Rod Fergesson, the Senior Producer from Gears of War 2 has outlined on the official forums (linked above) the problems with their online matchmaking service and acknowledges that and patch will be released in the near future to counter the issues.
To quote: We're aware that some folks are experiencing longer-than-ideal wait times while using the skill-based Public matchmaking in Gears 2 multiplayer.
We're working on some solutions but it's a complicated issue as there isn't any one problem; it's a combination of factors. Clearly, scale is one of them as we've had millions of successful matches played online so far, however a small percentage of players are having issues, which is unacceptable.
We're working closely with Microsoft to address the matchmaking issues, I promise you that it is our #1 priority, and we hope to have an update soon.
In the meantime, I would like to suggest some workarounds:
Version 5.0 and Version 2.5 of their respective Firmwares gave the PSP and the PS3 some much asked-for features. So what's in store for Sony's PlayStation Portable and PlayStation 3 consoles?
For answers, we turn to Munechika Nishida, who posted his latest Random Tracking column to Impress Watch over the weekend.
This time around, the well-connected technology writer managed to get commentary from Naoya Matsui, Koujiro Umemura, Masaki Takase, and Shinji Noda, all high ranking Sony Computer Entertainment employees directly responsible for firmware and network issues regarding the PS3 and PSP.
The column first recapped some of the major points of the recent firwmare updates, with particular attention given to the inclusion of Flash 9 support in the PS3. This was a heavily requested feature, said Matsui, with Japanese fans hoping to view videos from Nico Nico Video, a Japanese... More »
After unveiling the first details nearly two weeks ago of FROM Software's Demon's Souls, PS3FanBoy has now made available a hands-on review from this year's Tokyo Game Show as follows:
Immediately the demo begins and I'm confronted by a character customization screen, allowing me to change various aspects of my appearance. I didn't tinker, mostly because I wasn't sure what did what thanks to the language barrier.
Customizing my appearance would've been a waste of time anyway, as the camera sits behind the character for the majority of the time and his face is hidden by a large medieval helmet.
The gameplay starts in a courtyard in front of a large castle. A small fountain lies ahead, slowing down the game with its unnecessary, though meager, particle effects.
Despite some fairly decent graphics, the game has an overwhelming sense of... More »
SEGA has launched a new online gaming Web site in its BETA stage called Play SEGA today. A full release should be available within the next two months, but for now those interested can enjoy the BETA fun at PlaySEGA.com (linked above).
To quote: We will be frequently adding new games and content to the site so become a PlaySEGA member for FREE to find out the latest news.
To get started you sign up for a PlaySEGA account. It's FREE to register and will only take about 3 minutes.
Once you have confirmed your registration, set up your Avatar by customizing clothing, hair styles, and more! Want to change outfits daily, buy all you want and store it in your Wardrobe and change whenever the mood strikes you.
Tired of Second Life – or want a better online 3D world experience? Sony may offer that alternative world later this spring with its “Home” destination for PlayStation 3.
“Home is a cross between private chat rooms, MySpace, YouTube and online gaming,” explained Ron Festejo, creative director, Sony Computer Entertainment Europe, in an interview. “If you’ve ever tried Second Life, you can immediately see how much richer this world is and how accessible it is.”
The Sony Europe group has been spearheading the software behind Home, a free PlayStation 3 virtual community that will launch this spring as a download. The creators of this new 3D universe were on hand at the Imagina conference last week to give attendees a sneak peak at the brand new, modified hub running online with thousands of Beta testers inhabiting the world.
Microsoft has accrued 10 million online subscribers for its Xbox Live service, which comes free as a basic servi... More »
The first Rainbow Six Vegas was a breath of fresh air when it dropped in late 2006. In an attempt to streamline a series that was once focused on planning phases and punishing diffuculty, Ubisoft designed Rainbow Six less like a real world tactical op and more like an episode of 24. The end result was a great mix of action and strategy, and offered up a killer multiplayer experience.
Rainbow Six Vegas 2 doesn't appear to be reinventing the series as much as the first game did. In fact, to the untrained eye you'd probably think you were looking at the same game. But beneath the graphics and gameplay, whose tweaks are minor but appreciated, some very nifty additions have been made that are sure to enthuse just about any member of the Rainbow team.
First of all, experience. A couple years ago the concept of "gaining experience" in an FPS just meant that you knew where the Redeemer spawned in Deck 16 in Unreal Tournament. These days developers have introduced mo... More »
Were Tron able to pry himself away from more active pursuits like bike racing and eXtreme frisbee, pretty sure he'd be rocking this Wii.
The work of Acid Mods poster kypes, this mod gives the little console a new black coat of paint, winnowed side panels, an extra SD card slot, in-built GameCube memory card and, as a centrepiece, a whole bunch of soothing, flashing lights. Lovely- video below!
Just bought a Sony PlayStation 3? Then you've not maxed out the power of your new uber-console until you've downloaded the latest firmware and dabbled with the following techniques... Following on from our previous 10 PS3 tricks Sony doesn't tell you article, Digital Home brings you another batch of tips.
1) Customizing your PS3 Try out the downloadable examples of PS3's new Themes - the alternative desktops, menus and fonts for your PS3 that have been enabled since the recent 2.0 firmware update. Read on through this article for our tips on how to transfer them to your PS3. You can even make your own Themes. All you'll need is Sony's PC-only design software, which is available for free.
2) Make thousands of new PS3 Friends Taken a shine to someone you've played against online? They'll be in your Players Met menu. Or if you just want to make loads of new friends fast, then go to www.gamewith.us/ps3 and to find thousands of names to hi... More »
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