Let’s cut to the chase, i’m not interested in writing hair raising articles on racial topics and nationality issues, but I am interested in alerting an undetected virus well known to people that don’t know what to make of it. We all know that where ever you go ignorance is inevitable and little can be done to help, although many are willing to try. This situation here is slightly different. I’m starting to believe that I am seeing the same characters over and over again, only with different names under different game titles.

In titles like Prototype, inFamous, Splinter Cell, Assassin’s Creed, Alan Wake, Alpha Protocol, Cipher Complex, Borderlands… (I could go on), I see the same thing over and over again with different hair styles. A white guy! There, I said it. As a black United States citizen, it’s a bit hard to identify with the particular characters in many of these games, and a crap ton of other titles alike. The character in Assassin’s Creed isn’t even supposed to BE white but he practically is. Well actually, Altaïr Ibn La-Ahad (the main character), was an inspired design from model Francisco Randez who is actually Spanish (coincidentally with very caucasian features).

Why would this be of concern to anyone? Could I be jealous? Maybe just a bit, I mean from the way things are, it comes in the territory! Maybe I can’t mirror much of myself into these characters as most others in this country can. Although I do have the choice not to get these games, if I acted upon that and only got games with black main characters, all I’d be left with is Blade, MGS, that zombie game no one buys, and The Crackdown. WOW! This article will explain the unintentionally formed extremist undertones of type casting – society’s fixed image of the main attraction we unwillingly know as the white hero. Bigotry and foul play in the industry? I think not… just not enough imagination.

As a huge video game enthusiast, writer, and soon to be employee I have many emotions about entering the industry. It is much easier to complain than it is to praise, yet without the necessary evil (that is complaining) the bad things wouldn’t be dealt with over time. I design game documents, character models, as well as write full stories and develop character personality traits. I don’t have trouble understanding majorities and minorities, being that i’m considered part of the latter. I have trouble understanding why it is that game developers continue dish out the same characters in every game. I guess ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’, but there’s a kink that everyone’s not seeing. I do!

It could be quite possible, which I believe, that game designers world-wide are all innocently putting out what they know best – which is pretty much everything they’ve seen working before them. Before a character can be relatable, they must first be identified. White directors casted white actors in truth to likeness of themselves, which is quite rationally understandable to the idea of a character being identifiable. The same has happened for most films that followed along, eventually creating a traditional formula of the generic character, or white male character. When the ladies got angry, they pushed for more self-reliant feminine characters that were sexy and intriguing, it worked. Latinos, blacks, and asians followed suit as more movies became colorful and ethnic. Black directors make the same judgment when creating characters with likeness to themselves for relatable reasons. It’s all quite understandable, but i’m not satisfied.

That same pattern happened in the comic book industry and it is happening now in video games. It is safer to create a character upon likeness to oneself, thus it is the easiest step to forming character traits that can be relatable to the ‘common audience’, otherwise known as the majority. Work with what you know: it’s the perfect formula to getting something done, especially if you’re white and the objective is selling to majority. For argument sake, even if it weren’t all about maximizing profit, where is the imagination? What I am asking here, would be like asking China to start casting more Spanish characters on their movie screens, or Puerto Rico to start casting more Australian Aborigines in their television soap operas. It is simply challenging the designers to create a story centered on an atypical character that can still be embraced and loved like the others. As a buyer I, along with many other aggravated spenders, have the right to voice these requests.

I don’t necessarily care to see more black characters than I do wish to see a more diverse imagination, although more black or asian protagonists would be nice. I challenge everyone to list 20 black characters in Marvel Comics without google searching it? How about in video games? How about ten, atleast 10, oriental heroes in Marvel Comics …in video games? Seriously!

As my bitching subsides, I will exit with a sinister laugh informing each of you that this isn’t the last you’ll see of my efforts to get more diversity into video games. You could join the sides of bigots, remain indifferent, or help me simply by acknowledging the truth. Only then will it be easier to sell my product to you when they’re on the shelves. Muahahahahahahahaaaaaa!

~Z

“Crafting will introduce some amazing and really powerful new equipment into the game, including items that span multiple schools of magic,” explains James Nance, Lead Designer of Wizard101. “Additionally, as Treasure Cards will be primarily created by crafting, it will encourage many Wizards to try their hand at crafting and trading cards with other players.”

The ability to craft items will add a whole new dimension to Wizard101. Players will have the opportunity to craft literally hundreds of new items, including hats, robes, staves, furniture and Treasure Cards. First, Wizards will obtain crafting tables for their houses or dorm rooms, and then collect the recipes and reagents, or ingredients, necessary to make the new items through exploration, shopping, or defeating enemies. There are five tiers of advancement for crafters, and any player may choose to become a crafter, although many recipes and ingredients will be found in areas accessible only to subscribers.

In addition to Grizzleheim and crafting, players may now visit the new Bazaar in Olde Town where they may buy items sold by other players and sell items in exchange for gold. Run by a shrewd but fair trader named Elik Silverfist, prices for each item will adjust depending on how many of that item he has on hand, but Wizards will always get the best deal by visiting Elik.

New updates to community features also include grouping in which up to four players may adventure together across zones and communicate via their own chat channel. If one party member initiates a duel, a place is reserved in that duel circle for each member in the party. This expansion will also introduce open chat, an option available only to players over age 18 with a validated credit card.

Popular with families who like to play together or connect over distance, Wizard101 was designed with the safety of young players in mind and is enjoyed by millions of players of all ages. It is rated E10+ by the ESRB. Anybody with a Windows based PC can play the Free-to-Play areas of the game for as long as they like. Premium content is available by subscription or microtransaction. Wizard101 gift cards can now be found at more than 13,000 retail outlets nationwide. Click here for further details.

Players will not only get a chance to hire the game’s new Specialists class, but also can also put them to work on the game’s latest map, Power Surge. This industrial pumping station is the game’s latest map and can be played in four different game modes, Elimination, One Man Army, Capture the Flag and Spy Hunt.

Specialists are a new form of mercenary, carefully selected and raised from birth to be the ultimate combination of strength, stealth, brilliance and skill. Two Specialists quickly established themselves as clear leaders of the group since the beginning of their training. Scorpion, named for his ability to survive in any situation, and Viper, named for her quick and fatal attacks, are available for players through the use of in-game GP or Nexon Cash.

Specialists have access to four special items, which are detailed here:

Claymore:
A defensive, anti-personnel land mine utilizing a wireless detonator, the Claymore projects tiny steel fragments in a fan-shaped pattern, devastating enemies with its terrific explosive power.

Satellite Scanner:
A military grade, portable scanner reveals the locations of hidden enemies. Scanned data is transmitted to teammates via satellite, giving fellow soldiers an edge over the enemy!

Medkit:
A military syringe developed by NEMEXIS that is injected directly into the bloodstream. The Medkit restores a set amount of HP. Because of its portability, it can come in handy in the middle of combat situations when it is impossible to call on a medic. The Medkit can only be used for recovering one’s own HP.

M32:
A 40mm semi-automatic, six-barreled weapon with a revolving magazine, this rapid-fire grenade launcher gives increased firepower to foot soldiers.

Soldiers looking for more information can head to http://combatarms.nexon.net for further details on the update.

“Mytheon is truly the first of its kind and we are excited to give people a sneak peek at this captivating ancient world,” said Peter Cesario, Director of New Business and Product Development. “The lore of ancient Greece is indeed unique to this variety of online gaming, and it is one of the many mythologies players will explore in game.This trailer gives fans a chance to see just a bit of what they can expect from Mytheon as it progresses.”

The action-packed trailer is pure in-game footage and showcases the unique and fascinating Greek mythology styled environment while giving players their first glimpse at some of the larger-than-life mythological creatures and gods in the game, including the mighty Poseidon. Players will get a glimpse inside the immersive mythological world with dynamic 3D renderings and lush fantasy settings such as Hades. The trailer also explores one of the game’s key gameplay elements, its “power stones”, which can be used to summon loyal minions, inflict destructive and devastating spells, battle colossal monsters and more.

“We’re pleased to finally take the lid off Mytheon and show everyone the incredible, fully realized 3D world that we’ve created for the game,” said Chuck Kroegel, CEO and General Manager of Petroglyph Games. “The trailer demonstrates the immense maps players can look forward to, along with the unique gameplay mechanic of casting Power Stones to summon and use incredibly detailed creatures, structures and spells. We look forward to releasing additional information on Mytheon in the coming months.”

Mytheon offers a unique game play experience that combines elements of strategy and action with an emphasis on collectability. Players will challenge legendary mythological gods by wielding powerful “Power Stones” that transform into spells, structures and creatures. Players can loot, forge, buy, sell and trade these stones among a thriving online community, then cast the stones during epic battles that play out in a visually stunning 3D mythological world.

For additional details on Mytheon and for continuous updates on the game, please visit: http://www.Mytheongame.com.

The swamp landscape with its branching channels lies in the northern part of the up until now known game world of Taborea. While fish-like creatures of a species known as ‘Tiktaalik’ make the marshes themselves unsafe, the temples found on the higher ground are populated by wild clans of trolls. Furthermore this is the first region where players will come across the Naga for the very first time. This saurian people are entwined in ancient secrets which players will slowly unravel as the second chapter progresses.

A village built in a pueblo-style lies at the heart of the zone and serves as a central contact point with merchants and quest givers. Around 200 new tasks in the ‘Weeping Coast’ will help adventurers to climb to level 52.

The opening up of the ‘Weeping Coast’ and with it, the start of the multi-stage launch of ‘The Elven Prophecy’ is scheduled for August this year. The climax of the official release will then happen one month later in September.

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A new trailer on the official Runes of Magic website offers a glimpse into the new territory: www.runesofmagic.com/en/videos,id58.html

The Metin2 special bonus events will take place over two weekends beginning June 27th through June 28th and again from July 4th through July 5th. Metin2 players who are online during these two weekends will receive 50% EXP, Gold Drop and Item Drop Rate.

“Two years is a great milestone for an online game and we are proud of Metin2 and its community for reaching this important anniversary,” said Howard He, Chief Executive Officer of G4BOX. “An anniversary is a time to celebrate so we are excited to offer the community these special bonuses and events. Happy Birthday Metin2!”

Metin2 players can find out more about the special events by visiting the Metin2 website at http://metin2.subagames.com/.

About Metin2

Metin2 is a Free To Play massively multi -player role-playing game for the PC.Metin2 features amazing 3D graphics, a unique dynamic fighting system a strong story line and a King mode where players can be elected king (giving their nation bonuses on the battle field) and much, much more.

‘Metin’ are unknown meteors that started falling from the sky many years ago, changing the lives, land, wildlife and the people on the planet. Players of Metin2 assume the role of a brave hero and band together with other players to find out the secret of ‘Metin’ and use it to rule or defend their Kingdom. But players be warned! Players are not the only heroes seeking the power of ‘Metin’; enemy Kingdom’s seek out this power as well. There are four classes of characters for players to choose from, with each class containing two specializations that are unlocked as players level up.

Now part of the Subagames library of free MMOs.

Players, who have not logged in for a longer period of time, have missed alot, as Cabal Online is a constantly updated RPG-Universe with many additional dungeons, a total new and different skillsystem (soul abilities), enhanced security-features and muchmuch more, that the “Elders” yet have not seen.

The most recent update alone consisted of:

• New Dungeon Altar of Siena B1F
• Soul Ability System
• Sig-Metal Set
• Sub-Password System
• Mission War and other additions
• Lots of Corrections and fixes

The right moment has come, and it is time to experience all those new things, Cabal has to offer. Players can restart their career in Cabal Online, and rejoin one of the most vital gaming communities in Europe. For the still undecided players out there, Games-Masters.com makes it a bit more easier: All old players, that have not been logging in to the game for a long time will receive a special invitation in their Email-Inbox with a special gift, that only they will be able to activate.

From Thursday, the 25th June 2009, every old player who logs back into the game will get his/her personal Blessing Bead – plus (30 days)!

• EXP 25% up
• Skill EXP 25% up
• Item drop rate 25% up
• Craft EXP 25% up
• GPS warp system
• Alz bomb rate 200% up

“The team has poured a lot of dedication and hard work into making this update a reality,” says Funcom game director Craig Morrison. “Not only are we adding a massive new area to the game where level seventy players can find hours of more entertainment, we have also made significant changes to core systems in the game that will hopefully make the game experience more fun and a lot more rewarding!”

Besides adding a wealth of new content, the update also introduces fundamental changes to how the game is played and experienced. Players will now find that items within the game and their associated statistics has changed radically, making items have a more profound impact on your character’s powers. This will make equipment even more valuable, and the process of obtaining new weapons and armor through quests and adventure even more rewarding. The update should make a significant impact on how gamers play ‘Age of Conan’ and how they now experience the gameplay with their characters.

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The update also introduces a vast number of other changes and additions. For instance, guild cities will now see an increased activity as guards and merchants now walk the streets, bringing life to the settlement. Also, players can now gain PvP (player vs. player) experience from doing PvP mini-games, and even purchase social pets such as snakes, dogs, and cats. For more information on all the improvements the update has to offer, please visit the ‘Age of Conan’ community website.

Launching in May last year ‘Age of Conan’ quickly became a smash hit in retail, shipping over 1.2 million copies around the world. In North America, the most prominent online gaming market in the west, ‘Age of Conan’ became the third best-selling PC title of the year only beaten by ‘Spore’ and ‘World of Warcraft’. In the weeks after launch ‘Age of Conan’ simultaneously topped the charts in 17 countries, and the game received critical acclaim from gaming press across the globe. ‘Age of Conan’ is now available in English, French, German, Spanish, Russian and Polish, and is being prepared for launch in Korea as well.

For more information and how to buy ‘Age of Conan’ please visit www.ageofconan.com

Today, NCsoft, the world’s premier publisher and developer of MMOs, unveiled the official release date for Aion, the highly anticipated game where players take on a key role in a war between divine beings that will determine the fate of the world. Aion launches in North America on September 22, 2009 and makes its official debut in Europe starting September 25, 2009.

In addition to an international retail presence, Aion will also be available as a digital download at NCsoft.com, Direct2Drive and through Steam, a leading platform for the delivery and management of PC games with more than 15 million accounts worldwide.

Unlike any MMO before it, Aion is a uniquely crafted online experience where flight offers much more than just a way to explore the landscape – it is a strategic and integral part of combat, quests, and exploration. Players will dive into battle and plunge through thousands of unique, story-driven quests, all while trying to save a world literally shattered in half from centuries of brutal conflict. Using one of the most flexible and in-depth character customization systems ever featured in an MMO, players will be able to create genuinely distinct characters and explore a visually stunning world of ethereal beauty brimming with otherworldly inhabitants, mysterious enemies, and ancient secrets.

Also, a friendly reminder to take advantage of the special preorder promotion for Aion at participating retailers, including GameStop, Amazon and Best Buy. As part of the Aion preorder promotion, players will receive access to the Aion Closed Beta. Those dates are as follows:

Aion Closed Beta Dates
Friday, June 19th to Monday, June 22nd
Thursday, July 3rd to Monday, July 5th
Friday, July 17th to Monday, July 19th
Friday, July 31st to Monday, August 3rd
Friday, August 14th to Monday, August 16th

For complete Aion preorder program details, visit http://www.aiononline.com/preorder.

For more information about Aion go to http://www.aiononline.com.

Once ‘Unlock Your Way to Atlantica’ kicks off, players will immediately be able to start earning keys. Players will earn one key for spending one hour of time playing Atlantica Online. Players can earn a maximum of one key per day. Once a key has been earned, it can be redeemed via the Atlantica website to unlock a treasure chest containing a random in-game prize item. Some of the in-game prize items will only be offered during this exclusive promotion.

• The Mega-Event has seven phases known as ‘milestones.’ Each milestone represents a chance to win real prizes.
• When all of the game’s players redeem a pre-determined number of keys, the milestone will be hit and a raffle drawing for real world prizes will take place.
• Players must redeem one key during each phase
• The server whose players redeem the most keys will receive a 200% experience boost
• Certain restrictions apply. Please visit the official website for details.

The event ends when the players hit the final milestone and redeem all 2,000,000 keys. There are a finite number of keys for each phase so it’s important for users to play early and play often to increase their chances of winning in-game prizes and to be eligible for the raffles. Check the Atlantica website for information on when milestones have been hit and when raffle drawings will take place.

The full prize list for the Mega-Event includes:

• 1 – Grand Prize: 2010 Scion tC sports coupe
• 5 – Alienware 750i*
• 5 – BFG Tech GeForce GTX 295
• 5 – Playstation 3 80GB
• 5 – XBOX 360 Pro
• 5 – Acer H233H bmid 23″ LCD Monitor
• 5 – Nintendo DSi Systems

‘Unlock Your Way to Atlantica’ begins June 23rd. For more information, or to sign up and play, visit: www.playatlantica.com/ao