Wednesday, July 30, 2008

EVE Online Login Adverts


For over a year now (maybe more), I've been taking screenshots every time there's an advert on the EVE Online login screen. Since these can only be seen once, I wanted to keep track of each and be able to look at them some time in the future.

So far I've captured 17 of these and I've put them in a separate set on my Flickr account. There are some really great ads in there.

What do you think?

Tuesday, July 29, 2008

EVE Online Postcard for the week of July 29th, 2008


Ships and stations got pimped during the Trinity patch, when EVE's graphical engine Trinity, got its upgrade to Version 2. I can't wait for the next patch which will bring planets, moons, backdrops and the likes to the same level as today's ships and station. Until then, we'll just have to live with imbalanced visuals.

/me stops whining now!

Monday, July 28, 2008

EVE Online Speedlinking for July 28th, 2008



Well, to say that the last week was a little busy would be like saying that Amarrians have only a small ego problem.Talk about a bonanza of news and posts!

First off some big news from CCP:
In other news:

Friday, July 25, 2008

EVE Online Video: Inside CCP during Empyrean Age deployment


CCP just released a time lapse video of what it looks like inside the QA Department when a patch is released. In this case the patch was Empyrean Age.

The video is available on the Facebook EVE Online group. If you're on Facebook, the you've got to join that group. If you're not, then hurry-up and register like the rest of the 90 million of us, and join the EVE group - and while you're at it, there's also an EON group you'll need to join!

P.S.: Can anyone tell me who the dude with the white t-shirt is?

[EDIT] "...the clown in the white t-shirt is CCP Luzvel." CCP Hypnotic

Thursday, July 24, 2008

The EVE Online Blog Pack Expands



Over the last several days, a good number of bloggers were added to the EVE Blog pack (Mynxee, Vestik, Karox, to name a few). So many actually, that I felt I needed to remind you to revisit the list.

I also wanted to provide you with the pack feed link so that you may subscribe to it and never have to worry about having to add new blog pack members manually. I've all taken care of this.

All you have to do is add this link to your feed reader of choice, in my case Google Reader, and voila! I'll make sure that each new member get added to that list, so you'll always have the latest list.

Ain't I a darling!!

Now get going, you've got lots to read!!

Wednesday, July 23, 2008

Out of Eden: Another great Gears of War Trailer



The guys at Epic really know how to make great trailers, and this Gears of War 2 video is the latest example of this. When I think back, one of the original trailers for the first GoW game was also amazing. If you've got time, make sure to watch the HD version. Really amazing details and great lighting effects.

/me feeling trigger happy!

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

10 things every EVE Online player should know


EVE Online veterans are all aware that it's not the easiest MMORPG to jump into and that it's got a steep learning curve, with a hardcore player following. So I've put together another list to help players understand the nature of EVE, before they set out to make a living in New Eden. A kind of reality check if you will.
  1. The only place where you're safe in EVE is either docked or offline, otherwise you're mostly fair game.
  2. You will eventually get podded. It's nothing personal.
  3. So make sure your clone is up to date
  4. At any given time, make sure you're always training a skill.
  5. EVE is like a sandbox with landmines. Deal with it.
  6. You're flying in a cocoon full of liquid, known as a pod. Not behind the controls of a ship.
  7. Flying a ship anywhere in EVE is like gambling, only fly what you're willing to lose.
  8. CONCORD exists to punish, not to protect.
  9. If you're going to be in a low sec system for a while, create 2 or more safe spots, just in case.
  10. Pirates are not griefers, they're as much a part of EVE as you are.
So there you have it. If you're looking for a more extensive list, make sure to visit the "Tips and Advice" page that CCP has put together. They've got more tips and advice and provide additional details.

Fly safe, or die trying!

[Update: March 16th, 2010 - updated "Tips and Advice" link following @dianalynnETC tweet]

Monday, July 21, 2008

Superb EVE Online background

For those of you like me who enjoy updating their desktop background with new EVE images, I've got a link to a superb image created by fellow EVE capsuleer Ivan Tesla.


He's put together a number of different sizes, so you'll be able to use the one right for your specific resolution. Great work Ivan. Looking forward to more!

EVE Online Speedlinking for July 20th, 2008


Some interesting news over the past week.

This past week's article(s) of choice is
  • The Epic Journey, by Spectre, is a brilliant 3-part series on his quest to prove he's got what it takes to go at it alone. Read Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3.
Here's the rest of the news items:
Fly Safe and have a great week!

WDA: Industry #7 is out!

Well, just as I was about to hit the sack, I dropped by VirginWorlds' Podcast Collective and low and behold, WDA: Industry Episode #7 had just been published.

I've barely started listening to the episode, so I can't really comment on it. What I have heard so far is that the guys are going to go on a monthly schedule. This being episode 7, that means episode 8 will be published sometime in August, episode 9 in September, and so forth.

OK, so now I'm off to bed, but I'll be sipping my coffee listening to the show first thing in the morning!

EVE Forums link
VirginWorlds link
iTunes link
EVE-Files link

Thanks for answering my prayers guys!

Sunday, July 20, 2008

Titan Weekly: A new EVE Online podcast












There's a new EVE podcast on the block folks, and it's called Titan Weekly!

I first heard about Titan Weekly late last week, when I came across a comment made by fellow Drone Bay co-host Crovan. This was then followed by Urban Mongral who mentioned the show on the last WDA podcast.

Fellow EVE player Malnor Zerchan just published his 3rd podcast earlier today, and though the show is still very wet behind the ears, you can definitely see that the quality of the show has improved in the short time since the first episode aired, two weeks ago.

The shows are compact (Ep. #3 is just under 15min) as Malnor jumps quickly into the core of the subject, without any unnecessary fluff. The purpose of the show is to provide you with a ONE STOP location to get all the major news going on in the EVE Universe, in a small 15 to 20 minute podcast, that you can listen to at work, or on your way to work, and just sitting at home, as Malnor tells us.

I certainly look forward to the next podcast and wish him all the best!

The first 3podcasts can be found here:
Make sure to give him some feedback while you're there!

Friday, July 18, 2008

EVE Online Postcard for the week of July 18th, 2008


With Empyrean Age a month old, we're now seeing more PvP combat then we're used to. This shot, which I took earlier today, shows the ships destroyed in the last 24hours. As one can see, there a lot happening in and around Empire space.

And this is despite the fact that FW combat seems to have wined down a bit from its peak in the first week after release. If anyone has got a screenshot of the kills during that time, I'd live to post it here.

Warp Drive Active #40 is out!

Looks like our two favorite loonies over at Warp Drive Active are at it again. Their fortieth episode was released earlier this week and they haven't lost their touch despite the prolonged hiatus.

EVE Forums link
VirginWorlds link
iTunes link
EVE-Files link


They were also kind enough to mention our EVE Blog Pack. Thanks for the pimp guys!

Now it's up the Benilopax and Lavista Vista to get us WDA:Industry's next episode!

Treenara - 43,900,157 Skill Points and Counting








After almost 4 years of (on and off) training, I'll be passing the 44 million skill points mark in a couple of days. I've been wanting to share my skill make-up with you for a few weeks now, ever since I crossed the 40M mark. With The Ancient Gaming Noob sharing his main character's profile with us a few weeks back, I thought I'd do the same today.

I'm also curious to get your feedback, both form the fellow Carebears and from the PvPers out there.

The skill points distributional is as follows:
  • Corporation Management................................ 15,072
  • Drones............................................................. 6,479,812
  • Electronics...................................................... 1,224,423
  • Engineering.................................................... 991,518
  • Gunnery......................................................... 11,213,690
  • Industry......................................................... 1,844,243
  • Learning......................................................... 2,289,229
  • Mechanic........................................................ 1,025,188
  • Missile Launcher Operation.............................. 2,482,594
  • Navigation....................................................... 2,276,549
  • Science........................................................... 1,304,750
  • Social.............................................................. 1,387,594
  • Spaceship Command......................................... 7,526,271
  • Trade............................................................... 3,840,000
As you can see Gunnery, Spaceship Command and Drones are where I've concentrated most of my training - which is explained by the fact that I do a lot of missions and enjoy the PvE aspect of EVE. It also hides my desire to go Pew Pew, which still needs to be fulfilled.

In all, I have 119 skills, 63 of which are trained to level 5. I'm currently training Negotiation to level 5 also, which should be done in just over 5 days (EVEMon tells me it'll be done on the 23rd). Using both EVEMon and the PPL Skill Qualification templates, I've got a short list of skills to train in the next few weeks. Getting ever closer to the 50 million mark.

So, how have you trained your character(s)? Do you use EVEMon? Or do you simply training what you need, to be able to fly the ships and use the modules you want? What's your plan?

Thursday, July 17, 2008

The Drone Bay: Episode 14 - It's live! It's liiiiive!











Virgin Worlds Link
EVE Forum Link (please bump!)

Show notes:

Episode 14 is here, and was recorded in front of a live audience!


Bring on the Drones:


In the weekly update, Al and Crovan have both joined The Dead Parrot Shoppe Inc. [FOOM], and are knee-deep in FW goodness. CK has been hauling his afterburners off.

In DON'T PANIC, the crew discusses how to come back after a hiatus, much in the way that Crovan is doing.

This week's listener feedback section features mp3s submitted from our viewers.

Also, some big news from Al and Crovan...and how they have let their WoW accounts lapse.

Make sure to check out the in-game channel "The Drone Bay" (no quotes) to talk to other listeners, as well as the hosts! News on the latest show, the plans for the next show, and info on how to listen live is available, there.


Contact Info:

GAX Online Group: The Drone Bay

E-Mail:
dronebay[at]gmail.com (comments/questions for everyone)
crovan[at]eve-mail.net
crazykinux[at]gmail.com
alsedrech[at]gmail.com

Skype: Dronebay

Blogs:
Bitter Old Noob (Crovan)
CrazyKinux's Musing
The Littlest Drone (Alsedrech)

Wednesday, July 16, 2008

EVE Faction Warfare Statistics



For those of you interested in keeping up with the latest kill news on Factional Warfare, the Interstellar Correspondents (part of the ISD) have created a truly great little site with tons of statistics: The IC - Faction Warfare Statistics.

You get to see how many pilots are registered with each faction which is (as of yesterday July 15th) 7,339 Caldari, 5,209 Gallente, 5,142 Minmatar and 3,509 Amarr. You can see the daily kill statistics per faction, per member, over the last 7 days, last 30 days and since the beginning. Looking at these stats we can see that things are dying down a bit after almost a month of fighting. It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next 30 days.

Another neat features is the possibility to see and search by pilot and by corporation. So you can see where you corpmates stand. I'll keep an eye on what Crovan and Alsedrech are doing!!

Enjoy!

Tuesday, July 15, 2008

EON #012 - Table of Content

EON Issue 011The unbearable wait ended yesterday afternoon when I received my copy of EON issue #12 in which I wrote the cover article "Mining Evolved". It's without a doubt the lengthiest article/post/feature I've ever written on EVE, and was a lot more work than I had anticipated.

I feel as though I'm walking with giants in this issue, with the likes of Nate Combs (TerranTus Novallum), Zapatero, Sivona and Benilopax having penned articles. Hopefully, I haven't made a fool of myself, and my humble efforts will give me the opportunity to repeat the experience.

/crosses his fingers...





As a side note, if you're interested in reading one other player's perspective on the current state of Mining in EVE, I highly recommend that you read Nyphur's article over at Massively.com entitled "EVE Evolved: Mining, the forgotten profession".

Table of Content - EON 012

  • Page 6 --- E-ON Upfront (News)
  • 18 ---- Postcards from the Edge (Screen shots)
  • 22 ---- First Pilot's Club - Part 2
  • 27 ---- In Character: Oresome
  • 28 ---- Alliance Profile: Goonswarm
  • 30 ---- One Alliance to Rule Them All - Part 2
  • 36 ---- In Crowd: David Arnar Runolfsson
  • 39 ---- In Character: Curzon Dax
  • 40 ---- Cover Feature: Mining Evolved <-- My article!!
  • 46 ---- Alliance Profile: Evoke
  • 48 ---- Staying Underground - The Eur Story
  • 50 ---- In Character: DHB Wildcat
  • 52 ---- Testflight: Heavy Interdictors (Broadsword, Phobos, Devoter, Onyx)
  • 60 ---- In Crowd: Halldor Fannar Gudjonsson
  • 62 ---- Alliance Profile: Intrepid Crossing
  • 64 ---- Insider's Guide: Lag
  • 68 ---- Insider's Guide: Fiction Writing
  • 76 ---- Insider's Guide: Forums
  • 80 ---- EVE Directory
  • 82 ---- Teh Funnies (EVE Humour)
All in all, this issue is again packed with a ton of great info, sites, guides and stories that I always find interesting. I can not wait for the next issue! It'll be all about Ambulation.

/me starts to drool...

An Exploration Tutorial Video

This is a full blown steal from Morphisat's post, but I had to add it to my videos and guides. Please visit his blog and shower him with comments to make up for my rip-off. I owe you one mate!



[EDIT: There's a better quality version available for download here. Thanks!]

Monday, July 14, 2008

EVE Online Speedlinking for July 14th, 2008


Now that I'm going to fanfest this November, I keep checking the countdown ticker on the EVE Fanfest page - less than 115 days till the event! It's driving my wife crazy. =)

Let's get right into our speedlinking list, because the last week was very busy with lots of great posts and articles to read. Here we go:
Fly safely, or die trying!

Saturday, July 12, 2008

The Drone Bay: Episode 13 - Back With a Vengeance











Virgin Worlds Link
EVE Forum Link (please bump!)

Show notes:

Episode 13 is here, and the whole gang is back!


Bring on the Drones:

In the recap and update, Crovan gets into Factional Warfare and the guys share a bit about their in and out of game lives over the gap.

This week's Don't Panic covers tanking. Those who heard Crovan's feature on Warp Drive Active a few months back will probably remember a similar feature on that show. It was chosen this week in the continuing theme of getting new players and converted carebears ready for PvP, as well as refreshing the old-timers.

Lots of mail this week, including quite a few asking if the show still existed. We do, we promise!

In out of game discussion, Age of Conan comes up for what is likely the last time, as none of the gang are playing it any more. Find out why!

We're renewing our call for mp3s. Audacity is a free, open source program that is great for recording and editing. In fact, it's what we use for the show! Also, our Skype voicemail should be working. Please tell us if you try it and it doesn't work, or if you leave a message, period!

Contact Info:

GAX Online Group: The Drone Bay

E-Mail:
dronebay[at]gmail.com (comments/questions for everyone)
crovan[at]eve-mail.net
crazykinux[at]gmail.com
alsedrech[at]gmail.com

Skype: Dronebay

Blogs:
Bitter Old Noob (Crovan)
CrazyKinux's Musing
The Littlest Drone (Alsedrech)

Friday, July 11, 2008

EVE Online working on an iPhone 3G...


... is probably the only thing that would get me to buy the latest Apple iPhone. Then again, I'd have a hell of a time convincing my better-half that I have to pay more than $4,500 over the next 3 years for it.

I really wanted to get one, and since I'm currently without a mobile handset (having returned my Blackberry to my previous employer), the new iPhone's release was perfect timing. Or so I thought. Once I had checked the pricing offered by Rogers Communications - the only Canadian telco to offer the iPhone - my enthusiasm went out the door.

The Canadian wireless market is a joke when it comes to rates and service offered. Operator have higher service rates for less services than anywhere else in the industrial world. It's pathetic.

So no iPhone for me then. I'll just have to stick with my iPod Touch I guess.

Finding Agents and increasing your Standings in EVE


Finding good agents is an activity which is at the core of the EVE Online PvE game play. And since you need a standing of 0.5 to join your faction of choice and participate in Factional Warfare, I thought it would be a good idea to provide a list of resources that are helpful in finding the best agents.

Whether it's to increase your standing, or to get better loot and rewards, finding the best agents maybe something that's a bit of a mystery to new players. Here below I've listed 4 great resources to help you do just that.
Sites to quickly find Agents:
The EvE Cast video tutorial is also available on YouTube for those who don't mind the low quality. I do recommend that you download the original which is of better quality and thus easier to follow - your choice though. Here it is below.


As for increasing you agents "effective" standing (not the faction though), make sure that you've trained the following 3 skills to level 5 for the best results: Connections, Negotiation and Social. You'll see a dramatic increase. There are plenty more Social skills to train, but with these you're off to a good start!

Thursday, July 10, 2008

See you at the Top of the World!



Well it's done! In less than 120 days I'll be flying to Iceland for the 5th EVE Online Fanfest! Earlier this week I booked my flights and hotel. The only thing that's missing right now is the actual Fanfest pass, which isn't yet available for purchase on the EVE Store.

So I'll be staying at the Grand Hotel Reykjavik for 4 nights, arriving on the morning of Nov. 5th and leaving on the evening of the 9th. If you're also staying there, drop me a comment and we'll try to get together for a beer or something. I chose the Grand based on the fact that it's close to where the event will be held, though I later learned that it was far from the downtown nightlife. Oh well, I'm sure I'll find a few guys (and gals) to share a cab with.

After talking with my wife about it, we decided that I should go by myself this year. Maybe she'll join me next year and enjoy the Sisters of EVE Program. For this first time though, I'll be on my own!

If you're curious to see what the 2007 edition of the event was like, head over to Winterblink's photo set and get small taste. Or read about it in EON issue #10.

As for myself, I just can't wait to get there!

EON Issue #012 should be here any day now!

The latest issue of EON magazine shipped out of the UK on July 4th, last Friday. So it should be here any day now. I think I've checked the mailbox at least 3 times a day since Tuesday. This is a special issue for me.

You see, yours truly, has penned the cover article for the issue. With some great editorial help from Zapatero, I've written the article on the history of Mining. So I'm a little anxious to see the final results.

Hopefully it'll come out not too bad. I guess you'll be the judge of that!Here's what to expect in this next issue:
LET'S ROCK Mining is a profession that has been cruelly overlooked by E-ON, and in-game miners have been looked upon with disdain by a great many. CCP itself admits it's a part of EVE that's been left to its own devices for a touch too long. In the face of such wanton ignominy, this issue we give some love back to the grime-faced mineral extraction technicians of New Eden by looking at how mining has changed, what the profession means to EVE in general and hint at what changes lie ahead.

HUGE FREE POSTER OF THE UNIVERSE
Two years ago we gave away a free poster featuring a map of New Eden and an update has been long overdue. This issue we're proud to be able to give away to our subscribers a new, even bigger version. At A1-size (841 x 594mm) it will include notice of outposts, security information, jump lines and Faction Warfare regions, system and region jump lines and of course region names. It certainly won't have the same kind of depth as the new EVE Strategic Maps book, but will certainly be complimentary to it, and will look very cool on any wall regardless. Remember, it's for subscribers only.

COUNCIL MEETING
With the freshly-interred members of the Council of Stellar Management having returned from their first meeting with CCP, as well as reporting on what transpired, we ask whether what went on was just a bit of a chat or the beginning of a revolution for virtual worlds.

THREE INSIDER GUIDES
In a slight departure from normal gameplay guides, in this issue we bring you a look behind the EVE forums, an idiot-friendly guide to lag and a massive how-to on writing EVE-themed fiction.

PLUS
Profiles on Intrepid Crossing, Goonswarm and Ev0ke | Heavy Interdictors undocked | Interviews with GM Wyrm and prepH | Curzon Dax and DHB WildCat? tell us their histories | ...and lots of other stuff
Maybe it'll be in the mail tomorrow. Or else it's going to be a long wait until next Monday!

Monday, July 07, 2008

EVE Online Speedlinking for July 7th, 2008


Ah, the pleasures of summer. Those hot, humid and sunny days. The same pleasures that keep you away from the PC or console, and tempt you back out just when you've managed to find time to check your emails. These are those kinds of days!

Nevertheless, I've managed to find some time late at night to squeeze in a few gaming sessions. If you had witnessed and suffered through the winter we just had (so much snow!!) you'd understand why I'm enjoying being out as much as I am. You'd pardon my absence of the last few days and would know that I'm still here, roaming the EVE Blogosphere!

And, just so you know, Episode 13th of The Drone Bay was recorded last week and should be out within the next few days. With last Friday being July 4th, its publication got delayed. We're here to stay people, even if the road got bumpy the last few weeks!

So without further ado, here the new that's caught my attention over the last few days.

Fly Safe!