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SteamOS Beta Released

SteamOS 17 Dec

Valve has released the beta version of its Linux-based operating system, SteamOS. It’s release comes alongside the launch of Valve’s Steam Machine hardware beta which will see machines sent out to 300 testers this week.

The SteamOS beta is for “intrepid Linux hackers,” Valve’s Greg Coomer states on the company’s website. “At this point the OS itself is not yet a finished product for a non-technical user.”

“SteamOS Beta is an early, first-look public release of our Linux-based operating system,” Valve wrote on the operating system’s website, in part. “The base system draws from Debian 7, code named Debian Wheezy. Our work builds on top of the solid Debian core and optimizes it for a living room experience. Most of all, it is an open Linux platform that leaves you in full control. You can take charge of your system and install new software or content as you want.”

Valve has also published a FAQ on SteamOS which details the required system specifications, how to install and what the operating system is capable of.

(via Polygon)

‘Rainbow 6: Patriots’ Scrapped, Being Remade

R6Patriots 14 Dec

Speaking with IGN, Ubisoft North America president Laurent Detoc has confirmed that Rainbow 6: Patriots “wasn’t working” and is currently in the process of being remade.

“We had a core team,” Detoc explained, in part. “They had a good vision. They got started, and then the game wasn’t working. So [they had] to start again.” Detoc also added that Patriots may end up with different mechanics and a different name entirely. “Could it become a shooter with another name in the end, because the team doesn’t want to do counter-terrorist guys?” he continued. “Say they want to be in a mercenary setting? That’s possible.”

Tom Clancy’s Rainbow 6: Patriots was originally set for a 2013 release and was described as a game that captured “the reality of modern-day terrorism and allows players to experience it from multiple characters’ perspectives.”

(via Polygon)

Big Huge Games’ Assets Sell For $320k

RiseOfNations 13 Dec

The Big Huge Games trademark and the Rise of Legends and Rise of Nations properties were sold in 38 Studios’ intellectual property auction this week for $320,000. It is unknown who won the auction for those properties.

Court appointed receiver for the assets Richard J. Land did “not receive acceptable offers for the remaining lots,” which includes 38 Studios’ Project Copernicus and social media gaming platform Helios. Land does intend “to continue to engage in negotiations with interested parties” though.

(via Joystiq)

CCP Cuts ‘World of Darkness’ Team By 15

WorldofDarkness 13 Dec

CCP games has confirmed to GamesIndustry International that the online games company has eliminated 15 positions from the team working on the World of Darkness project.

“CCP today made strategic adjustments to the staffing on the team working on the World of Darkness project in Atlanta that resulted in the elimination of approximately 15 positions at the company,” CCP spokesman Ned Coker said. “The change was due to our evaluation of the game’s design and ongoing development needs. While this was a difficult decision, CCP remains committed to the franchise and our promise to make a compelling, rich, and deep World of Darkness experience.”

World of Darkness is an MMO based on the tabletop roleplaying game Vampire: The Masquerade. It was first announced in November 2006.