need to try and find ways round aggressive monsters on your trips, and you may find that some places you cannot reach, or can reach but cannot leave... All of this is quite educational and interesting and you'll get to see loads of new scenery.... And if you get totally unable to leave an outpost, there's an entire society you can ask for help and they'll come fetch you.

- Talk to other people - often easily able to be done while sweating for example, but also in social hub places like Port Atlantis and so on, you can start conversations with people if you'd like to chat in general.

I'm sure others will have other ideas for you as well, but that's a start.
Oh, and if you can get a decent mentor, that will probably help you immensely too.

Society Name changed to Massive Dynamic

About 1 year after I made society Project Extropia I decided that this name doesn't sound too good and changed the name to Massive Dynamic after watching the first season of Fringe. I'm still half way through second season and I'm not sure if Massive Dynamic are the good or the bad guys, but the name sound good.
This name change also represent the change I am planing in my game play style. After few months I am thinking of adding more trading and crafting activities to my usual hunting and mining. And when the summer is gone expect more power mining and crafting logs from me.

Thursday, August 16, 2012

Mission Creature Spawns Update

To assist Calypso participants wishing to complete Iron Challenge missions before the mission rewards rebalancing takes effect, the following temporary creature spawns have been created and will be active until August 29, 2012:

  • Traeskeron - East of Fort Zeus (87200, 94400 Eudoria) FYI-Larger maturities to the northeast.
  • Scipulor - Land Area 6 (31400, 34000 Amethera)

After which time two different mission creatures will be spawned in those areas. This procedure will be continued every two weeks until the Planet Partner release scheduled for October 9, 2012.

Happy Hunting!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

The Imperium C.L.A.W. Mech at Cyrene

Planet Cyrene is showing more picture of the cool looking mechs.

The Imperium C.L.A.W. (Construction, Land, and War) Mech is pivotal when it comes to constructing advanced bases in unknown and harsh landscapes.

Built to serve as an independent bot capable of performing construction, demolition, and sentry duties, the C.L.A.W. has also recently been outfitted with a pilot cockpit, in order to serve as a makeshift weapon for the Imperium's Engineering Corps. 

The weapon systems on board range from its massive claws used to crush smaller foes, as well as shoulder mounted cannons ready for any serious threats that might engage the C.L.A.W. in close combat.

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

EU Account Security Tips

Entropia Universe Account Security Tips

Recently there has been an increase in attempts by unscrupulous individuals to gain unauthorized access to Entropia Universe user accounts. Our support team is working diligently to permanently ban all avatar accounts and associated IP addresses that have been used to solicit account log-in information from legitimate participants, or who have been spamming links to phishing sites through the Entropia Universe private messaging system.

To assist us in providing the highest level of account security, MindArk strongly urges all participants to take a few moments to carefully review and employ the following security tips. Following the advice in these security tips will help greatly in preventing dishonest individuals from gaining unauthorized access to your Entropia Universe account.

PASSWORD SECURITY
Protect your account password very carefully and do not share it with anyone. MindArk and Planet Partner officials will NEVER ask for your account password.

It is also a good idea to use a totally unique password for your Entropia Universe account that you do not use for any other web site or online service. This will help protect your Entropia Universe account in cases where one of those other accounts becomes compromised.

DO NOT SHARE YOUR ENTROPIA UNIVERSE ACCOUNT PASSWORD WITH ANYONE, FOR ANY REASON!

LOG-IN SECURITY
When logging in to your Entropia Universe account on the web, always be certain that you are doing so from the official www.entropiauniverse.com domain, or from one of the official Planet Partner domains listed below.
  • planetcalypso.com
  • rocktropia.com
  • nextisland.com
  • planetarkadia.com
  • planetcyrene.com

NEVER attempt to log in to your Entropia Universe account from any other web site or domain, or you may risk becoming a victim of account phishing, which will allow dishonest individuals to record your log-in credentials and gain unauthorized access to your account.

Most modern web browsers include a feature which highlights in bold the actual domain being visited in the address bar. This feature helps users see more clearly which domain they are currently visiting and thereby avoid phishing sites. It is a good idea to double-check the browser address bar before entering your Entropia Universe log-in information on any web site, to be sure that you are submitting your credentials to one of the official domains listed above.

GOLD CARD SECURITY
MindArk offers participants a very powerful security system for protecting their Entropia Universe accounts- the Gold Card Security System.

Without question, the Gold Card Security System is the most reliable way of protecting your valuable Entropia Universe account.

MindArk strongly urges all participants to use the Gold Card Security System, and even offers free Gold Cards to all participants who deposit 5000 PED or more.

COMPUTER SECURITY
Be sure to have an updated anti-virus program installed on the computer that you use to access Entropia Universe. Doing so will help protect your account details and log-in credentials from being recorded by keyloggers and other malicious programs that can compromise the security of your Entropia Universe account.

Avoid logging in to your Entropia Universe account from public computers or from public networks, especially if your account does not make use of the Gold Card Security System.

Mo's Mining Musings Episode 25 More HELL!


Mindark partners with project Whitecard Studios

MINDARK PARTNERS WITH PROJECT WHITECARD STUDIOS

Developer of the NASA-Themed MMO to help bring Entropia Universe to Tablets

Gothenburg, Sweden – August 14th, 2012 /MindArk/ – MindArk, the developer of the largest real cash economy Massively Multiplayer Online Game, announced today it is working with Project Whitecard, Inc. to develop a new client that can deliver their MMO projects on virtually any browser  and mobile  based  platform.   This new technology will allow users to play from virtually anywhere they have a connection.
“By working together with Project Whitecard Studios we will have the ability to bring our fans a new way to stay connected with Entropia Universe,” said David Simmonds, CEO of MindArk.
Founded in 2008 by CEO Khal Shariff, Project Whitecard Inc. is an award-winning company currently developing the NASA-themed MMO, code-named “Starlite.” The official massively multiplayer world developed in conjunction with NASA will deliver exciting adventures in the year 2035 with accurate science, technology, engineering and mathematics content while players vie to be the best and brightest Astronauts.
“It became clear that Project Whitecard Studios and MindArk have many of the same goals and passions, and primarily, we want to deliver the best possible solution to our collective customer base, one that gives them freedom and one that allows us to fully express our creative visions. I am very excited to be working within such an incredible alliance. I also feel this collaboration gives us the best option to set a new standard for multiplayer engagement, and let’s face it, modeling the possible futures of space travel, and sharpening minds: that’s simply the coolest, isn’t it?” says Khal Shariff, CEO of Project Whitecard Studios Inc.
MindArk is the developer and publisher of  Entropia Universe, the largest real economy Massively Multiplayer Online Game in the world. Players have no monthly costs, but deposit and withdraw real funds for their adventures on any planet in the Entropia Universe. For more information on Entropia Universe or to download the free game please visit www.entropiauniverse.com.

About Project Whitecard Studios
Project Whitecard Studios Inc. Is an award-winning technical company specializing in serious games and digital  training. From its inception, Project Whitecard has worked with luminaries such as the Canadian Space Agency, delivering an award winning educational game to over 1 million students. Project Whitecard Studios and CET Wheeling Jesuit University are the recipients of a Mozilla/HASTAC/MacArthur Foundation award to create a digital badge solution with NASA-themed content,  and  a  series of  digital activities starting with  the Curiosity Rover landing are available http://www.starlitebadges.com .
For more information on Project Whitecard and the NASA-themed MMO Game, please visit http://www.projectwhitecard.com |  http://ipp.gsfc.nasa.gov/mmo/

About MindArk
MindArk is the developer and publisher of Entropia Universe, a game space that encompasses multiple planet partners each with their own unique setting and gameplay style. As the largest real economy Massively Multiplayer Online Game in the world Entropia Universe offers players the ability to participate in a unique virtual world where they have no monthly costs. Its innovative real money economy uses a virtual currency which has a fixed exchange rate with the US dollar. This allows players to deposit and withdraw real funds for their adventures on any virtual planet or in the real world. Planet Calypso uses a state of the art graphics engine to deliver the highest quality visuals in an MMO today.

Friday, August 10, 2012

Diablo 3 hacked again

Blizzard got hacked again so I am reposting their message in case they delete it soon. Soon by Blizzard :)

"Players and Friends,

Even when you are in the business of fun, not every week ends up being fun. This week, our security team found an unauthorized and illegal access into our internal network here at Blizzard. We quickly took steps to close off this access and began working with law enforcement and security experts to investigate what happened.

At this time, we’ve found no evidence that financial information such as credit cards, billing addresses, or real names were compromised. Our investigation is ongoing, but so far nothing suggests that these pieces of information have been accessed.

Some data was illegally accessed, including a list of email addresses for global Battle.net users, outside of China. For players on North American servers (which generally includes players from North America, Latin America, Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia) the answer to the personal security question, and information relating to Mobile and Dial-In Authenticators were also accessed. Based on what we currently know, this information alone is NOT enough for anyone to gain access to Battle.net accounts.

We also know that cryptographically scrambled versions of Battle.net passwords (not actual passwords) for players on North American servers were taken. We use Secure Remote Password protocol (SRP) to protect these passwords, which is designed to make it extremely difficult to extract the actual password, and also means that each password would have to be deciphered individually. As a precaution, however, we recommend that players on North American servers change their password. Please click this link to change your password. Moreover, if you have used the same or similar passwords for other purposes, you may want to consider changing those passwords as well.

In the coming days, we'll be prompting players on North American servers to change their secret questions and answers through an automated process. Additionally, we'll prompt mobile authenticator users to update their authenticator software. As a reminder, phishing emails will ask you for password or login information. Blizzard Entertainment emails will never ask for your password. We deeply regret the inconvenience to all of you and understand you may have questions. Please find additional information here.

We take the security of your personal information very seriously, and we are truly sorry that this has happened.

Sincerely,
Mike Morhaime"

Facebook's first real-cash gambling app launched

A real-money gambling app has been launched on Facebook - the social network's first.

Developed by London-based online gambling operator Gamesys, the Bingo Friendzy app allows users aged 18 and over to play games for cash prizes.

Facebook said only its UK members would be able to view the app.

The website's largest gaming partner, Zynga, said it also planned to introduce real-money gambling versions of its games next year.

A Facebook spokeswoman stressed Bingo Friendzy was not a joint venture, saying the game had been developed entirely by Gamesys.

"Real money gaming is a popular and well-regulated activity in the UK, and we are allowing a partner to offer their games to adult users on the Facebook platform in a safe and controlled manner," she told the BBC.

Facebook intends to use age-gating technology to ensure under-18s and "vulnerable people" are unable to access the app.

The social network typically takes a 30% cut of transactions on its network, but would not confirm if that was the case with this title, saying it was "commercially sensitive information".Spending limits

Gamesys, one of the largest UK online gambling companies, operates the Sun Bingo and Heart Bingo, as well as the UK's leading bingo-and-slots website Jackpotjoy.com.

In its press release, the company said users would have access to self-help tools to reduce the risk of gambling addiction, including the ability to set spending limits.

Facebook said the decision to launch a real-cash gambling app in the UK had been motivated by "a mature and very well-regulated gambling market".

Gamesys' gambling activities are licensed and regulated by the government of Gibraltar, allowing it to offer titles in the UK.

In the United States the situation with real-money online gambling is more complicated - the law currently forbids banks and others offering payment processing services to betting services targeted at US citizens.

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

Hunting With PigBenis - Planet Cyrene SkyShatter Robot

PigBenisHateraid just uploaded his next awesome video on YouTube. He misspelled the name of the mob -
SkyShaker Robot instead of SkyShatter Robot, but the video is good as always :)


Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Neverdie advertising Planet Arkadia

Just for fun. Google adsense is showing me advertisement of Planet Arkadia on the site of Neverdie/Planet Rocktropia :)