Author Archives: gstaff

Skyrim Roundup

In addition to our 1.5 update on Steam, here’s some notable Skyrim news from around the web.

The Christian Science Monitor recently visited Bethesda Game Studios to learn more about why people play videogames. The feature is worth a read for any gamer, and perfect to share with that family member that doesn’t understand your favorite past time. Here’s a quick excerpt:

“I was a latchkey kid,” remembers production director Ashley Cheng, 38. “When my grandmother came home, she’d feel the TV. If it was warm, that meant I was playing games – instead of practicing piano.”

In addition to Ashley, the article includes insights from Todd Howard, Matt Carafano, and Bruce Nesmith. Read the entire eight page feature here.

More stories from around the web…

Finally, in the player above, watch wrenthereaper’s Skyrim-inspired short (no pun intended) on IGN’s YouTube channel.

Skyrim 1.5 Available on Steam (Updated)

Update 3/26: Today we’ve released a new Skyrim beta update, version 1.5.26, that introduces the following fixes:

BUG FIXES

  • Fixed issue with frequency of first person kill cameras
  • Underwater effects now display properly
  • Fixed crash when loading certain plugins
  • Fixed issue where sun would not appear properly after fast travel

Original Post: Released last week as a Beta, Skyrim’s 1.5 update is now available to all users on Steam. Those playing on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 can expect the update soon, as we’re submitting the update to console manufacturers this week.

UPDATE 1.5 (all platforms unless noted)

NEW FEATURES

  • New cinematic kill cameras for projectile weapons and spells
  • New kill moves and animations for melee weapons
  • Shadows on grass available (PC)
  • Smithing skill increases now factor in the created item’s value
  • Improved visual transition when going underwater
  • Improved distance LOD transition for snowy landscapes

BUG FIXES

  • General crash fixes and memory optimizations
  • Fixed issue with Deflect Arrows perk not calculating properly
  • In “A Cornered Rat,” the death of certain NPCs no longer blocks progression
  • Fixed issue where Farkas would not give Companion’s quests properly
  • Fixed crash when loading saves that rely on data that is no longer being loaded
  • Followers sneak properly when player is sneaking
  • Fixed issue with weapon racks not working properly in Proudspire Manor
  • Arrows and other projectiles that were stuck in objects in the world now clean up properly
  • Fixed issue where “Rescue Mission” was preventing “Taking Care of Business” from starting properly
  • Fixed issue where certain NPCs would fail to become Thieves Guild fences
  • Fixed issue in “Diplomatic Immunity” where killing all the guards in the Thalmor Embassy before starting the quest would break progress
  • In “Hard Answers,” picking up the dwarven museum key after completing the quest, no longer restarts the quest
  • Killing Viola before or after “Blood on the Ice” no longer blocks progression
  • Fixed issue where Calixto would fail to die properly in “Blood on the Ice”
  • In “Waking Nightmare” fixed occasional issue where Erandur would stop pathing properly
  • Fixed issue where letters and notes with random encounters would appear blank
  • Fixed rare issue where dialogue and shouts would improperly play
  • Lydia will now offer marriage option after player purchases Breezehome in Whiterun
  • Fixed issue where if player manually mined ore in Cidhna Mine, jail time would not be served
  • Fixed rare issue with skills not increasing properly
  • Fixed issue where the Headsman’s Axe did not gain proper buff from Barbarian perk
  • In “A Night to Remember” it is no longer possible to kill Ysolda, Ennis or Senna before starting the quest
  • Fixed issue with the ebony dagger having a weapon speed that was too slow
  • Fixed issue with “The Wolf Queen Awakened” where backing out of a conversation with Styrr too soon would block progress
  • The third level of the Limbsplitter perk now properly improves all battle axes
  • Fixed a rare issue where Sanguine Rose would not work properly
  • In “Tending the Flames” King Olaf’s Verse will no longer disappear from explosions

 

Dishonored: Screenshots, Concept Art, and New Features

Following last week’s Dishonored coverage, we’ve added new screenshots and concept art to the game’s official Facebook page and Flickr collection.

For more on the game, tune into X-Play tonight at 6:30 ET. During the show, you’ll be able to catch in-game footage from the game, as Morgan Webb interviews the game’s creative directors, Harvey Smith and Raphael Colantonio.

Elsewhere, Gamespot has a new Dishonored video featuring visual design direction Viktor Antonov, art director Sebastien Mitton, and lead level designer Christophe Carrier. Watch it below.

That’s everything for now. As new details on Dishonored surface, we’ll keep you updated.

‘The Art of Videogames’ Exhibit Opens in DC

Yesterday the highly-anticipated exhibit, The Art of Videogames, opened at The Smithsonian’s American Art Museum. The exhibit features games like the original Fallout, Fallout 3, and id Software’s DOOM II on display — all voted in by members of the community.

If you’re planning on visiting Washington, DC between now and September 30th, you should definitely check out the exhibit. With the Cherry Blossoms near full bloom, I’ll soon be heading down to the National Mall to check it out and take some pics.

Now on Steam: 1.5 Beta Update featuring new kill cameras

From the memes to the mods to the amazing stories that continue to be told, we’ve been blown away by the continued community support for Skyrim. All of it has driven us to make the game even better, and we’re excited to start sharing news on upcoming features and content.

It all starts with our upcoming 1.5 title update – available now as a Beta Update on Steam and arriving soon for Xbox 360 and PS3. In the release notes below, you’ll notice we’ve not only made fixes to the game, but also introduced some new features. One of our favorite additions are the new kill cameras for ranged and magic attacks. Watch the video above for a sneak peek.

Look familiar? The new kill cams were featured as a concept in the Game Jam sizzle shown during Todd Howard’s DICE keynote. We plan on adding even more features with upcoming free updates and game add-on content.

After the break, read the current release notes for 1.5, as well as information on how you can grab the beta update on Steam.

Continue reading full article ›

Roundup: Mods and Mayhem

Gamespot continues turns to the Dark Side with their latest Skyrim update. Featured (and unbelievably sweet) mods include:

Haven’t started using the Creation Kit? Eurogamer put together an article on getting started. Check it out here, and don’t forget to check out www.CreationKit.com for more.

In other news, both Bethesda Game Studios and id Software have advanced to Round 2 of The Escapist’s March Mayhem Developer Showdown. Show your support as id takes on Nintendo, while  BGS challenges Hal Laboratory.

Dishonored coverage hits worldwide

Gaming press from around the globe recently visited Arkane Studios’ Lyon office for a new look at Dishonored. Check exclusive in-game footage at Gamespot — featuring commentary from the game’s co-creative directors, Raphael Colantonio and Harvey Smith. And for our worldwide audience, get additional info at these sites.

Stay tuned for more on the game, and if you’re looking for more content, don’t forget to check out Game Informer’s cover story hub from last year.

March Mayhem Round 1

Round 1 voting for The Escapist’s March Mayhem Developers Showdown is underway. You can support your favorite developers — including Bethesda Game Studios and id Software — and also have a chance to win an Origin PC or other great prizes.

Current pairings pit id Software vs. Sony Online Entertainment, while Bethesda Game Studios goes up against Level-5 Inc. As much as we’d love to see John Carmack and Todd Howard playing hoops, the winner will be determined by your votes.

Register at The Escapist and Vote!

Tonight on Gamespot: Catch the Game Developers Choice Awards (Update)

Update: At tonight’s award show, Bethesda Game Studios won the night’s final award, Game of the Year! Congrats to the whole team!

To watch an Encore presentation of the awards, visit Gamespot. And for pictures from the event, visit the GDCA Flickr page.

Original Post: This year’s Game Developers Conference is underway in San Francisco. Last night BGS level designer Joel Burgess discussed Skyrim in a panel titled Pursuing Elegance, and tonight, the 12th Annual Game Developers Choice Awards will be announced.

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is nominated for five awards in tonight’s ceremony, including Game of the Year, Best Game Design, Best Technology, Best Visual Arts, and Best Audio. If you’re interested in cheering the game along, you can watch Gamespot’s livestream beginning at 6:30 PM PST.

On the subject of awards, you can still vote for Skyrim in the BAFTA GAME GOTY award category. BAFTA winners will be announce next Friday.