Defiance Pilot Production Begins…

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/05/21/defiance-pilot-production-begins/

Syfy and Trion Worlds are thrilled to announce that production on the Defiance™ pilot episode commences today. Combining a star-studded cast with an elite production team, this groundbreaking transmedia experience is poised to unite TV and massively multiplayer online gaming for the very first time.

Defiance stars Grant Bowler (True Blood), Julie Benz (Dexter), Jaime Murray (Warehouse 13), Tony Curran (League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, Blade II), Stephanie Leonidas (Mirrormask,BBC’s Dracula), and Graham Greene (Dances with Wolves), plus recent additions Mia Kirshner (Not Another Teen Movie, 24) and Fionnula Flanagan (Lost) as fascinating characters whom you’ll get to meet in the game.

Defiance also reunites much of the Battlestar Galactica production team, including visual effects supervisor Gary Hutzel (Battlestar Galactica, Caprica), composer Bear McCreary (The Walking Dead, Battlestar Galactica), and writers David Weddle and Bradley Thompson (Falling Skies,Battlestar Galactica). Rounding out the team are language and culture consultant David J. Peterson (Game of Thrones) and three-time Oscar-winning costume supervisor Colleen Atwood (Alice in Wonderland, Chicago, Memoirs of a Geisha, Edward Scissorhands).

The landmark pilot is directed by Scott Stewart (Legion, Priest) and written/executive produced by Rockne O’Bannon (Farscape), Kevin Murphy (Desperate Housewives, Caprica, Hellcats) & Michael Taylor (Battlestar Galactica). Kevin Murphy serves as showrunner.

Watch this space for more exciting updates on the game’s development and news from the set.

Defiance™ E3 Trailer: Bringing two worlds together

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/06/01/defiance-e3-trailer-bringing-two-worlds-together/

Watch the action-packed new Defiance trailer from Trion Worlds, featuring players fighting side-by-side with a rugged hero whose fate will be written across both the game and the TV series. Witness as scores of Ark Hunters converge on a dynamic Arkfall event, preview the online shooter’s intense cooperative gameplay and array of future weaponry, then follow as the story steps seamlessly into the weekly series on Syfy.

From game to series (and back), see how your actions will shape the world of Defiance – and the future of transmedia entertainment.

Defiance is headed to San Diego Comic-Con

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/07/10/san-diego-comic-con-defiance-sweepstakes/

Defiance is taking over San Diego during Comic-Con! From the airport to the streets of the city, convention-goers will be able to spot Defiance everywhere they turn – and when you do catch a glimpse of one of our posters (or perhaps something even bigger), take a picture and post it to Facebook or Twitter for a chance to win a trip to the Defiance Premiere next year! Facebook fans can enter by posting a picture at www.facebook.com/Defiance and tagging our page, and Twitter folks can tweet to @DefianceWorld and use #DiscoverDefiance in their tweet for a chance to win.

Conventioneers will also be able to spot Defiance at the Hard Rock Cafe right outside the convention hall. We’re taking over the entire restaurant and turning it into Defiance Cafe, complete with game stations so you can get some hands-on time with the upcoming shooter while you wait for your food and drinks.

Defiance will also be hosting a panel on Friday night at 6:45 pm PT in Room 6DE with special guests from both the show and the game: come with questions (or, if you can’t make it to the con, tweet them to us and we’ll try and get as many answered as possible. We’ll also be retweeting cool pictures – so get there early so you have a good spot.) We’ll post a replay of the panel after it concludes, so don’t forget to follow us at @DefianceWorld and www.facebook.com/Defiance.

Rules for Discover Defiance Sweepstakes

PAX Prime Live Stream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/08/22/pax-prime-live-stream/

Defiance gameplay

Greetings!

It’s that time of year again, and convention season is in full swing.  Next stop for Trion? PAX Prime!  This year’s show is another chance for members of the Community to get up close and personal with members of our development teams, community managers, special guests, and more.  We’ll also be showing some never before seen gameplay of Defiance, End of Nations, RIFT: Storm Legion, and the newest game in the Trion catalog – Warface.

Can’t make it to Seattle?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  Thanks to the miracle of live streaming, you’ll be able to catch all of this year’s festivities and fun from the comfort of your own Labor Day weekend barbeque.  Just tune into www.Twitch.tv/TrionWorlds from 10:30 AM until 5:30 PM Pacific, August 31st-September 2nd to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Trion at PAX 2012

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/08/27/trion-at-pax-2012/

It’s that time of year again, and convention season is in full swing.  This weekend, Team Trion will be heading to Seattle for PAX Prime. This year’s show is another chance for members of the Community to get up close and personal with members of our development teams, community managers, special guests, and more.  We’ll also be showing some never before seen gameplay of Defiance, End of Nations, RIFT: Storm Legion, and the newest game in the Trion catalog – Warface.

If you’re going to be at PAX 2012, be sure to come by the booth to meet the team and pick up some of the awesome swag we’re giving out.

Don’t forget to clear your calendar Friday night for our annual PAX party of epic proportions.  We can’t post the information publically, but be sure to stop by the booth to score an invitation and directions from a member of the Trion team.

Can’t make it to Seattle?  Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.  Thanks to the miracle of live streaming, you’ll be able to catch all of this year’s festivities and fun from the comfort of your own Labor Day weekend barbeque.  Just tune into www.Twitch.tv/TrionWorlds from 10:30 AM until 5:30 PM Pacific, August 31st-September 2nd to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

Meet the Dev Team: Nick Beliaeff, SVP of Development, Trion Worlds

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/09/21/meet-the-dev-team-nick-beliaeff-svp-of-development-trion-worlds/

Today kicks off our “Meet the Dev” series, where we sit down with members of the Defiance team and get to know them a little better. Our first interview is with Nick Beliaeff, SVP of Development at Trion Worlds and a key player in the creation of Defiance.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start off by telling our readers a little bit about what you do at Trion Worlds.

Nick Beliaeff: I’m Nick Beliaeff, Trion’s SVP of Development. Recently, I’ve been very focused on Defiance and have been acting as the Executive Producer for the past year, but my role changes over time to fit project and company needs.

Elizabeth: What does a typical day look like for you, in the role you’ve been filling on Defiance?

Nick: Imagine the tallest ladder that you can think of. The day involves working everywhere from the bottom to the top rung depending on what’s needed. I need to know whether to veer left or right, and if, for whatever reason, the team can’t resolve an issue themselves, I help figure out what the best decision is. An EP position really works with the higher-level stuff, so it’s not like I sit with an artist and go, “Oh, that should be blue,” right? No one needs that sort of feedback. You know, “More cowbell.”

Examples of some of the things I’m dealing with now include a press visit to the Defiance TV set in Toronto, a cool Trion game day in New York and talks with some big companies about product placement in the game world. It’s really important to us that they are additive to the game and that they help make our near-future world seem that much more believable. We want to avoid crassness, so it’s about creating that fine line where product placement really contributes to the overall immersion of the world. That’s been a big thing for us.

We are also talking about our beta plans and making it awesome for Xbox 360, PS3, and PC. The team gets really focused on the thing they are working on at the moment, so it’s my job to take a step back and show them the bigger picture and the finish line.

Elizabeth: Can you talk a little bit about what it’s like to work on something that’s multi-platform as well as a game and a show at the same time?

Nick: Console is the main development platform for us, which makes sense in two big ways. The first is that both the show and the game are living room experiences.  So someone can be sitting on the couch with their loved one watching the show, and then when the episode is over, they can “go deep” and find out more about something that was mentioned on TV. All you have to do with Defiance is press the input button on your TV, load up the game, and you are there.

The other thing that’s really driving that is the game itself. We wanted to create something that’s really lasting, and game mechanics are at the core of staying power. We’ve got a near-future game set after a war with seven different alien species. There’s an uneasy peace, but there is so much upheaval and havoc that guns are very prevalent. And gunplay is visceral, dangerous, and lethal, so the gameplay needed to reflect that. Other sci-fi settings had guns, but they had a die-roll mechanic for gameplay, so you’d feel like “hey, I’m shooting at you – I’m right next to you pointing the gun at your head, but I missed. What?!”

We didn’t want that, we wanted “I point at your head. I shouldn’t have to roll a die. I should have a headshot, and there should be an awesome reward for that skill.” That’s why we decided to make this a shooter. And as a shooter, we knew it made sense for this game to be on consoles.

Elizabeth: Changing gears, what do you play outside of work?

Nick: Oh, wow. I’m a sampler. I’ve actually been playing a bunch of Conquest on RIFT (I have to give some props out to the home team). The new version of Magic on the iPad is awesome. I played the living daylights out of the Xbox version, which I thought was really good, and this one is really awesome. Unfortunately, this is also probably a comment on how much time I actually have to spend playing games because we are in the home stretch of Defiance. There was a hundred-foot building branded with a gigantic Defiance ad in downtown San Diego (our own back yard) during Comic-Con and our ship date was in thirty-foot-tall letters, so, yeah … no pressure. What the hell were we thinking? Why was that a good idea?

I’m also an inveterate board gamer. That’s where I sort of grew up, so I’m trying to find things that my family will actually play with me. I just picked up Summoner Wars and that’s pretty fun, and Ticket to Ride (everyone loves that). My daughter loves Apples to Apples more than everyone else, but we play that too, right? It’s a little barter system.

Elizabeth: Thanks for being with us – I’ll let you get back to Defiance so you can live up to that thirty-foot-tall ship date!

Meet the Dev Team: Brendan Thorne, Content Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/09/28/meet-the-dev-team-brendan-thorne-content-designer/

It’s time for the second installment of our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. This time, we’re talking with Content Designer, Brendan Thorne.

Elizabeth Tobey: So how about you start off by telling us who you are and what you do for Trion.

Brendan Thorne: My name is Brendan Thorne, and I’m a Content Designer at Trion. I make a lot of the missions, events, and encounters in the game. It’s my job to figure out how we’re going to tell the story, what the players are going to do, and to come up with compelling action – and reasons for action – that fit the new shooter MMO genre. I think players are really tired of “Collect ten bear spleens” gameplay, so we’re totally NOT doing that. It’s my job to make cool stuff that actually works for both a shooter and an MMO that plays on consoles and PCs.

Elizabeth: So what are your strategies if you’re not collecting bear spleens?

Brendan: Well, take killing for example: in a traditional MMO it usually takes a long time to kill things. In a shooter, it’s over in a couple of seconds. So you can’t have missions where a player goes out and kills ten Orcs just-like-that. That doesn’t work. Combat in shooters is about working with your environment, taking cover, and dealing with waves of guys coming in – so we’ve built missions in Defiance around events. Each mission is a big, scripted, scaled-up event that you have to play through to complete a task. You’ll get radio calls, be rescuing people, planting bombs, and doing all sorts of cool things like that as part of our missions.

Elizabeth: How long have you been at Trion?

Brendan: Since April of 2011. It’s exciting to be working on a pixel-perfect shooter MMO. We don’t have a lot of go-to examples for how content should play because no one has really done this before. How exactly do you make missions and content for thousands of players at the same time in the same world, ensuring that a) it’s fun, b) no one has to wait around for spawns or in queues, c) it has to work on PCs and Consoles, d) we make awesome TV show tie-ins, and e) there’s enough to do? It’s a huge challenge, and I think we have found a great solution. I think players are really going to enjoy the game

Elizabeth: What are some of the things you’re most proud of since you’ve started at Trion?

Brendan: Well, like I said, our main task is to create content for a shooter MMO that’s totally different than traditional MMOs. So we’re not killing bears, and we’re not picking up rocks off the ground for perpetually dissatisfied NPCs who want ten more rocks. We’ve had to figure out what kind of content works best, and what those missions and events should be. For instance, I’ve been working on some really elaborate scripted missions that are a lot different from what you’ve played in most MMOs. There’s a mission where you rescue somebody from these docks, and you’ve’ got to cover them from up in a tower with a sniper rifle while they try to escape. I made it in a way that you don’t have to snipe if you don’t want to. If you’re the kind of player who likes to charge in with a shotgun and melee everybody in the face, you can do that. First and foremost, we’re making an open-world shooter that accommodates all different kinds of play styles. You should be able to complete the mission the way you want to, regardless of your build and approach.

Elizabeth: Is there a difficulty in scaling from one person to a group of people?

Brendan: Yeah, and with shooters it’s particularly difficult because people have different guns and you don’t know what build they’re using. But we’ve come up with a dynamic scaling system that allows us to handle multiple groups of players that enter an area, all without making it too overpowered or too trivial. And we have some pretty cool server technology that we’ll reveal as we go along that will handle all the players. I think it will fundamentally change the way that people think about how MMOs need to be structured.

Elizabeth: What are you currently playing, other than Defiance?

Brendan: I’m playing a lot of DOTA 2, Diablo 3 – wow for sequels! I’m actually teaching my wife to play Left for Dead, which is really, really fun, although she doesn’t seem to understand that Molotov cocktails are to be used on the zombies and not me. And then I’m playing a lot of Once Upon a Monster with my daughter, which is really cute, but she keeps picking Elmo every time and forces me to play Cookie Monster. It’s so unfair.

Elizabeth: Other than gaming, what do you like to do in your free time?

Brendan: My wife and I actually play a lot of board games and card games. And while I beat her at almost every video game, I cannot for the life of me beat her at board games or card games. Like, seriously, I cannot win – she’s just too good at them. I also spend a lot of time playing with my kids: my daughter’s four and my son is one, so I’ll take them to the park and I’ll make up games with them. For instance, I made up Zombie Tag with my kids. So you’ll get like 30 kids on the playground and one person starts as the zombie and they have to walk around saying, “Braaaa-ins!” and chase the other kids! And if they tag you then you turn into a zombie, and now it’s your job to get the rest of the kids, until there’s only one left and then the next round they get to be the zombie. My daughter tries to be a zombie as fast as she can, because she has more fun. I’m so proud of her.

Elizabeth: And I think that’s all we have for today. Thank you so much for your time.

Help us play games and heal kids in Extra Life 2012!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/10/03/help-us-play-games-and-heal-kids-in-extra-life-2012/

It’s October, and that means it’s time for another Extra Life event to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. This will be the third year that members of the Trion Worlds team have participated in this event, and if you were a member of our Community last year, you probably remember how much fun everyone had helping us raise over $35,000 for charity.

This year, we’re back for another 24 hour binge of online gaming, cool new prizes and in-game awards. To top it all off we’ll be broadcasting all of it LIVE via our very own twitch.tv channel. Be sure to tune in and join us as we get a little loopy in RIFT, End of Nations, DEFIANCE, and Warface. We’ll be playing live with members of the Community, answering questions, and having fun for a great cause – all at the same time.

Meet the Dev Team: Trick Dempsey, Narrative Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/10/08/meet-the-dev-team-trick-dempsey-narrative-designer/

It’s time for another “Meet the Dev.” This time we’re going to be finding out about Defiance Narrative Designer, Trick Dempsey.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start with your name, title, and a bit about what you do.

Trick Dempsey: My name is Trick Dempsey, and I’m the Narrative Designer for Defiance. My job of late has consisted of organizing: getting ten thousand or more lines of voice-over recorded by twenty-some-odd voice capture artists in a studio in Burbank, and getting that all done in three months’ time. Normally, though, my job entails deciding how we are going to tell our story and what tools we are going to use to do so. Primarily, it’s making decisions like “Wow, this is a heart-wrenching emotional scene, we should point a camera at it and have a character talk, use facial animation …” and so on. Or looking at a scene that we want to deliver background on game politics and deciding what form that might take. Is it an informational radio broadcast you overhear? Or maybe you pick up a diary of a little girl who’s dying of Vysudium poisoning and we’re going to pull at your heartstrings. It’s figuring out the best way to get you emotionally involved.

Elizabeth: What’s it like to actually go into the studio and record?

Trick: What’s neat is that we cast a lot of very experienced people. It sort of ended up as a reunion cast of the Ouran High School Host Club anime series. Not entirely true, but a shocking number of them have a lot of experience inside of voice acting for things like anime. Cartoon voice actors are amazing. They do twenty voices and maybe six of them sound like cartoon characters, but the other fourteen of them are really fantastic-sounding, well-realized characters that you believe as soon as you hear them. That level of voice actor allows you to get a lot more bang for your buck. Some people might also start to catch on that the voices they are hearing are some of their favorite characters from animation. You’ll also get an emotional reaction and response to a character because the player will feel, “I recognize that voice, this is somebody that I want to help.” It’s almost like having a repertoire at a theater company.

Elizabeth: What’s the coolest thing you’ve done, either recently or earlier, on Defiance?

Trick: Probably the coolest experience I’ve had lately on Defiance was playing after voices were added. Unless you’ve worked in game development, you don’t really know what it’s like to be fighting bunches of mute zombies. However cool they are, if they’re hopping around with their Uzis or whatever, they open their mouth and they’re not saying things. Then all of the sudden you’re playing the game a week later, you’ve done the recording sessions, you’re exhausted, and somebody hops up behind you and is like, “I’m gonna kill you!” and you go, “Oh, they’re trying to kill me. I can respond to this, I can kill people, and I’m not fighting mute zombies anymore. This is great!”

Elizabeth: What’s your favorite thing about the job or working at Trion?

Trick: My favorite thing about Trion is that we are encouraged to have a life that is not inside the office, and we’re allowed to bring that life back in to the office and talk about it and be inspired by it. Last weekend I shot a trailer for a fantasy film to raise funds on Kickstarter. I go to LARPs up in LA where we go camping for three days and get dressed up as elves and orcs and all sorts of crazy things. We actually get to play other games and go “Wow, you know what? That feature, that’s a great feature! Do we have anything that accomplishes that effect? Do we need to add something?” We have the time to sit and analyze and enjoy playing games.

Elizabeth: What sort of things do you enjoy outside of making video games?

Trick: A surprising amount of LARP and making costumes. Also watching anime because now I’m starting to recognize a lot of the voice actors and have faces to go with their names. Aside from that… I’m an amateur novelist, and I’ve done some work on what is hopefully not a terrible fantasy movie. I did stunt work ten years ago, and now I’m doing stunt work again.

Elizabeth: Outside of Defiance, what games are you playing right now?

Trick: I just started playing Catherine, which has made me decide that I don’t think Japanese screenwriters should be allowed to write relationships anymore, without seeing or consulting a therapist. Prior to that I’d been playing Red Faction: Guerilla over again which is old school, I guess. It’s outdated but fun – you blow a lot of things up. There are not a lot of big games out that I’m playing; I’m on a bit of an indie game kick. I’ve also been reading a lot of Game of Thrones, which I recommend, but if you like the plot to move forward in your books, this is not the series for you.

And that’s it for this installment of the Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. Be sure to drop by the forums to discuss Defiance with your friends, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest news and updates.

Meet the Dev Team – Special Edition: Nathan Richardsson, Executive Producer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/10/15/meet-the-dev-team-special-edition-nathan-richardsson-executive-producer/


As announced last week, all-star gaming industry veteran, Nathan Richardsson, has joined the Defiance team as Executive Producer. We were lucky enough to get him to sit down and share with us a bit about who he is and what he brings to Defiance!

Elizabeth Tobey: Can you tell the folks at home who you are and what you do at Trion?

Nathan Richardsson: I’m a mildly insane Icelander that missed the meeting about taking myself very seriously but did find myself working on serious spaceship business once. I’m involved in general game development at Trion as VP of Development, but my primary focus is Executive Producer of Defiance.

Elizabeth: What does an EP do? What does your day or week look like?

Nathan: Besides being responsible for everything that is Defiance, like ordering pizzas and pointing seriously at the pictures the artists create and asking for more blue, an Executive Producer should be making sure that there are great people on the team and that they have what they need to fulfill their responsibilities.

The week is usually packed with meetings (surprise!), but I try to make sure that they are 30 minute meetings and that most of them are either spent in 1on1s with team members or dealing with obstacles that need to be cleared. For me, being an EP involves active listening, facilitation, and clearing blockers so we can achieve our goals. I think a big part of leadership is simply being there for someone.

So while the core duty is leadership and vision, people are often surprised that it’s not all about jumping around in a spandex suit, dancing, and pointing in the direction where we all should be going (while looking strikingly handsome). It’s about leading in the direction we should be going, and having people trust you. Otherwise you’re just a guy pointing somewhere. And then nothing happens. I can do both quite well.

Elizabeth: We’re closing in on the release of Defiance. What are some of the things you’re focusing on right now?

Nathan: Defiance is so massive that we still have quite a few things to take care of. It’s easy to get derailed. The most important part right now is keeping our content and feature pipeline flowing so we can ramp up alpha and start beta on all three platforms. Then we can get solid feedback and go through our polish phase.

We are also planning all the features and content to be deployed in the years after we go live. It’s a pretty ambitious schedule, but since we have the entire team working on Defiance after we launch as well, I think we can deliver some amazing experiences.

Alongside this, there is the operational side of everything Defiance. Making final adjustments to our game operations platform and our server hardware and hosting so we can start beta. I’m trying to keep us focused on distribution, sales, and marketing as well since they are very tightly integrated into the game. I’m also personally pointing at some pictures of the collector’s edition items that we’re creating.

Elizabeth: What is the most exciting thing for you about this project?

Nathan: I think, with something like a massive online co-op shooter experience on three platforms that’s integrated with an international TV show the size of Battlestar Galactica, the lunch options and weather here in San Diego really stood out for me.

The cast and crew of the show didn’t exactly hurt either. When I found a team that understood launching an online game is basically when all the fun starts, and that you can constantly evolve the game and expand to even further platforms, that was exciting. Still, the lunch and weather really got me.

Elizabeth: How about the scariest thing?

Nathan: The size of the freaking bugs here.

Elizabeth: What’s it like making an online game of this scale for consoles?

Nathan: It’s immensely fun. There are a ton of challenges as there aren’t that many groups out there that have created a game the way we’re doing it. From the features we have, to the content, the server architecture and how people interact, to all the dirty details on how to make the interaction with the console platforms work, there is a lot of uncharted territory for this kind of large-scale co-op and player-versus-player game on consoles. I enjoy that kind of work.

Elizabeth: What were you doing before you came to Trion?

Nathan: I was making games with an Icelandic company called CCP before this, involved with EVE Online, DUST 514, and The World of Darkness. Before that I was in telecommunications where I was involved with a lot of new things back then, like Video on Demand, fiber optics, DSL, gaming services, online communities, and even gaming tournaments. Gaming has always been in my blood but so has product development, so when I got the opportunity to work on EVE, I took a loooong time to think about it. Almost like, three seconds.

That isn’t exactly true though. Both companies were great and I learned a lot. I have very strong feelings towards them – I stayed almost eight years at both. I guess that’s part of my personality.

Elizabeth: What games are you playing right now?

Nathan: Last game I pressed play on was League of Legends. There’s also Paper Planes, some Firefall and I need to do more of Faster Than Light and Borderlands 2. I also end up buying an unhealthy amount of games on Steam that I still need to start playing. And then there is my Blood Angels army that I have to paint so I can start the new Chaos Marines in Warhammer 40,000. Oh, and if Hawken would give me beta access, the bastards, I’d be playing that as well.

Elizabeth: Outside of work (and games!) what do you do for fun?

Nathan: Eat, drink, love. Or, you know, I love travel and being with family and friends. I also watch way too many movies and television shows.

Elizabeth: What’s the next item on your agenda when you head back to your office?

Nathan: Sleep. It’s midnight and I was fortunate enough to have a great dinner with Syfy and other partners, so I just have to wrap up a couple of things, then head to bed. I intend to watch a Sons of Anarchy and a Revolution episode first though. Or fall asleep trying. Then it’s a fresh day, starting with a series of 30-minute meetings with my managers and four 1on1s, then checking in with the community team, the video team, and also our game platform team.

Elizabeth: Last question: What’s something we don’t know about Defiance, that only you could tell us?

Nathan: That I intend to infuse Defiance with the rich heritage and cuisine of my homeland so that I get my own species. Titan zombie-mech rotten sharks.

And that’s it for this installment of the Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. Be sure to drop by the forums to discuss Defiance with your friends, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest news and updates.

Meet the Dev: Emily Taylor, Design Producer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/10/22/meet-the-dev-emily-taylor-design-producer/

emily-560x476.jpg

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start off with your name, and your title, and how long you’ve been at Trion.

Emily Taylor: Emily Taylor, Design Producer, and I’ve been with Trion since March.

Elizabeth: How would you explain what you do to a fan?

Emily: With difficulty! I was actually hired for a different position than what they interviewed me for, so it’s all been a little bit of a discovery. In general, the producer’s task is to make everyone else run smoothly and give the impression everything’s working without problems. Basically, our job is to make people wonder what we do all day. Because if the project is going so smoothly, why would they need us, right? So that’s what I aim for, and that could be anything that comes up. It’s completely different from day to day. I could be writing design documents, proofreading stuff, interviewing candidates, providing playtesting feedback, working with marketing on upcoming campaigns, talking with the QA department about issues, identifying ways to streamline our business systems, or just baking mac and cheese for people who are working overtime. That’s all happened, and lots more too.

Elizabeth: Since the home stretch can be the most frenetic, what have you been doing most recently? What are some of the things that have been the biggest challenges or the things you’re most proud of?

Emily: Well, like I said it changes every day, but a big part of my role is helping keep communication flowing within the team and between departments. Communicating effectively is even more important for Defiance than for other games I’ve worked on because of the additional tie in with the Syfy show, which adds an entire other level of communication that has to happen. That’s been really interesting, figuring out how that relationship will work most effectively, because it’s something that I don’t think any game and show have ever tried to do together. Usually, when there’s been a show or movie based on a game, or a game based on a movie or show, one has come first and then everyone already knows what it’s about. In this instance, we’re developing the same universe at the same time, so it’s a lot more difficult and a lot more challenging and also a lot more exciting to figure out what are we going to do and how this is going to work.

Elizabeth: Are there any big differences working with a TV network, as opposed to an external developer, or any of the other kind of collaborations you’ve had to oversee?

Emily: Our writing teams are very different – we plan things in a very long-term fashion. In TV, plot points can sometimes change a week before recording – in that way, they have a lot more flexibility. It’s been a challenge for both groups, Syfy realizing how far in advance we need to agree on things and us trying to give them the flexibility that if they do want to make a last-minute change, it’s not going to screw things up for both of us. That said, before I worked in the game industry I worked in the entertainment industry. I worked for Sony Pictures for nine years, so it’s not an entire shock; but that doesn’t necessarily make it easy either!

Elizabeth: What’s your favorite thing that you’ve done at Trion? What’s it like working here?

Emily: I’m really enjoying it; it’s a really nice team. I knew quite a few of the people here before I joined, and I’ve got to know some more great people since arriving. I guess the biggest thing that struck me as different compared to companies that I’d worked at previously is just how many of the folks on the Defiance team have families and children. It’s a lot more… I don’t want to say “old,” that’s the wrong word, but more of a mature group of people than I’ve worked with on other games. It’s interesting just seeing everyone rush home to their kids every night. It’s good to have that balance.

Elizabeth: What kind of games are you playing outside of Defiance?

Emily: I’ve been playing a number of things. RIFT I’m dabbling in, I still play EverQuest 2, which I worked on for a while. Minecraft has been an obsession, so I build ridiculously complicated things in that. Right now I’m building an enormous cathedral with stained glass windows, but I’ve also constructed roller coasters that play music as you run along them, a big winter castle made all of snow, all sorts of things. I play a bunch of smaller games. Little iPad games. I recently picked up a bunch of old ’90s games from a website sale. So I’m playing the original Dungeon Keeper again. I love that game. Working on Defiance is keeping me pretty busy, but when I have time to play games I will pick up anything that strikes my fancy at the moment.

Elizabeth: Beyond gaming, what do you do when you’re not at work?

Emily: I like to cook a lot. I enjoy crafting and doing things with my hands. I’ve always been fairly creative, so I find making things with my hands very relaxing when I don’t want to be staring at a computer screen. I’ve made a number of costumes, for example; there are photos of me dressed as a dalek from Doctor Who from Comic Con this year. But cooking is great as a hobby because you get to do stuff with your hands, you end up with something delicious, and then people eat it, so it doesn’t sit around your apartment collecting dust. So I’ve been having people over for dinner every couple of weeks, which is socially enjoyable and tasty as well. And I often bring in cookies or cupcakes for the Defiance team, which always brightens up a long work day!

emilydalek-560x842.jpg

Elizabeth: Final question: is there anything you’re most excited to tell or show fans about Defiance that we haven’t gotten to yet?

Emily: I think in the trailers that have been shown so far, they’ve tended to focus a lot on the shooting aspect, which is reasonable because it’s a shooter game, but there are a lot of other things to do, too. I’m looking forward to people actually getting a chance to play the game because it’s a lot of fun. Even just driving your quad bike around is so much fun – it’s hard for that to come across in the trailer. I can’t wait for when we start getting people in the beta and have them get hands-on and see what it really feels like.

Elizabeth: That’s all the questions we’ve got for today. Thanks so much for taking the time to talk with us.

Meet the Dev: Jason Stone, System Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/10/29/meet-the-dev-jason-stone-system-designer/

Elizabeth Tobey: Can you start by telling us your name, your title, and how long you’ve been with Trion?

Jason Stone: My name is Jason Stone, I’m a systems designer, and I’ve been working for Trion for almost four years now. When I came on board, the design team was actually only four people.

Elizabeth:What’s it like to be part of a team that’s grown so much?

Jason: It’s been really cool. We’ve had a lot of good people from the very beginning, but we’ve continued to acquire staff with amazing amounts of talent. It’s been incredible going through that whole growth and hiring process, and it’s been interesting to see how the game has changed as a result. We’ve clarified our vision and seen what’s synched with the show and what hasn’t. The game has changed a lot, and it’s always been for the better. In some ways we’re making a very different game from when I first came to the project, but I’m really happy about what we’re doing now.

Elizabeth: What are some of those major changes?

Jason: One of the big changes was adding action elements to the game. Earlier in the project we thought we had some limitations on what we were going to be able to do with shooting mechanics. A good example would be the shooting in Mass Effect 1 – there’s some dice rolling going on behind the scenes. Getting to where we had pixel-perfect shooting was a huge step because it meant that, hey, we are actually 100% true shooter. There’s no accuracy-role-versus-dodge-roll-versus-you-missed or whatever. It’s all based on user skill, and it combines really well with the action game features we built in.

Elizabeth: So what’s one of the most exciting things that you’ve gotten to do or that you’re most proud of?

Jason: I think I’m most proud of how much fun people have driving vehicles around because I’ve done the vehicle tuning. It’s still rewarding every time I see people driving around on the quads and catching air and really enjoying it.

Elizabeth: You haven’t brought this up specifically, but sometimes people say, “I got to make something fun,” especially with something like a vehicle. What goes into trying to design something fun?

Jason: I’m very practical or pragmatic in the sense that I’m very hands-on and focused on the experience that I’m trying to give the user. I always start by asking “What about this would be fun?” “What would they want to do?” For example, what do players want to do with quads? They want to take corners as fast as possible, do huge burnouts, skid to a stop, and hit sweet jumps. Okay, so what do I do to make that possible? What can I do to make that feel great? The same applies to weapons, where you start with a general idea and then ask, “What are the player’s expectations going to be?” It’s important to look at real weapons, but also at how people perceive them. There’s a lot of information you can gather if you look at the way a weapon responds or fires, but it’s not necessarily what feels good when you put the same kind of weapon in the hands of your videogame character.

Elizabeth: What are you currently playing outside of Defiance?

Jason: I just picked up a new indie game called Endless Space. It’s a 4X game. I’ve been playing Dragon’s Dogma on the console and some Battlefield 3. That’s mostly what I’ve been playing lately. I still play a lot of Forza 4.

Elizabeth: Outside of gaming, what are some of your hobbies?

Jason: Anything with an engine. I just recently sold my motorcycle and managed to convince my wife that it made sense – not that it made sense, that it was acceptable – to have three cars with only two drivers in the house. So I bought a Mazda Miata just this past weekend. That’s going to be my new weekend toy/track car.

Elizabeth: Thanks for taking some time out of your schedule to tell the Community a bit about yourself.

And that’s it for this installment of the Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. Be sure to drop by the forums to discuss Defiance with your friends, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest news and updates.

Meet the Dev: Bill Trost, Creative Lead

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/11/12/meet-the-dev-bill-trost-creative-lead/

We’ve got another installment of our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. This time, we’re sitting down with Bill Trost, Creative Lead on Defiance.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start with your name, title, and a bit about what you do.

Bill Trost: Hi, my name is Bill Trost. I’m the Creative Lead for Defiance.  That means l’m the person who’s in charge of the overall Defiance IP. I’m the primary contact with our partners at Syfy and make sure Syfy and Trion’s efforts stay coordinated. I deal with all things Defiance, and keep track of not only the game’s story and how the game plays out, but also the show’s, as well as working with any other external partners.

Elizabeth: What is it like to work on a game and a show together?

Bill: It’s pretty crazy. Nobody’s ever done this kind of thing before. We’ve been working on it for four years now. Luckily, the partners that we have – both on the network side and in the writing room – are all super creative, super easy going people. We’ve been able to really collaborate and build Defiance into the best online game and the best TV show it can be.

Elizabeth: So to someone who’s pining to be a game designer, what’s your day look like?

Bill: An Outlook calendar full of meetings! Lots of discussion, lots of phone calls, lots of conference calls and video calls. Lots of talking with designers, artists, speaking with the people at Syfy, and making sure we’re all on the same page – that we’re all working toward a unified idea of what Defiance is all about and that it’s all connected.

Elizabeth: What were you doing in a previous life, before you came to Trion?

Bill: I’ve been at Trion since 2007. I was one of the people who founded the studio here in San Diego. Prior to that, I worked for eleven years at Sony Online in its various incarnations. I was one of the co-creators of the original EverQuest, and worked on EverQuest for a good seven years. I did a lot of other projects at Sony over those eleven years, as well.

Elizabeth: I’m sure you have a couple of answers for this one, but what’s the coolest thing you’ve done so far with Defiance, or what’s the thing you’re most proud of?

Bill: The coolest thing, I think, is that we’ve come up with this amazing new science fiction world that people are going to really dig and that has lots of room for us to add cool things in the future. Since we’ve been building this concept from the beginning to be both a TV show and a game, we’ve left lots of room to explore. Our vision is very long-term. So, while we’re coming out in April of 2013, we have lots of plans for how much more of the world we’re going to explore, both in the future of the game as well as in season 2, season 3 of the television show. We’re all such big sci-fi fans, and no one’s ever had this kind of opportunity to have a massive online game and a television show based on this original IP that they’ve had a huge hand in creating. It’s kind of a dream come true.

Elizabeth: What’s life like at Trion? What do you like about Trion, especially since you’ve been here since the beginning?

Bill: The thing that makes Trion most fun is the people. I think that was true from the beginning and it’s true now. As far as Trion San Diego, the people who came here at the beginning of this project, we’d all worked together before, and we all liked working with each other. That’s why we came to Trion, to be able to continue to work together. I think with the team we’ve built up, we’ve been very fortunate. We’ve got a lot of super-experienced people who’ve shipped lots of different kinds of games. We had serious online game experience but now we have people coming in with action game experience and console game experience. It’s made for a great combination.

Elizabeth: Outside of work, what games do you like playing other than Defiance?

Bill: Right now, I’m pretty limited. The one I’m playing that I need to get back to is the episodic Walking Dead adventure game. I think that’s it. I’ve played through the first episode and I downloaded the second episode, but I haven’t had a chance to play it yet. I thought that game was really well done, really cool. I like the mood that they set. Before that I guess the last full game that I really got into was Dead Island. I guess there’s a theme there.

Elizabeth: Besides gaming, what do you do with your days?

Bill: My wife and I have an eight-month old puppy named Bailey that takes up a lot of our time. She’s an awesome rescue dog. They tell us she’s part hound/part terrier, but that could be just about anything. She’s a handful, but she’s lots of fun. And I’m a big sports fan, so I’m looking forward to the rest of the football season and weeping over the baseball season.

Elizabeth: I think that’s all I got today. Thank you so much for your time. We’ll let you get back to your Outlook calendar.

And that’s it for this installment of the Defiance “Meet the Dev” series. Be sure to drop by the forums to discuss Defiance with your friends, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to get all the latest news and updates.

Meet the Dev Team: Ashley Ruhl, Cinematic Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/11/17/meet-the-dev-team-ashley-ruhl-cinematic-designer/

Welcome to the latest installment of our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the Defiance team and share a bit about who they are and what they do. This time we’re talking with Cinematic Designer Ashley Ruhl.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start off with your name and your title and what you’ve been doing recently on Defiance.

Ashley Ruhl: I’m Ashley Ruhl, a Cinematic Designer, and I make the cut scenes in the game. Right now I’ve been working on different zones in Defiance.

Elizabeth: How long have you been with Trion?

Ashley: Since March of 2012. I’m pretty new.

Elizabeth:  We’re nearing the end of a development cycle. What has it been like to jump in and hit the ground running?

Ashley: This is actually the second time I’ve joined a game that’s been this far along – the first was with BioWare for Star Wars: The Old Republic. At this point with Defiance a lot of the game is already set. The rest of the team is putting in the story and working with the gameplay. It’s more appropriate, I think, for the cinematics to go in at this point. The world and the lore are established, the characters are there, so then we just layer in the story and work from there.

Elizabeth: What’s the most exciting thing you’ve done recently?

Ashley: I like doing monster intros and reveals of really big bosses. I enjoy creating scenes where a dramatic boss first appears, and he looks super-intimidating. So then when you kill him it feels super-satisfying because you’ve seen how ominous he looked in the cinematic.

Elizabeth: Is there one boss that’s your favorite?

Ashley: Probably the Motherload. He splashes through the water and emerges through this giant smoke field. He’s literally 10 times the size of the player with sparks coming off of him and stuff. It’s really cool.

Elizabeth: How long does it take to put something like that together?

Ashley: It depends on the scope of the cinematic. Sometimes it’s really simple – just “Hey, meet me up here, we’re going to this place.” And sometimes it’s much more complex with multiple characters and settings and objects that they have to interact with. So it can vary between a day to a whole week, going from the blocking to the rough pass to the final. Working with art and VFX to get all the pieces together can take a while.

Elizabeth: What’s your favorite part of working at Trion?

Ashley: I really like how much ownership I have over my work. Because we have a small cinematic team, I get to interact a lot with the other departments. It’s my responsibility to make sure I get all the stuff I need to make the cinematic really great. I enjoy having that responsibility and that level of control.

Elizabeth: What games are you playing, other than Defiance?

Ashley: Star Wars: The Old Republic; I’m playing a lot of PvP. Mass Effect multiplayer, Mass Effect 3, SpaceCam, and Quantum Conundrum. Still making my way through that one.

Elizabeth: When you’re not playing video games what do you do?

Ashley: Recently I’ve been making a lot of video game-related costumes. I just finished a Commander Shepard cosplay for Comic-Con, actually.

Elizabeth: That sounds awesome. Can you get us picture to share?

Ashley: Absolutely.

Elizabeth: Well, I think that’s all. Thanks for taking the time to talk with us!

Meet the Dev Team: Guillaume Colomb, Senior Cinematic Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/11/26/meet-the-dev-team-guillaume-colomb-senior-cinematic-designer/

Welcome to the latest installment of our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the Defiance team and share a bit about who they are and what they do. This time we’re talking with another member of the Defiance Cinematic team; Guillaume Colomb.

Guillaume Colomb – Cinematic Designer

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start with your name, your title, and how long you’ve been with Trion.

Guillaume Colomb: My name is Guillaume Colomb, I am French so that’s a French name. I have been with Trion since March of this year, so just a few months. I’m a Cinematic Designer.

Elizabeth: What have you been doing since you joined Defiance?

Guillaume: Well, Ryan Ebenger [Game Designer] was the only guy working on cinematics before I came on board. His role was to build a team, so I was the first hire. Now we’re up to four cinematic designers in our group.

Elizabeth: Is there anything that you’ve been working on that’s been particularly challenging or cool?

Guillaume: There’s a part of the trailer we created for E3 this year that has some of the things I did. And the stories aren’t all written yet, so it’s difficult to know where scenes I work on will show up. The challenges so far tend to be more technical. I used to work on single-player action-adventure games, but now the task is building a new kind of MMO, where you can have a cut scene but other players can be there and still not see what you’re seeing. So we have to take all the players, all the timelines, and all the various ongoing events into account. Working on a MMO is completely different.

Elizabeth: How are you solving some of those problems?

Guillaume: Our main challenge is that we are limited by what we want to do. For example, a building will always be there, it can’t be destroyed. It will always be there and always look the same. We can add smoke and fire, but it will always be the same building because someone can be there before and after you and the world has to be the same. So I’d like to find solutions where we can still have interesting cut scenes and work within those limitations.

Elizabeth: You mentioned you used to work on single-player games. What did you do before you came to Trion?

Guillaume: The same thing, cinematics. I’ve been working on cinematics now for eight years, I think. Mostly directing cut scenes in single-player action-adventure games.

Elizabeth: What’s it like working at Trion?

Guillaume: Remember, I used to live in France. I arrived in Philly a year ago. With the immigration process taking as long as it did I couldn’t work for almost a year, so it’s nice to find a job in gaming. This company is very nice and it’s in California so I don’t think I could’ve wound up in a better place.

Elizabeth: So other than Defiance, what games are you playing?

Guillaume: I don’t have a lot of time right now with all the moving and my wife is pregnant. I did play The Walking Dead recently. I really enjoy that kind of game, ones that have lots of narration and are story-driven, so it was interesting.

Elizabeth: Other than games what do you fill your days with?

Guillaume: Looking around, hiking, discovering the place, the food, the beer, the beach… things like that. Mostly now it’s getting ready for the baby. Exciting times!

Elizabeth: Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us today.

Meet the Dev Team: Luke Sigmund, Lead Systems Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/11/30/meet-the-dev-team-luke-sigmund-senior-game-designer/

Welcome to the latest installment of our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the Defiance team and share a bit about who they are and what they do. This time we’re talking with senior game designer, Luke Sigmund.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start with your name, title, and how long you’ve been at Trion.

Luke Sigmund: My name is Luke Sigmund, and I’m Lead Systems Designer. I worked on RIFT for about a year, and I’ve been here on Defiance for about six months. I was at our studio in Redwood Shores before moving to the San Diego studio.

Elizabeth: What’s it like working in different studios?

Luke: It’s pretty similar, actually. I like it better down here because San Diego is warmer and cheaper. But working on RIFT was really great, and all the people up there are awesome. Acclimating was easy here because I worked at SOE [Sony Online Entertainment] and still know a lot of people in the area.

Elizabeth: What is your overarching job on Defiance?

Luke: When I started here I was working on arkfalls, which are dynamic content sequences that spin up in the world. Arkfalls include really big boss fights, hellbugs, stuff that emerges from pieces of Votan ships that fall out of the sky, things like that. I created big dynamic events that basically take over a zone. So day-to-day I was prototyping stuff to see what’s really fun and what isn’t, and moving from there.

Now I oversee the Systems team making sure all the itemization, balance, UI, AI, and all that gets done and meets the goals we’ve set out.

Elizabeth: What is “fun” is so subjective - can you define the art and science of determining what is fun?

Luke: We start with the core player experience we’re trying to build, and we say, “All right, we want a player to be able to play these events a bunch of times without it getting repetitive or boring.” Then the process begins: I make something, play it a bunch of times and see if it feels stiff or too familiar. If it’s not matching up I say, “OK, what can make that better?” It’s a really iterative process.

Elizabeth: Have there been any parts of the game you’ve needed to change completely or decided to scrap?

Luke: Scrapped is a strong word, but right now we are actually overhauling the way we do itemization and weapon stats to get more overall variety and more balanced play experience.

Elizabeth: What’s the coolest thing you’ve done so far?

Luke: This might be kind of nerdy, but I’ve been overseeing HanSoft, which is the project management software. Getting the design team working in HanSoft has been the coolest thing I’ve done to date. I lay out everything and HanSoft provides us an overall vision of all the stuff we have to make and how long it’s going to take. That feels really good.

Elizabeth: What’s it like working at Trion?

Luke: It’s great. All the people here are really nice and everyone’s really welcoming. Everybody here is pretty senior – they’ve worked in the industry for a long time – so you get to meet a lot of people with different perspectives, different experience. Across the design team, people have worked on games that I really, really liked, and not just games that I also worked on.

Elizabeth: What games are you currently playing, besides Defiance?

Luke: I’m playing League of Legends, mainly, because it takes all my time.

Elizabeth: So how about when you’re not making games or playing League of Legends?

Luke: I have three dogs, two boxers and a miniature pinscher, so my fiancée and I spend most of our time training them and hiking and hanging out with them. We also started organic farming in our back yard, so we have this big plot of crops. We’re growing squash, cucumbers, carrots, and green beans. We were growing baby spinach, but the cucumbers killed them. We bought a bunch of seeds so we grew everything from scratch, and now it’s like the squash plant is prehistoric size, it’s gigantic. The leaf is bigger than my head. It’s unbelievable. I’m going to get some overalls though, so I’m like a real serious farmer. It’s important, I think, to look the part.

Elizabeth: Well that’s all I’ve got. Thanks for taking the time to answer some questions.

Meet the Dev Team : Anthony Garcia, Senior Lore Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/12/10/meet-the-dev-team-anthony-garcia-senior-lore-designer/

Welcome back to our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the team and share a little bit about who they are, and what they do. This time, we’re honored to be joined by Tony Garcia, a Senior Lore Designer whose vision is helping shape the world of Defiance.

Elizabeth Tobey: Let’s start off by telling me who you are, your title, and how long you’ve been at Trion.

Anthony Garcia: I’m Tony Garcia, Senior Lore Designer, and I’ve been here since March 2008, I believe.

Elizabeth: That’s a long time!

Anthony: Yeah!

Elizabeth: So, Senior Lore Designer is a cool title … what does that mean, exactly?

Anthony: That title’s changed as we’ve gotten larger and larger. Basically, my specialty is building worlds – that’s why I was brought on board. They had the high level concept, and when they needed more detail, that’s when they hired me. I create the entire universe, define detailed technologies, factions, and all sorts of things.

Elizabeth: How do you do that? That can’t be an easy task.

Anthony: No, especially since we’re also working with TV. Don’t get me wrong – everyone at Syfy is great to work with. It’s just that things that are easy and work well in games aren’t the same as for a TV project. There’s a lot of back and forth. The world’s changed quite a bit from when I first came on board, to fit both of our needs.

Elizabeth: What’s been most challenging?

Anthony:  I’d say the timeline. And not just the work timeline. I’m talking about the fictional timeline as well. We would go back and forth about when events would take place in the overall chronology and what would work best for both of our projects. It’s hard for other people to see, but I have concepts locked into their own timeline when I create worlds, so any little modification could affect tons of content. There were a lot of changes going on, so a lot of things were in flux. Keeping track of everything was really complex – and almost confusing at times – up until Syfy was ready to start writing treatments for episodes.  Once that started, we knew where we stood and how solid the ground was.

Elizabeth: What are you most proud of, or excited by, of what you’ve worked on in Defiance?

Anthony: It’s hard to name one thing, because I know I touched everything when I look at the world.

Elizabeth: That’s something to be proud of.

Anthony: Helping to develop the game world stars was really important. Some MMOs, like other games I’ve worked on in the past, have tons of characters that you could interact with. We wanted to treat Defiance more like a TV show, with a small ensemble of stars. They all had to be different, with their own personality traits and different roles in the world. That was a really big thing. Working to finalize the crossover schedule between the TV show and the game was really satisfying as well – determining what’s going to run the entire season, and what’s going to actually weave from game to show, and show to game. Even though we still work on an almost daily basis developing those links, we have a pretty firm idea of all the things that could happen throughout the entire season.

Elizabeth: Skipping from what you do at work … what do you play for fun when you’re not playing Defiance? Do you play a lot of games?

Anthony: Oh, yes! I play a lot for fun, but I also do some research. I’ll delve into games I don’t even want to play. Right now, I’m playing mostly for fun. I just completed The Walking Dead: Episode 2. I loved that. I love anything with story, so that was great.

Elizabeth: Two of my friends are designers and writers on Walking Dead, so I’m happy whenever somebody says they enjoyed playing it. I just want to call and tell them.

Anthony: I’ve gotten so much joy out of those little episodes that Telltale [Games] has done – more than what I’ve gotten out of most games that I’ve paid a lot for. I can’t wait for the next one. It’s the kind of zombie game that I’ve always wanted to play. I like action games, too. I’m also playing Battlefield 3 right now.

Elizabeth: Whatever makes you have fun, right?

Anthony: Oh yeah, I play any type of game if it interests me.

Elizabeth: So, outside of gaming, what do you do for fun?

Anthony: I work out a lot, though maybe not as much as before. That used to be my big thing, always going to the gym. I have a little girl now, so I like just spending time with her. I think it’s more valuable to take her for a little walk or to Sea World, or wherever. That’s fun to me now. We probably do a 5K run every month, and she’ll go along in her stroller. But it’s mostly that: working out, camping – if I can work it in – and just spending time with my little girl … that’s about it. That’s a lot of time, actually.

Elizabeth: Those are the most important things. Well, that’s all I’ve got. Thank you for taking time out of your schedule to tell us a bit about yourself!

The Media Descends on Defiance

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2012/12/14/the-media-descends-on-defiance/

Members of the gaming media descended on a special showcase of Defiance, taking a deeper look at the game in development than ever before. Take a look at some of the write ups that came out of the event for more information on Defiance!

 

 

This is just the beginning and there’s more details in store! Stay tuned to the latest information the Defiance Facebook and Twitter page!

 

Advanced Mission Beta 1 FAQ

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/15/advanced-mission-beta-1-faq/

The Defiance team has been getting a TON of questions about the first ever Defiance beta. We’re sharing the top questions and answers so take a look!

Q: Where do I download the beta client?
A: Details about the beta will be communicated via email to the address on your Trion Worlds account. Please make sure to add beta@defiance.com to your Safe Senders list to ensure delivery!

Q: Is the beta under NDA?
A: Yes, the Defiance beta test is under NDA. Please keep all details regarding the Defiance beta out of public channels, as players who break the NDA will be removed from future Defiance betas.

Q:  I received a Defiance beta code; what do I do next?
A: IF you get a beta code, go to the Apply Code page at www.trionworlds.com: https://defiance.trionworlds.com/commerce/voucher/redeem-voucher-flow. Once you  have been accepted into beta, you will receive a beta invite email which will take you through the rest of the simple steps to access and download the beta client.

Please note, if you have already received a beta invite email, you are signed up for the beta and DO NOT REQUIRE a beta key.

Q: What platform is the Defiance beta for?
A: The first beta is for PC players. However, future beta tests will include PlayStation®3 and Xbox 360® players, so stay tuned to http://www.defiance.com/beta for further details.

Q: Where are the beta forums located?
A: The Defiance beta forums are located at: http://beta.forums.defiance.com/cas_login.php?do=login&url=/

The forum will be accessible once your beta access has been confirmed via email.

Gameplay Trailer : Massive Co-op

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/15/gameplay-trailer-massive-co-op/

Lead the charge in to huge co-op battles across the open world.

Click the image to be taken straight to the video!

Preorder and Live Action Teaser

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/21/preorder-and-live-action-teaser/

We’ve gone live with our preorder information that details all of the available preorder options as well as revealing that Defiance will not require a subscription to play!

Gamers can choose from multiple game bundles, digital and physical, starting at USD $59.99: Standard, Collectors, and a very limited number of Ultimate editions. Each package allows players to delve deeper, and more quickly, into the persistent futuristic universe where the survival of Earth relies on your skills as an Ark Hunter leveling up in massive co-op battles and fierce multiplayer combat.

Defiance is scheduled for release in April 2013, and can be pre-ordered online and at major games retailers in North America. Information about the European pre-order will be available shortly.

 

The new live action trailer can be viewed here – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwSWgqPfpWw (Archivist Note: With the Defiance YouTube channel scrubbed the linked video is embedded below)

 

Defiance gameplay

The Defiance Dodge Challenge(r)

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/23/the-defiance-dodge-challenger/

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Navigating alien terrain and evading (or running over) potential danger in your vehicle is a big part of the Defiance game experience. Early in your Ark Hunter career, you’ll earn a quad ATV that opens up your ability to cover the expansive world of Defiance. Vehicles and fast travel points ensure that players are focused on joining the action rather than worrying about going from point A to point B. Multiple vehicles and vehicle types are available in Defiance, from fast solo vehicles like the ATV to a fortified personnel carrier known as the Cerberus. The Challenger is the fastest vehicle in Defiance, and the most coveted.

The Defiance Challenger is a powerful and agile vehicle, perfect for the devastated ruins of future San Francisco. Remnants of the present time are still evident; from the collapsed Golden Gate Bridge, San Quentin prison (now a fortress), and the sunken bog of Fisherman’s Wharf. Technology from our time is also evident in Defiance, and that’s what set the stage for the introduction of the Challenger into Defiance.

Getting the Car into the Game

There were three key areas for getting the Challenger into the game:

  • Art & Animation
  • Vehicle Performance Design
  • Audio FX

We picked up a decked out Challenger R/T Classic, took the car for a drive, some reference shots, and ran one very unfortunate Hellbug. Once the team got extensive hands on with the car, we factored in a lot of different characteristics, from handling, speed, acceleration, styling, and sound into designing the in-game version. Varying styles from sleek to gritty were concepted and evaluated, and after several iterations, the following version was implemented into the game.

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All told, the process took about two months from evaluation to implementation. Plus, we are still fine tuning the driving and physics charactertics for balancing.

The Challenger will be available to players as an unlock. You’ll have to prove your driving prowess first in order to qualify!

Defiance Challenger Photo Gallery

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Enemy Intel : The Mutants

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/24/enemy-intel-the-mutants/

We’re releasing a series of videos over the next few weeks to help you better prepare yourself for the world of Defiance. This first video is highlighting some particularly nasty enemies: The Mutants.

You can see the video by going directly to our YouTube page – or by clicking right here!

Who are The Mutants in a nutshell? They are the remains of the Earth Military Coalition and now they continue to fight on despite being mutated. Beware the mutants, though they are mindless they still pack a punch.

Ark Hunter Rewards

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/29/ark-hunter-rewards/

Greetings Ark Hunters!

It’s time to start your career as an Ark Hunter. Ark Fall codes have begun appearing all throughout the world of Defiance. Some of these codes are quite easy to find, while others may present more of a challenge or require keen eyesight.

Your objective is to collect the Ark Fall codes as part of your Ark Hunter Training. As you advance in training and enter more codes you will unlock in-game bonuses. These bonuses range from extra inventory slots to a small bonus in a weapon proficiency. The most discerning Ark Hunters who fully complete training will have their characters start with a bonus perk.

Head to the Ark Hunter Rewards page to start claiming rewards!

Advanced Mission Beta 2

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/29/advanced-mission-beta-2/

Advanced Mission Beta 2 is coming on February 8th at 8:00 AM PST and running through February 10th at 9:00 PM PST. You’ll be taken to the San Francisco bay area and get to explore the future world of Defiance as an Ark Hunter.

With beta 2 we’re opening up a new area as well as some coop instances for testers to go through and explore. Click here to head to our beta page and get more information and to sign up for the beta!

If you played in beta 1, you don’t need to download anything new but you will need to log in and patch your game prior to beta 2!

Release Date and Live Action Trailer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/30/release-date-and-live-action-trailer-2/

Defiance™ will be launching on April 2nd and is a one-of-a-kind transmedia experience; players and fans can experience Defiance on the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, or a Windows PC and become part of the online world ahead of the April 15th debut of the Syfy TV show.

Helping set the stage we have now released the full version of our Ark Hunter trailer that encompasses what life in Defiance is like for the everyday Ark Hunter. Keep your eyes open during the trailer since there might be extra incentives for those keen eyed Ark Hunters. Click here for a direct link to the trailer!

Defiance - Live Action trailer

Meet the Dev Team: Nels Nelson, Senior Game Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/01/30/meet-the-dev-team-nels-nelson-senior-game-designer/

Welcome back to our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the team and share a little bit about who they are, and what they do. This time, we’re honored to be joined by Nels Nelson, a Senior Game Designer whose vision is helping shape the world of Defiance.

Elizabeth Tobey: Can you start off by telling us your name, your title, and how long you’ve been at Trion?

Nels Nelson: I’m Nels Nelson, and I’m a Senior Game Designer. I’ve been here for about four and a half years.

Elizabeth: What exactly does a Senior Games Designer  do?

Nels: Well, I’ve been here since the very beginning, and the job has really evolved over the course of the project. The core of what a designer does is lay out the framework of what the game is going to be and help direct everybody else as they’re implementing things, make sure that everything’s going as planned, that sort of stuff. One of the biggest changes has been the game’s scope. When it started out, we had about ten or twelve people on the team, and now I think we’re pushing a hundred. At the very beginning we were just building a prototype, and now we have a huge playable game and a launch date, so it’s grown quite a bit.

Elizabeth: So what are some of the things you are most proud of, or excited about, since you’ve been here?

Nels: I would say the shooter combat that we have in the game is probably the most exciting thing, even though I’m not responsible for a large part of it. We’ve been able to hit, I think, what players are going to expect, people who are coming from your triple-A shooters. They’re going to feel pretty familiar picking up and playing our game, and their first impression is going to be a good one.

Elizabeth: Does working in tandem with the TV show kind of throw a wrench in your design process or give you more freedom?

Nels: I think it actually gives us more freedom because the show is able to handle a lot of the character story-based stuff that’s difficult to do in the game. It can get expensive if you try to work too much story into a game – it takes a lot of time and can kind of tie your hands. By allowing the show to tell a lot of that, we can make the game more about the player’s story and what the players are doing and experiencing together, which is very dynamic. That way, the show can focus more on the, “Here are the stories of the characters you’re meeting in the game” aspects.

Elizabeth: How does being cross-platform help or challenge you?

Nels: I would say the biggest thing it helps with is focusing on moment-to-moment gameplay. Shooter gameplay is standardized on consoles as far as mechanics, what to expect, how controls work, etc., so we can use those as a base to make sure players feel comfortable coming in. Then we can layer on a lot of abilities and online content afterwards and not scare people away by putting the massive and evolving aspects front and center. So I think it’s actually kind of helpful for us to be on console – as designers it forces us to focus the gameplay to accommodate the limitations of the platform.

Elizabeth: Other than Defiance, what games are you playing?

Nels: I just finished the recent Spider-Man movie tie-in game, and I’ve been playing the new Lego Batman. Played a bit of Spec Ops, which is a recent shooter. Those are the latest games I’ve been playing. I play a lot of console action and shooter games, so pretty much everything that comes out on console, I pick up and give a shot.

Elizabeth: Other than gaming, what do you do in your spare time?

Nels: To start, I have a big family at this point. That’s one of the casualties of getting older, so I spend a lot of time with them for sure. I do a lot of reading, go to movies, take care of my dogs and that sort of thing. Nothing terribly erratic or out of control, nothing too crazy. When I go home in the evenings I rarely use the computer at all. I’m just in front of one for so much during the day!

Elizabeth: I think that’s all we’ve got for today. Thanks for taking the time to answer our questions.

Preorder Information and Answers

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/01/preorder-information-and-answers/

We’ve had a lot of questions about our different editions and we want to lay out the information for you again. Listed below are all of our preorder options and accompanying images for each bundle.

 

We have also started a Preorder FAQ in our forums where we will take direct questions and tracking down direct answers. You can directly get to the FAQ by clicking this link and we encourage you to head to the forums and ask us questions.

You can choose from multiple game bundles, digital and physical, starting at USD $59.99: Standard, Collectors, and a very limited number of Ultimate editions. Each package allows players to delve deeper, and more quickly, into the persistent futuristic universe where the survival of Earth relies on your skills as an Ark Hunter leveling up in massive co-op battles and fierce multiplayer combat.

Defiance is scheduled for release in April 2013, and can be pre-ordered online and at major games retailers in North America. Information about the European preorder will be available shortly. We have not released any information regarding our European Ultimate Edition, so please stay tuned for that!

These are our digital preorder versions: You can preorder these at www.defiance.com/preorder or at the local online retailer of your choice. If you are having trouble finding an edition at your online retailer, contact us at Community@Defiance.com  or message us at @defiancegame on Twitter for more help!

 

Defiance Pre-Order ($59) Bonuses Include:

  • Outlander outfit helps you blend in with the locals
  • Iron Demon title lets potential enemies know you are not to be messed with
  • Retailer Exclusive pre-order weapon that gives you a leg up out of the gate
  • 3-Day XP boost helps establish you on the battlefield
  • Beta Invitation – get in the game early!

 

Defiance Digital Deluxe Edition ($99) Includes:

  • Rare VBI Sentinel Shield helps you never let your guard down
  • In-game title:  Badlands Drifter
  • Ark Infiltrator outfit – look good while crackin’ skulls
  • Hydra heavy weapon helps you bring the boom early
  • +5 Increased inventory space – don’t leave home without it
  • 30-Day scrip boost – more everything!
  • 30-Day XP boost – level up faster!
  • Lock Box – sweet random rewards!

 

In addition to digital editions, we also have physical copies of the game you can preorder. You can pick these up both in stores and online. The major difference between these editions and the digital editions is that you  will get a physical box with the game and goodies inside: you can pick these up at www.defiance.com/preorder as well as at the retailer of your choice (both in-store and on their online site!) Again, if you don’t see an edition at a store of your choosing, please contact the Community Team and we’ll help you out.

 

NOTE: The European collector’s edition and the ultimate edition do not include the bonus DVD. These images are of the PC version but all versions are the same! There is no monthly subscription!

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Defiance Collector’s Edition ($99) includes the Digital Deluxe items and adds the following:

  • Unique Defiance Collectors Box
  • CD soundtrack – from legendary composer Bear McCreary
  • Exclusive Art of Defiance book – unique stills and never-before-seen renders
  • Exclusive Hellbug statue
  • An official Von Bach Industries contract
    • Defiance Post Cards and stickers
    • Bonus “Making of Defiance” DVD
    • 7-Day scrip boost
    • 7-Day XP boost

 

 UE_Beautyshot_blog.jpg

 

Defiance Ultimate Edition ($149) adds the following to the Collector’s Edition:

  • Exclusive Defiance Messenger Bag
  • Exclusive in-game title: Pale Wars Ronin
  • One Year Season Pass (All DLC) for Xbox 360, Windows PC, and PlayStation®3 1200 Bits

 

View a complete breakdown of all of the Defiance platform editions here: http://defiance.com/preorder

 

 

*Xbox 360, Windows PC and PlayStation®3 system versions do not have a separate monthly subscription.

Meet the Dev Team: Matt Mowrer, Writer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/04/meet-the-dev-team-matt-mowrer-writer/

In today’s installment of our “Meet the Dev” series, we are talking to Matt Mowrer, a writer on the Defiance team.

Elizabeth Tobey: Hi, Matt – let’s start by telling our fans who you are and what you do.

Matt Mowrer: My name is Matt Mowrer – I’m the writer on the game side. When I arrived they already had the story somewhat mocked out, so I started by developing aspects of the overall storyline. Now I’ve been taking that story and turning it into dialogue that we’ve been recording. I write all the cut scenes, as well as a lot – if not all – of the in-mission dialogue, and then piece it all together to make sure everything makes sense and moves the story forward. I direct recording sessions and work with voice talent to help make sure that what I wrote is being delivered properly. Then I’ll collaborate with cinematics to make sure they understand what I was trying to convey in my scenes, so it will look awesome when they do their cinematic stuff.

Elizabeth: What do you like to write most, either gaming or other projects?

Matt: I am a huge horror fan, so I really enjoy horror movies and writing horror movies and trying to make what is generally a poor genre better. I like to create – I hope I’m creating good characters – and it’s been fun to come in to a project where a lot of work has already been started. All the characters were conceived by the time I got here; I just took them and sort of molded them into something that I could relate to and get into. So it’s been fun to take someone else’s work and develop it further. It’s a great team feeling, like we all made something awesome. The main Defiance character that I’m really into is John Cooper, who’s a super badass. I’m hoping others will feel the same.

Elizabeth: Does working in conjunction with the show make writing the game easier or more complicated?

Matt: That is a good question. I came from the show, actually. I was a creative consultant with Syfy, then this job opened up and offered more creativity. That first job was half creativity and then half sort of managing details like meetings and emails. This is a hundred percent creative, which is great. The difficult part is just the differences about how each team goes about doing things. For instance, there are limitations that Syfy has that we don’t, and there are roadblocks that we have that they don’t. It’s hard to take all those limitations and create something awesome out of them. It’s been going really well. I saw the teaser trailer today from the show and it looks amazing. So I was very, very stoked to see that. I think there are going to be some good connections between the two. I think this is going to be pretty rad for people.

Elizabeth: So other than working on the game, what are you currently playing, in terms of video games?

Matt: I just started Bulletstorm, and that game is ridiculous! It’s amazing how over-the-top the swearing is – which was somewhat unintentional from what I understand – and it just makes it that much better. They have invented word I’ve never thought of. So, that’s what I’m playing now. BioShock is amazing as far as writing goes. The same goes for Red Dead Redemption. The writing in that is great, and the voice acting alone in that is some of the best I’ve heard – so hopefully we can equal that.

Elizabeth: So other than games, what do you do? What are your hobbies?

Matt: I play hockey. I’m a big hockey fan, which is rare for a Californian. Hard to do out here. I also have a motorcycle I like to ride. I have a baby. I don’t know if that’s a hobby, but she’s pretty awesome. I just moved to San Diego, so it’s all fairly new to me. I don’t know what else. Maybe movies? I love movies. Westerns and horror movies are two of my favorites.

Elizabeth: Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions and tell the Community a bit about yourself. We can’t wait to see more of what you write for Defiance.

Defiance Avatar Collection

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/07/defiance-avatar-collection/

We’ve got an awesome Microsoft Xbox 360 avatar collection available right now for you to begin customizing your avatar. We’ve got everything from Hell Bug pets, to Defiance clothing, and even some VBI options as well for our more dedicated Ark Hunters! Check out the Xbox 360 store for more details and to get your very own Hell Bug pet!

Here’s an example of the Defi Shirts on both female and male avatars :

 

 

Of all of them though – the Hell Bug pet really stands out and makes for an awesome addition to any collection.

Advanced Mission Beta 2 is Open

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/08/advanced-mission-beta-2-is-open/

We’ve just opened up the second Advanced Mission Beta for Defiance. Please join us and explore the starting area as well as a new zone – Madera. Take a look around and enjoy your weekend in Defiance!

Meet the Dev Team: Josh O’Brien, Senior Level Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/11/meet-the-dev-team-josh-obrien-senior-level-designer/

Welcome back to our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the team and share a little bit about who they are, and what they do. This time, we’re honored to be joined by  Senior Level Designer, Josh O’Brien, who is responsible for the world environment experience in Defiance.

Elizabeth Tobey: Tell us your name, title, and how long you’ve been with Trion.

Josh O’Brien: My name is Josh O’Brien, I’m a senior level designer, and I’ve been with Trion for just over a year now.

E: What have you been doing in the last couple of months? What have been taking up most of your days?

J: Most of my days have been taken up by working with the combat designers to help ensure that our playspaces in the open world are up to triple-A standards and are super fun for one person or a group of 30 or 40 people rolling through it.

E: What are some of the key aspects of making an area fun and accessible to that many people?

J: One of the key aspects is having multiple ways to approach a given encounter and giving the players a toolbox that they can pick what they like from, and then just going in and having fun.

E: Is there anything that you’ve been working on that you’re particularly excited about or proud of?

J: Yeah, there’s a lot I’m proud of. Our final area, our final zone, has a lot of really good points of interest that we’ve taken all the mistakes from the previous zones and hammered them out, so our end level content is going to be pretty good. Also, downtown San Francisco is going to be a cool area to run around in; destroyed buildings, fighting through TransAmerica building is going to be pretty cool to swing some of that. Alamo Park is pretty cool, too. And next we have fighting on the new Treasure Island that we’ve redone and made alien, that’s going to be pretty exciting, as well.

E: Other than Defiance, what are you playing for fun?

J: I play a lot of Borderlands, and I play Left 4 Dead 2 – pretty much those two games. I like the co-op shooters.

E: What are you doing when you’re not playing and making games?

J: Trying to get my five-month-old to sleep.

E: Is there one thing that you’d like to share with the Defiance Community, or something that you’re really excited for them to see?

J: Just to say that Defiance is like nothing I’ve worked on, it’s like nothing else made, it’s a totally new experience and it’s really going to kick ass. It’s going to rock.

E: And that’s it for today. Thanks for taking the time to answer a few questions for the Community.

Enemy Intel: Raiders

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/11/enemy-intel-raiders/

These scavengers are homicidal zealots who terrorize the outlands. Check out this latest intel video for tactics on how to take them down!  Click here to be taken to our YouTube channel to see the latest intel video.

 

Enemy Intel – Scrappers

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/14/enemy-intel-scrappers-2/

Scrappers are hostile robots constructed from scrap metal and salvage technology driven, some say, by a higher artificial intelligence.  Check out the enemy intel trailer by heading to our YouTube channel.

 

Hell Bug Valentine

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/14/hell-bug-valentine/

Happy Valentines!

Live Stream Schedule for this week

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/14/live-stream-schedule-for-this-week/

Howdy Folks!

 

This week we have another live stream scheduled at 4:30 PM PST on Friday February 15th. We’ll be showing off some more of our competitive multi-player including freight yard as well as showing you a couple of things we haven’t shown anyone!

 

We’ll be debuting a couple of our challenge missions so make sure to follow us at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds to get notified when we go online.

 

When : Friday, February 15th @ 4:30 PM PST

Where : www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

 

We may even have a few Ark Fall codes and other surprises too!

Meet the Dev Team: Gary Stelmack, Senior Combat Designer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/18/meet-the-dev-team-gary-stelmack-senior-combat-designer/

Welcome back to our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the team and share a little bit about who they are, and what they do. This time, we’re honored to be joined by Gary Stelmack, who is responsible for the combat experience in Defiance.

Elizabeth: Let’s start with your name and title, and how long you’ve been with Trion?

Gary: I’m Gary Stelmack, I’m the Senior Combat Designer, and I’ve been with Trion for about 10 months now.

E: In the 10 months that you’ve been here, can you talk a little bit about what your main duties are and what you’ve done for the game?

G: I’m basically overseeing combat, in general, which is a really broad area, so I get to deal a little bit with AI, a little bit with our weapons and our shooting model, kind of everything that goes into what makes running around in the world and shooting things fun. So we’ve been doing a lot of work to get our pacing right and get our feel for the player power level up into a really good feel for the experience that we’re trying to project in Defiance.

E: What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered in the past couple of months?

G: Well, one of the big things is working on a massive online shooter. You’ve got a lot of situations where you have to compensate for lag or performance issues or even just latency back and forth to server centers, and you have to build your combat around the concept that it may take a little bit for the fact that you’ve shot to go out to the server and for the server to come back to you.  We kind of adjust the pacing to take that into account, so we’re not a Call of Duty pace-wise because we may have a little bit longer, so we give that bit of error margin so still feels really good to the player, but we can still convey that you’re more powerful than what you’re facing out there in the world, that you’re a little bit better and a little bit more heroic.

E: So Defiance is a shooter, but it’s also multi-platform. How do you make the experience fun for both mouse-and-keyboard and console controller?

G: Well, there are actually a lot of tricks you can do with the controller. You can adjust both the responsiveness of the controller to capture that same kind of feel. You can also do certain things with aim assist, with snapping the targets a little bit. The important thing is you do that subtlety so that it’s not, hey, the game is helping you out, and you’re really looking to compensate for that precision on the controller while not completely eliminating the player’s skill. So it’s a really fun balancing act that you have to play with to keep that balance back and forth.

E: What were you doing before Trion?

G: Prior to Trion, my entire career was spent at Red Storm Entertainment working on Rainbow Six and Ghost Recon. I was there from the moment Rainbow Six launched, so more or less, the entire duration of both those series.

E: So other than Defiance, what games do you play?

G: One of my favorite ones that I do a lot of playing is actually RIFT. It was one of the big things that made me look at Trion as a company to come to was just the quality of RIFT as an MMO. I’m heavy into a lot of the other shooters that are out there on the market. You know, Call of Duty, Borderlands, you know, all of those that are out there right now. Most recently I finished Max Payne 3, so I try to dip into a little bit of everything. I’m also a really big fan of online flash games because you can see some really innovative, really creative stuff that people are doing there as well.

E: Beyond the world of gaming, what do you do with your days?

G: Well, one of my big hobbies that I like to do is stained glass, the Tiffany-style stained glass which is a lot of fun. It was actually something that I got into about two years ago, and that’s always a really big fun creative challenge, because being a designer, I’m artistically challenged, and so it’s fun to figure out how to build things like that. I’ve always been a work with my hands person, so now that I’m out here living in an apartment I don’t have my wood shop all set up, but hopefully I’ll be able to get back to that. I’ve also got a lot of pets that occupy my time.

E: Thanks so much for taking some time to answer our questions.

Ark Hunter Chronicles Teaser

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/19/ark-hunter-teaser/

We’ve just released a trailer for our upcoming series about our Ark Hunters. The Ark Hunter Chronicles will focus on the three Ark Hunters from the live action trailer to give you the background story of how this group of Ark Hunters came together. Head to our YouTube channel to get more information!

 

Click here for a direct link to the teaser! 


Ark Hunter Chronicles Episode 1

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/20/ark-hunter-chronicles-episode-1/

The first episode in our Ark Hunter Chronicles mini-series is now live. This first episode is about setting the stage and getting to know the background of our trio of Ark Hunters.  Make sure to check back every week to see the newest episode.

 

Click here to head to our YouTube channel to see the very first episode. 

Defiance Live Stream – Friday 2/22

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/20/defiance-live-stream-friday-222/

Join us again this Friday as we stream from our closed alpha. We’ll be doing more focus on Observatory and Shadow War this time around as we’ve had more requests to see the competitive multiplayer. We’ll also have a special  guest joining us so make sure to subscribe to us on our Twitch TV channel to see when we go online!

 

When : 4:30 PM PST

Where : www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

IGN Walkthrough with Defiance

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/20/ign-walkthrough-with-defiance/

IGN recently sat down with Senior Producer Rob Hill for an extended walk-through of Defiance and now it’s live for your viewing pleasure. Check out the video and let us know what you think!

Click here for a direct link to the video walk-through. 

What is an Ark Hunter?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/21/what-is-an-ark-hunter/

In the world of Defiance you play the role of an Ark Hunter, a specialist in survival, combat and tracking who braves dangerous frontiers to locate and retrieve lost relics of alien or advanced origins in return for great financial rewards.

You are an Ark Hunter in the world of Defiance and you are on not only a story mission, but you control what you want to become. Do you want to try to be the best sniper around? Would you prefer to be the biggest baddest guy around using EGO abilities? What if you want to have the fastest quad in the bay area? These are things you can control and things you can decide upon once you get in to the game on April 2nd.

 

Enemy Intel – Hellbugs

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/21/enemy-intel-hellbugs/

Born from the Arkfall and subsequent terramorphing disaster on Earth, this subterranean species is especially challenging!  Check out the Hellbug Enemy Intel trailer by visiting our YouTube Channel HERE!

 

Hellbug

Ark Hunter Chronicles Episode 2

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/26/ark-hunter-chronicles-episode-2/

Episode two in our Ark Hunter Chronicles mini-series is now live. Arkfalls to Shadow Wars our Ark Hunters show us how it is done in a highly competitive environment. Make sure to check back every week to see the newest episode.

 

Click here to head to our YouTube channel to see the very first episode. 

Defiance Competitive Multiplayer Trailer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/26/defiance-competitive-multiplayer-trailer/

Packed full of fierce multiplayer action, out of this world alien-tech weaponry and gigantic infantry and vehicular battles, the Shadow War trailer gives a brief glimpse of what’s to come from one of the biggest games of the year.

 

Watch the full Defiance Competitive Multiplayer Trailer HERE!

Defiance Live Stream: Co-Op Scrap Works

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/26/defiance-live-stream-co-op-scrap-works/

Join us this Friday as we kick off our Defiance Live Stream! This week we will take a closer look at the Co-op instance Scrap Works and do some open world exploring.

So make sure to follow us at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds to get notified when we go online.

When : Friday, March 1st @ 10:30 AM PST

Where : www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

Have a question you want answered in this weeks live stream? Post them in the comments below.

Enemy Intel – 99ers

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/26/enemy-intel-99ers/

Once human miners, these crazed Cyborgs are fearless and very territorial.  Check out the Enemy Intel trailer by visiting our YouTube channel HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEsSfny95hA

Meet the Dev Team: Kurt Klockau, Senior Environment Artist

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/02/27/meet-the-dev-team-kurt-klockau-senior-environment-artist/

Welcome back to our Defiance “Meet the Dev” series, where we introduce you to members of the team and share a little bit about who they are, and what they do. This time, we’re honored to be joined by Senior Environment Artist, Kurt Klockau, whose team creates the look and feel of the alien environments found in Defiance.

Elizabeth: Tell us your name, title, how long you’ve been at Trion, and a bit about what you do.

Kurt: I’m Kurt Klockau, I’m the lead environment artist, and I’ve been with Trion since the San Diego studio started about four-and-a-half years ago. My general job is to run the environment team, so I have eleven or twelve guys now, and I do everything from making sure that assets are created on-time, making sure they’re of the right quality, interfacing with Design to figure out what they need from the Environment team, doing scheduling, general risk management, that kind of thing, and every once in a while I actually get to do work. I’ve done all of the terrain textures that are in the game up until recently and I worked with the lead terrain guy a lot to make little vignette corners and things like that in the game so that everyone knows what direction they should be going.

E: What’s been the most exciting environment, terrain, or scene that you’ve worked on?

K: I really enjoyed working on the wasteland stuff. We kind of have the two major looks: we have the northern California look and we’ve polished that, but the wastelands was a complete change. It’s a very alien sort of environment, where the northern California look was more kind of traditional, so I really enjoyed doing the terrain textures for that and working through that, and we’re still working on that, but it’s been cool so far.

E: Outside of Defiance, what have you been playing lately?

K: Recently I picked up Dead Island and I’m enjoying that, and then I picked up the new SSX, and so when I want a complete change from destroying zombies I have been snowboarding. I love the SSX series. I’ve played a handful of them and they’re a nice break from what I normally play. And then the next game that’s on my list is Arkham City because I still haven’t gotten a chance to play that, but I loved Arkham Asylum.

E: Other than gaming, what fills your days?

K: I play a lot of guitar, I’ve played guitar since I was six. I play blues for the most part. We go to the beach a lot, being in San Diego. I’m also into a lot of retro things, like I go to a lot of tiki bars and I’m in to the whole retro scene, too.

E: That’s all for now, and we definitely appreciate you taking the time to answer our questions.

Ark Hunter Chronicles: Rain of Death

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/05/ark-hunter-chronicles-rain-of-death/

Episode three in our Ark Hunter Chronicles mini-series is now live. Some are expendable and some are worth saving. The ones you do save… they’ll follow you anywhere. Make sure to check back every week to see the newest episode.

Watch the Ark Hunter Chronicles: Rain of Death Here!

The Defiance Season Pass is HERE!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/05/the-defiance-season-pass-is-here/

We have unveiled the first details around our Defiance Season Pass.  Players who want to save cash on the first 5 DLC packs rolling out after launch can now pre-purchase the Defiance Season Pass for $39.99USD. Gamers will get a massive amount of content including a new playable alien species, new weapons and vehicles, missions, and rewards, plus two bonus items, an exclusive digital Hellbug combat cap and a Lock Box.

The Defiance Season Pass can be purchased for $39.99 (PlayStation®Network) / 3200 Microsoft Points (Xbox LIVE) / $39.99 (PC). Once purchased, the content packs will be automatically available as they go live.

Defiance Now Available on Steam!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/05/defiance-now-available-on-steam/

Defiance is now available for Pre-order via Steam! Get your Pre-order in for either the Standard Edition or Deluxe Edition and alert your friends to unlock special pre-purchase rewards.  Get all the details HERE!

Defiance: Unique Weapons and Modifications Trailer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/08/defiance-unique-weapons-and-modifications-trailer/

With a variety of weapon types and thousands of upgrades you can create your ultimate weapon within Defiance. Check out the Weapons and Modifications trailer here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-bRXhD0KPaY

 

Limited Edition Red Dodge Challenger Pre-order Bonus!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/11/limited-edition-red-dodge-challenger-srt8-pre-order-bonus/

Pre-order Defiance for either PC, Xbox 360 or PS3 and receive the Limited Edition Red Dodge Challenger SRT8! This offer is only available as a pre-order bonus and all retailers will provide the Limited Edition Red Dodge Challenger SRT8 with your pre-order.

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Pre-order your copy of Defiance here: http://bit.ly/XDWKdM

Need more details around the  Limited Edition Red Dodge Challenger SRT8? Join us here: http://bit.ly/ZEbRSd 

Ark Hunter Chronicles: All in your Head

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/12/ark-hunter-chronicles-all-in-your-head/

Episode four in our Ark Hunter Chronicles mini-series is now live. Can you even comprehend the things you will have to do and the actions you will need to take to succeed… Do you have what it takes to be an Ark Hunter?

Watch the latest Ark Hunter Chronicle episode Here!

Final Defiance BETA Event Details!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/13/final-defiance-beta-event-details/

We are proud to announce the third Defiance Beta weekend which will take place on PC, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3! Our Advanced Mission Beta 3 release will be NDA FREE! So feel free to talk about Defiance on our official forums here: http://forums.defiance.com/

Note: The Alpha NDA is still in place and content around Alpha will remain under NDA until further notice.

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Advance Mission BETA 3 Dates:

PlayStation 3 North America: March 19th 8:00am PT – March 25th 9:00pm PT

PlayStation 3 Europe: March 20th 8:00am PT – March 26th 9:00pm PT

PC Global: March 22nd 9:00am PT – March 24th 9:00pm PT

Xbox 360 Global: March 22nd 8:00am PT – March 27th 8:00am PT

The final beta, which is not representative of the final game, will let players explore the Mt. Tam and Madera regions with Co-op battles on Angel Island and the Cronkhite Bunker. For Ark Hunters looking to test their might in some competitive multiplayer action, the Freight yard and Observatory will provide opportunities to prove themselves worthy of Von Bach Industries’ recruitment.

Thanks to a partnership with Dodge, we revealed last week that players pre-ordering Defiance will also get an exclusive in-game red Dodge Challenger at launch, in addition to the previously announced pre-order reward items. The Dodge Challenger is the fastest vehicle in the game and players in the BETA will get to test drive it first by competing in the Dodge time trial challenge located in Madera.

Defiance is scheduled for release April 2, 2013, and is now available for pre-order. If you’re looking for a guaranteed invite to the final BETA you can get your key by pre-ordering now.  http://www.defiance.com/en/pre-order/

Also! PC players can now pre-order their copy of Defiance from Steam here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/224600.

Defiance Live Stream (3/22) with Grant Bowler!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/19/defiance-live-stream-322-with-grant-bowler/

Join us this Friday as we kick off an EXCLUSIVE Defiance Live Stream! This week we sit down actor Grant Bowler, star of Syfy’s upcoming Defiance TV series and go hands on within Grant’s character Nolan in our Defiance Beta.  We will also host a live Q&A with Grant to answer both your Game and TV show questions.

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Make sure to follow us at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds to get notified when we go Live!

When : Friday, March 22nd @ 3:00PM PT

Where : www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

Have a question about Defiance you would like answered during our Live Stream? Post them Here: http://forums.defiance.com/showthread.php?4332-Defiance-Live-Stream-(3-22)-with-Grant-Bowler 

Defiance Xbox Live Beta Date Extended!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/19/defiance-xbox-live-beta-date-extended/

Last week we announced the details for our Advanced Mission Beta 3 across PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (Details Here). However, due to unforeseen circumstances we were locked into only allowing Xbox 360 users access to the Beta on March 25th – March 26th. We pushed to try to get more time because of feedback from everyone here within the community and Microsoft helped make that happen.

 

Please see the below revised Beta dates and times for the Xbox 360 Beta.

Xbox Live AMB 3 Details:

Xbox 360 Global: March 22nd 8:00am PT – March 27th 8:00am PT

Ark Hunter Chronicles: Risk Versus Reward

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/19/ark-hunter-chronicles-risk-versus-reward/

Episode five in our Ark Hunter Chronicles mini-series is now live.  Winning is not a goal, but a process. A process that will never be over… Do you have what it takes to be an Ark Hunter?

Watch the latest Ark Hunter Chronicle episode Here!

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WHY CONQUER THE WORLD IF YOU CAN’T TALK ABOUT IT?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/22/why-conquer-the-world-if-you-cant-talk-about-it/

I don’t usually kiss and tell, but we’re lifting the NDA for Beta because we want to hear from you. You make us want to be a better game. Share your experiences, post videos, get some gifs on the forums, tweet. Wherever you say it, we’ll see it and love you for it. Yes – even on Google+.

  • This is just the beginning. We’re building a massive world and Beta is only part of what you see. For us, launch is when the fun starts. We patch to respond to your feedback. Like in a relationship, we put effort into making it work.
  • We’re also doing DLC and guess what: much of the content in them will be free for everyone. We don’t split you away from your friends and have you pay us to be alone in a dungeon. That would be weird.
  • Your feedback has already led to improvements in our enemies and their AI (no Skynet yet, promise, kinda), combat systems, tutorials, stories and missions, rewards, user interface and of course, weapons. Don’t forget our massive co-op boss battles either, or Shadow Wars.

We really do appreciate you helping us out in Beta and are dedicated to continuing this relationship and making this world a better place. You are a big part of what will make Defiance even greater. This I promise you.

Nathan “Oveur” Richardsson
VP Development, Executive Producer and proud member of the 150 person Defiance team

Oh, and there is only one way to get that Red Challenger, and that’s through pre-order. You know you want to check it out. Click it. Cliiick iiit!

Red Hot Dodge Challenger Pre-order Bonus Trailer!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/03/22/1105/

It is one thing to cruise around Defiance in one of our many vehicles, but it is another to speed around Defiance in a brand new exclusive Red Dodge Challenger SRT8. Get your hands on your Red Dodge Challenger SRT8 when you Pre-order before April 2nd, 2013!

  Defiance: Dodge Challenger Pre-order Bonus Trailer! 

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Interested? Check out our pre-order offers here: http://www.Defiance.com/preorder

Defiance: Welcome to the new Age

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/02/defiance-welcome-to-the-new-age/

Welcome to the new Age! Defiance is now available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC today. Make sure to check out the full length launch trailer below! http://youtu.be/5tkGml5V5Ys

Join the Fight! Snag your copy of Defiance at your local retailer or directly from Trion Worlds http://www.defiance.com/en/buy-now

 

Defiance: Welcome to the new Age Launch Trailer!

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The Day of Defiance is here, what beautiful baby of ours it is

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/03/the-day-of-defiance-is-here-what-beautiful-baby-of-ours-it-is/

This day has been long coming. Sometimes you hear sayings like “it takes 9 months to have a baby” and “9 women can’t make a baby in a month”. Those more familiar with the matter have pointed out to me that this was closer to “9 months of giving birth”, hit me over the head and said I should stop using sayings I don’t really understand. It’s the Icelander in me, sorry.

This first day of launch of Defiance, a PC-PS3-XBOX360-massively-online-tv-show-connected-third-person-open-world-shooter, has been as awesome as we expected it to be. And by awesome, I mean we’re neck deep addressing all the issues that come up when you scale something up to a million people from a test environment of thousands.

And we expected to be doing that. All our team is here, 150 people, all on it and will be in the next weeks because that’s what you do with massive online games. Keep the team, update, patch, fix, improve. We notice, we listen, we honestly do. Of the issues that we are working on right now, these are an example of the highest priority for us.

  • Connectivity – Being able to connect, patch and play. This has a number of things that can be plaguing you depending on platform and what version of the game you have. We’re on it like a shark during winter solstice.
  • Pre-order items – WHERE ARE THEY?!?!? We have a number of cases where they aren’t being delivered to you. We know. They haven’t disappeared nor will they. They might pop up suddenly over the next hours, the next time you log on or tomorrow.
  • Bosses and Arkfalls – They might be very difficult as they scale and the rewards not in any sane correlation to what they should be, being this difficult. You’re right, it’s not right. On it.
  • Chat and VOIP – This isn’t broken, we just believe people should use their psychic abilities more. Can you hear what I’m saying to you right now? Yes, exactly. We’re working on it.

But one thing which you may or may not be accustomed to. We may take down our servers to deploy patches or improvements to them. We do this far more frequently than others. This may be frequent and annoying during the first days of launch but believe me when I say this, we’re doing it to make your experience better.

“You may ask yourself, “where is my issue on this list of yours you inbred viking trying to fool me with humor and shark?” Don’t worry, we have a long list of issues logged based on your feedback through Customer Support, Forums, stalking you in-game and server data. But those four are an example of those that are affecting the largest number of people. You can however comment further here or provide further detail to help us out with those issues.”

At the end of the day – which btw, our day never does, we’re here 24/7 – we reach around each other and are happy. Happy that our voyage is just beginning, from today, with you onboard. We appreciate the trust that you are showing us by coming with us and we will address all these issues.

Ave Arkhunter,

Nathan Richardsson

Day 2 in the life of Defiance, little bit of humble, little bit of cautious

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/04/day-2-in-the-life-of-defiance-little-bit-of-humble-little-bit-of-cautious/

I thought, why stop with more insight what’s happening with Defiance, inside my head and with the team. Actually, we should probably skip my head and focus on Defiance and the team.

It’s the second day in the life of Defiance, you saw our focal points yesterday and to elaborate on what happens here. We try to be in a position to respond to change and react to feedback. That means we frequently re-prioritize and re-evaluate, we course-correct. Some of you might know this as being “agile”. I prefer “wtfisgoingonnowletsfixdatshiinao”. Sorry, stay away from my brain. Got it.

The reason this is about being a little bit humble and little bit cautious, is that you might see us talk about very serious issues in a way which might make it look like we don’t take it seriously. This is not the case. We do believe that if you can’t make fun of yourself, take yourself too seriously and everything is doomed, you will have no joy or passion for what you do anymore. And that will get reflected in the experience you receive. We hope you understands.

With that being said, you will now see our top four issues today, as opposed to yesterday. Some may be have addressed to a large extent, others have gone down in priority because of others have come up are more critical. That does not mean the issues from yesterday are off the list, they are still there, but I hope you get better insight into why we can – and do – move.

  • Game Server Crashes – Let’s be sure to not confuse these with us taking down the server to apply updates. This is totally different and started getting much worse, especially for XBOX in the last 24 hours. You will experience this as disconnects but just tonight, it has ended with full server crashes. Twice. No amount of whiskey, dances of tango or foxtrot can fully convey our (calm professinal) rage and frustration over this.
  • FKN LAAAAG – Icelandic technical term which usually translates quite well to most other languages for some reason. This started showing up yesterday when scaling up certain platforms well beyond anything we’ve had before and we ran into glass ceilings. We don’t like lag. We hate lag. So we respond to it fast. You should also note that lag manifests itself for many reasons, ranging from networking to game servers. So especially if you are on XBOX, grab whiskey and take a dance or two, the game server problem above is causing this as well.
  • Patching woes – If you are experiencing this it’s for very different reasons. It’s depending on platform and location which is why we’ve been working with our content distribution networks and service providers to address this, identify where it’s happening etc. There is a thread here you can contribute your information to which will help us. If you can’t patch, you can’t enter the game and play. That’s like batshit level serious for us. We want you ingame just as much as we do. And it’s not just so we can stalk you while cloaked. Honest.
  • Client crashes – Like, 120hz. And others. We’re already deploying some of these out. We don’t like these crashes. The reason this steps into this list is that after these two days, we got enough information from you to identify and summarily fix certain crashes. You see, we often rely as much on your feedback as we do on our internal testing, because we like to listen to you (especially when you are in a good mood) and our internal testing never comes close to all of you hammering our code when you’re playing.

Some other notable things which you should keep in mind:

  • Pre-order items and other keys – If you haven’t gotten your pre-order items or are having problems with your key not giving access. Make sure that where you bought it, you got all your codes. This can be the pre-order code (sometimes on your receipt), your game access code, third extras code and the code for launching nuclear missiles. In case it’s the last one, please contact your nearest police station as you might be in trouble. In case of the other ones, make sure you enter all your codes.
  • Link your Console Account – There were problems both with the Arkhunter website and the account linking but that should now be solved. Head over to account linking to claim your rewards! Like most items, such as pre-order, you claim them ingame afterwards in the store.
  • Try out Shadow Wars and PVP maps – This should not all be about what’s wrong or sadness. If you are one of the very very very many that are ingame and not experiencing the issues above, this message is for you; try it out and let us know. If you don’t like it or can’t, please, also let us know. Our interest in high velocity impacts to grin area and vicinity is considerable.

That being said. I’m watching as we speak a large number of our operations team around the XBOX servers which just crashed again. That is no small feat, the XBOX cluster has more cores than an army of gold farming bot runners would know what to do with. But they will persevere, as they always have and won’t stop till they’re up again. The servers, not them, you pervert.

We’ve already pushed out a PC client patch to address crashes and a server update last night and we have another juicy server update for everyone in about 16 hours or so.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

Theme of day 3, don’t do the same thing over and over and expect different results

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/05/theme-of-day-3-dont-do-the-same-thing-over-and-over-and-expect-different-results/

This is very much how we’re operating with our largest operational issue right now, the XBOX lag. We are constantly trying new approaches and changes to hone in on what is the cause. This isn’t a single bug or one problem. It’s not a programmer making a spelling error somewhere or someone stumbling over cables.

The XBOX cluster is a very complicated but wonderful beast, with very many moving parts. We are fiddling with all these moving parts, we take down the cluster, we reconfigure, add hardware to different functions, do server code updates, analyze network traffic, change the load balancers, change server protocols, move gateways around, poke the sgörneebörní (that denoted the end of my technical prowess).

For short, we have a lot of people analyzing, monitoring, watching constantly so many different types of logs, server metrics, dials and blinking lights (I’m on the blinking lights detail for some reason). We have external professionals as well, from networking specialist to Microsoft swat teams helping us out. That’s why you’ll see a XBOX client patch later tonight, it’s one attempt to change something which will remove the need for one of the load balancers amongst other things. Fewer moving parts, less things that can blow up.

We’re incredibly sorry for this state. This was by no means foreseeable. If this was just Game Server code, it’d be easy to diagnose. It isn’t. This is intra-server protocols between the entire cluster. But we’re on it. We didn’t scale these servers up from 2 people to 10s of thousands of people by luck alone.

But if you’ve been following how we do things from our last blog, here is the overview of today’s focus.

  • Continued XBOX issues – Lag and server crashes. Our server operations team is throwing everything and the sink at it. We even had to stop one of them from throwing a kitchen sink at a server. Yes, we’re frustrated. Don’t ever think otherwise. We even employ “eat your own dog food” and have people play on XBOX instead of other platforms.
  • Disappearing items!? – This has started to crop up. Now, this shouldn’t be confused with a database crash during last night, this is something far more complicated but is connected to the Salvage Matrix but probably not the cause. Rather an underlying error which happens more with the use of the Salvage Matrix. We started seeing this happening more and more and have a team investigating this. We might disable the Salvage Matrix to minimize this problem while we find a solution.
  • Game Server Crashes – We still have too many of these over all platforms. They will result in you getting disconnected, you can usually reconnect but sometimes they don’t crash “gracefully” and stay in a zombie mode. Now, I know we all like zombies. They can be good entertainment but not the best for deep conversations. The same happens to Game Server Zombies. You keep on getting directed to them and get messages that say the service is down etc. and then in a little while you’re fine again.
  • Connectivity and patching – Back up top again. We’ve gotten a lot of data so keep it coming. Some people are even finding they have to “patch” the entire client again. We’ve cleared up a lot of log-in issues, connectivity, we’ve gotten reports of much better patching speeds but we can do more and better. Keep letting us know. It helps us help you. Special note though, if you have a Beta client installed still, uninstall it. This applies to all platforms. There are edge cases we’ve gotten reported which can cause serious problems in installation and patching.

And of course, this list keeps on to change based on what we solve, improve and new issues that may emerge. We adapt. Otherwise we will die. Not being on the list does not mean we’re not working on it. These are highlights and insight.

On that note, giving you more insight into today and some indication of what’s coming up.

  • Huge client patch coming – Client patches are very risky to deploy so we employ a more rigorous testing process before we distribute them. We can very easily revert a server patch. Depending on testing and certification, we should see that around the 15th, hopefully sooner, possibly later. It currently has 8 pages of patch notes, listing fixes and improvements.
  • Good batch of improvements – We’re happy that we’ve been able to keep a good stream of fixes and improvements just through the server updates. Client updates are much difficult but we did manage to address a set of crashes and the 120hz. That’s all ongoing of course so there is more to come, especially in today’s update and tomorrows as well.
  • Your boosts are not in vain – We’re looking at ways to make up to you all these various server problems and launch issues. We know your boosts are running while you aren’t able to play. Not just because you said so but because the few of us that do go home occasionally, try to play from there and come back even more frustrated in the morning. We don’t feel for you. We feel with you.
  • Customer Support – They are really heavily loaded but are crunching through. Remember also when submitting to them your PSN ID/Gamertag so they can act quickly. We’ve been streamlining our setup based on incoming issues, doing systematic fixes and updates when possible but also remember, they are one of our most vital feedback channels. They see everything coming in, parse it and report it so we can react on it.

You’re still here and read all that? I thank you for that. This feels almost like writing a diary now. I should mention that I have been feeling sad lately, then immensely happy, then frustrated but in the end I’m excited and ecstatic that I’m here. Because this is what it feels like launching this little game, an emotional rollercoaster. Maybe your feelings are similar.

I’m now going to run to deploy a client patch to the XBOX and another round of updates to the XBOX cluster as it just crashed. So we’re using the opportunity to deploy a client patch and do one reconfiguration since we had that planned for later anyways. Then it’s back to watch the blinking lights. Hey, why did I get the blinking lights detail? “Are they blinking still?” … “Yes”. Something’s awry.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

An Introduction to Defiance Contracts

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/05/a-introduction-to-defiance-contracts/

Defiance has contracts that you can choose to complete for extra rewards.  Contracts are found in your EGO menu in the “Goals” section.  Contracts refresh on a daily or weekly basis, and the amount of time left to complete them is displayed beside the details.

In this image you can see I have 3 days to complete my ‘Shadows of the Past’ Contract.

Once a Contract is active, your progress on the requirements will automatically be applied. Progress also pops up on the main HUD as you get updates (very similar to how Pursuits update).

Contracts expire/refresh at 19:05 UTC (which is just past noon pacific time), on Mondays for the weekly contracts.

There is a scale of rewards for the Contracts, so even if you don’t completely finish the full contract goal you can get a partial rewards.  Any progress at all gets you the lowest level reward; over 50% gets a silver level reward, and totally complete gets the highest gold level reward.  Rewards are scrip, ark salvage, and reputation with one of the factions in the world of Defiance. There are special vendors associated with each faction.  These faction vendors sell items that may not be available on normal vendors, at a cost of scrip plus reputation.  You can see your current standing with each of the factions on the “Stats” section of the Character menu.

– Sledgehammer70

Dear diary, it’s the fourth day, it’s been amazing but why do we still have lag?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/06/dear-diary-its-the-fourth-day-its-been-amazing-but-why-do-we-still-have-lag/

I’ve asked myself this question 3,289 times today. Don’t get me wrong. Most territories and platforms are mostly doing great by now. I know very well some of you still have outstanding issues, bugs or customer support tickets waiting. I didn’t say everything was perfect. Then we’d be playing all day ourselves.

But little time for that. There are problems to be solved, this is what we signed up for, gaming is what we love doing and we’re incredibly sorry that you have to go through these issues now with us. That’s why we don’t have problems sitting here now on a Friday night hammering through this still. We want to live up to your expectations and in some cases, we obviously aren’t. And I’m sorry for that.

But the world is conquered by eating an elephant in small bites accompanied by martinis. And here are todays bites, some of which are stuck in our throat:

  • US XBOX – Our battle with this server cluster continues. I’d put swearwords here but I think you can hear me in your head right now. You will have noticed some great server moments in the last 24 hours, some not so great. We continue to re-configure, deploy fixes, roll some back, try something different, measure, analyze. There’s just so many of you shooting so much. If you could just be nice and all get along. Hellbugs have feelings too you know. This is by far our top issue. We’ve thrown a ton of more hardware at it (we had reinforcements ready), changed client-server protocol to remove load balancing setups to have less moving parts and a host server code changes.
  • Game Server Crashes – These are the service not available and service timeouts you see. Today’s server code update alone had 9 different game server crash fixes. Some happened rarely, others were quite frequent. It all adds up. You should see less of service not available and the timeouts now although just tonight we’ve spotted a few other ones
  • Connectivity and patching – This one is still on the list. There are so many new players joining us and we even have a few of you which are still patching. We’ve deployed patches, reconfigured contend distribution networks and continue to do so based your reports of where you are in the world having problems.
  • Chat & VOIP – Back on the list again, we have some fixes for this, both that we can do server side but also client side. Unfortunately client patches of this nature can’t be deployed till the 15th as mentioned yesterday.

I’m not listing here individual gameplay items, such as general balance, mission changes, enabling or disabling missions or side-missions (such as due to exploits). That doesn’t mean they aren’t important, it’s because this is always important and constantly going on with a dedicated team. I did list Arkfalls, simply because that affected so many of us. Now to the happy part. We all enjoy happy endings. Like in the Fifth Element. Always makes me cry.

  • What’s our DLC plan? – I’ve seen a lot of you mention this and this is material for an entire blog post because there is so much I want to talk about. However, let’s be short. There are at least 5 DLCs this year. They all have a free and paid component. We do not want to segregate our playerbase so we always want everybody be able to participate and play with friends. The free part is features and content, the paid part is essentially, say, access to a new playable species with a bundle of stuff with it. The upcoming TV tie-ins aren’t DLCs that cost either. It’s all yours.
  • More updates enroute – Today fixes some disappearing item cases, more Arkfall loot love, mission and side-mission updates in addition to all the optimizations and bugfixes we deployed to improve the server crashes. Our patch around the 15th is in testing and on its way into certification. We anticipate to update our servers with code updates daily. XBOX of course more frequently till we fix it. Which we will.
  • Another big patch? It’s Friday night and it’s tricky to rock a rhyme that’s right on time. We have a patch around the 15th but we’ve already started work on the massive patch that’s coming roughly 2 weeks later. There are so many things we can’t fix, add or improve right away and have to be part of a larger client patch. That’s why we have two planned. After that you should see a nice shiny DLC.

The summary is, we have the cavalry out, we’re not giving up till we make this an awesome experience for you and as I mentioned yesterday, figuring out a way to make it up to you. When I find a way to make it all work, I’ll let you know here first. Promise. Besides of course just fixing the damn thing.

I hope I’m not still in your head swearing. That wouldn’t be very nice of me. Especially on a Friday. If it was Thursday, it would probably be fine.

Again, our apologies. After 5 years of creating this, it saddens us and frustrates us that you aren’t getting the great experience we strived to create. The upside is that it makes us quite determined to get you there.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

Day 6, Improvements, Improvements, Improvements, Niiiice! WTF?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/08/day-6-improvements-improvements-improvements-niiiice-wtf/

There we go! The only thing that prevents me going from mildly insane to insane is that I’m seeing improvements and progress. I know, some of you still encounter issues and we won’t stop till it’s all dealt with. We’re still taking down the servers to deploy code fixes or reconfiguration at a pretty rapid rate.

Some platforms and regions will experience this even two times a day, like XBOX in North America. Most other platforms and regions get these much less frequently and have had their servers running pretty great since launch.

So why do I say improvements? How can I say this when I’ve had X problems? We update and we see the effect of changes. How often do we update? Every day now since we launched. What do we measure? Everything. From forums and twitter to player behavior and server metrics. And my psychic gimp in my cellar.

One of those is that there have never been more people playing on XBOX in North America than tonight, without having 23,000 tweets about lag. There were actually only 23. That and our metrics indicated the same. There are hundreds of thousands of us Arkhunters out there playing and every time we make it a better experience for one more person, it makes me cry tears of joy. In our case, minor improvements end up improving it for thousands at a time. I always find that amazing.

So while we continue to keep our eye on XBOX in North America, which keeps on growing as I write this, these are our priorities:

  • Game Server Crashes – Get disconnected or timing out? That’s most likely a game server crashing. It disconnects you and usually you can come straight back in. You might also encounter those zombie servers, which just give you that the service is unavailable. You will be feeling this more in instances and PVP matches.
  • Disappearing items & Salvage Matrix – Have you had your items disappear mysteriously? Were you in the Salvage Matrix at the time? There is a connection. If you are in the Salvage Matrix and on your way to a match or instance, you have a higher chance of this happening. There are other cases but this is the most common case. You can of course contact customer support about this.
  • Chat & VOIP – Yes, this isn’t going off the list. We know. We hear it. We see it.

If you’re still experiencing issues with client download, patching, connectivity, customer support is the right people for you. Issues reported are getting very few and those that are having problems, please don’t hesitate to contact them. It not only helps you get set up, it helps us narrow down on edge cases and gather information of the last spots that have problems.

In the last update I mentioned that there is a DLC on the way after our two upcoming fix and improvement patches. I also noticed that in the following discussion, there was debate about what resources did what and when. This is a pretty common misconception and understandably so. Game development is very complicated on this scale.

The short version of it is that not everyone can contribute to everything. As much as I’d like to, the engineers would not let me touch code with a ten foot pole despite me having ultimate authority here and telling them of my mad skills (I made webpages once). I think they are right though, just between you hundreds of thousands out there and me.

That being said, we prioritize our development team in general categories just as we prioritize what individual issues we work on. If a person has anything in the highest category, that person works on that before anything else. This is how it looks right now.

1.       Full Cluster Crashes
2.       Game Server Crashes
3.       Live Gameplay issues
4.       Upcoming patches
5.       DLCs

I also told you the other day that I was working on my omnipotence so what we also did to keep better focus on Live issues is that we moved the kick-off that was supposed to be tomorrow Monday for the next DLC, back a week. It only involved a relatively small part of the team, mainly artists and designers but I figured I’d give you some insight into how we actively prioritize and pivot here. And if you suddenly see Space Unicorns in PVP matches as a result of me and the artists trying fix server crashes, don’t blame me. Just enjoy the moment of Space Unicorn-ess.

Since we’re all full of lists here, we should probably close this blog with another list which summarizes a couple of things.

  • Great progress in the last week, some still outstanding and we’re on it
  • Patch in a week with improvements and fixes
  • Patch about 2 weeks after that with more improvements and fixes
  • DLC moved out to provide further focus on fixes

But now I jinxed it. As I wrote that last bullet point, a part of North America just disconnected due to what looks like one of our network providers having a hiccup. I estimate that as about 3000 twitters souls worth of disconnects. Yes, those “WTF” moments do still happen as I mentioned earlier. Usually with perfect timing. We’re now investigating this but you reconnected pretty fast again but some of you might not have been load balanced properly so you’re experiencing lag now.

We have good leads on our top issues, better visibility and signal-to-noise ratio after this week, and I’m confident that our woop-to-wtf ratio will improve considerably in the next days.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

How To : Redeem Your Pre Order Bonus Content

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/10/how-to-redeem-your-pre-order-bonus-content/

As the Defiance team works day and night to send out all of your pre-order items and gear, we wanted to share a few hints that could be helpful to players.

Edition redemption codes and instructions: Check the back cover of your game manuals for redemption instructions and a unique redemption code. These codes unlock the Standard, Collectors, and Ultimate edition digital items.

Pre Order Redemption codes and instructions: If you pre-ordered directly from Trion Worlds you should already have all of your pre order items.

If you pre ordered from a third party (GameStop/Wal-Mart/Amazon/Best Buy) you should have received your redemption code to unlock all of your pre-order items at the time of your pre-order. Please contact your retailer first if you have not received your pre-order code.

 

Red Dodge Challenger pre order vehicle: Everyone who pre ordered the game before April 2, regardless of which retailer you may have ordered from, will receive this vehicle. Your Dodge Challenger is tied to the same pre order code mentioned above, so be certain to check for your code or contact your retailer if necessary.

Remember, if you purchased the game on or after April 2nd you will not receive any of the pre order bonus items above.

Redemption Help: If you have a code that is 20 digits then that is a PC code that you need to log into your Trion account at defiance.trionworlds.com and enter your code under Account Management . If you have a 12 or 25 digit code then you need to enter that code on your console when prompted after you start the game .

If for any reason you cannot get a pre order code from your retailer please contact our Customer Support team at https://support.trionworlds.com/ and they will assist you as best they can.

Day 29 – It’s tricky to rock a rhyme that’s right on time so here’s a patch to address that

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/11/day-29-its-tricky-to-rock-a-rhyme-thats-right-on-time-so-heres-a-patch-to-address-that/

Yeah, rhymes aren’t my strong suit. But does beatboxing count? Doesn’t matter, can’t do that either. I think the people that walk past my office right now and are looking at me strange might be because I’m listening to Usher sing Climax while I write this blog. That, I have headphones and I’m singing it with him.

On a far more serious note, we’ve made great progress in the last days. We deploy server code updates twice daily now, most aggressively to exterminate the game server crashes but also we’ve started deploying more and more gameplay fixes. We’ve addressed a large part of the server crashes in the last 3 days, now it’s one big cause left and quite a few one-off crashes.

We’ve been chasing that big crash for more than a week now. It’s a memory corruption which we’ve had an exceptionally difficult time chasing down but we have engineers on it, now armed with even more tools from the internets and dubstep. We heard that works great with game videos so we apply it to game engineers. Success must ensue. Or hilarity.

Why do we call it the big crash? It’s pretty much responsible for the rest of the game server crashes. So that’s why our current list of issues look like this:

  • Game Server Crashes – This has improved quite a lot and is now mostly visible around instances and PVP, where the “big crash” likes to show itself regularly. We’re working on exterminating them all.
  • Disappearing items – This one is still happening and we’ve chased down some situations where this happens but there are more. As always, detailed information on what exactly you were doing when you lost items are appreciated, when and where, whether that be on the forums or in a customer support request.
  • High priority gameplay issues – we’ve started working more off this list, ranging from Shadow War changes to balancing changes. There are quite a few of these in our upcoming client patch. Yes, client patch! Yay!

Client patches are difficult beasts to handle. Small with isolated fixes can be deployed somewhat rapidly but if they are serious client patches, like srsly serious, it’s a huge effort. One of those is scheduled to hit Monday or Tuesday for PC and XBOX 360 and as soon as possible for PlayStation 3 following that (it’s logistics, I can’t change it). We’ve been doing our best to get it into your hands as soon as possible, therefore the discrepancy.

I’m going tease a little bit and give you the draft patch notes. They are incomplete, we haven’t put our nice explanatory voice into them or highlighted the big wins, they are buried in there for you to discover but we’re all gamers, right? We’re pretty sure you’ll appreciate this small heads-up and apply your gamer eye to them instead of take these as the Final Truth to Fight Over™. I’m going to regret publishing these, aren’t I?

Many questions will come up, such as, “why isn’t my problem fixed?”, “X is more important than Y”, “the most important thing is this, why not fix this first?” and “am I right to be afraid of pressure cookers?”. Some of these I can answer straight away. There are issues which are not on this list which require much larger changes to address than could fit into this patch, would have been too dangerous to change (server explode kind of way), didn’t have a clear resolution or simply, or the right fix might not have made it in time for the cut-off date.

That’s why you get the opportunity to comment right now. It won’t change this patch, it’s almost impossible. It’s on rails. But you can chime in on future patches. So don’t hesitate pointing out the issue you feel we should be addressing, we love constructive criticism. In most cases we know about it and it’s in the pipeline but as they say in Iceland, sometimes “it lies in the eyes upstairs”, sometimes it doesn’t. I’m sure you understand.

Ball so hard moth … uhm, sorry got carried away singing. I meant of course, Ave Arkhunter.

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

I think our relationship could use some Boosts

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/11/i-think-our-relationship-could-use-some-boosts/

Like in all relationships, it’s give and receive. We’ve asked a lot of you lately, going through some difficult times during our launch. While you’ve been very understanding and patient with us, we still feel we can do more. More than addressing the issues with servers, improving the client, deploying patches and preparing a long road of massive free (and paid) DLCs, more than evolving the future of Defiance with you.

You might have had disconnects, unable to log in early on, long time to patch, wrong keys, pre-order items missing or simply had to read through my blogs while waiting for the servers to come up after code deployments.

It’s been rough, we know. So your account now has a gift from us, to you. To make good, to show you that we really appreciate what you’ve gone through with us. It includes;

• Exclusive Launch-Only In-Game Title: Daredevil

• 1-Week Weapons Skill Boost

• 1-Week Scrip Boost

• 1-Week Loot Boost

• 1-Week XP Boost

We hope this shows you that we do appreciate you on this journey of Defiance, trying out something new, trying something different. The first episode is on Monday and honestly, we’re pretty excited doing something that hasn’t been done before. Well, the brutal honesty is that we don’t know what to feel. Scared, excited, nervous, giddy, ecstatic. Normal, I think. I’ll tell you after the weekend.

* Although gift has been applied it might take time to properly activate on your account because of caching.

Until next time Arkhunter, may your skills continue to be mad and your aim true.

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

The Armistice Festival Has Begun!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/15/the-armistice-festival-has-begun/

Ark Hunters! Join us this week and participate in the Armistice Festival and remember those who lost their lives in the Pale Wars.

The cataclysmic Pale Wars were a period of bloody inter-species conflict that brought terror and destruction on a global scale to Earth. The inspirational Battle of Defiance, in which the Defiant Few united in their refusal to fight and continue placing innocent lives at risk, sparked a worldwide social uprising calling for peace. This movement eventually pressured the Earth Republic and the Votanis Collective into a ceasefire, and encouraged other nations and city-states to lay down their arms.

The ratification of the Pale Wars Armistice marked the official end to that dark chapter in Human/Votanis history. Although there are still many disagreements between the Earth Military Coalition and the Votanis Collective in areas of land ownership and technology rights, the fragile peace has allowed the people of Earth to begin the slow process of rebuilding and starting a new future together.

Armistice Festival celebrates that historic day, with celebrations throughout many of the safe zones of Defiance.

But not all festivities can be enjoyed as the peace within San Francisco is being dampened by Mutants, 99ers, Raiders and Dark Matter troops. We need you to keep the Bay area safe and handle the following emergencies: “Burn, Baby, Burn”, “Armistice Celebration”, “Blood of the Heroes” and “Uninvited Guests”. Complete these tasks and then celebrate your victory by lighting some of the Armistice Day lanterns.

We also have 2 new Pursuits – “Peacekeeper” and “Memories of the Armistice” – that need to be completed in the Bay area to reveal hidden items and rewards.

For those of you on the hunt to complete all festivities, we have hidden 4 new Data Recorders around the Bay area that relate directly to the Armistice. These and all items above can earn you exclusive in game titles and rewards!

We plan to see you around the festivities and will be looking for your new titles.

Across the Badlands

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/16/across-the-badlands/

After every episode of Defiance we will be hosting “Across The Badlands” which will take you inside the show and game up close with team that brings you both. The first episode airs tonight after the show at 8:00 PM PT on our TwitchTV channel at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

In our first episode we’ll talk about the Armistice Festival being celebrated in both the show and the game. The original armistice cease fire marked a key date in the history of Defiance and proved that Earth had become a new world.

We’ll also be talking about the episodic content within the game of Defiance and our hosts will go in-depth on the TV-tie in missions that include Nolan and Irisia.

Finally we will have a special interview with Executive Producer Nathan Richardsson as he discusses the launch of the game and this very important date both for the show and the game.

Make sure to join us tonight on Twitch at 8:00 PM PT at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Defiance: The Salvage Matrix

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/17/defiance-the-salvage-matrix/

Over the next few weeks we will be walking you through different aspects of Defiance and highlighting how some of the key features of the game work. We will be rolling out both blog entries and video walkthroughs with the developers, so please let us know what other content you would like to see covered in the comments below.

Today we are going to jump into the Salvage Matrix that allows you to customize, breakdown and simply modify your weapons within Defiance.

The salvage matrix is accessed via the character section of the EGO menu. It allows you to add mod slots to weapons, add mods into mod slots, and salvage components from old weapons. Note that in order to modify a weapon using the salvage matrix, you should unequip it and remove it from loadout slots.

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In the Salvage Matrix, you have the following options:

Break down unwanted items to resources
Select the item (weapon or shield) you want to break down. The number of resources you will receive and the time it will take are displayed.
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Attach mods to weapons
If the weapon you’ve selected has mod slots, and if you have mods that can be used in those slots, you can select which slot and which mod to add. Time and costs are displayed.
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Remove mods from weapons
If you have a weapon with a mod or mods already attached that you do not want, you can strip off the mod or all mods. All mods will be lost. Time and costs are displayed.
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Retrieve mods from weapons (This option becomes available to you above EGO rating 250.)
If you have a weapon with mod(s) already attached that you want to keep and use on another weapon, you can choose to remove the mods, but the weapon will be lost. Time and costs are displayed.
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Add mod slots
If a weapon doesn’t already have the max number of mod slots, you can add one. Which slot is added will be random. This is instant. Each additional slot you add costs more.
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Different actions take a different length of time to complete; during this time you cannot use the salvage matrix for anything else, so you can close the menu and come back later. A timer on the salvage matrix page shows a countdown to completion:
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THE ROAD TO HELL IS PAVED WITH GOOD INTENTIONS OR “THE DAY I TWERKED IN HELL”

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/19/the-road-to-hell-is-paved-with-good-intentions-or-the-day-i-twerked-in-hell/

The meaning is that either you intend to do good things but fail to take action or you intend to do good things but when acted upon, it has unforeseen bad consequences. Tuesday was a mixture of both so I found this saying very appropriate.
The good intent was to deliver you all the most awesome patch ever, as fast as we could, to maintain the steady pace of improvements and get them into your hands.

Why is that failing to take action? Because I could have pushed less and said “no” and had it longer in testing and prepared better. This would have caught some of the issues we see.

Why were there unforeseen consequences? Because when applied to our Live servers, we saw things broken there but weren’t broken on our test environments. This we would not have caught with more time. It’s rooted in how we develop and test.

Put simply, our enthusiasm got the best of us and we’re making up for it by fixing what we can, as fast as possible. Well, as fast as safely possible. We have a thread where we’re assembling known issues, some embarrassingly old, some new and sometimes more embarrassing. It’s not for lack of trying to fix them. Defiance is simply a pretty complex beast and what’s fixed internally turns out to still be broken externally (Mental note; bring back Alpha/Test).

We’ve had a lot of big days during the voyage of bringing Defiance to you, our game launch on April 2nd and no less our show premiere April 15th. There were other days, of despair, joy, hilarity and exhaustion but days like these make it all worth it. The day where we did a total makeover of the design director’s office to a pink Justin Bieber cathedral was pretty nice too. We’re kind of like proud parents, yet still like kids ourselves, from a professor analyzing in-depth the progress and game mechanics to a gamer simply enjoying the experience of it all. From those of us that look at the glass half-empty to those of us that drank the other half to tease them and create the glass dilemma in the first place. We’re people with very different backgrounds and our emotions are accordingly, all over the place. I can go from sad to twerk in a heartbeat.

Suffice to say, we had our TV show premiere that went awesome and were full of excitement to give you a patch to fix all the things. We fixed literally, hundreds of issues. We also broke a couple of embarrassingly big ones. We’re incredibly sorry and frustrated and we know the only thing to make this right is to fix it. So we are. We’re just not deploying them before we’re sure it’s fixed. A day in Defiance is never simple. Some days are bigger than others but it doesn’t mean the small ones are any less interesting.

Today will be known as the day I twerked in hell. It was almost perfect, save for the heat of the few issues that got through. The message is simple though, we’re here, all the time, making Defiance better.
I mean, she deserves it. She might not be the best yet but nobody puts baby in a corner.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

Across the Badlands: Episode 2

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/22/across-the-badlands-episode-2/

It is that time again! After every episode of Defiance we will be hosting “Across the Badlands” which will give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Join us for the second episode which airs tonight after the show at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

In our second episode we’ll talk more about the Armistice Festival and the cool things you can do around the game world. We also take a look at how Earth was terraformed and what that means for both the show and game.

Showdown Throw down is here! Kicking off the first Showdown where our host Greg Laabs (OverloadUT) takes on Elizabeth Tobey (Dahanese) in one of our many in-game time trials. Who do you think will win the race?

This week we will have a special interview with Creative Lead, Bill Trost who will answer questions fielded by our Defiance Community earlier this week.

Finally! We would like to remind you we will have a live Q&A plus a Defiance game giveaway at the end of the show! So make sure to tune in and try to win a free copy of Defiance.

Make sure to join us tonight at 10/9c at www.Defiance.com/live or on www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Shadow War – Open World PvP

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/23/shadow-war-open-world-pvp/

Shadow War is Defiance’s massive open-world competitive battle that allows you to test your skills against other players without the limited boundaries of a specialized competitive map. Queue up for a Shadow War match through the Matchmaking section of the EGO menu, or via the Quick Menu:

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If a Shadow War is already underway in your area you will be added immediately; if not, details of the queue status will display underneath your health bar. When the match is ready to start you can either manually enter the match immediately, or await automatic deployment when the countdown finishes:

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There are two teams in Shadow Wars, vying for control of between 3 and 7 key locations in the region. Once you enter the shadow war you will still be in the open world and still in the overworld region that you queued from, but you’ll notice you are now wearing your Competitive gear. This outfit does not affect your stats at all, but indicates which team you are on. As you earn rewards in Competitive play, you can unlock special outfits that show off your accomplishments. You can choose which Competitive outfit to display during Competitive play in your character EGO menu, on the Loadouts page:

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Your own team will be represented by the color blue in the score UI, and the enemy always displays as red.
In Shadow War, the goal is to capture and hold as many of the objective points as possible. Once the Shadow War begins, not only can you shoot and kill other players, you can also run them over with your vehicle. In addition, you will find that the Cerberus truck may sometimes appear near an objective point and can be used during the Shadow War. This is a heavily armored vehicle that seats three people: one driver, and two passengers who can use the vehicle’s weapons to attack enemies. Control of this vehicle can grant a tactical advantage, so keep your eyes open for it!

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Note that although Shadow War takes place in the overland, any active missions you have in the region will be suspended during the match and you will not be able to progress them until the Shadow War is ended.
While the Shadow War is active, the positions of your own team are indicated on your map with small green icons. Larger letters show the objective points and the color (blue or red) shows which team controls them. However, enemy players do not display an indicator so stay vigilant.

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Should you be killed during a Shadow War match, you will have the opportunity to switch your gear around before rejoining, and you can then choose where you wish to respawn. You’ll have the choice of respawning at any objective point that your team controls. In addition, if a member of your team is currently driving a Cerberus vehicle and has an empty seat, you can choose to respawn in that vehicle and instantly rejoin the battle with the Cerberus’s guns at your disposal.

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As with all types of Competitive play in Defiance, rewards and skills you gain in Competitive can be used in Cooperative play, and the reverse is true also. The Shadow War ends when either the time runs out, or a certain number of points are scored by one side.

Shadow War takes place in the same open-world region that you queue up in, so take advantage of your exploration of the world during cooperative play to get a feel for the land and learn its strategic advantages! In fact, if enough people on your current game server queue for Shadow War, it will be kicked off without moving you to another shard. Others on that game server will see the Shadow War taking place and can act as spectators (or queue up and join also), or can ignore the battle going on around them and continue in their cooperative exploration (they cannot be harmed by Shadow War participants if they haven’t joined). If not enough people on your local game server queue up within a short period of time to kick off a local match, then you will be moved together with others queuing from other game servers to start a Shadow War in a new game server.

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Across the Badlands Episode #2

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/24/across-the-badlands-episode-2-2/

Episode # 2 is now live on our YouTube Channel – give it a watch!

Hosts
Greg Laabs
Mat Everett

Director
Elizabeth Tobey

Technical Director
Boris Amchislavsky

Creative Director
Brice Cox

Script Writer
Greg Laabs

Producer
Elizabeth Tobey

Cameraman
Boris Amchislavsky

Makeup Artist
Elizabeth Tobey

Wardrobe Designer
Greg Laabs

Shark Wrangler
Nathan Richardsson

Sanity Checker
Arturo Castro

Expert Technoviking
Nathan Richardsson

Hellbug’s Makeup Artist
Brice Cox

Hellbug’s Personal Assistant
Lance James

Hellbug’s Caterer
Elizabeth Tobey

Hellbug’s Driver
Greg Laabs

Hellbug’s Trainer
Boris Amchislavsky

Hellbug’s Stunt Double
Mat Everett

Chicken
not Lance James

Translations from Icelandic Provided by Lance James

Serious improvements, serious business

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/27/serious-improvements-serious-business/

This blog is a serious blog. I will be covering how we incorporate player feedback in an upcoming blog and our roadmap in another in the next days, but let’s get the serious business out of the way first.

Quite a few things to mention, as our team is working diligently, allowing us to achieve a lot every day. Our challenge is releasing all that to you in a safe manner, so here is an overview of what we have addressed and what is about to go out.

General game server crashes. This was being caused by a memory corruption issue which we‘ve spent weeks trying to isolate – and we did it. Earlier this week, our crash profile vastly changed to 10% of what it was. You can now play Shadow Wars, PVP, Co-op instances without crashing.

PC Server issues. First Europe, then in US which in both cases were issues our databases. Hasn‘t happened again and further measures deployed to prevent similar things from happening again. We‘re incredibly sorry for this but we couldn‘t have prevented them either. With the amount real-time transactions we have, edge cases can disrupt a large amount of players.

XBOX Server issues. Massively improved. Not done, don‘t worry, but much improved. We also have lingering issues which are more traced to client performance in large engagements and they can often appear like server issues.

Playstation 3 and the big patch. It‘s enroute and in final internal testing today and over the weekend. It should come live Monday if all goes well. It will have all the server side changes PC and XBOX have recieved as well.

PC cheats and hacks. Yes we take them seriously. Very seriously. We have a team from many departments constantly working on this. From engineering, to customer support, security, networking, business intelligence and game design. I‘m happy to report that we‘re now banning far more people, whether they successfully do it or just attempt to.

Our tools, detections, reporting and pre-ventive mechanisms have iproved considerably in the last two weeks after incrased focus on them. Some have been deployed, more is being deployed today, more coming. I know that some players linger in there for a while before we ban them but sometimes we just allow them so we can watch them. We like to watch.

Disappearing items. Tough nut to crack because they are for us as they are for you, disappearing and we aren‘t able to reproduce it outside the scale of our live servers. But now we‘ve made progress in addressing it by refactoring the item system itself based on our investigations, and that‘s been deployed yesterday. It needs tuning and we‘re not finished but keep us posted on how and where they happen moving forward.

Loadout issue, Emergencies, Freight Yard, balancing and so on. Fkn Frgt Yrd. With crashes and other large issues out of the way, we can start looking more at gameplay issues that require server engineers to investigate as well quality of life. Freight Yard being one. Unfortunately for Freight Yard, I don‘t like it anymore and have other maps coming up. Unless it starts working, then I might reconsider. Same applies to emergencies, balancing, items, economy, things which require a big patch to release to you. They have been progressing and investigated and we‘ll deploy them as we deem it safe to do so.

That‘s not all. There are so many things we want to fix, change or improve based on player feedback, how people are playing Defiance after launch. This would be a really long blog if I went into everything we want to do and are doing. So I split it up. I can be pretty clever sometimes.

I‘ll be covering that, how we incorporate player feedback, an important part of our development process and following, a look at our roadmap and how we do our DLCs, which include free and paid components. In case you were wondering, I did move our DLCs back to focus on addressing Live issues and that‘s still the case. That doesn‘t mean we stop planning and revisiting our goals. Nor that we shouldn‘t give you insight into them.

Because that‘s the question that plagues us all. What happens now and what happens next. Now is serious. Next is sexy. I can‘t believe I wrote that.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

Across The Badlands: Episode 3

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/29/across-the-badlands-episode-3/

We are back! Join us tonight in our third episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 3 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

Tonight we take a closer look at Hellbugs that have been found in St. Louis and the introduction of new Hellbugs in the Bay area (Coincidence… I think not!). Also we will discuss ‘Hellbug Season’ that our Arkhunters are able to checkout in-game as of today.

We also have a special interview with Linguist, David Peterson who invented the languages of Defiance. David will answer questions fielded by our Defiance Community earlier this week.

But that is not all… We also have the full details for our ‘Most Wanted’ contest. Would you like to get your likeness in Defiance? Simply login and play Defiance on Xbox 360, PC or PlayStation 3 and complete the outlined objectives to win.

Finally! We would like to remind you we will have a live Q&A with Greg Laabs and Mathew Everett! So make sure to tune in and submit your questions.

Make sure to join us tonight at 10/9c at www.Defiance.com/live or on www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Defiance: Most Wanted

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/29/defiance-most-wanted/

Nolan and Irisa crossed from game to show. Now it’s your (first) chance to follow: Outgun the competition from April 29 – May 12 to see yourself in an upcoming episode of Defiance! We’ve started our contest now so click here to go sign up – http://www.defiance.com/en/most-wanted/ .

CONTEST DETAILS
1. How will the winner be chosen?
The ark hunter earning the most Ark Salvage per hour during their time played over the course of the contest will win. Only players who register for the contest and complete both “Most Wanted” Pursuits will be eligible to win.

2.How do I enter?
Follow the contest registration steps above, then complete the “Most Wanted: Rogues Gallery” and “Most Wanted: Competitor” in-game Pursuits between 12:00am PDT April 29 and 11:59pm PDT May 12.
Where can I get the Most Wanted Pursuits and what do they involve?
The new Pursuits will be available in the Goals section of your EGO menu starting 12:00am PDT April 29. “Rogues Gallery” tasks you with eliminating various Mutants, Raiders, 99ers, and more, while “Competitor” pits you against other ark hunters in team-based PvP and Shadow War modes. Each Pursuit also requires completing a weekly contract. Contracts are accessible from power rating 250, and weekly contracts reset at 11:00am PDT on Mondays. For more info on contracts, click here.

3. What can I win?
Artists from the Defiance series will render the winner’s likeness into a special place in an upcoming episode!

4. How can I get alerts for future crossover contests?
Subscribe to the Defiance newsletter! You’ll get early info on upcoming contests, content, and offers from Defiance. To subscribe, log in to your Trion account, check the Defiance box in your “Newsletters” tab, and click “Save.”

I listen, therefore I am

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/29/i-listen-therefore-i-am/

And by “I” I don’t mean “I”, I mean Defiance. To survive I must adapt. I also mean that we incorporate feedback into our development process when I say listen. That feedback comes from many different sources and the challenge for the team here is processing it, prioritizing it, getting it into development and then released into the hands of the players.

This is different from direction. We have goals for Defiance, we have direction, and we have an identity for what Defiance is. These evolve over time, are implemented and then we gather feedback. Feedback can both affect direction and goals before we implement anything, or it is feedback on something that already exists in Defiance.

Does that mean we act on everything that we get through feedback? No. We process it and take it into consideration but it doesn’t mean it’s in line with what’s best for the game. (See also previous point on direction and identity.)So why discuss this now? I felt it relevant since we’re revising our development plans this week!

We gather feedback from a wealth of internal and external sources, the most obvious being;

Watching you. You should know by now we like to watch. Game logs, behavioral data, interaction with UI and game systems. We have a metric jekkton of these. This is incredibly valuable in establishing trends and patterns but in itself it’s not “the truth”.
Asking you. Email surveys, in-game surveys, focus tests. We do that so that we get structured as well as unstructured data straight from the horse’s mouth. We want to get public testing back so we get more feedback because we crave it.
Listening to you. No, we’re not in your chat channel. It would have to work properly first. But we do look at various forums, comments to articles and videos, snailmail and when you send us psychic readings from sheep intestines as the proof in the pudding.
Seeing your issues. When you submit tickets to customer support, we not only categorize it to see where many issues are that plague you, we look at qualitative data as well. Contrary to popular belief, all caps does not make things more legible nor increase the speed of which we can address your issues but we get the message, because we still read it and we understand the frustration. We play too. We lose items. We throw monitors out windows. We get it.

Some are also taken from external sources. Just this morning I read comments over at Massively and some were about my tongue-in cheek writing, frequency and how we don’t do anything. I totally understand that doing is more than saying, which is why we waited a while with the most recent blog, so that we could cover all the things we had done and were about to do. As to the style of writing and frequency, this is how I am and I’d rather we communicate more than less.

To give you an example of feedback gathered, here is material from the source of all truths, forums. We applied some of our fora whora techniques and find very strong signal around these. Some are even taken directly from your posts when processed so you might recognize your own words there.

Are these things all new? No. This is always a moment in time that we’re looking at. Have we thought about them before? Some we have, others we haven’t. Some are already ruled out, others are on the roadmap, and others are still under consideration. But that’s not the point. This example is what you were saying at that point in time. That’s the valuable information and relevant for today when we enter planning this week.

So this example list doesn’t mean that these are all getting implemented I’m afraid, it means we as a team do read through them though. We go through a list like this and take it into our roadmap planning this week, along with processing other data and feedback. We revisit our plans and adapt.

Player vs Player:
– More settings = Ability to limit weapons, powers, EGO Rating / Perks
– MORE MAPS! (Didn’t see this one coming)
– Better Loot that’s unique to PvP
– Vehicle based PvP
– Spectator Mode
– Private Matches (Clan vs. Clan)
– Tournament system

More PVE Content:
Group/raid instances requiring 4/8/16 players and a room temperature IQ with legitimate fights and unique loot tables.

Bulk Buy:
Buying multiple items from a vendor such as key codes.

Mark all equipped items (All Loadouts)
Mark weapons that are equipped in any load out within the inventory screen or Salvage matrix.

Scalable UI:
A way to scale the UI for both PC and Console.

Group Waypoints:
Group/Party waypoints and the ability for any group member to set them.

Auction House: (Player Economy)
Implement auction house

Player Storage:
Offer the ability outside of character inventory to store items.

Clan Storage:
Add some sort of clan wide storage/bank

Weapon Stats / Scaling on Common thru Legendary:
Tweaks to EGO scaling and weapon rarity scaling

EGO Rated PvP:
EGO-based PvP matchmaking system, ie 100-199, 200-299, 300-399, etc as well as open-ego PvP option that would have no criteria, would allow EGO/weapon scaling without unbalancing PvP

Group Size:
Group size cap raised and adjusted to match PvP team requirements (8 and 16 and higher for Shadow War)

Clan Queuing:
Clan queues for competitive maps (allow clans to queue 8 people from their clan to play true competitive play)

Improved Chat Options:
Permanent chat window (optional), as well as fix the chat window.

Open World Bosses:
Random world (shard) boss spawns

Incentivized Co-op:
Co-op loot tables or randomized loot upon completion

Searching for Group:
Pickup search system to go with 4/8 dungeons/instances if implemented, as well as option to go into them with a premade group of 4/8

Weapon Mods and Vehicle Mods Professions:
Weapon/Mod crafting (maybe even vehicle?)

Trade Options:
Ability to trade ark salvage

Loot Gratification:
Flashier weapons/armor variations

Open World PvP:
Specific zones that are “contested” or similar, in which have the option to become flagged for PvP against any players in that region who aren’t grouped with you or in your clan. Duels, w/ option to bet scrip/resources/items on duel (not required)

Arkfall Loot Tables:
Those who perform better should get better loot.

Bulk Buy/Sell:
Allow bulk selling/scrapping (select multiple items and then sell/scrap, rather than having to go through the command for each item)

Improved Clan Features:
– Option for clan leader/officers to set a ‘clan waypoint’
– Option for clans to purchase a base/hub that could be fast traveled to from the quick menu at any time. Could be bought with scrip and contain various vendors.
– Clan sigils/ outfits

Improved Phasing & Grouping:
Better phase management with friends and clan mates

Competitive Play:
Ranked ‘arena’ games (Match made 2v2, 3v3 etc. with tracked true skill matchmaking)

Dynamic Events:
World/shard-wide dynamic challenges that occur occasionally for clans/players; most experience gained by one player in x time (1 hour, 24 hours, so on) most Arkfalls completed, etc. with small rewards for winners

Now, all that being said, what should you take away from this blog? Nothing. We do however want something from you. We’d like to see comments on this blog that either show you agree with some of these items or mention others that should be there. I would also like you to use the voting option. See a good comment? Up-vote it!

Following this, we will give you insight into where we’re heading with Defiance and how our DLC strategy is.

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

Hellbug Season Has Begun!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/30/hellbug-season-has-begun/

Ark Hunters! Join us over the next 3 weeks for Hellbug Season! The Bay area is in need of your help to end the infestation of a new Elemental strain of Hellbugs. Start off by hunting down new Hellbug Arkfalls that are appearing to be the source of these elemental Hellbugs.

Make sure to check your Contracts as factions will be requiring your assistance in clearing out Hellbugs for in game rewards. We also have 2 new Pursuits – “Thinning the Herd” and “Unconventional Methods” – ready to be completed in the Bay area to reveal hidden items and more rewards.

Stay tuned as more around Hellbug Season will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Weapons and Weapon Skills

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/04/30/weapons-and-weapon-skills/

Weapons in Defiance are a huge part of the way you can customize your character and play style. From in-your-face damage-dealer to healer to long-range sniper, your choice of weapons affects your play style more than anything else.
There are many types of weapon in Defiance, which can be divided into broad categories based on the skill needed to use them. Your skill in each weapon type can be seen in the character section of the EGO menu, under Stats:

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The more you use weapons of a particular type, the more skill you gain with that weapon. Gaining skill level with weapon types improves your use of that weapon. The weapon skills list displays what bonuses you have earned already, and what you will earn with the next skill level. In the example above, level 3 Detonator skill has granted +2% fire rate and +2% radius, and reaching level 4 will make the reload time 1% faster.

In your inventory listing, there’s a lot of information to be seen. Here’s an example of some weapons viewed in the inventory section of the EGO menu. The icon for the weapon matches the weapon skill types as shown above, so you can see at a glance which weapon skill is used. The white “E” triangle at the far left indicates which weapons are currently equipped.

pic21.jpg

Another obvious difference is the color of the weapon name. This indicates the weapon’s rarity, as follows:
• White: common
• Green: uncommon
• Blue: rare
• Purple: epic
• Orange legendary

This does not necessarily mean that a blue weapon is always better than a green one; that will also depend on the weapon level, your skill level in that weapon, mods on the weapon, and the situation it’s being used in among other things. However, this helps give a rough guide to the weapon’s rarity and resell value.

The weapon’s power level is also shown beside the icon. You must be at least this power level to use the weapon (it will show the number in red if you are not). The higher the weapon level, the more likely it is to have additional mod slots, stats, etc. If there’s no level number, that’s a weapon that can be equipped at any level (often weapons gained from missions, for example).

Directly underneath the weapon level, some weapons display a series of squares and dashes. These indicate available slots for adding weapon modifications. Each weapon has between 0 and 4 mod slots, indicated by the squares, and if there is a mod in the slot the square turns white. In the image above, for example, the Votan Pulser has three mod slots, two of which are filled. The VBI Sniper Rifle has two empty slots. El Diablo has no mod slots at all.

On some weapons, just below the weapon icon, you can see a small symbol. In the example above, El Diablo has a small flame, and the Votan Auto-Fragger has a blue electrical bolt, and the Slickshot has a purple syphon swirl. These are nano-effect types and add an additional effect to the damage done by that weapon. The nano-effect type has a chance to be applied with each shot (or melee damage) and adds additional damage as follows:

Fire – Lights the enemy on fire for a short period of time, damaging them while they are on fire.
Radiation – Increases the amount of damage that enemies take while affected by it.
Biological – Slows down enemies and reduces the damage that they do while they are affected by it.
Electrical – Stuns the enemy and other nearby enemies for a short period of time. Removes the player’s HUD, if used on a player.
Syphon – Takes life energy from the enemy and uses that to repair your shields and increase your health.

Finally, on the far right at the top of each line there is a notch which may be filled by a yellow tab marker (in the image above, shown on the Votan Auto-Fragger). This is simply a handy indicator of items that are newly added to your inventory, so you can easily find what you’ve picked up recently. Once you click to inspect a new item, the yellow tab will disappear.

Weapon mastery

In addition to weapon skill, which applies to all weapons of a particular type, weapon mastery allows you to become a master with one particular weapon. For example, the weapon shown on the right has been used more than the weapon shown on the left:

pic31.jpg

As the weapon is used, its owner gains mastery of that specific weapon. Once the weapon is fully mastered, a bonus will unlock which will be displayed beneath the progress bar. What exactly the bonus is, does not get revealed until it is actually unlocked. A mastered weapon no longer contributes to weapon skill.

pic41.jpg

Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/03/dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend/

Join us in our first Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend! Players can log into Defiance and speed into a new Paradise daily contract and race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. Once a player has acquired access, there will be a new Paradise merchant that will sell multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger that will include modified stats. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends.

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:
– Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
– Dodge Challenger Bright White
– Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events will only be held every few weeks, so take advantage of them each time they are activated to claim Paradise Faction!

Start Date: Friday, May 3rd 12:00pm PST (UTC Friday 7am)
End Date: Monday May 6th 12:00pm PST (UTC Monday 7am)

Note: The Paradise merchant will be pushed live in the next 24 hours, you’re able to complete Gold and gain the Paradise merchant rep for access to the Dodge Challengers.

Across The Badlands: Episode 4

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/06/across-the-badlands-episode-4/

We are back! Join us tonight in our fourth episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 4 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

Tonight we take a closer look at Adreno and how it affects the community of Defiance within the show and how it is used in-game. We will also provide more details around the Most Wanted campaign that has less than 6 days left to complete.

We also have a special interview with Game Designer, Trick Dempsey who will answer your questions for the community in this weeks show.

Finally! We would like to remind you we will have a live Q&A with Greg Laabs and Elizabeth Tobey! So make sure to tune in and submit your questions.

Make sure to join us tonight at 10/9c at www.Defiance.com/live or on www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Weapon and Mod Synergy

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/07/weapon-synergy/

Synergy effects can be gained by obtaining and equipping multiple items that belong to a set. At present, there are two types of synergy: weapon-weapon, and weapon-mod. Weapon-weapon synergies require two weapons with the same synergy to be equipped, which will activate that synergy effect. Weapon-weapon synergy has only 2 parts to the synergy set as shown in this example, which shows that you get the synergy effect when you have equipped 2 weapons with Synergy: Nano-Executioner:

Weapon-mod synergies require a weapon and attached mods with the same synergy. In weapon-mod synergy, the more matching mods are added to the weapon, the more powerful the synergy bonus that is gained. Example of some weapon mods with synergy effects:

Weapon-mod synergy lists 4 levels of synergy effect. The numbers indicate how many matching mods must be added to gain the effect. (The synergy bonus is in addition to the normal bonuses that the mods individually grant.) For example in the image below, this weapon has two mods with Synergy: Scavenger so would have +2% item drop chance. If a third Synergy: Scavenger mod were added to this weapon, it would gain an additional +10% nano effect chance against out-of-combat targets.

Weapons and mods with synergy are rare but can be obtained throughout the world. Many of the factions in Defiance also sell special synergy types not available elsewhere. Faction vendors require you to spend reputation as well as scrip; this is earned by completing Contracts for the factions (listed in your EGO menu “goals” section).

You just keep coming back for more! But now what? Let’s talk potential.

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/09/you-just-keep-coming-back-for-more-but-now-what-lets-talk-potential/

Usually, one would argue that’s not a bad thing and we’re thankful for you coming back again and again, and, more importantly, staying with us. We’ve had a number of posts on how we’ve addressed our issues and offered insight into those we still have left.

It’s good to see that we have made great progress since launch and we have teams continuing to make improvements and fix bugs. At the very least, the feedback and numbers indicate that you are happier. No, we haven’t forgotten about keycodes drop ratios, extended downtimes or Freight Yard. We know we aren’t perfect yet.

But what’s stated by players and critics alike, whether they love or hate us, is that we’re taking known concepts and doing something new, we’re fun, and we have potential. That’s not an excuse for not being perfect, but I’m certainly not going to complain about trying something new, fun and having potential.

Defiance is the game that everyone will love” – Said nobody. Ever.

Some comments I’ve even enjoyed quite a lot and yet I’m happy that sentence never came up. It’s not us. We’ve been likened to a good B-movie, being about as deep as a bag of chips but great fun. As having issues, but always dragging you right back in for more … I have no problems with these, because we knew Defiance would be polarizing. We aren’t part of any mold, but we can always do better. Personally, I’d like to get to the two-bag of chip depth category or at least, add some salsas for various textures. We’ll be a party in your mouth before you know it. Your favorite B-movie.

As proof of us striving towards being better we have another major update coming, known as the TV Tie-in or Patch 1.020, and it’s coming out this month. It has further bug fixes, improvements, as well as new TV Tie-ins – one of which will utilize a new open world game mode called Sieges. Details are obviously slim, but it’s a crossover event so that should give you an indication of what this game mode entails in future DLCs.

Which incidentally this blog is intended to be about, the future. That potential.

We do our DLCs a bit differently with Defiance. Every time we do a DLC, of which we have 5 planned within the next year, we have a free component, a paid component and a store update. The free part is for everyone. We want people to be playing with their friends; we don’t like to isolate players.

That doesn’t mean there won’t be exclusive content in the DLCs, quite the contrary. The difference is that you can usually bring your friends with you. The catch is that they can’t directly benefit from all of it, like DLC specific loot or gain abilities.

Here is an example: The first DLC which we delayed to address live issues but is now en route I am calling: ENTER THE CASTITHAN till marketing comes up with a better name. Why Castithan? Why, it’s because you’ll be able to play a Castithan. Nifty. Here’s the tentative list of items:

ENTER THE CASTITHAN
(or imagine flashy name that evoke deep emotions)

You get this when you buy the DLC for $10:
– Access to play the Castithan Species
– Access to a new Story Mission Line with new Battle Arena Game Mode
– Access to the new Castithan Battle Arenas
– Castithan Charge Blade & Ceremonial Mask as a reward from Story Mission Line
– A unique version of the Raptor, a new 4 player truck of doom
– A unique Castithan version of an outfit
– A Charge Weapons Starter Pack
– Access to New Pursuits
– New Xbox and PS3 Trophies and Achievements

You get this in the DLC for free:
– Access to the new Charge Weapons Class and Castithan Blades
– Access to Sieges, a new Open World Game Mode
– Access to the new Monolith Major Arkfall
– Access to a new PvP Map – Military Academy
– Join a friend into the Battle Arenas Game Mode
– Duel your friends and neighbors in the Duels Game Mode
– Enemies, lockboxes, and events can drop Charge Weapons
– Select a new voice for you character
– Multitude of game improvements from UI to content

You can buy these individually from the store:
– New Mods that tint the color of your Castithan Blade
– Lockboxes have a chance to get Charge Weapons
– More versions of the Raptor, the new 4 player truck of doomed compensation
– Character Customization changes: Appearance change, name change, or everything change

This should give you a good idea of how we build up our DLCs and how we separate them into a free, paid and store component. And that’s on top of the improvements we do, like the redoing of the Salvage Matrix. That thing is like performing autopsies right now. Which … I wouldn’t know how to do of course.

But you get the idea. We take in feedback, we’re agile, we adapt. Things I talk about will change. That I do promise you. Doing the right thing for Defiance is more important than a line item in a discussion between you and me in a blog two months previously. But we prefer this discussion to be more open and liberal. You might not be used to that so I figured I’d point it out. Thanks for letting me share some insight with you, now comment away!

Ave Arkhunter,

Oveur

Nathan Richardsson

Executive Producer Defiance

The Irathient Vagabond

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/10/the-irathient-vagabond/

As Hellbug Season continues events from St. Louis have a new addition crossing from show to game. The Bay area is on alert with the arrival of Rynn.

Rynn finds herself crossing the Storm Divide, but she is unable to escape her past. Her crimes have captured the attention of current Bay area natives, and they will stop at nothing to capture her.

Jump in game this coming Monday and seek out Lawkeeper, Jon Cooper as he locks in on Rynn’s whereabouts. Complete the new Episode Mission ‘The Vagabond’ to reveal Rynn’s new objectives and to unlock more missions and rewards.

Remember Hellbug Season isn’t over just yet… Keep destroying Elemental Hellbug Arkfalls, complete the new Emergencies and tackle each Pursuit for unique rewards and titles.

Join us as the new Rynn crossover content will go live on all Defiance servers Monday, May 13, 2013.

Defiance: Bonus Loot Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/10/bonus-loot-weekend/

Make sure to log into Defiance this weekend to take advantage of our first Bonus Loot Weekend! What is a bonus loot weekend you ask? See the full details below.

Bonus Loot Weekend: Players have an increased chance to earn rare loot items for participating in a variety of game activities that offer loot drops or when they unlock a lockbox during the scheduled time period. The loot categories are weapons, weapon mods, shields, and grenades.

So get your friends online and play Missions, Side Mission, Co-op Maps, Arkfalls, Emergencies, and much more for your chance at Bonus loot for this weekend only!

The Bonus loot weekend kicked off today at 12:00pm PST and will end on Monday 5/13 at 12:00pm PST (UTC Friday 7pm – Monday 7pm).

Across the Badlands: Episode 5

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/13/across-the-badlands-episode-5/

We are back! Join us tonight in our fifth episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 5 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

This week we focus in on Rynn and cover off both aspects of Show and Game and what she is doing within the Bay area. We also take a closer look at some of the details around the first DLC headed for Defiance.

Make sure to join us on the US PC servers for Challenge Hour! (Time frame to be announced during the show) We have a new Fan Find of The Week and much more!

Finally! We would like to remind you we will have a live Q&A with Greg Laabs and Elizabeth Tobey! So make sure to tune in and submit your questions.

Make sure to join us tonight at 10/9c at www.Defiance.com/live or on www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Defiance: Weapon Mods

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/14/weapon-mods/

Each weapon in Defiance has between zero and four mod slots; additional mod slots can be added to a weapon that has less than 4 slots by using the Salvage Matrix. Weapon in your inventory list will display small green squares next to the name under the level indicator that indicates their mod slots; these squares turn white if a mod is in them. In the example below, the VBI Sniper Rifle has two empty mod slots, the selected Slickshot sniper rifle has one filled mod slot, and the other weapons have no mod slots:

Examining the weapon details also shows you which mod slots it has, beneath the weapon’s description:

Weapon mods can be added into available mod slots to improve your weapon. They are a reward from most side missions; they can also be purchased from some vendors around the world. Weapon mods come in a variety of types and power levels, with higher level numbers indicating a more powerful modification.
There are four general categories of weapon mods:

1. Barrel: Generally affect damage and accuracy – Examples include: Increased damage per second, increased critical multipliers, increased aimed damage.
2. Magazine: Generally affect reloading or ammo capacity – Examples include: Improved reload time, increased magazine size.
3. Scope: Generally affect accuracy – Examples include: Increased aim accuracy.
4. Stock: Generally affect stability – Examples include: Increased melee damage, improved recoil.

Weapon mods can only be put into the matching type of mod slot on your weapon; for example, you cannot put a Magazine mod into a Scope slot.
In addition to adding regular bonus effects, some rare mods have a Synergy effect also. When put on a weapon with a matching Synergy effect, they grant an additional bonus.

Across the Badlands: Episode 5 Now on YouTube!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/16/across-the-badlands-episode-5-now-on-youtube/

Did you miss Across the Badlands this week? The Fifth episode is now available to watch on our official YouTube channel. Join us as we talk about how both Show and Game connect each week. http://bit.ly/10zwaiz

Catch up on all episodes of Across the Badlands here: http://bit.ly/YfriTd

Hellbug Season Continues and Rynn’s Arrival

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/16/hellbug-season-continues-and-rynns-arrival/

Hellbug Season is in full swing and Rynn has arrived in the Bay area. Make sure to jump online and complete the new Episode Missions, Pursuits, Emergencies, Arkfalls, Contracts and collect the new Data Recorders while you can!

Need the full details on the current Hellbug Season and Rynn crossover content? Keep on reading as we have you covered below.

Episode Missions:

The Vagabond: A dangerous Irathient fugitive has been spotted in Paradise, and Jon Cooper hires you to track her down. Little does he know, Paradise is about to be pulled into conflict with a branch of the Earth Republic military.

Piper Investigation Part 1-4: Rynn and Cooper have reached an uneasy peace as they investigate the rogue E-Rep unit lead by “Hammerhead” Gretch. They hire you to infiltrate rogue E-Rep camps and gather intel about their activities.

Paying the Piper: With the intel in hand, Rynn and Eren decipher the purpose of Gretch’s operation: to resurrect the failed “Project Piper.” Together, Rynn, Eren, and you must breach Angel Island and put Project Piper to rest once and for all.

Pursuits:

Thinning the Herd
– Kill an Electric monarch
– Kill 5 Incendiary Warriors
– Kill 10 Electric Archers
– Kill 10 Radioactive Skitterlings
– Defeat a Syphon Monarch

Unconventional Methods
– Complete the “Svushinnira: Thinning the Herd” for Paradise Territory
– Complete the “Svushinnira: For Profit!” for Soleptor Enterprises
– Complete the “Svushinnira: For Science!” for Top-Notch Toolworks
– Complete the “Svushinnira: Just Business” for Von Bach Industries

Silencing the Piper
– Complete the mission “The Vagabond”
– Complete the mission “Piper Investigation, Part 1”
– Complete the mission “Piper Investigation, Part 2”
– Complete the mission “Piper Investigation, Part 3”
– Complete the mission “Piper Investigation, Part 4”
– Complete the mission “Paying the Piper”

Faction Contracts:

Top-Notch Toolworks Weekly: “Svushinnira: For Science!”: Collect 10 samples from Hellbug Emergencies
Soleptor Enterprises Weekly: “Svushinnira: For Profit!”: Harvest 20 samples from Hellbug chrysalises
Von Bach Industries Weekly: “Svushinnira: Just Business”: Gather germ cells from 10 Hellbug monarchs or matrons
Paradise Territory Weekly: “Svushinnira: Thinning the Herd”: Kill 100 mutated Hellbugs

assault_hires_01.jpg

Emergencies:

Exotic Goods: Brave a thriving Hellbug nest to harvest chrysalis samples for Varus
A New Pair of Genes: Take on a Monarch in order to collect samples of his DNA for Rosa and Eren.
Smells Like Victory: Harvest samples straight from pheromone secretors for Von Bach
Thinning the Herd: Help a group of Echelon Mercs clear out a Hellbug Nest to assist Cass in purging the land of this menace.

Across the Badlands: Episode 6

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/20/across-the-badlands-episode-6/

We are back! Join us tonight in our 6th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 6 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

This week hosts Greg Laabs (@OverloadUT) and Mathew Everett (@Sledgehammer70) talk about Van Bach and discuss a bit more about Varus from both aspects of Show and Game. We also take a closer look at some of the details around Sieges and the first DLC headed for Defiance.

Interview of the Day is back with Defiance Music Composer, Bear McCreary! Join Greg as he sits down with Bear and asks questions directly from the community.

Finally! We would like to remind you we will have a live Q&A with Greg & Mat! So make sure to tune in and submit your questions.

Make sure to join us tonight at 10/9c at www.Defiance.com/live or on www.twitch.tv/trionworlds for Across the Badlands and join in the conversation via Twitch chat.

Defiance: Store Update

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/20/defiance-store-update/

Looking to customize your character within Defiance? Check out the newest store update and grab your new outfit, headgear or vehicle skins with Bits while available. Each of the below items are now available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3 and PC.

Headgear:
CBMC Marine
CODA Knight
Special Ops Hero

Outfit:
CBMC Marine
Forest Tracker
Highway Crime Lord


Vehicle Skins:
A-Tex Growler Camo Grey
A-Tex Growler Camo Orange
TMW Hannibal 800R VBI Orange/Black
TMW Hannibal 800R VBI Black/Grey

Defiance: Intel

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/21/intel/

The EGO menu has a section called “Intel”, in which you can find useful information about the world of Defiance that you may wish to refer to for reference.

Intel comes in several categories; the first three categories will unlock as you discover the items within them (the Help category is always available).

Data Recorders
• These devices can be found around the world, both in outdoor regions and in co-op maps. They contain audio recordings which can shed light into the events and history of the region and the factions within it. For example, this one is found in the collapsed tunnel at the far north of Mount Tam.

• There are over 70 data recorders available at launch, and as new events occur in the world through episodic content and other updates, more will continue to appear.

Personal Intel
• As you complete the main mission line of Defiance, you meet key characters and participate in important events. You (and your helpful EGO) also gather information from what you observe. These recordings can be accessed in the Personal Intel section of your Intel menu.

Video
• Occasionally, intel videos can be unlocked by completing Pursuits. These can give you more information about aspects of Defiance, such as the enemies you may encounter in your travels.

Help
• Help intel gives an overview of the world and systems of Defiance. If you come across a term you’re unfamiliar with, try checking the help intel for a quick summary!

Defiance: Rewind Week is Almost Here!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/22/defiance-rewind-week-is-almost-here/

Did you miss out on the Nolan and Irisa Episode Missions at launch? We have you covered this coming week, as these missions will be coming back to the bay area. Join us in game starting Friday, May 24th through Monday, June 3rd to catch up with the prerelease episodic missions that took place leading up to the kickoff of Defiance on Syfy.

Starting on Friday, the ‘Meet Nolan’ Episode Mission will appear once you complete ‘Raiding the Medicine Cabinet’. The identifiers for these missions are noted by a star icon on your in game map.

If you have completed the Nolan and Irisa missions previously, these missions will NOT show up for you during this Rewind Week. We are working to allow future Rewind events to allow all players a chance to replay this content.

We look forward to seeing you in game this weekend and all of next week. Make sure to post your thoughts on the Nolan and Irisa missions in the comments below.

Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/23/dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend-2/

We are back with our second Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend! Players can log into Defiance and speed into a new Paradise daily contract and race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. Once a player has acquired access, there will be a new Paradise merchant that will sell multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger that will include modified stats. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends.

This weeks Dodge High Speed Challenge is located in Madera.

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:
– Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
– Dodge Challenger Bright White
– Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events will only be held every few weeks, so take advantage of them each time they are activated.

Start Date: Friday, May 24th 12:00pm PST
End Date: Monday May 27th 12:00pm PST

Store Update and Bit Bonus

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/24/store-update-and-bit-bonus/

Get more Bits for your buck! You’ll get bonus bits from your normal bit purchases starting 12:01 AM PT Friday until 11:59 PM PT Sunday. This sale is only for PC and Xbox customers.

The $5 pack will have 25% bonus bits.

The $20 pack will have 50% bonus bits.

The $50 pack will have DOUBLE bonus bits.

For this store update we are focusing on our Engineers throughout the world of Defiance. We’ve got Engineer themed outfits and head gear for you choose from.

Scrapworks Salvager outfit and head gear

Scrapworks-Salvager.png

Field Engineer outfit and head gear

Field-Engineer.jpg

Workshop Engineer outfit and head gear

Workshop-Engineer.png

Play Defiance FREE on Steam This Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/24/play-defiance-free-on-steam-this-weekend/

You read that title correctly! Play Defiance exclusively through Steam this weekend only for FREE! Oh What? Yes…jump on your PC, head over to Steam and get access to play Defiance all weekend long for FREE.

Simply click the ‘Start Here’ below to head to Steam for your FREE weekend pass and register a Trion Worlds account!

START HERE!

If you find yourself enjoying the FREE weekend, make sure to snag the full version of the game for 30% off. This deal is only available through Steam and will expire at the end of this weekend. But that is not all! If you purchase the game directly through Steam your progress you made during the FREE weekend will carry over into the full version of the game.

So to recap! Play Free, Sweet Deal, Saved Progress and Conquer the World! Well maybe not the last part… But here are the specific details again.

– PLAY THE GAME FOR FREE!
– Buy the game for 30% off this weekend only on Steam!
– Carry over all progress made in the free trial!
– Complete missions, pursuits and contracts!
– Customize unique weapons and vehicles!
– Explore the vast Bay area landscape earning rewards as you go!

Note: If your purchase Defiance via Steam and you are playing the Steam Free weekend version, you will need to log out of the game and close the game client after purchase, so the game will update to the full version properly.

To activate your Defiance Game for the Steam FREE weekend follow these steps:

1.) Click the install option and launch your Steam Client and copy the provided CD key.

2.) Press “Account” option on the game client.

3.) Register or log-in to Trion Worlds.

4.) Apply ‘CD Key’ under the ‘Apply New Code‘ section and click ‘Apply‘.

5.) Now head back to Steam and launch Defiance and login with your newly created Trion World Account.

6.) Enjoy the Game until Sunday at 1:00pm PT

See you in the Bay this weekend.

Sledgehammer70
Defiance Community Manager

Sickness Hits the Bay!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/28/sickness-hits-the-bay/

A mystery sickness is spreading across the Bay area! In an effort to find out what is happening, triage centers have been established at both Top Notch and Shandu’s Consulate. No one knows what this sickness is just yet, but possibly you can help Eren find a cure.

Join fellow Ark Hunters in game and complete 1 new pursuit and collect the 3 data recorders to boost your EGO rating.

Pursuits:
Hunting the Cure
– Find Data Recorder “Subject Douglas Rivers”
– Find Data Recorder “Quarantine Recommendation”
– Find Data Recorder “Stage 4 Outbreak”

Data Recorders:
– Subject Douglas Rivers
– Quarantine Recommendation
– Stage 4 Outbreak

Defiance: Episodic Content

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/29/defiance-episodic-content/

One of the exciting features of Defiance is its ability to change the content we see in the game world from one week to another. Changes can happen smoothly and immediately without requiring server patches and down time; one minute you may be driving around as normal, and the next minute you may see a brand new mission line become available, or a horde of all new enemies invading. In Defiance, we call this type of dynamic game content “Episodic Content”, and the most high profile example of this is of course the game content that ties into the TV show content.

If you’re new to Defiance EVERYTHING is new and it may not yet be easy to tell which is the Episodic Content and which is not. So here’s an easy way to tell:

The star icon above EGO’s head, rather than the normal exclamation mark, indicates a special Episode Mission that will only be around for a limited time. You can also see these on your map, which helps you find them:

If you’ve been playing since launch, you may already have noticed some of these. When the game launched, you may have encountered the ark hunters Nolan and Irisa fighting at an arkfall in Mount Tam, and then you may have met them again at the Crater Bar in Madera.

Besides Episode Missions, there are many other ways you may notice Episodic Content changing the world in other ways. New time trials, challenges, hotshots and similar events may also become available. The selection of daily/weekly contracts offered may change to match an event’s theme. Additional data recorders may become available for you to find and learn more information about the particular event or the world in general. New limited-time Pursuits may be added. The look and feel of the world may change, with new actors, new decorations, new enemies, new overland encounters, new loot. In the coming months you may even find new arkfalls or even entirely new types of combat introduced. And, of course, it’s possible that we’ll see more of the stars of the TV show visiting the Bay area during or after the show season.

Since the Defiance TV show airs on Monday evenings, if there is a change to Episodic Content that ties into the show it will typically change over between 11 and noon (pacific time) on a Monday. However, there will also be other non-show related events to enjoy and timing may vary. Keep your eyes open in game and check the patcher notes and community updates regularly to make sure you catch all the fun!

Across the Badlands: Episode 7 Now on YouTube!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/29/across-the-badlands-episode-7-now-on-youtube/

Did you miss Across the Badlands this week? The 7th episode is now available to watch on our official YouTube channel. Join us as we talk about how both Show and Game connect each week. http://bit.ly/ZeWG4C

Catch up on all episodes of Across the Badlands here: http://bit.ly/YfriTd

Challenge Hour: Hulker Challenge Winners!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/29/challenge-hour-hulker-challenge-winner/

During Across the Badland Episode 6 we gave the community a new challenge to take on after the show aired. For those of you who haven’t been tuning into Across the Badlands here are the details.

At the top of the hour following Across the Badlands the Challenge Hour begins. You simply login to Defiance and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

This last week Greg and I set the Challenge Hour to target Hulkers within the game. We even kicked off a side bet that the community would only reach 6 kill (Greg’s Vote) or 9 kills (Mats Vote). But the community has proven us wrong… again.

The results are in and we actually have 2 winners for this week’s challenge. So please join me in congratulating Rhett Kazuhara and Shwartz who killed 18 Hulkers each in 1 hour.

Stay tuned for future Challenge Hour opportunities outside of Across the Badlands as we want to make sure our global fans have a chance to participate.

Thanks

Mathew Everett
Sledgehammer70
Community Manager

Defiance: Bonus Loot Weekend is Back!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/05/30/defiance-bonus-loot-weekend-is-back/

Make sure to log into Defiance to take advantage of our Bonus Loot Weekend! This Loot weekend comes to you adjusted based on your feedback! What is bonus loot weekend you ask? See the full details below.

Bonus Loot Weekend: Players have a 25% increased chance to earn loot when they participate in a variety of game activities that offer loot drops during the scheduled time period. The loot categories are weapons, weapon mods, shields, and grenades.

So get your friends online and play Missions, Side Mission, Co-op Maps, Arkfalls, Emergencies, and much more for your chance at Bonus loot for this weekend only!

The Bonus loot weekend kicks off Friday at 12:00pm PT and will end on Monday 6/3 at 12:00pm PT.

Defiance: The Plague Trailer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/03/defiance-the-plague/

Something sinister has infiltrated its way into San Francisco. This is your new mission… Find a cure and prevent the same thing happening in the town of Defiance.

Watch the new Plague Trailer Here!

Plague Sieges Have Started…

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/03/1506/

The Plague has broken out and stage 4 of the sickness is spreading across the Bay area. Jump into Defiance to help find a cure and stop the plague from spreading across the badlands into the town of Defiance.

Need the full details on the current plague content? Keep on reading as we have you covered below.

Sieges:

The Plague Sieges: Eren has set up vaccine synthesizers across the bay to create the cure, but plaguers keep disrupting the operation! The synthesizers are set up wherever a high concentration of ark materials can be found, but they require someone to come start them up. When the synthesizers are activated, plaguers move in to attack.

Sieges are open world events that, unlike Arkfalls, take place within some of the built-up areas of the Bay Area. Each siege features multiple capture points which together with your fellow Ark Hunters you must keep control while hordes of enemies seek to wrest them from your grasp.

Your personal goal in each siege is to get as high a score as possible, which requires a combination of defeating enemies as well as holding onto the capture points. Sieges only stay active for a limited period of time, but the more time your team holds the points during the Siege, the higher your score, and the more of the points you all hold, the faster that score increases.

Pursuits:

Epidemic
Those poor souls that have reached phase 4 of the outbreak are beyond saving. These people must be put down.

– Hunt down afflicted in each region of Paradise.
– Reward: Med Tech Buggy

Curing the Masses
Eren NiDen has discovered a cure for those which have not yet progressed to phase 4 of the outbreak. The vaccine synthesizers must be protected, or Paradise will fall before the whole world is consumed.

– Complete vaccine synthesizer sieges.
– Reward: Special Bio grenade “Biocharge Ex-12X”

Emergencies:

Internment Camp: Help some ER soldiers regain control when some over zealous rebels attempt to liberate their plague infected loved ones.
Triage Center: Defend a makeshift medical center as it gets over run by the Afflicted.
E-Rep Soldier Camp: Join in the fight as ER Soldiers try to defend their camp and their lives from the unceasing attacks of the Afflicted
Dark Matter Outpost: No one is safe from this plague, not even the Dark Matter. Witness one of their camps being attacked.
Checkpoint Troubles: Help a lone surviving Echelon soldier fight off the Afflicted that are attacking her checkpoint station.
Gridlock: A stretch of road filled with wrecked cars holds a deadly surprise for any Ark Hunter foolish enough to go exploring.
Car Trouble: A pair of Ranchers attempted to clear the road and got caught in an Afflicted Ambush. It’s up to the player to save the day.
Spreading the Disease: The player gets to witness first hand what happens when plague infected Raiders bring the disease into some of their drill machines. It’s not pretty.

Across the Badlands: Episode 8

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/03/across-the-badlands-episode-8/

We are back! Join us tonight in our 8th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 8 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live.

Have a question you would like answered during this weeks Across the Badlands? Head here to get your questions submitted.

Defiance: Competitive Maps

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/04/defiance-competitive-maps/

Competitive maps are available under the Matchmaking menu. In these events, ark hunters are pitted against each other in tests of skill and endurance. Match size and objectives vary depending on the map.

You can participate in all available competitive maps at any power rating. Once you enter, you’ll automatically be put into your Competitive gear. This outfit does not affect your stats at all, but indicates which team you are on. As you earn rewards in Competitive play, you can unlock special outfits that show off your accomplishments. You can choose which Competitive outfit to display during Competitive play in your character EGO menu, on the Loadouts page:

Your own team will be represented by the color blue in the score UI, and the enemy always displays as red.

Waterfront
– Scenario Type: Team Deathmatch
– Players: 6v6
Setting: The collapse of international trade following the Arkfall left most commercial docks derelict and untended. Soon, however, they found new life. Waterfronts once meant for shipping and construction have been repurposed to support drawing life from the sea. The shipping business may be dead, but the fisheries carry on.

Observatory
– Scenario Type: Team Deathmatch
– Players: 8v8
Setting: With the founding of the EMC (Earth Military Coalition), the United Nations constructed dozens of high tech observatories to scan the stars for more interplanetary visitors. With the start of the Pale Wars, these became symbols of humanity’s resistance: the vigilant eye to the sky. Ironically, only a few of these structures survived the Arkfall, as most crumbled into ruins like the society they were designed to protect.

Freight Yard
– Scenario Type: Capture and Hold
– Players: 16v16
Setting: Terraforming has hobbled the shipping industry. Routes via land are often impassable, while the tempesphere blocks almost all air travel. However, the ocean paths still endure. Many freight yards have been repurposed to support a coastal trade industry, but the constant threat of Raider attacks keep these communities from truly thriving. These businesses are often one intercepted transmission away from complete annihilation.

Defiance: Store Update – Outfits, Headgear & Vehicle Skins

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/07/defiance-store-update-outfits-headgear-vehicle-skins/

This weeks store update is all about ferocity and aggressiveness on the battlefield. We’ve have 3 new outfits, 3 new headgear options and 2 new vehicle skins. Check them out below and head to the store and customize your ark hunter.

Ekaru Predator: (Outfit & Headgear)

Lone Wolf: (Outfit)

Urban Warrior: (Outfit & Headgear)

Coda Commando: (Headgear)

Duni Sherratu Race Blue/White:

Nomad Woodland:

Get Bonus Bits on PlayStation 3!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/07/get-bonus-bits-on-playstation-3/

Get more Bits for your buck on PSN! You’ll get bonus bits from your normal bit purchases starting 12:01 AM PT Friday until 11:59 PM PT Sunday. Get up to double your favorite Outfits, Headgear, Vehicle Skins or lock boxes this weekend only.

The $5 pack will have 25% bonus bits.

The $20 pack will have 50% bonus bits.

The $50 pack will have DOUBLE bonus bits.

This sale is only for PS3 customers only.

Defiance: Bonus XP Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/07/defiance-bonus-xp-weekend/

Need that extra push to unlock content or to reach that target EGO rating? Log into Defiance this weekend to take advantage of our Bonus XP Weekend! What is a bonus xp weekend you ask? See the full details below.

Bonus XP Weekends is where you the player can earn 25% bonus XP for participating in a variety of gameplay activities (shadow war, missions, arkfalls, etc) during the scheduled time period.

So get your friends online and play Missions, Side Mission, Sieges, Co-op Maps, Arkfalls, Emergencies, and much more to earn your 25% Bonus XP for this weekend only!

The Bonus XP weekend kicks off today at 12:00pm PT and will end on Monday 6/10 at 12:00pm PT.

The Plague: Launching the Cure

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/10/the-plague-launching-the-cure/

The Plague is at its peak in the Bay and Eren needs your help to lock down the cure. Jump into Defiance at 12pm PT and for the rest of this week and complete the new Mission and secure the final Data Recorder.

Need the full details on the current plague content? Keep on reading as we have you covered below.
Mission:

Launching the Cure
Eren has received a call from the town of Defiance, and they are having a problem with the plague as well. Eren has located an old EMC bunker that has a functioning ICBM. She needs to launch a care package of vaccine to the town of Defiance.

Sieges:

The Plague Sieges: Eren has set up vaccine synthesizers across the bay to create the cure, but plaguers keep disrupting the operation! The synthesizers are set up wherever a high concentration of ark materials can be found, but they require someone to come start them up. When the synthesizers are activated, plaguers move in to attack.

Sieges are open world events that, unlike Arkfalls, take place within some of the built-up areas of the Bay Area. Each siege features multiple capture points which together with your fellow Ark Hunters you must keep control while hordes of enemies seek to wrest them from your grasp.

Your personal goal in each siege is to get as high a score as possible, which requires a combination of defeating enemies as well as holding onto the capture points. Sieges only stay active for a limited period of time, but the more time your team holds the points during the Siege, the higher your score, and the more of the points you all hold, the faster that score increases.

Pursuits:

Epidemic
Those poor souls that have reached phase 4 of the outbreak are beyond saving. These people must be put down.

– Hunt down afflicted in each region of Paradise.
– Reward: Med Tech Buggy

Curing the Masses
Eren NiDen has discovered a cure for those which have not yet progressed to phase 4 of the outbreak. The vaccine synthesizers must be protected, or Paradise will fall before the whole world is consumed.

– Complete vaccine synthesizer sieges.
– Reward: Special Bio grenade “Biocharge Ex-12X”

Emergencies:

Internment Camp: Help some ER soldiers regain control when some overzealous rebels attempt to liberate their plague infected loved ones.
Triage Center: Defend a makeshift medical center as it gets over run by the Afflicted.
E-Rep Soldier Camp: Join in the fight as ER Soldiers try to defend their camp and their lives from the unceasing attacks of the Afflicted
Dark Matter Outpost: No one is safe from this plague, not even the Dark Matter. Witness one of their camps being attacked.
Checkpoint Troubles: Help a lone surviving Echelon soldier fight off the Afflicted that are attacking her checkpoint station.
Gridlock: A stretch of road filled with wrecked cars holds a deadly surprise for any Ark Hunter foolish enough to go exploring.
Car Trouble: A pair of Ranchers attempted to clear the road and got caught in an Afflicted Ambush. It’s up to the player to save the day.
Spreading the Disease: The player gets to witness first-hand what happens when plague infected Raiders bring the disease into some of their drill machines. It’s not pretty.

Data Recorders:
– Vaccine Delivery
– Subject Douglas Rivers
– Quarantine Recommendation
– Stage 4 Outbreak

Challenge Hour: The Plague Tremblers

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/10/challenge-hour-the-plague-tremblers/

We are happy to announce our ‘Challenge Hour’ application is now live! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Plague Trembler Challenge.

What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change weekly.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Across the Badlands: Episode 9

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/10/across-the-badlands-episode-9/

We are back! Join us tonight in our 9th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands episode 9 kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live or on our official Twitch.TV channel www.twitch.tv/trionworlds.

Defiance: Challenges

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/12/challenges/

Defiance Challenges are a special kind of mission available to ark hunters. These fall into three categories: hotshots, rampages, and time trials. Ark hunters may compete in challenges multiple times to test their skills and earn a spot on the leaderboards.

In addition to practicing your skills and getting your name on the leaderboard, you can earn experience and scrip, as well as some additional valuable rewards depending on the challenge. For instance, hotshots and rampages reward weapon mods if you score highly enough. Some hotshots specifically reward mods for the type of weapon that you use in that challenge, so they can be a great way to pick up weapon mods for your favorite weapon type as well as practicing your skills. Time trials reward you with scrip and experience, and completing a series of pursuits based around the time trials will also earn you a sleek black Dodge Challenger.

Hotshots

Hotshots are a test of skill and strategy, in which you equip a special weapon provided for the challenge and test yourself in specific situations. For example, put your sniping talents to the test as you rescue escaping workers in the “Bolinas Sniper” hotshot, or enjoy the massive power of a rocket launcher as you lay down fiery death upon swarms of invading hellbugs in “Dam Defense”, or use your pistol marksmanship to destroy the flocks of chickens without harming the farmers in “Reservoir Chickens”.

Hotshots are indicated on the map by a crosshairs symbol.

Mount Tam
– Desperate Times
– Draw the Line
Madera
– Reservoir Chickens
– Crystal Defense
Marin
– Dam Defense
– Bolinas Sniper
Sausalito
– Sharpshooting Savior
– Moonshine Shack
San Francisco
– Preemptive Counterstrike

Rampages

Rampages are a test of stamina and endurance. Using a special weapon, you’ll soon discover how long you can hold out against the incoming enemies. These high-speed, fast-paced challenges are not for the faint of heart.

Mount Tam
– Draw the Line
Madera
– Hellbug Extermination
Marin
– Minigun Mayhem
– Hamburger Hill
Sausalito
– None
San Francisco
– SMASH!!!
– Dark Harvest

Time Trials

Time trials are a type of challenge that can be found in each of the overland regions of Defiance. Time trials are indicated by a stopwatch icon on the map:

As of launch, there are 14 time trials available:
Mount Tam
– Tranquility Sprint
– Bloodbath Run
Madera
– Demon Run
– North Point
– Coastline Course
Marin
– Tiburon Uplands
– Muir Processing
– Mine Alley
Sausalito
– Miwok Hills
– Ridgeline Racer
– Barnstorming
San Francisco
– Wasteland Circuit
-Communications Breakdown
– Suburban Chaos

In addition to the above, there are limited time High Speed Challenges sponsored by Dodge, in which you drive the Dodge Challenger and have a chance to gain Paradise faction in addition to the normal time trial rewards of scrip and XP. These time trials will only be available at certain times, so keep an eye on the community news to find out when they’re coming up!

There are a number of pursuits tied to time trial races, including a series called “Pedal to the Metal” parts I through V. These require achieving a gold medal in all 14 permanent time trials, as well as completing a number of other challenging prerequisites. 1080-degree spin in the air while on a vehicle, anybody? But for those who manage to complete the full set of five pursuits, the reward is a stylish black version of the Dodge Challenger to show off your skills as a racing pro.

Defiance: Emergencies

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/13/defiance-emergencies/

Emergencies are special events which can happen anywhere in the world. Due to their unpredictable nature, they bring with them increased risk and rewards.

When you approach an emergency in the world, you will be alerted by EGO warning you, as well as the name of the emergency appearing at the top of your screen while you are in the area. Underneath the name of the emergency is generally an objective indicating what you need to do in order to complete the emergency.

Emergencies are widely varied in nature, and you can come across them in almost any part of the open world. Emergencies reward XP and are a very good source of scrip.

Look for the limited time Plague Emergencies listed below.

Internment Camp: Help some ER soldiers regain control when some overzealous rebels attempt to liberate their plague infected loved ones.
Triage Center: Defend a makeshift medical center as it gets over run by the Afflicted.
E-Rep Soldier Camp: Join in the fight as ER Soldiers try to defend their camp and their lives from the unceasing attacks of the Afflicted
Dark Matter Outpost: No one is safe from this plague, not even the Dark Matter. Witness one of their camps being attacked.
Checkpoint Troubles: Help a lone surviving Echelon soldier fight off the Afflicted that are attacking her checkpoint station.
Gridlock: A stretch of road filled with wrecked cars holds a deadly surprise for any Ark Hunter foolish enough to go exploring.
Car Trouble: A pair of Ranchers attempted to clear the road and got caught in an Afflicted Ambush. It’s up to the player to save the day.
Spreading the Disease: The player gets to witness first-hand what happens when plague infected Raiders bring the disease into some of their drill machines. It’s not pretty.

Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/14/dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend-3/

Join us for our Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend! Players can log into Defiance and speed into a Paradise daily contract and race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. Once a player has acquired access, there will be a new Paradise merchant that will sell multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends.

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:
– Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
– Dodge Challenger Bright White
– Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events will only be held every few weeks, so take advantage of them each time they are activated to claim Paradise Faction!

Start Date: Friday, June 14th 12:00pm PT
End Date: Monday, June 17th 12:00pm PT

Defiance: The Manhunt

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/17/defiance-the-manhunt/

Echelon mercenaries are combing the bay and putting up posters. They are on a manhunt for an ark hunter named “Nolan”. Lawkeeper Jon Cooper and his new ally, Rynn, don’t take too kindly to this intrusion, and they want to know more. Find out what trouble Nolan’s gotten himself into, and see if these mercenaries are in over their heads.

Want the full details on the Manhunt content? Keep on reading as we have you covered below. Content will be live at 12pm PT

Mission:

The Manhunt – Rynn is worried about Echelon’s sudden increased presence in Paradise. She needs you to look into their activities at each of the locations they have been spotted at.

Pursuits:

Rynn’s Discovery – Complete all ‘The Manhunt” activities to unlock the Title “True Friend”

Data Recorders:

– Nolan Contract
– Where’s Nolan
– Intel for Coffer Gray

Across the Badlands: Episode 10

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/17/across-the-badlands-episode-10/

We are back! Join us tonight in our 10th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands  kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live or on our official Twitch.TV channel www.twitch.tv/trionworlds.

Defiance: Raptr Rewards!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/17/defiance-raptr-rewards/

Looking to get your hands on Defiance? Raptr has you covered with their new Raptr rewards program for Defiance. How do you qualify? Signup for Raptr and start earning reputation to qualify for the rewards.

 

Rewards:
30% Discount – Get 30% off the PC title from Trion Worlds store.

Watch these Defiance rank rewards now as they are going live on 7.3.13 just in time to defend San Francisco for the Fourth of July:

Amateur Starter Pack – Every Ark Hunter needs an extra hand once and a while. Get ahead with an XP boost, Loot Boost, Script Boost and a Tier 1 Lockbox.
Dedicated Raptr Duni – Get the Orange Raptr Duni Shetarru and cruise in style.

Elite Drifter Pack – Upgrade your threads with new Drifter Headgear and a new Drifter Outfit. And an additional Tier 1 Lockbox with you.

 

Full details on the Defiance Raptr Rewards program can be found here: http://raptr.com/game/Defiance/rewards

Challenge Hour: Hellbug Monarchs

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/18/challenge-hour-hellbug-monarchs/

We are happy to announce our next Challenge Hour! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Hellbug Monarch Challenge.

What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change weekly.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Defiance: Recruit-A-Friend

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/19/defiance-recruit-a-friend/

There has never been a better time to get your friends playing Defiance. We have just launched our Recruit-A-Friend campaign that allows you to unlock sweet rewards for recruiting and playing with friends. Unlock the exclusive Headhunter Title, Inventory slots, Hellblazer Nomad Truck and Tier 3 Lock Boxes. To top it off, if your refereed friend wants to play on PC they can get an additional 30% off the game through Trion Worlds.  How do you unlock these rewards you ask? It is actually very simple.

1.) You need to own a copy of Defiance across any platform and have a valid Trion Worlds account. (Xbox 360 and PS3 accounts need to be account linked)

2.) Head on over to  http://www.defiance.com/en/recruit-a-friend/

3.) Ask your friends for their e-mails or simply post your recruit link via you social media channel of choice.

4.) Watch your rewards unlock as your friends play the game. (Friend accounts on Xbox 360 and PS3 need to be account linked)

For a full list of rewards see the below:

Across the Badlands: Episode 10 Now on YouTube!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/19/across-the-badlands-episode-10-now-on-youtube/

Did you miss Across the Badlands this week? The 10th episode is now available to watch on our official YouTube channel. Join us as we talk about how both Show and Game connect each week. http://bit.ly/190POyn 

 

 

Catch up on all episodes of Across the Badlands here: http://bit.ly/YfriTd

Defiance: Most Wanted Winner

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/19/defiance-most-wanted-winner/

Just over a month ago we kicked off the first ever in-game crossover competition to get your likeness within Defiance. Fans of the show and community members from the game set out to take on the challenge and today we would like to announce the winner.

Congratulations to winner Zachary P. for raking in an incredible 173,383 ark salvage/hr – that’s 109,969/hr over the average Ark Hunter haul! You’ll be seeing Zachary’s likeness in an upcoming episode of Defiance so keep your eyes peeled.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the Most Wanted contest.

Defiance: Co-Op Maps

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/20/defiance-co-op-maps/

Co-op maps are available under the Matchmaking menu. These scenarios are intended for 4-player groups, and will challenge you to complete objectives in a confined, cooperative environment. Many of the co-op maps also have data recorders within, which you can examine to learn more about the history of the area.

Mount Tam
Liberate the Lost
– Power Rating 200 OR
– Complete Mount Tam Storyline Mission “Kith and Kinship”
Mutants are dragging New Freedom crash survivors deep into Delta Bunker East for some assuredly vile cause. Discover their purpose, thwart their plans, and rescue the captured.

Madera
Soleptor Excavation
– Power Rating 400
The Raiders have stolen Ridgecrest mine from Varus. He needs a team of operatives to breach his excavation site and recover the valuable technology within.

Explosions 101
– Power Rating 300 OR
– Complete Madera Storyline Mission “Breaking into San Quentin”
Varus wants the Raiders squatting on 101 Keys eliminated once and for all. He is recruiting a private assault team to escort an Echelon demolitions expert through the deadly stronghold to blow the place off the map.

Marin
Island of Lost Soldiers
– Power Rating 450
Cass is contracting some ark hunters to uncover what happened to the E-Rep recon team sent to the long-abandoned EMC facility on Angel Island.

The Motherlode
– Power Rating 400 OR
– Complete Marin Storyline Mission “A Bullet for a Badman”
There are rumors of a motherlode hidden deep within Mine 99. Gather a team and uncover the 99er treasure horde.

Sausalito
Commandeer Cronkhite
– Power Rating 500 OR
– Sausalito Storyline Mission “Seize the Day, Control the Future”
The Raiders are embedded in Cronkhite Bunker, an abandoned EMC bunker and armory. They cannot be allowed access to the dangerous weapons left inside. Work with Torc to break their hold of the bunker.

San Francisco
Scrapworks Salvage
– Power Rating 500
Cass has tracked a massive arkfall into the Scrapworks salvage yard. Dark Matter arrived shortly after. It’s time for some ark hunters to do what they do best.

Defiance: Bonus Loot Weekend

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/21/defiance-bonus-loot-weekend/

Make sure to log into Defiance to take advantage of our Bonus Loot Weekend!  What is bonus loot weekend you ask? See the full details below.

Bonus Loot Weekend: Players have a 25% increased chance to earn loot when they participate in a variety of game activities that offer loot drops during the scheduled time period. The loot categories are weapons, weapon mods, shields, and grenades.

So get your friends online and play Missions, Side Mission, Co-op Maps, Arkfalls, Emergencies, and much more for your chance at Bonus loot for this weekend only!

The Bonus loot weekend kicks off NOW! and will end on Monday 6/24 at 12:00pm PT.

Are you enjoying the Bonus Loot, Bonus XP and High Speed Challenge weekends? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Across the Badlands : Episode 11

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/24/across-the-badlands-episode-11/

We are back! Join us tonight in our 11th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game along with introducing you to the teams that bring both alive. Across the Badlands  kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live or on our official Twitch.TV channel www.twitch.tv/trionworlds.

 

 

Join us this week as we share some more insight in to the alien traditions, share some of the Challenge Hour winners, and we talk about some upcoming game content!

Challenge Hour – Hellbug Archer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/26/1637/

We are happy to announce our next Challenge Hour! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Hellbug Archer Challenge.

Archer

What is Challenge Hour? Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time.You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating. But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only) Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change weekly. Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Bonus XP Weekend

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/28/bonus-xp/

It’s bonus XP weekend! Get in and get playing for a boost in you XP this weekend from June 28th to June 30th.

 

Have fun !

New Outfits Available in the Store

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/06/28/new-outfits-available-in-the-store/

We’ve got some awesome new outfits available in the store – with my personal favorite being the Liberty Heavy Trooper.

 

EMC Scout Outfit and Headgear 

EMC Scout

 

EMC Loyalist 

EMC Loyalist

 

Liberty Heavy Trooper

Liberty Heavy Trooper

Across The Badlands #12

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/01/across-the-badlands-12/

It’s that time for Across the Badlands #12 – join us tonight as we see how the show and the game continue to interact and crossover.

 

Across The Badlands

 

We are back! Join us tonight in our 12th episode of Across the Badlands as we give you an inside look at both show and game.

Across the Badlands kicks off at 10/9c on our website at www.Defiance.com/live Or you can join the conversation live via our Twitch channel at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds

Defiance: Volge Incursion

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/01/defiance-volge-incursion/

Reports are rolling in from across the bay as people are going missing and settlements suddenly lose communications. Even the Raiders show fear as the dire warnings mount. Strange and deadly scouting parties are rampaging across the bay, and only one explanation stands out: The Volge….

Volge Incursion

Get the full details on this weeks live Volge content below. Content will be live at 12pm PT

Pursuit:
Volge Examination
– Kill a Trooper
– Kill a Bomber
– Kill a Viscera
– Complete 5 Volge emergencies

Emergencies:

Clearing Volge Battle – Assist E-Rep soldiers as they defend their camp from a vicious Volge assault
Clearing Volge Boobytrap – Help some miners turn the tables on the Volge by setting up some traps and then witnessing the explosive results
Clearing Volge Kill Raiders – A small Raider camp gets invaded by a Volge hit squad. Let one side clear out the other and then sweep into clean up the mess or take them both on at the side time if you’re ballsy enough to do it.
Clearing Volge Miner Defend a Mining Camp from the Volge Troopers that have come to steal their crates of Gulanite
Road Volge Checkpoint – An ER road Checkpoint is getting overrun by Volge and only your assistance can turn the tide
Road Volge Traffic – Volge are in the process of hijacking a supply of Gulanite.

June’s Challenge Hour Winners

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/02/junes-challenge-hour-winners/

The results are in – we have official winners for last month’s Challenge Hours! Congratulations to all those who entered our Challenge Hours and kudos to those who succeeded in securing the top slot each week.

 

Challenge Hour will continue every week through the summer. To learn more visit www.defiance.com/challengehour. We will be posting new challenges each week on the site and announcing via the forums and through www.twitter.com/defiancegame. The current challenge, slated for Wednesday, July 3 at 3 PM PDT, pits Arkhunters against Biomen. Good luck!

 

JUNE CHALLENGE HOUR WINNERS

 

June 7th “Kill Hellbugs” challenge:

Winner: Era  with 5687 kills

Era had 4 Sponsors back him and earned a signed art book!

 

June 14 “Kill Tremblers” challenge:

Winner: Era  with 108 kills

Era had 20 Sponsors and earned a signed art book, Hellbug statue, and a small and large Hellbug plushie!

 

June 22 “Kill Hellbug Monarchs” challenge:

Winner: Vyxxi with 126 kills

Vyxxi had 20 Sponsors and earned a signed art book, Hellbug statue, and a small and large Hellbug plushie!

 

June 29 “Kill Hellbug Archers” challenge:

Winner: Edgar Arkwright  with 256 kills

Edgar Arkwright had 3 Sponsors and earned a signed artbook!

July 4th Holiday Sale

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/03/july-4th-holiday-sale/

We’ve got an awesome promotion to correspond with the July 4th holiday. Now through July 7th you’ll get 50% off select outfits and headgear. Get in-game to check out the sale and check out the new outfits we have available!

 

 

Badlands Crime Lord

Outfit 180 90

Headgear 440 220

BC Crime Lord

Naval Hero

Outfit 560 280

Headgear 280 140

Naval Hero

Highway Crime Lord

Outfit 240 120

Headgear 440 220

Highway

E-Rep Spy

Outfit 240 120

Headgear 120 60

EREPSpy

Forest Tracker

Outfit 880 440

Headgear 440 220

Forest tracker

CBMC Marine

Outfit 560 280

Headgear 280 140

Marine

Enemy Intel – The Volge

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/03/enemy-intel-the-volge/

With very few weaknesses this world conquering species is a great threat to all living things.  Check out the enemy intel trailer.

Across The Badlands #13

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/08/across-the-badlands-13/

Episode #13 of Across the Badlands is bringing you folks a little something different. We’ve got extra information about both the show and the game.

gregsquared

Make sure to tune in as we 10/9 CT on our Twitch TV Channel as we talk Defiance and we look down the road on whats coming down the road.

Rewind Content

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/08/rewind-content/

Play most of the content from the Season 1 crossovers for a limited time. Content from Nolan, Hellbug Season, Rynn, Plagues and more will be live for a limited time. Hop in game and check it out!

Play The Game – Join The Show

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/08/play-the-game-join-the-show/

Play your way onto Season 2 of Defiance the show!

The first Season of Defiance the Show has come to an end but your journey continues. Replay all of the Defiance cross-over content in the game from July 8th through July 30th  and enter for a chance to have your character written onto the TV show. Get started now by heading to this link : Play The Game – Join The Show

ContestImg

How will the winner be chosen?

The top 10 ark hunters who complete the most arkfall events during the time period July 8th 10am PST to July 30th  10am PST will qualify to have their character written onto the show. The top 10 players will have their characters submitted to a Facebook voting contest. The top 5 players from this vote will then be submitted to the writers staff at Syfy. The final winner will be selected by Kevin Murphy, the lead creator the TV show.

 

How do I enter?

Follow the contest registration steps above, then complete the most arkfall events during the time period July 8th 10am PST to July 30th  10am PST will qualify

 

What are Arkfall events

Arkfalls happen in the game daily and are random events where players can salvage the most loot.  When the event occurs the player will be notified on his player map.

 

What can I win?

The winner will have his/her character appear on the next season of Defiance the TV show. The writing staff will create the characters back story and give the character an appearance on one of the episodes.

 

When will winners be announced?

Top 10 finalists will be notified by email on August 2nd. The finalists will then be announced via Facebook on August 9th. Final Winner will be selected By September 15th

 

How can I get alerts for future crossover contests?

Subscribe to the Defiance newsletter! You’ll get early info on upcoming contests, content, and offers from Defiance. To subscribe, log in to your Trion account, check the Defiance box in your “Newsletters” tab, and click “Save.”

Challenge Hour: Dark Matter Enforcer

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/09/challenge-hour-dark-matter-enforcer/

We are happy to announce our next Challenge Hour! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Dark Matter Enforcer Challenge.

What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change weekly.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Favorite Defiance Character?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/10/favorite-defiance-character/

With Defiance Season 1 wrapping up on Syfy we have seen a few characters come and go from both TV show and game.  With that being said, we would love to know which character or characters you have enjoyed within Defiance.
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We would also love to hear your thoughts on what characters you would like to see crossover into the game. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below

Defiance PC Trial is LIVE!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/11/defiance-pc-trial-is-live/

Explorer the terraformed Bay area within Defiance by checking out our FREE PC Trial. Starting today, you can access our Defiance PC Trial by logging in to your Trion Account or by creating a new account.

SIGN UP HERE!

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With the FREE PC trial you get the following:

– Time limited access to the full game!*
– 200 EGO rating cap
– Ability to carry over all progress, rewards and purchases made in the Defiance Store to the full game once purchased**

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Your free trial will start as soon as you sign up, so make sure to download the client immediately after signing up.

* Trial starts upon completion of account creation or log in, time is limited to 72 hours.
**Defiance Store purchases can only be carried over to PC Game accounts.

Defiance: Bonus Loot Weekend

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/12/defiance-bonus-loot-weekend-2/

Make sure to log into Defiance to take advantage of our Bonus Loot Weekend!  What is bonus loot weekend you ask? See the full details below.

Bonus Loot Weekend: Players have a 25% increased chance to earn loot when they participate in a variety of game activities that offer loot drops during the scheduled time period. The loot categories are weapons, weapon mods, shields, and grenades.

So get your friends online and play Missions, Side Mission, Co-op Maps, Arkfalls, Emergencies, and much more for your chance at Bonus loot for this weekend only!

The Bonus loot weekend kicks off NOW! and will end on Monday 7/15 at 12:00pm PT.

Challenge Hour: Volge Trooper

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/15/challenge-hour-volge-trooper/

We are happy to announce our next Challenge Hour! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Volge Trooper Challenge. Can you win your friends copies of Defiance and yourself some epic Defiance rewards? You won’t know until you try!

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What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ bi-weekly moving forward and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change weekly.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Defiance Headed to San Diego Comic-Con

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/16/1731/

Join both Syfy and Trion Worlds as we head to San Diego Comic-Con and take over Mary Jane’s Café Defiance style and kick off an exclusive Panel with both Cast and Developers on July 19th. If you plan to head to SDCC this year we have outlined all the cool Defiance incentives and goodies below.

  • For the second year in a row, Syfy will transform Mary Jane’s Café into Café Defiance. The immersive experience into the world of Defiance will feature hands on opportunities for Defiance Game by Trion Worlds, video displays and social/interactive elements.  In between bites at Café Defiance, customers can win a Defiance prize package by tweeting Café photos using #DefianceSDCC.
  • Two of the Dodge Chargers featured in Defiance will patrol the streets of San Diego, enticing participants to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Dodge Charger. Attendees can enter the sweepstakes by locating the vehicles and tweeting a picture of either car to #DodgeDefiance.
  • Defiance Castithan Charge Pack first look with Senior Producer, Rob Hill and Social Media Manager, Greg Laabs on www.twitch.tv live on Friday, July 19th at 2:00pm PT.

Defiance Panel Details:

Friday, July 19

  • 10:30am – 11:30am, Defiance — Earth has changed, and entertainment will never be the same. Join Rob Hill (Defiance Game Senior Producer) Grant Bowler (Nolan), Julie Benz (Amanda Rosewater), Stephanie Leonidas (Irisa), Tony Curran (Datak Tarr), Jaime Murray (Stahma Tarr), Jesse Rath (Alak Tarr), Executive Producer Kevin Murphy and more from Syfy‘s groundbreaking multi-platform series as they discuss the overwhelming success of Defiance (the show and game) and share exclusive details from the second season.  Moderated by Maureen Ryan, TV Critic for Huffington Post.

SDCC Day #0: Mary Jane’s Café

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/18/sdcc-day-0-mary-janes-cafe/

Defiance has taken over downtown San Diego and we are offering live gameplay, giveaways and much more! Check out these images of Mary Jane’s Café that has been 100% taken over by Defiance and Syfy.

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We were on site tweeting at you to be the first to snag a Defiance Hellbug Plushie. This was the first winner of the day:

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We also had a chance to meet Defiance community member @Antonio Jones who also snagged a Hellbug Plushie and a picture with Sledgehammer70.

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But to top off Day #0 of SDCC we ran into the first Cosplay revolving around Defiance. Check out John Masuzumi’s Hellbug hat.

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Stay tuned for more coverage from San Diego Comic Con, and make sure to follow @DefianceWorld on Twitter for their live Tweets during the Defiance Panel on Friday at 10:30am PT. Along with out Live DLC coverage on Twitch.TV’s Live SDCC channel on Friday at 2:00pm PT

 

For full details on all the events at SDCC this year for Defiance head on over here: http://community.defiance.com/en/2013/07/16/1731/

Summer Store Update – Beat the Heat

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/18/summer-store-update-beat-the-heat/

Beat the summer heat with our latest vehicle store update!  Stay cool in latest Nomad model, or catch some great air in a new A-Text Growler.  Don’t let the scorching temperatures get the best of you, all Dunis come with free air conditioning!

Jump into Defiance and secure your new vehicle today!

A-Tex Growler Camo Yellow

1

A-Tex Growler Camo Dark Green

2

TMW Hannibal 800R VBI White/Cyan

3

TMW Hannibal 800R VBI White/Red

4

RM Nomad V6 Camo Black/Brown

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Duni Shetarru Green / Black

5

Duni Shetarru Yellow / Blue

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Dev Blog: Castithan Charge Pack and the future of Defiance

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/23/dev-blog-castithan-charge-pack-and-the-future-of-defiance/

Ok, time to write the introduction blog.  Hello.  My name is Chris Lena and I am the new Executive Producer for Defiance.  I have been working at Trion for over three years and started on Defiance last November (almost exactly 6 months before launch).  My background is a long history of working on massively multiplayer games both live and in development which has driven home the fact that those that play your game are not just customers but partners.  That there is a back and forth, a blurring of developer and player, that doesn’t happen with other games and is one of the main reasons that I love working in this genre.  But enough about me, let’s get down to business.

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Our first DLC is coming up and we will be revealing that release date soon…it will not be out this month.  Fine, we will tell you that it will be in August but don’t’ tell anyone else.  Ok?  I know I can trust you.  We did want to get this out sooner but we had some launch issues to take care of first.  We will get into more of that later.  As a reminder, this DLC is all about the Castithan.  There is the playable Castithan species, Charge Blades, Arena game modes, a new Story Mission line, and more!  And don’t worry, we still have our planned total of 5 DLCs that we will be releasing throughout the first year of the game.

 

Although there are a lot of details to talk about with the first DLC I don’t want to spend all of my time doing that.  That can come when we announce the date.  Don’t get me wrong, it is important to continue to add content to the game and the DLCs are a great way to do that  but in my first blog I want to emphasize what is happening with the current live game.  Defiance is not even four months old and we have put in a lot of fixes and improvements but we need to do more.  That is what I want to talk about.

 

I know that many of you play without any issues but too many of you are encountering problems that you should not have to experience.  We need to make sure that when someone logs into Defiance that the only frustration they have is getting hammered by the Volge.

 

Patching

We have added a massive amount of content to Defiance since launch – however all of that content introduced a bug that could potentially cause a “Critical Error” when patching. The only solution was to either restart your console or reinstall the game. Neither of those solutions are acceptable. In this upcoming DLC we have fixed all known occurrences of this “Critical Error” bug.  Also, we have taken this opportunity to introduce a new loading bar that will more clearly communicate where you are in total patching progress.  Also, on PC, we have already pushed many patcher improvements live and will continue to do so.

 

Grouping/Chat/Social Features

There are a lot of different kinds of problems here.  There are issues with groups of players entering into a Co-Op Map and not all of them ending up together or entering a Co-Op Map that was already under way. We have this fixed and it is making its way out to Live soon.  There are fixes and improvements to voice chat and quite a few changes to the chat window in general.  We also realize that there are quite a few problems with the way Clans are working and we are digging into those as well.

 

Connecting to Regional Servers

Defiance has two clusters of regional servers – one in Europe and one in North America. With the DLC we will be adding the ability for console users to select which regional server you connect to so you can play with your friends regardless of your location (some forum users have referred to this as “Region Locking”).  However, any characters you have are attached to specific regional servers so if you are currently playing in Europe on Xbox and you decided to play with your friend in Canada then you will have to start a new character.

 

Other Stuff

There are a lot of fixes that are going to be making their way onto the live servers but I will leave that to you and the patch notes of the future.  Everything else is just talk.

 

In a general sense, I believe that everyone is better off if we interact more with the people that are dedicating their precious time to playing our game.  The forums are the easiest way to do this but we will figure out other ways as well.  The Defiance Team understands that there are a lot of good games out there competing for your time and we truly appreciate you carving out time for Defiance.

 

Onward and upward!

Chris Lena

“RedAvocado”

Executive Producer – Defiance

Defiance Now Available Starting at $9.99

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/25/defiance-now-available-starting-at-9-99/

Keep your Monday nights filled with Defiance on PC, Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3 by kicking off your own story within Defiance. There has never been a better time to start playing Defiance because now you can secure your copy for Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 for $19.99 and on PC for $9.99.
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With the Castithan Charge Pack DLC just around the corner, get your Ark Hunter ready for Dueling and Arenas along with Volge Sieges…

Purchase Defiance Here: http://bit.ly/10vXlwy

On the fence about purchasing Defiance? Why not try before you buy! Play our Defiance Free PC trial and if you’re enjoying the game, purchase the PC version and continue where your trial account left off.

PC trail details here: http://bit.ly/15GJLcf  

Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/26/dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend-4/

The Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend is back! Players can log into Defiance and speed into a Paradise daily contract to race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. Once a player has acquired access, there will be a new Paradise merchant that will sell multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends.

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:
– Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
– Dodge Challenger Bright White
– Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events will only be held every few weeks, so take advantage of them each time they are activated to claim Paradise Faction!

Start Date: Friday, July 26th 12:00pm PT
End Date: Monday, July 29th 12:00pm PT

Challenge Hour: Dark Matter Bulwark

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/29/challenge-hour-dark-matter-bulkwark/

We are happy to announce our next Challenge Hour! Head on over and sign up with your in-game username and Trion Worlds account to enter this week’s Dark Matter Bulwark Challenge.

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What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ bi-weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change as well.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Ark Hunter or Volge Hunter?

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/07/30/arkhunter-or-volge-hunter-2/

Have you been hunting down the Volge within Defiance? Well now you can hunt them down in style! Check out the new Volge headgear in the Defiance store. We have released 3 options to match up with your outfits of choice. Along with 2 new outfits to allow your Arkhunter to stand out within Defiance.

Ice Volge Helm:
Ice Volge Helm

Tribal Volge Helm:
Tribal Volge Helmet

Volge Helm:
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Urban Commando:
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Omega Recon:
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Challenge Hour is 2 Days Away!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/08/07/challenge-hour-dark-matter-bulwark/

Our next Challenge Hour is just a few days away! Make sure to sign-up and get sponsors to win both you and your friends Defiance prizes.

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What is Challenge Hour?

Challenge Hour is a new application that kicks off at the outlined time. You simply sign-up here: http://bit.ly/Zhzdjk and execute against the challenge provided for one hour and try to beat everyone else who is participating.

But wait! We have even better news! Have your friends sponsor you for the upcoming ‘Challenge Hour’ for a chance to earn 20 of them a FREE copy of Defiance! Yup, you heard me right, have your girlfriend, best friend, friends or a stranger off the street sponsor you for a chance to get them a free copy of the game. (The first 20 users who sponsored the winner will also get a FREE copy of Defiance PC-Only)

Note: We will be hosting ‘Challenge Hour’ bi-weekly and the time frame when the Challenge takes place will change as well.

Check out the full details on Challenge Hour HERE: https://www.defiance.com/en/challenge-hour/

Castithan Charge Pack DLC is coming August 20th!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/08/13/castithan-charge-pack-dlc-is-coming-august-20th/

That’s right: we have a release date! Defiance’s first DLC will be available for PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 August 20th.

Haven’t been following the news about what new things you’ll get in the Castithan Charge Pack DLC? Let’s review:

  • Play as a Castithan (you can even convert your current character if you’d like!)
  • Battle against the Volge in massive Siege battles
  • Access new Battle Arenas and earn a Castithan Blade reward
  • Duel other players in best-of-three matches
  • Drive the Raptor Truck, Defiance’s first 4-player vehicle
  • Fight with the new charge weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and sniper rifles
  • Plus: new pursuits, new story lines, and more

You can pick up the Defiance Season Pass here to be ready on release day!

Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend! (August 16-19th)

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/08/17/dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend-august-16-19th/

The Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend is back! Players can log into Defiance and speed into a Paradise daily contract to race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. Once a player has acquired access, there will be a new Paradise merchant that will sell multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends.

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:
– Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
– Dodge Challenger Bright White
– Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events will only be held every few weeks, so take advantage of them each time they are activated to claim Paradise Faction!

Start Date: Friday, August 16th 12:00pm PT
End Date: Monday, August 19th 12:00pm PT

Defiance’s first DLC, the Castithan Charge Pack, is now available!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/08/20/defiances-first-dlc-the-castithan-charge-pack-is-now-available/

The first DLC for Defiance, the “Castithan Charge Pack,” is now available for download on PC, PS3, and Xbox 360!

Ark Hunters will now be able to gear up with Charge Blades and Charge Weapons and fight the Volge in our newly returned Sieges mode. And that’s not all – we have duels, a playable Castithan race, and new storyline missions.

Check out our full length Castithan Charge Pack Launch trailer now to catch a glimpse of what’s new in the San Francisco Bay Area today

We are headed to PAX Prime!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/08/26/we-are-headed-to-pax-prime/

PAX Prime is taking over Seattle from Friday, August 30th through Monday, September 2nd. Join Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey and Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs as they roam the halls of the conventions, finding cool stuff and bringing RIFT and Defiance goodies to any fans they find.

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We’ll be teaming up with Twitch on their official channel at www.twitch.tv/twitch each day at 1 PM PDT. Check out the full schedule:

  • Friday, August 30th @ 1 PM: Check out what’s new in the world of Defiance and talk about the future of the game
  • Saturday, August 31st @ 1 PM: AMA with Elizabeth and Greg!
  • Sunday, September 1st @ 1 PM: Greg and Legit preview the upcoming RIFT 2.4 Infinity Gate raid

Be sure to follow us on twitter at @RIFTGame, @DefianceGame, and @TrionWorlds as well as Greg and Elizabeth’s Twitters for all the sights and sounds of PAX Prime 2013. They’ll also be posting locations of ad hoc tweetups throughout the day so you can come snag codes for a Toxic Hellbug Mount in RIFT and a code to download the Digital Deluxe edition of Defiance on PC.

See you in Seattle!

The Dodge High Speed Challenge Weekend is Back

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/05/the-dodge-high-speed-challenge-weekend-is-back/

The Dodge High Speed Challenge weekend is back again by popular demand! Gamers can log into Defiance and speed into a Paradise daily contract to race against the clock in return for access to the Paradise Faction. And once the access is secured, you can head on over to a new Paradise merchant that sells multiple colors of the exclusive Dodge Challenger. The Paradise Faction merchant is only available during these Dodge Challenge weekends – so don’t delay. Head on in and start racing.

Final Screenshot for Red Dodge Challenger (1280x800)

Dodge Challenger Paradise Faction Merchant Color Options:

  • Dodge Challenger Plum Crazy
  • Dodge Challenger Bright White
  • Dodge Challenger Billet Metallic

The Dodge High Speed Challenge events are only held on certain weekends, so head on in now to make sure you nab a rare color Dodge Challenger for your own!

Start Date: Friday, September 6th 12:00pm PT
End Date: Monday, September 9th 12:00pm PT

Pick up a boxed copy of Defiance, get sweet loot in RIFT!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/06/pick-up-a-copy-of-defiance-get-sweet-loot-in-both-defiance-and-rift/

For a limited time: get a Ghost Hellbug mount, Votan Fragger weapon transmog, and $5 in RIFT Store Credits when you buy a physical copy of Defiance!

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This offer applies to Standard and Collector’s Edition boxed copies of Defiance on PC, Xbox 360, and PS3, and is valid while supplies last – so hunt down yours and wield the loot of the future, today.

Check out the full details of the promotion here!

Follow These Steps to Claim Your Loot

PC

1. Log in to your Trion account at account.riftgame.com.

2. Click the APPLY CODE tab.

3. Enter the product code found on the back of your Defiance manual.

4. That’s it! Defiance will be ready for download and your RIFT loot will be delivered in-game within 24 hours.

CONSOLE

1. Activate your copy of Defiance by following the instructions on the back of your game manual.

2. Log in to Defiance.

3. Open your Settings menu and select ACCOUNT: LINK ACCOUNT.

4. A unique code will be displayed. Enter it at www.defiance.com/link

5. That’s it! Your Ghost Hellbug, Votan Fragger, and Store Credits will be delivered in RIFT within 24 hours.

Good luck, fellow Telarans and Ark Hunters. We’ll be waiting for you in game.

Save 50% on Defiance at Gamestop!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/11/save-50-on-defiance-at-gamestop/

From September 11th til the 18th, console versions of Defiance are 50% at GameStop. Prices are good both online and in stores – and PC copies of Defiance are just $9.99!

Plus, when you buy a physical copy of Defiance (on any platform) you get free RIFT loot: a Ghost Hellbug mount, Votan Fragger, and $5 RIFT Store Credits.

See you in game, Ark Hunter!

Announcing our latest Challenge Hour Winners

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/12/announcing-our-latest-challenge-hour-winners/

After (far too many) weeks of suspense, we’re excited to announce the winners of our last two Challenge Hours!

First up is ScSessions for taking down the most Dark Matter Enforcers. There will be glorious loot in the future for our champion and twenty loyal sponsors.

Our second winner is DC Diesel, who successfully downed the most Volge Troopers in a one-hour period.

Thanks to everyone who participated in our Challenge Hours. We’ll be back in September with a new offering: be sure to keep your skills honed and your aim steady.

Deeper dive into new arkfalls on Trion’s Friday Livestream Extravaganza

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/12/deeper-dive-into-new-arkfalls-on-trions-friday-livestream-extravaganza/

Friday is fast approaching – and that means another Trion Friday Livestream Extravaganza of awesomeness.

On September 13th (that’s tomorrow!) at 1:30 PM PDT (click here for a world clock translation of that time!) we’ll be starting off by showing our new RIFT 5-man dungeon, Realm of the Twisted Dreams with OverloadUT and Dahanese.

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We’ll take a brief break at 2:30 PM to chat with the community (bring your questions!) as we switch on over to our internal Defiance server where we’ll show off an extended look at the new arkfalls that are coming to the game with our future second DLC pack.

Want to know the moment we go live? Follow us at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds – we broadcast our extravaganza every Friday starting at 1:30 PM PDT. You can also follow us at @RIFTGame and @DefianceGame on Twitter for livestream and other news.

State of the Game Update

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/13/state-of-the-game-update/

Ark Hunters!

It’s been quite a journey since the launch of Defiance earlier this year, and the recent release of the Castithan Charge pack. With the team’s move to Trion Redwood Shores just about complete, we have the opportunity to make Defiance into the gameplay beast that it always promised to be. Shooting, driving, and chasing down arkfalls are each entertaining as hell, and that’s a great foundation to build upon. Defiance has incredible potential, and it is going to reach that potential come hell or waters that are high.

I’m Trick Dempsey, the Creative Lead for Defiance, and I’m presently packing for my own move up to the Redwood Shores studio. We have a fantastic team working there to improve the quality of the game, and bring new dynamic content to the world.

Weapons
Right now, we’re making the game better in phases and fixing our weapons is first on the list. We’re tuning our weapons so that each one is a viable and attractive choice. Weapons are a fun and exciting part of the shooter experience, and we’re going to make certain that all of them have their own special breed of fun. Not only will we be working on the core balance of the base weapons, but we’ll be assuring that our rarity and mastery bonuses apply to each weapon they can appear on. Higher rarity weapons will always be accompanied with celebration and never disappointment.

Shields
Parallel with weapons improvements we’ll also be addressing our shields so that each of them has a valid tactical advantage. The Respark Regenerator feels great, and we like that too. We’ll be improving the other shields to make them competitive and desirable as well. For example, the Ironclad and its ilk are going to see a significant buff in order to make them into a valid tactical option. We think that games are the most fun when there’s more than one “right” strategy.

Inventory
Our inventory interface needs serious improvement. Our current interface has a large number of loadouts and limited inventory space that makes it difficult to make decisions quickly and leap right back into the game. We’re making incremental improvements to this interface as we improve the significance of gear resulting in a much smoother process.

Social
Defiance is an online game and that means it’s supposed to be a social experience. but, we think things are too quiet. Frankly, chat (both voice and text) operate with less-than-stellar reliability. We’re also updating a variety of systems to create a far better social experience throughout the game. We’re going to clean up that experience considerably, both from a convenience and a reliability standpoint.

Objectives and UI
A solid, intuitive UI and clear, identifiable objectives are crucial to a good experience in game. We’re going to update the objectives and UI elements surrounding contracts so that they will serve to better pull ark hunters into the same locations. Defiance is a blast when other players spice up the action, and we’re going to improve the flow to cooperate and compete with other players. You’ll know where to go, what to do, and why the objectives are updating.

And Beyond
That will bring us to our second DLC, which you saw a sneak peek of during PAX. It’s going to be an exciting expansion with arkfall interiors, new boss encounters, and useful power-ups called spikes and stims. It’s a big update and I look forward to sharing more details soon.

After that, we’re putting a major focus on the chase. EGO, gear, and weapon improvements as those are needed to be a core part of the ark hunter experience. Not only will ark hunters improve over time, but their loadout and gear decisions will matter. Choosing to specialize in spitting out flaming death will obliterate flesh and blood opponents, yes, but that may not be the best way to handle a two-ton mechanical juggernaut. The New Frontier is a dangerous and unpredictable place, and only the most adaptable ark hunters survive.

Good Hunting.

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

Creative Lead Trick Dempsey Q&A on this Friday’s livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/17/creative-lead-trick-dempsey-qa-on-this-fridays-livestream/

On Friday, September 20th at 1:30 PM PDT we’ll be streaming a preview of our upcoming 20-man raid in RIFT: Planebreaker Bastion. Dungeon devs Cyzo and Halvon will also be attending to answer your questions and give you some insight into how they designed the raid.

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We’ll also be streaming Defiance starting at 2:30 PM PDT. We’ll be joined by Creative Lead, Trick Demspey, and OverloadUT will try his hand at the arenas in game.

See you this Friday at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds!

War with the Volge

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/24/war-with-the-volge/

The Volge are a world-conquering species once thought left behind in the Votanis System. Their emergence on Earth came as a surprise and terror to all, as did the shock troops, mayhem, and carnage that followed.

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While the Volge’s motives remain a mystery, their prowess in battle is legendary, and their hunger for ark debris grows stronger day by day. Their latest assaults – Volge Sieges – target key recovery operations across the new frontier, and for 15 minutes every hour, they’re the deadliest and most rewarding hotspots in Defiance.

If you’ve yet to see (or survive) these catastrophic raids, get up to speed with the briefing below!

VOLGE SIEGES
You’ve got 15 minutes to outlast and outblast elite Volge troops for epic loot. Bring your guns, bring your friends – the more Volge you destroy, the better the rewards.

SPAWN POINTS
Towers Quarry, Bathhouse, Mutant District, North Point Mine, and Kinship Plaza.

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ENEMIES
Volge shock troops. Murderous Troopers, Bombers, and Viscera attack in increasingly difficult waves.

SURVIVAL GUIDE
• The Volge are assaulting special beacons that should be defended at all cost – the event ends if your beacons are destroyed!
• Defensive turrets help you protect the beacons. Upgrade your turrets with ark salvage to destroy invaders and unlock advanced waves.
• Kills you make at or near beacon capture points will award bonus loot.
• More players = more stages = more loot! The faster you defeat each wave of Volge, the more stages you will unlock. 

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REWARDS
• Rewards are granted individually based on a personal score that scale with stages completed, objectives completed, and your contributions to both kills and healing.
• Loot includes Scrip, Keycodes, XP, Volge Lock Boxes, and more!

Join Trick, Greg, and Elizabeth on Friday’s Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/26/join-trick-greg-and-elizabeth-on-fridays-livestream/

This Friday, September 27th, we’ll be playing Defiance with Creative Lead on the game, Trick Dempsey. Join Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey and Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs at 2:30 PM PDT as we battle through the Bay Area and make our way to the arenas to test Greg’s skills. We are also already fielding questions on the forum for Friday – so if you want to ask Trick or the team a question, post it there.

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Before the Defiance broadcast, we’ll be playing PvP in RIFT. The RIFT stream begins at 1:30 PM PDT (in another time zone? Use this handy converter!)

Be sure to follow us at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds to be alerted when we go live – and see you online tomorrow!

Trion Worlds Plays Extra Life

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/26/trion-worlds-plays-extra-life/

Trion Worlds is gearing up for the Extra Life charity gaming marathon and aiming to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever before. The fun starts today as we kick off our fundraising for children’s hospitals and begin preparations for November 2, when we’ll come together for 25 hours of non-stop live gaming to benefit those in need across the country.

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Join the Trion Worlds team now or Donate to Extra Life!

Whether you join the Trion Worlds team, donate to the cause, watch our marathon live stream, or game with us in Defiance and RIFT, we’ll be there with you the entire time – with new tricks up our sleeves and special rewards to give away before and during the big event! Here’s a rundown of just some of the cool stuff we have planned:

We’ll have special Defiance and RIFT events all weekend.

We’ll be revealing more details on all the particulars in a couple weeks, but if you like rare loot and boosts, you’ll like what we have planned. Oh, and Corgi Rifts will be back in force.

We’ll be granting unique titles to Extra Life gamers.

Everyone who participates will receive the title “The Charitable”, and players who clock 25 hours of game time in Defiance and/or RIFT over the weekend will receive an additional unique in-game title.

  • First time at Extra Life? You’ll become “The Sleepless”
  • Joining us for a second time? You can rock “The Insomniac”
  • This your third year gaming with Trion? “The Committed” is our new title for 2013

We’re rewarding folks who help us hit our team goal.

Trion Worlds team members who hit fundraising milestones starting at $25 will receive in-game goodies in both RIFT and Defiance as special thanks for helping out with this awesome cause.

We’ve got sweet loot for donors, too.

Want to help a good cause, but not up for 25 hours of straight gaming? Fear not! The Trion Worlds team is taking donations. Over the next few weeks (and during the event) we’ll add more in-game rewards for participants. We’ll also be distributing prizes to top donors during the event, live on the stream.

Come game with Trion on November 2nd.

Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey, Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs, and Deb “Morgana” Davis will be streaming Defiance and RIFT throughout the marathon on the official Trion Worlds Twitch channel. The team will also be taking suggestions on other games to play: anyone for a 3 AM Spelunky co-op run?

Can’t wait? Plan your Extra Life marathon now by registering with the Trion Worlds team or as an individual participant (but really – we’d love to have you!) and prepare to game, hang out, have a ton of fun, and raise money for a great cause.

Tier 4 Lockbox Update!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/26/tier-4-lockbox-update/

Ark hunters,

Recent improvements in Votan synthesis tech have enabled a significant improvement in the rewards from Tier 4 Lockboxes. Tier 4 lockboxes will now reward gear with rarity of rare (blue) or above. Additionally, the Tier 4 Lockboxes provide the best opportunity to earn Legendary gear of all of the available lockboxes.

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Tier 4 lockboxes will provide:

· Two weapons of rare or higher rarity

· One gear roll for rare or better gear including a chance of earning a charge blade

· One gear roll for rare or better gear with no chance of earning a charge blade

This service provided by Von Bach Industries: “Solving today’s problems with tomorrow’s weaponry.”

Good Hunting,

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

Changing Damage Reduction

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/26/changing-damage-reduction/

Two weeks ago, Trick Dempsey wrote a State of the Game blog post giving a broad road map for what’s going to be happening in the world of Defiance in the coming weeks and months. Since then, the team’s been busy. Today, we’re talking about the changes that we’re making to damage reduction in Defiance.

The way Defiance works now, there are a variety of perks, weapon masteries, and shield bonuses that players can combine to make themselves temporarily invulnerable. Invulnerability, while sometimes cool, is not something that adds fun to our world (and in many cases severely detracts from said fun.)

The team went into the game, took a long, hard look at some of the math that made these combinations possible, and have changed the way the game works so that invulnerability is no longer a viable option. With this change, players can only benefit from one damage reduction source each from shields, perks, and weapons. Within these sources benefits will no longer stack; instead, the best damage resistance generated from each source is selected, then combined with the best from each of the other sources.

Here’s an example: If a player has both the Detachment perk (12% damage resist after kill) and Juggernaut perk (15% damage resistance after melee kill). Players will only have 15% damage resistance after a melee kill, not 27% due to stacking Detachment and Juggernaut. Mind, if you have the legendary weapon mastery for 12% damage reduction while reloading, and you reload after that melee kill, you’d still have a brief resistance of 27%. This could be magnified even higher by adding a shield bonus.

We also want to extend out thanks to folks in the community who worked with us to point out these exploits and were integral in our efforts of fixing this problem. Thank you for your time and your patience.

Update about this change’s timing: In the interest of improving the quality of the damage reduction update, we are going to need to delay it until our next code patch. Without a code update, the damage numbers displayed when fighting another player would be inaccurate to the damage done. This would cause players to see damage done to opponents then see it quickly restore as the damage difference was transmitted from the server. By waiting until we can update the reported damage functionality, we are preventing confusion once the damage reduction update goes live. Thanks – and we will let you know when that patch is coming!

1.104 Patch Notes

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/09/30/1-104-patch-notes/

Defiance is getting a patch! Here are the details of what’s upcoming in our 1.104 update later this week:

  • Fixed an appearance error for female characters wearing Echelon Specialist armor while on Team 2 in Competitive PVP matches.
  • Seriously improved the overall value of Tier 4 Lockboxes. They will no longer drop any uncommon (green) gear.
  • The pursuit “Volge Violence” no longer requires CS assistance to complete.
  • Volge Battle Rifle Gun MK II-IV now drop from Volge Sieges…for real this time!
  • The interactions of a player who becomes incapacitated are now properly cancelled.
  • Players can now earn new rewards by replaying the main storyline quests.
  • Suspected fix of North Point Siege Stage 5 from stalling out.

Contract Update

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/02/contract-update/

Greetings, ark hunters!

We’re making some improvements to the contracts system that you should be aware of. First, we have renegotiated with our partners in Von Bach Industries, Soleptor Enterprises, and Top-Notch Toolworks. They now provide much clearer instructions for the contracts they offer. Due to this new clarity, EGO implants will be able to guide their hunters to the locations necessary to fulfill these contracts.

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  • Contracts for Von Bach Industries, Soleptor Enterprises, and Top-Notch Toolworks will now appear on the map and mini-map.
  • New contracts for Von Bach Industries, Soleptor Enterprises, and Top-Notch Toolworks replace old contracts and direct players to complete conflict sites and other events.

Expect these upgrades coming in a future patch. We’ll be alerting you with more details as the final testing completes.

Good hunting!

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

“Von Bach Industries, providing practical solutions for impractical problems.”

Friday’s Livestream Extravaganza Schedule!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/03/fridays-livestream-extravaganza-schedule/

Friday is rapidly approaching once more, and you know what that means: another Friday Livestream Extravaganza with Trion Worlds! We’ll be streaming live at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds starting at 1:30 PM PT. (In another time zone? Us this handy world clock to find your local start time!)

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Here’s the full schedule for this week’s stream:

1:30 PM – Mayhem in Mathosia begins in RIFT. Join Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs and Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey as they quest on the EU shard, Zaviel.

2:30 PM – We’ll be on the Defiance Alpha server checking out the new Contracts with Greg and Elizabeth as they are joined by Creative Lead, Trick Dempsey. We’ll be talking about upcoming game improvements and answering questions from chat.

Want to know when we go live? Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to get an email as soon as we’re on air.

Challenge Hour Winners: Dark Matter Bulwarks

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/04/challenge-hour-winners-dark-matter-bulwarks/

The numbers have been crunched, the kills tallied, and we’re proud to announce the winner of our Dark Matter Bulwarks Challenge Hour!

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Congratulations to Kryptalsyk, winning the grand prize with 266 kills.

This challenge was a close one: second and third place were close behind. Kudos to Madnug with 251 kills and mytherial with 221 kills.

EU Special Livestream this Friday!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/08/eu-special-livestream-this-friday/

This Friday we are moving our live stream schedule up by a few hours and playing with the Europeans on our EU shards. We’ll be streaming live at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds starting at 11:00 AM PT. (In another time zone? Us this handy world clock to find your local start time!)

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Here’s the full schedule for this week’s stream:

11:00 AM – Mayhem in Mathosia is still raging in RIFT. Join Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs and Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey as they quest on the EU shard, Zaviel.

12:00 PM – Join Greg and Elizabeth as they complete contracts and run missions in Defiance and chat with the community.

Want to know when we go live? Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to get an email as soon as we’re on air.

Feature Spotlight: Dark Matter Arkfalls

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/09/feature-spotlight-dark-matter-arkfalls/

 Weapons hot, ark hunters – our series of feature spotlight posts continues with a look at Dark Matter Arkfalls, four hell-raising dynamic events that went live alongside Castithan Charge Pack DLC.

OVERVIEW

A new breed of Minor and Major arkfalls are raining down across the Bay Area. In each event, you’ll race against time to defeat increasingly difficult waves of Dark Matter soldiers, destroy arkfall cores, and – in the Major “Extraction Force” battle – take revenge on The Monolith itself.

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ENEMIES

  • Scaling waves of Dark Matter infantry including Enforcers, Snipers, Monitors, and Bulwarks.
  • The Monolith – a massive, armored assault mech developed by the Votanis Collective.

SURVIVAL GUIDE

Dark Matter Arkfalls last a maximum of 20 minutes (Minor events) or 60 minutes (Major events). Be sure to find them using the red arkfall icon on your minimap before time runs out.

Objectives are unique to each arkfall.

  • Minor “Extractor” and “Mayhem” events are slug-fests against Dark Matter waves.
  • The Minor “Obliteration” event is a race to destroy an arkfall core.
  • The Major “Extraction Force” event is a multi-phase battle against Minor arkfalls, Dark Matter troops, and The Monolith.

The Monolith cannot be defeated until you destroy its unique attack points.

Each Dark Matter Arkfall has two nodes you can use to boost your EGO.

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REWARDS

Individual rewards include Scrip, XP, and Keycodes, plus Lockboxes for defeating The Monolith and completing the Extraction Force event.

Watch the spotlight video.

Defiance 1.105 Patch Notes

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/15/defiance-1-105-patch-notes/

Defiance Patch 1.105 is headed to a PC, PS3, or 360 near you tomorrow. Here’s what’s in the update!

  • Faction Rewards
    • Lower power rating Thorn Liro faction rewards no longer cost an arm and 4 billion legs.
    • The epic weapons available from Von Bach now have the same faction bonus damage and recoil as other faction rewards.
  • Loot Improvements: In an effort to consistently improve their value, the following improvements will apply to all future loot rolls. These even apply to lockboxes and siege rewards.
    • Rarity Bonuses:
      •  All randomly generated weapons in the game have a point where they shift from low level rarity bonuses and appearances to higher level ones.  This was previously occurring anywhere from EGO rating 1675 up to 2325.  The jump now occurs at EGO rating 1000 for all weapons.
      • Common: All weapons of at least EGO rating 1000 now gain a Common (white) bonus.
      • Uncommon: Except for shotguns, Uncommon bonuses will no longer grant boosts to Melee damage.
      • Rare: Previously, the Rare bonus was reserved for Ammo/Melee Nano procs.  The Nano ammo bonus is now rolled separately, and melee mods have been removed.  All Rare rarity weapons will now provide a weapon stat boost.
      • Epic:
        • Removed all bonuses that modify self-reviving cool downs.
        • Removed all bonuses that increase melee damage by 200% when self-reviving.
        • Legendary:
          • Except for Infectors, all weapons now have a chance to roll an increased damage % bonus for their Legendary roll.
          • BMGs now have Legendary bonuses.
    • Volge Battle Rifles
      • Volge Battle Rifle drops now have random Rarity, Mastery and Synergy bonuses and can be traded.
    • Mastery Bonuses:
      • Except for Shotguns, all bonuses to melee damage have been removed.
      • Removed all bonuses to the cool down of Self Revive, and bonuses granted when Self Reviving.
      • Single shot Pistols, Rocket Launchers, Detonators and Sawed-off Shotguns will no longer roll Rate of Fire or Clip Size bonuses.
    • Synergy Sets:
      • Single shot Pistols/Rocket Launchers/Detonators and Sawed-off Shotguns no longer roll the Veteran, Rolling Thunder or Cannoneer Synergy Set.
      • Only Shotguns roll the Brutal Synergy Set.
  • All Uncommon+ weapons now gain a boost to their base damage.  This scales based on the rarity of the weapon.

 

Making weapons more fun in Defiance

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/16/making-weapons-more-fun-in-defiance/

Greetings, ark hunters!

One month ago, I posted a State of the Game address and talked about where Defiance was headed. Of all the things the team is working to fix, making weapons more fun was first on our list.

Today, we released Patch 1.105 and have taken a giant leap forward in delivering on that promise. We have hugely improved the fun factor of all new weapons in the game. This update is a major overhaul of how weapons work: we took a long, hard look at bonuses and rarities and reworked the system so that now, whenever you pick up a new gun, you know exactly what you are getting: and when you find uncommon loot, it’s guaranteed to be badass.

Our thinking for this patch went this way: for ark hunters, weapons are the primary means of interacting with the world. They are an extension of the person and his or her personality. We want you to feel the thrill of anticipation every time new loot drops and excitement when that loot is an epic or legendary weapon. In short, newer and rarer weapons should always provide ark hunters with more power, more bonuses, and more fun. That’s what Patch 1.105 is all about.

Let’s get into the meat of this update and what it means for you. Our previous system had some quirks that led to weapons receiving bonuses that didn’t always make the most sense: single-shot rocket launchers could have bonuses to their rate of fire and sniper rifles could provide chances to light enemies on fire (cool) with melee attacks (uncool). Weapons also sometimes had effects that weren’t satisfying (like a self-revive bonus. We’ve never heard someone exclaim “man, this bonus is great! I can’t wait to die now!”) As of today, you’ll never have to worry about getting these bonuses on a new weapon.

We’ve just completed a revamp of all our weapon rarity bonuses to assure that future weapons consistently provide thrilling effects. All weapons will now come with effective and fun bonuses.

Here’s an example to illustrate the bones of what Patch 1.105 is all about. In this update, we wanted to make sure that the rarer the weapon, the more awesome it is, guaranteed. The picture below shows how the same gun (a VOT Pulser) gets stacked bonuses and becomes more powerful and interesting: increased rarity weapons each deal more damage than their predecessor. Rarer weapons are better. Period.

This will be true with all weapons and rarities, and the damage rarity bonus is retroactive: it applies to all weapons ever created. Period. blog1

Click for the full size image

Now, let’s break down what means and get into the nuts and bolts of what we’ve done.

We have five levels of weapon rarity in Defiance. For each level of rarity (from common to legendary) a weapon  gets a rarity bonus roll appropriate to that rarity level.  This ends up making really sexy guns, like this legendary BMG. Because it’s the most uncommon (and therefore the most coveted) level of rarity, it gets a bonus roll for each category of rarity. This Rainbow of DeathTM ((patent-pending)(not-really)) describes is what makes this weapon different from another in its class and that orange stat is what will always make it better than one from the weapon rarity tier below it.

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This legendary Votan Spanner kicks ass. It has a meaningful and satisfying legendary bonus now. Because of Patch 1.105, it and all rare or better weapons now has a rare bonus.

The most important thing about this Votan Spanner is that each of the five bonuses affect the performance of the weapon and each of them changes it more than the last. An epic Votan Spanner will be pretty darned cool, but it will never be as cool as this legendary because of that final orange stat.

There’s one more thing to note about the above legendary BMG. This weapon also has a common bonus (that white stat up at the top of the stack). That’s new, too. All new weapons will have this common bonus after a player hits EGO rating 1000. (Before Patch 1.105, this common bonus only occurred with assault rifles. It was an awesome perk, so we applied it to all weapons. Instant fun).

There’s another important change in Patch 1.105: we’ve vastly improved on the way weapons receive randomized rarity rolls. This Volge Battle Rifle, benefiting from Patch 1.105, raises hell like none before thanks to new and improved randomized rolls:

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So, my fellow ark hunters, go and share this new knowledge with your rivals and allies. May your violent discourses be brief and victorious.

Good hunting.

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

Trick Returns for This Week’s Friday Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/17/trick-returns-for-this-weeks-friday-livestream/

This Friday our livestream moves back to its regular time. We’ll be streaming live at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds starting at 1:30 PM PT. (In another time zone? Use this handy world clock to find your local start time!)

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Here’s the full schedule for this week’s stream:

1:30 PM – Autumn Harvest has begun in Telara! Join Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs and Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey as they explore everything the season has to offer in RIFT.

2:30 PM – Join Greg, Elizabeth, and Trick as they play Defiance on the European servers and chat with the community.

Want to know when we go live? Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to get an email as soon as we’re on air.

Join Team Trion Worlds for Extra Life: Great Loot for a Great Cause

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/23/join-team-trion-worlds-for-extra-life-great-loot-for-a-great-cause/

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Extra Life, a charity gaming marathon that raises money for children’s hospitals, kicks off Saturday, November 2, and Team Trion Worlds will be there with bells on!

Our team is now over 240 members strong and packed with fans and developers of RIFT and Defiance. Together, we’re trying to raise over $50,000 for Team Trion Worlds by gaming for 25 hours straight.

We’ve partnered with the awesome folks at Extra Life to make this event bigger and better than ever. Read on for an overview of everything that’s going on!

Game with the Trion Worlds Community Team

Elizabeth “dahanese” Tobey, Greg “OverloadUT” Laabs, and Deb “Morgana” Davis will be streaming RIFT and Defiance throughout the marathon on the official Trion Worlds Twitch channel. The broadcast begins at 9 AM PDT on Saturday, November 2 and runs until 9 AM PST on Sunday, November 3. We’ll also be giving out awesome loot throughout the show.

Special Events in RIFT and Defiance

Corgi Rifts will be popping up all over Telara throughout Extra Life weekend, and ark hunters will be able to track down a unique Extra Life vendor with awesome loot. In addition, we’ll have ramping experience and planar currency boosts all day (and night!) to help all our marathon gamers get through those last few bleary-eyed hours.

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Fundraise for Team Trion Worlds, Get Sweet Loot

We’re working with Extra Life to reward Trion Worlds team members who reach the following fundraising milestones:

  • $25 milestone: Dwarven Smithy Hat in RIFT and Extra Life Lockbox in Defiance
  • $75 milestone: Toxic Hellbug Mount in RIFT
  • $150 milestone: Exclusive Extra Life Night Owl pet in RIFT and Exclusive Extra Life Scalpel Blade in Defiance
  • $500 milestone: 1 Year Patron Pass in RIFT for the first 10 team members and the prefix title “Kindhearted” for all who hit this goal!

Extra Loot for Extra Life Donors

It’s donors like YOU who have made all the above perks, goodies, and boosts possible. Team Trion Worlds has already raised 22% of our goal – and we fully intend to keep fundraising right up to the end of Extra Life!

  • We’ll be awarding prizes hourly to the top donors to Trion World team members.
  • We’ll be giving out multi-use codes on our live stream as we hit key goals (think $50,000, $75,000 – the sky’s the limit!).
  • Rewards include community favorites like the Helm of the Demon Lord and Tier 4 Defiance lockboxes. We also have two exclusive, made-JUST-for-Extra-Life-donor items: the Night Owl (RIFT) and Pink Scalpel (Defiance).

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Unique Titles

Everyone who participates will receive the title “The Charitable”, and players who clock 25 hours of game time in Defiance and/or RIFT over the weekend will receive an additional unique in-game title.

  • First time at Extra Life? You’ll become “The Insomniac”
  • Joining us for a second time? You can rock the “Sleepless” prefix.
  • This your third year gaming with Trion? “The Committed” is our new suffix title for 2013.

Join the RIFT Extra Life Guild …

Look for TW_dahanese, TW_OverloadUT, and TW_Morgana on the Greybriar shard. We’ll be part of the Extra Life guild. All are invited to join this guild and play the night away with us.

… or Just Join Extra Life!

I’m sure by now you can tell we’re all about Team Trion Worlds (we weren’t kidding when we said we were going to make this the biggest Extra Life in our company’s history), but the most important thing for us this weekend is that we raise money and help sick kids everywhere.

That’s why we partnered with Extra Life this year to send out RIFT and Defiance starter packs to everyone who signs up to participate in the event. That’s right: Everyone who signs up for this year’s Extra Life will get a free copy of Defiance on PC and a RIFT Starter Pack that includes a 40% XP Potion, Chocolate Horse Mount, and a Screechling Pet to keep you company throughout your gaming marathon.

And there’s still time to enroll. Register with the Trion Worlds team or as an individual participant (but really – we’d love to have you!) and prepare to game, hang out, have a ton of fun, and raise money for a great cause. We’ll see you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 9 AM PDT, November 2!

Join Trick, Greg, and Elizabeth for another Friday Livestream Extravaganza

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/24/join-trick-greg-and-elizabeth-for-another-friday-livestream-extravaganza/

Join us this Friday for another afternoon of livestreaming! We’ll be streaming live at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds starting at 1:30 PM PT. (In another time zone? Use this handy world clock to find your local start time!)

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Here’s the full schedule for this week’s stream:

1:30 PM – RIFT developers Daglar and Dead Simon join us for a no-holds-barred question and answer segment.

2:30 PM – Elizabeth and Trick are here to answer all of your questions about Defiance, while Greg will tour some Emergencies in San Francisco on the US PC servers.

Want to know when we go live? Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to get an email as soon as we’re on air.

Celebrate PC gaming with Trion all week!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/25/celebrate-pc-gaming-with-trion-all-week/

To celebrate RIFT’s return to Steam, we’re kicking off a week long promotion to celebrate Trion’s PC Gaming Week. Starting today through Friday, November 1st, we’re offering limited time sales of some seriously epic loot.

Want to know more about what’s happening in RIFT and Defiance this week? Check out the full details below!

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  • Starting October 26th, Jackpot Lock Boxes will be available in the store for a limited time. These lock boxes contain four rare-or-better pieces of gear and a 50% chance at getting ANOTHER lock box worth of gear.
  • Epic Mod Hoards are also making their debut in the store on Saturday. This mod hoard contains four never-before-seen epic-tier mods to trick out your ark hunter’s gear.
  • 25% boosts are activated in Defiance right now! Ark hunters will have a 25% boost to the chance of loot dropping AND a 25% XP boost AND a 25% weapon skill boost through November 1st.

While this is PC Gaming Celebration Week, all these new Defiance bonuses are happening on all platforms until November 1st!

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  • Pick up “Regulos’s Trove” lockbox between now and November 1st for a chance at Raid 1 Accessories – you could also unlock the black squirrel mount and be one of the first people in RIFT to ride around Telara on the world’s coolest giant squirrel.
  • For a limited time, 160% XP potions will be offered in the store. That’s double the XP boost of our normal potions!
  • Epic loot in the Dungeon Store just got a little more awesome with limited time Raid 1 Rings.
  • 20% boosts for everyone! All Currency and XP will have a 20% boost. That means add 20% to Player XP, Planar Attunement XP, Guild XP, Favor, Prestige, Dungeon Currency, Planarite, and Zone Event Currency. Have other bonus potions? That’s fine – they are stackable!

Enjoy the loot, and have an awesome celebration week!

Arkbreaker DLC Pack is Coming this December

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/28/arkbreaker-dlc-pack-is-coming-this-december/

The title says it all: Defiance’s second DLC pack, Arkbreaker, is coming to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC this December!

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We’ll be updating the blog over the next couple weeks with more information about what’s in Arkbreaker: stay tuned and let the countdown begin!

Plague Sieges are now live!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/10/30/plague-sieges-are-now-live/

Greetings ark hunters, With Halloween just around the corner, we’ve been fielding requests from ark hunters who are eager to celebrate the holiday. Today, we’ve got a special treat for you: the plague is back in the Bay Area!

With today’s patch, Plague Sieges and Plague Emergencies have returned after their long hiatus. The Viral Hemorrhagic Fever outbreak can only be curtailed by your intervention. Cull the infected from the population and assure the vaccine is synthesized and sent to its destination. Plague Sieges will be popping up all over the map in hour intervals for ark hunters to fight as well as Emergencies that can be found throughout the world on an ongoing basis.DEF_Plague_Siege_306_night

Some of you might be asking “why haven’t the ‘Plaguers’ been back to wreak havoc sooner?” Here’s the deal: when we first launched the plague sieges, they were a pretty good first run! Then, as we watched them play out on the live servers, we spotted a bunch of ways to make them really awesome. We wanted to improve their pacing, for their scoring to be better, and give them the ability to expand over time.

We’ve now completed all that work and now the “Plaguers” will permanently lay siege to ark hunters everywhere.

Today’s a particularly special day for me because the “Plaguers” hold a special place in my heart for a few reasons. Their purity of purpose creates a sense of expectation. When you fight the infected, you know what you are getting into. They certainly aren’t easy; tremblers can present a massive threat. You know that you will be under direct melee pressure, and this makes the fights more movement-oriented.

I also look forward to seeing how strategies adapt now that charge blades and weapons have been added to the game and am excited to see how people adapt to fighting the infected once spikes come into play in our upcoming second DLC, “Arkbreaker.”

Happy Halloween, good hunting, and good luck. You’re gonna need it.

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

Join us for another Friday livestream!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/08/join-us-for-another-friday-livestream/

Join us this Friday for another afternoon of livestreaming! We’ll be streaming live at www.twitch.tv/trionworlds starting at 1:30 PM PT. (In another time zone? We have this handy world clock to find your local start time!)
DEF_Plague_Siege_306_night
Here’s the full schedule for this week’s stream:

1:30 PM – Join Elizabeth and Greg along with Nick “CaptainCursor” McDowell as they explore the updates in RIFT 2.5 and quest on Ember Isle. We’ll be playing on the Greybriar shard and would love for you to join us in-game!

2:30 PM – Greg will be leading a Death March starting at The Crater on the North American PC platform. We’ll be deviating to fight Plague Sieges as they appear. Trick will also be in attendance to answer questions about Defiance!

Want to know when we go live? Be sure to follow our Twitch channel to get an email as soon as we’re on air.

Join us for an Extra Special Friday Livestream Extravaganza!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/14/join-us-for-an-extra-special-friday-livestream-extravaganza/

We have a super special livestream extravaganza planned this Friday. Please join us starting at 11:30 AM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)

We will not only be awarding the finalists of RIFTScene’s “Dress the Night Away” costume contest, we will also be showing off our brand new project for the first time ever.

Here’s the full schedule of events:

11:30 AM PST: Join Greg as he shows off the ten finalists of the RIFT Scene Costume Contest. Chat participants will be able to vote on the grand prize winner whose costume will be sold for a limited time in the RIFT Store!

 

12:15 PM PST: What is Trove? You’ll find out with Greg and Creative Lead on the project, Andrew Krausnick. [Archivist Note: This is the only cover-like image from official Trion channels in 2013 and while unimportant to the history of Defiance that image has been placed here in lieu of the missing one referenced at time of blog capture.]

Trove

 

12:45 PM PST: Greg’s back on The Defiance EU PC servers! He’s going to start at The Crater and lead an impromptu Death March south and west as he chats with players.

DEF_Pose_Volge_01

Using Data to Help Make Better Games

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/19/using-data-to-help-make-better-games/

Over the past decade, data has been increasingly important in making game design decisions. Social games are among the catalysts for this change in thinking, primarily to hone in on the best ways to monetize their titles. Among core gamers, that’s created a perception that using game data = evil.

At Trion, we use the raw power of data for a very different purpose: we want to build a better game experience.

By understanding our populations and play-trends, by coupling the immersion of our development teams in-depth knowledge of our games with the analytical power of our in-game data, we have more information to use in making better, more fun online games.

By making a better experience, everyone wins.

I’m the head of a group of talented gurus of the data at Trion Worlds and today I’m writing about how we extract and use it to help our development team make our games bigger, better, and more fun with each update.

Let’s get into how the sausage is made in this data factory. To do that, I want to lay out the basics of the tools we use to crunch the numbers.

THE MAIN SUPPORTING SYSTEMS WE USE

At Trion, we have 3 different main sources of data for any of our games. We have the game databases that store everything that the game cares about, like your characters, our platform database that contains all details about your account and a log event system capable of capturing live in-game events as they occur.

MORE ABOUT GAME DATA AND CHARACTER RECORDS

For the purposes of our analytics, the persistent character record is often as deep as we need to go into the game databases. The character record is shredded out of the game database and placed in a replica that is at most up to 5 minutes delayed. Some of the things within that record are: character id, user id, server, character name, current level, total coin on character, profession, last active date, total seconds played to date, and so on.

This is the source that we’ll generally go to in order to answer questions like “how many Rogues have played in the last 2 weeks” or “of the players playing in the last 2 weeks, what’s the plot of their level ranges?” Other interesting things can be done with this, like getting the longest played duration of all characters across an account to help us understand class preferences across the world.

AND ON TO THE PLATFORM DATABASE

This is the repository where all of the account level data is stored. This is the master record of all things that relate to the status of the account (such as knowing if people have opted in to receive update emails and whether or not an account is banned).

This is also how we know which language to talk to people in, which games the account has access to, and so on.. We can blend this data with the others to compile e-mail campaigns, or when we want to determine what products and services players have purchased, and so on.

OUR EVENT SYSTEM

The event system is a truly massive beast. It’s where we record the majority of in-game activities. Logins, logouts, experience gained, player killed, monster killed, etc. There’re a lot of very detailed things that can be gleaned from the event logs. More than just for analysis, this is also where GMs look when they need to answer petitions from the game.

WORKING TOGETHER, WE MAKE GAMES AWESOME

Using elements of all of these, one of the most useful things we’ve created is something that’s simply called the “Daily Activity Report.” It’s a monster that belies the simplicity of that name.

This blends data from all of those sources above, to not only tell us how a game is doing day-to-day, week-to-week, but it also breaks down the every in-game activity by user.

That’s really powerful. This report rapidly became an important guide for designers in letting them know how much their parts of the game were being played.

The designers are the experts on why, and we don’t pretend that data has the answer to that – But we can answer key questions for them, like how many, and how often, to help them in their decision making. We see something like x number of users played Rift yesterday and of this base, y% participated in a normal dungeon, whereas z% participated in PvP. Depending on the timeframe, this might tell us which is the prevailing activity in-game.

HOW DATA HELPED GIVE FREEMARCH & SILVERWOOD A FACE-LIFT

In late 2011, we did a deep dive to find out why players were leaving RIFT. We found a very interesting fact: there was a higher rate of players leaving between levels 7 and 14: players were getting through the tutorial and into the main world but not progressing much further. We took this information to the development team who went into the game and look a hard look at what was going on in areas we had highlighted. The team found that by spreading out our large groups of creatures, we could make running paths less congested and more manageable to a new players. We also modified the quest flow to minimize backtracking and improved the flow and difficultly of the early experience. While the design team did the heavy lifting to research and implement the gameplay decisions that improved the Freemarch and Silverwood experience, that work would have been far more difficult without being identified by the power of our data.

MAKING “WE’RE ON THE AIR” BETTER THROUGH DATA

Shortly after Defiance released, the data team went to work crunching the numbers on what was and wasn’t working in the game. After some digging, we found that “We’re on the air”, a mission in Defiance where you protect the local radio station, was the most abandoned mission in the game. We sent this and other data points to our development team and set them to work. This resulted in making a far less frustrating and more fun mission: we changed the structure and flow and changed the encounter from a solo mission to a group engagement that you could take on with your friends. Instantly, the mission became more fun – and the data reflected the hard work the dev team put in to make it happen!

DATA POP QUIZ: WHAT IS THE SINGLE MOST ENGAGED IN ACTIVITY?

(SPOILER: IT’S ARTIFACTS)

From the Daily Activity report, it was easy to determine that the most frequently embarked upon activity was the act of harvesting artifacts. Between 40% and 60% of our daily active users chase artifacts (and by chasing, I mean harvesting). When so many people are avidly hunting for something, there’s only one logical conclusion: give them more of what they want. Using this data, the development team decided to add more artifacts to the world in a variety of interesting ways. We added the Autumn Harvest event and added a lot more artifact drops from world events. As you can see from the graph below, players really dug the added Artifact hunting we gave them:

graph

* Artifact Event includes both World and Zone events

A GREAT CASE STUDY OF DATA: EXTRA LIFE

The Extra Life event occurs annually, where players get sponsored to play a number of hours in-game which results in donations to various hospitals. Trion Worlds has been a participant in Extra Life for the last 3 years running and I’ve been required to pull the participation figures for in-game perks that players earn. The primary goal of players participating in Extra Life is to play a total of 25 hours during the event’s window. For this particular event the window was Friday at 6pm thru 12am Monday morning. To service things like this, I use the Logout event, which unfortunately requires that the participants had processed a logout event after having played the required time (this may create problems for users who don’t log out for days after the event). We aggregate seconds played for the players generating a logout event, where the session’s time would’ve fallen into the event window. A list of users who’ve exceeded the 25 hour threshold has a batch entitlement applied to their account (an entitlement is a bundle of products that we might grant to someone that might include in-game achievements, titles, items, etc.). So for all of you out there who played in Extra Life, this is the work that goes on behind the curtain to get you your titles and other goodies. I’m crunching the numbers right now!

This blog only scratches the surface of how we use data everyday at Trion Worlds but hopefully has given you a good overview into what kinds of questions we ask every day as we work to expand and improve our games. From special events like Extra Life to marketing efforts to changes in core gameplay, we use data to help our experts make the best choices for your game experience.

 

– Barish Orhon

ARKBREAKER DLC LANDS DEC 10!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/21/arkbreaker-dlc-lands-dec-10/

The Defiance Arkbreaker DLC gives rise to a new breed of hunter – one who can call ark modules down from orbit and plunder what lies within.

Arkbreaker is slated for release this December 10 for console and PC to enjoy an all-new mission line, cold fire weapons, interior arkfall instances (including the 20-player Volge Warmaster boss) plus new content that’s free for all Defiance players: Stims, Spikes, Co-op missions, and more!

ARKBREAKER DLC EXCLUSIVES

NEW STORY LINE

Race against Dark Matter to secure an ark-brain interface with the power to call down arkfalls. In the wrong hands, it could be used against ark hunters across the New Frontier. In your hands, it will yield incredible new technologies from arkfalls you bring to Earth.

SUMMON ARKFALLS

Call down all-new arkfalls and battle your way inside. Explore interior environments holding new and advanced weapons (and Volge enemies ready to defend them!).

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_Approach_01

WIELD NEW WEAPONS

Discover cold fire sniper rifles, pistols, and assault rifles in player-summoned arkfalls, plus 20 new advanced-tech weapons that put a spin on your current favorites.

BATTLE THE WARMASTER

The world-conquering Volge Warmaster is serious business – for 20 players – for 7 minutes. After that, this final boss of our new major arkfall will teleport back to the Volge. Defeat the Warmaster before he vanishes to earn some of the best loot in Defiance!

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_WarMaster_01

VOLGE OUTFIT AND MORE

Everyone who gets the Arkbreaker DLC pack also receives the Volge Engineer outfit and increased daily and weekly log in bonuses.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES

FREE FOR ALL PLAYERS WHEN ARKBREAKER GOES LIVE

CO-OP EVOLVED

Team up to play through all of the missions in Defiance and dive into co-op versions of single-player instances!

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_Spike_02

SPIKES

Grant ammo, increased damage, and shield power to allies with hi-tech ground Spikes. Once planted, Spikes radiate benefits to nearby players for a set duration or until destroyed.

STIMS

Get juiced with special hypospray Stims that provide healing, speed and strength boosts, or an EGO power refresh. Like double Overcharge? Inject away!

FAVORITE ITEMS

Mark items as favorites to have them jump to the top of your inventory, and sell or break down all non-favorite items at the press of a button.

AND MORE

We’re rolling out daily and weekly log in rewards plus Contract revamps, continued combat refinements, and more. Stay tuned to the Community blog for the latest DLC and Defiance info.

Join us TODAY for our Livestream Extravaganza!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/22/join-us-this-friday-for-our-livestream-extravaganza/

Today is Friday – and that means another Friday Livestream Extravaganza! Please join us starting at 1:30 PM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

1:30 PM PST: Greg and Elizabeth will be traversing the new level-60 Hammerknell Chronicle in RIFT. You can read more about it here.

 

2:15 PM PST: We’ll be showing off Trove again and answering more questions with Courtland Istrom from the dev team.

 

2:45 PM PST: Trick joins us to answer questions about Defiance’s latest DLC, Arkbreaker, coming out December 10th. We’ll be showing off Arkbreaker’s Volge Warmaster boss fight! You can read more about him here.

Awesome Weapon Sale Through December 1st!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/23/awesome-weapon-sale-through-december-1st/

Good news, Arkhunters: a new shipment of advanced technology has reached Paradise!

Today through December 1st, Full Synergy Mod Hoards and Weapon Kits are available in the Defiance Store.

Full Synergy Mod Hoards will provide you with a full random synergy for a random weapon type.

Weapon Kits, however, take it one step further! They provide you with a random weapon with a full set of uncommon or better mods.

Be sure to visit your local vendor today to trick out your weapons. You’ll need ’em – the Volge Warmaster is coming for you on December 10th.

 

Join the Defiance Public Test Server Now!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/26/join-the-defiance-public-test-server-now/

We’ve flipped the switch and are proud to announce that the Defiance Public Test Server is now live! Head to a PC near you to download the Alpha Test client and be one of the first to check out the Defiance Arkbreaker DLC.

To get started, head to http://defiance.trionworlds.com, select “Manage Games” and pick “Defiance Alpha Test” from the drop down menu. Please note: you must own a copy of Defiance on PC that is registered to your Trion Worlds account to play on the PTS server.

We look forward to hearing about your early exploits calling down Arkfalls and facing off against the Volge Warmaster. We’d also love your feedback on our alpha test forums!

The Evolution of Co-op in Defiance

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/11/27/the-evolution-of-co-op-in-defiance/

Standing high on a ridge overlooking Bloodbath Gorge, Mace Rockgroin checked the action on his Von Bach Industries light machinegun. His allies stood around him as they listened to Cass give them the news. Karl Von Bach was trapped in Delta Bunker, surrounded by a horde of hideous mutants, and there was only one way in.

They’d been through hell together, the four of them: the Pale Wars, the Arkfall, and even the New Freedom crash. Together, they could overcome anything.

“No,” he said, “this is something I have to do on my own.”

So he hopped onto his Terrestrial MotorWorks quad, and he charged on into eternity…

He was buried across from Iron Demon Ranch, on his tombstone was inscribed:

Mace Rockgroin

Jan. 12, 2013 –
Nov. 11, 2046

Ark hunter.
Moron.

You see, when the stakes are high, when there is only a sliver of hope for the whole world, when Nim just really has to die, that’s when ark hunters need to band together.DLCBlogImg

We’ve put a lot of work into the cooperative elements of Defiance. If you ask me “hey, Trick, what is Defiance?” I would respond: “Defiance is an open-world, cooperative shooter.”

“So why, then, does it split me from my group when I do certain missions?” you might respond.

With our upcoming Arkbreaker DLC, I can finally respond: “It doesn’t!”

We’ve unlocked all of the missions which previously required players to leave their groups. Now, players will be able to play through the whole main mission line with groups of up to four players. If you had trouble with Dogtown Mine or the Dark Matter Base, then fear not. You are not alone.

So, my fellow ark hunters, hop on your quads and call your friends, it’s time to smash some Dark Matter Nims! Not only that, but any time you complete one of our formerly solo mission maps, you will unlock the ability to replay it in the co-op matchmaking menu. And, for those that missed them, you can even go back and play the maps from the episodic adventures: The Heist, Paying the Piper, and Launching the Cure.

Grouping up for these battles provides more than just more bullets to throw at your enemies, but it also provides an opportunity to use our new spikes to their fullest effect. Spikes provide a benefit to all ark hunters in a fixed area, which can lead to some pretty unusual strategies when four hunters try to take down Santana Murphy, Project Piper, or even Nim Shondu.

There are big things on the horizon for our cooperative elements. I and the rest of the Defiance team hope you enjoy this small taste of what is to come.

Join Trick on MMORPG for an AMA this Wednesday

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/02/join-trick-on-mmorpg-for-an-ama-this-wednesday/

Trick Dempsey, Defiance’s Creative Lead, will be answering questions on MMORPG Wednesday afternoon!

You can learn more about the AMA now on MMORPG’s site.

See you there!

Arkbreaker Spotlight: Summoning Arkfalls

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/03/arkbreaker-spotlight-summoning-arkfalls/

Summoning arkfalls is at the heart of our Arkbreaker DLC and an ability that players have asked for ever since we saw Sukar pull down a ship in “Razor Rain.” It gives you control over new dynamic events in Defiance, letting you call down everything from minor arkfalls to a 20-player major arkbreak complete with a Volge Warmaster (and his epic/legendary loot).
DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_Spike_02
It all starts with the first mission line in Arkbreaker: a plea for help against Dark Matter forces who’ve discovered a way to communicate with remnants of the Votan arks in orbit. They’re chasing ark-brain interface tech – the same you saw on TV – and in Dark Matter’s hands it would wreak catastrophic damage across the New Frontier.

In your hands, the ark-brain interface will help guide ark modules out of orbit and decelerate them before impact, allowing you and your allies to explore their intact interiors. Each arkfall can be piloted into select impact sites throughout the world, and each arrives with a host of unique enemies who will try to claim its riches for themselves. Just plant a beacon, lock, load, and watch the fireworks begin!

All of our new arkfalls and arkfall interiors will go live (for Season Pass holders and everyone who purchases Arkbreaker) this December on PC and console.
DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_InsideArkFall_01
Until then, you can read up on everything else coming in Arkbreaker here and tour the DLC content in our live stream preview this Friday!

Arkbreaker Spotlight: New Volge weapons

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/04/arkbreaker-spotlight-new-volge-weapons/

Arkbreaker debuts Dec. 10 with a new arsenal of cold fire weapons!
Each interior arkfall instance offers something new, from cold fire assault rifles, pistols, and sniper rifles to 20 powerful advanced-tech weapons that put a spin on your current favorites. Preview new Volge weapons below and read more about Arkbreaker here.

COLD FIRE

Cold fire is the terrestrial term used to describe the unique plasma-based weaponry employed by the Volge species. An anatomical catalyst lets the Volge bond masses of bionetic plasma molecules to a weapon’s metallic volium munitions. This creates powerful cold fire particles that impact with plasma blasts accompanied by intense sub-zero discharges. Reports of cold fire weapons adapted to work independent of Volge anatomy are spreading throughout the new frontier.

volge-lightning-rifle

VOLGE LIGHTNING RIFLE

The Lightning rifle was designed for sudden, quick ambushes. When charged, this rifle launches cold fire warheads at incredible speed.

volge-thunder-pistol

VOLGE THUNDERER PISTOL

The Thunderer hurls cold fire warheads which briefly burrow into targets before detonating. It has risen to newfound fame since Indogene scientists developed a way to replicate its effects.

volge-typhoon-assault-rifle

VOLGE TYPHOON AR

The Typhoon assault rifle fires quick, two-round bursts of charged cold fire projectiles. These unstable warheads explode on contact, distributing their payload to a tightly concentrated area.

Join Us for Another Friday Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/05/join-us-for-another-friday-livestream-2/

Join us tomorrow for another Friday Livestream Extravaganza with Trion Worlds! The show will start at 10:30 AM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

10:30 AM PST: Greg and Elizabeth will be exploring this week’s Gift of the Fae: Intrepid: Drowned Halls.

 

11:15 AM PST: We’ll be joined by Doug and Jon, two of the Trove devs, to talk about the recently-implemented crafting system as well as something we’re all waiting for: pets!

 

12:45 PM PST: Come play with us on the Defiance Public Test Server, where we’ll be calling down arkfalls and trying our hands against the Volge Warmaster!

 

Heads-up! Next week’s Friday stream (12/13) will also start at 10:30am PST. The following week will return to our regular 1:30pm PST time, and will be our final livestream of the year.

Update on Defiance’s Second DLC, Arkbreaker

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/06/update-on-defiances-second-dlc-arkbreaker/

Today, I come bearing some good news and some less good news (and then some good news again!)

The good news: Defiance’s Second DLC, Arkbreaker, officially passed certification with both Microsoft and Sony!

The less good news: Certification isn’t the last step in this process. The final step of getting DLC into your hands involves further setup with the platforms’ online stores. For PS3, this requires several weeks of lead time. In short: Arkbreaker is not going to be able to get on the PSN Store on December 10th.

The good news again: We’re working with our awesome CS team and will be activating the Arkbreaker DLC manually for all PS3 Season Pass holders on December 10th! This will give Season Pass holders access to everything in the DLC: the new mission line, the ability to call down arkfalls, access to use the new weapons (including Volge cold fire guns!), the Volge Engineer outfit, and bonus daily login rewards. Also, for a limited time, we’ll be granting Tier 3 Lockboxes to all PS3 users who buy the DLC on the PSN Store when it does launch – it’s our way of saying thanks for your patience and for your support.

We’re working hard to get this all sorted as soon as possible and will post updates here and on our official forums and Twitter when we have news. Until then, thanks. I hope to fight alongside you in an arkbreak very soon.

Elizabeth Tobey
Director, Global Communications

Arkbreaker Out Now for PC, Xbox 360®

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/10/arkbreaker-out-now-for-pc-xbox-360/

Become an Arkbreaker and guide your own arkfalls to Earth in our second DLC pack, live today* on PC and Xbox 360®!

Get Arkbreaker to enjoy an all-new mission line, cold fire weapons, interior arkfall instances (including the 20-player Volge Warmaster boss) plus new content that’s free for all Defiance players: Stims, Spikes, co-op missions, and more.

*Arkbreaker will launch Dec. 17 on PS3™ in North America. Our European PS3™ launch date is awaiting confirmation from SCEE (Sony Europe).

Season Pass holders – Arkbreaker has been automatically added to your account. Just log in to access all of the content shown below!

ARKBREAKER DLC EXCLUSIVES

NEW STORY LINE

Race against Dark Matter to secure an ark-brain interface with the power to call down arkfalls. In the wrong hands, it could be used against ark hunters across the New Frontier. In your hands, it will yield incredible new technologies from arkfalls you bring to Earth.

SUMMON ARKFALLS

Call down all-new arkfalls and battle your way inside. Explore interior environments holding new and advanced weapons (and Volge enemies ready to defend them!).

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_Approach_01

WIELD NEW WEAPONS

Discover cold fire sniper rifles, pistols, and assault rifles in player-summoned arkfalls, plus 20 new advanced-tech weapons that put a spin on your current favorites.

BATTLE THE WARMASTER

The world-conquering Volge Warmaster is serious business – for 20 players – for 7 minutes. After that, this final boss of our new major arkfall will teleport back to the Volge. Defeat the Warmaster before he vanishes to earn some of the best loot in Defiance!

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_WarMaster_01

VOLGE OUTFIT AND MORE

Everyone who gets the Arkbreaker DLC pack also receives the Volge Engineer outfit and increased daily and weekly log in bonuses.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES – FREE FOR ALL PLAYERS!

CO-OP EVOLVED

Team up to play through all of the missions in Defiance and dive into co-op versions of single-player instances!

DEF_POSE_ArkBreaker_Spike_02

SPIKES

Grant ammo, increased damage, and shield power to allies with hi-tech ground Spikes. Once planted, Spikes radiate benefits to nearby players for a set duration or until destroyed.

STIMS

Get juiced with special hypospray Stims that provide healing, speed and strength boosts, or an EGO power refresh. Like double Overcharge? Inject away!

FAVORITE ITEMS

Mark items as favorites to have them jump to the top of your inventory, and sell or break down all non-favorite items at the press of a button.

AND MORE

We’re rolling out daily and weekly log in rewards plus Contract revamps, continued combat refinements, and more. Stay tuned to the Community blog for the latest DLC and Defiance info.

This Week’s Friday Livestream Starts at 10:30am PST

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/13/this-weeks-friday-livestream-starts-at-1030am-pst/

Join us tomorrow for another Friday Livestream Extravaganza with Trion Worlds! The show will start at 10:30 AM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

10:30 AM PST: Greg and Elizabeth will be exploring this week’s Gift of the Fae: the brand new chronicle Planebreaker Bastion Aftermath.

 

11:15 AM PST: We’ll be joined by Courtland from the Trove dev team to talk about what’s new in Trove, including the much-anticipated Cornerstones!

 

12:45 PM PST: The Arkbreaker DLC is here, so we’ll be playing on our European servers to see if we can take down the Volge Warmaster!

 

Heads-up! Next week’s Friday stream (12/20) will return to our regular 1:30pm PST time, and will be our final livestream of the year.

Inside Trion: Enter the Warmaster

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/14/inside-trion-enter-the-warmaster/

New in Arkbreaker, players can delve into the depths of major arkfalls and do battle with our new boss: the Volge Warmaster. He’s big. He’s mean. He’s here to ruin your life. Even beyond the lore of the Defiance universe, he’s got a long and storied history.
The Warmaster

Origins

In 2011, we hosted a behind-closed-doors demo of a mission called “The Tar Pit.” Players met the 99ers and helped “Rosa the Riveter” reactivate the defenses of her machine shop (old photos of this demo can be found online in the deep, dark recesses of the internet). At the end of this demo, we showed off our first arkfall and teased a battle with a giant enemy called “The Volge Colonizer.”

A lot has changed since then. Rosa is no longer a cartoonish Norman Rockwell character, the Vulge enemies were renamed to Volge, and we cut the whole plotline that made Rosa and Eren responsible for creating the 99ers. But the Colonizer – an asset just dying to be a featured boss – survived.

Over time, the Volge developed into rampaging battle machines, and we renamed our mega-boss “The Warmaster.” We wanted to ship him with the launch of the game, or to add him to the Castithan Charge Pack, but we’d yet to create a fight to fit the epic greatness of this crystal-covered murderous space-gorilla.

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New Features

The Warmaster sat on the backburner for a while as there were features we wanted to add before developing his large-scale battle. Most of these features had to do with targeting. Keen-eyed observers of the Hellion, Elite Volge Bombers, and even the Monolith will have noticed that they only attack one target at a time. They can swap targets rapidly, but any single ability can only target a single player.

This technical tunnel vision presents problems when trying to bombard a large group of players with a single attack. We handled it with the Hellbug Matron by having it fire multiple projectiles at an area, but it’s never truly aware of player positions. Like most NPCs, it would pick a hated enemy and then choose an appropriate attack based on the relationship between attacker and target.

The Warmaster, unlike previous enemies, can track multiple targets at once and use a single ability to target some or all of them. This is how it uses its shard rain ability to threaten an entire arkfall interior at once. Additionally, it has a beam breath attack – the first of its kind in the game – which can sweep the entire room (or be avoided by jumping over it!). Since all of these attacks are highly telegraphed, we challenge our ark hunters to choose between movement, which will make it harder to deal damage, and taking a large amount of damage which may incapacitate them.

The Warmaster has a secondary goal: he needs to be powerful enough that players cannot consistently defeat him. One of the big reasons for relaunching our alpha test servers was to find out how easily players could kill him (as much as we try to simulate real progression, we can only know the actual combat effectiveness of our players by letting them loose on the content!).

When we sent the Warmaster to alpha, we knew we releasing an underpowered version – but we wondered by how much? We adjusted his health and damage once in alpha, and, by the time this is posted, we’ll have done so again. He’s not intended to be a sure kill, even in an Arkbreak filled to the brim with ark hunters. That’s part of why his rewards, even if you fail, are still quite good. Fighting him is always going to be worth the time, but beating him is REALLY worth your investment.

The odd thing about our push for the Warmaster to be the most challenging enemy in Defiance is that it’s made his fight our first game event with a hard-fail condition. And the most exciting thing about making such a daunting new enemy is that the systems that went into creating him open up worlds of possibilities for new content.

On that note, my fellow ark hunters, now is the time to show the Volge that we won’t roll over and die so easy. It’s time to face the Warmaster!

– Trick Dempsey

New Endless PC Free Trial

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/18/new-endless-pc-free-trial/

Good news, ark hunters: we’ve lifted the time limit on our PC free trial. You can now try Defiance free for as long as you like (with an increased EGO Rating cap of 500!).

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  • Just log in (or create a new account) and download to play.
  • Go hands-on with the latest game additions and improvements.
  • Check out Arkbreaker DLC pack features: stims, spikes, co-op dungeons and more.

Click here to get started!

Inside Trion: The Hunter’s Arsenal

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/18/inside-trion-the-hunters-arsenal/

“Bullets are a chump’s racket. Any mook can rain death with lead and plasma, but only an ark hunter can use arktech to win a fight.”
—Raizar Zandijur, VBI Contract Representative to the Earth Republic

With the introduction of the Arkbreaker DLC, the action in Defiance changed forever. We discovered, through gameplay and through player feedback, that we could do more to keep a dynamic player-action-driven feel to our combats. Additionally, we wanted to periodically interrupt the usual power fantasy with moments of desperation. To accomplish this, we’ve introduced stims and spikes and revamped the way grenades work in game, making action more varied, frenetic, and fun.

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Stims

In many ways, stims are the simplest of our new ark hunter gear. Stims allow ark hunters to gain an instant boost to their performance. The danger and difficulty in stims is the difficult choice as to which one to equip at any given time. Choosing to be able to heal yourself fully means that you’ve denied yourself a chance to restore your EGO power or resist knockback and hit harder. The best ark hunter must balance stim usage with play style, changing according to the nuances of the fight that lies ahead.

Grenades

Grenades are now an object in short supply in the New Frontier. Ark hunters may equip a single stack of five grenades and throw them in more rapid succession. To balance out the power of being able to rain fiery death down on your foes, ark hunters must now pick up more grenades to resupply. This can be done by prying them from the cold, dead hands of your enemies or by purchasing them from vendors. This gameplay change makes grenades more deadly but also more precious: an ark hunter must seriously think about the precise moment to throw for maximum damage.

Spikes

Spikes are the most dynamic of the new ark hunter tools. When placed, spikes create an area which benefits all allied ark hunters within it, thus transforming the battlefield into a series of places of power and no-man’s-lands. Ark hunters congregate around these pillars of power which grant them super-human durability or damage or even unlimited ammunition. This creates islands of violence and battle lines which would not exist without the decisions of the ark hunters.

The enemies respond in kind to spike deployment by sending more firepower at the high concentrations of ark hunters. This presents a danger to the spike itself: if it is destroyed prematurely, its benefits will end, which can leave the ark hunters in a tight spot. Ark hunters must work together to strategically place spikes as well as protect them in order to gain the ultimate upper hand.

Scarcity and Improv

Ark hunters constantly ride the dagger’s edge between life and death: the addition of resource scarcity makes this danger all the more real when placed into the combat equation. Spikes, stims, and grenades add a huge amount of power to the ark hunter arsenal, but power always comes with the seductive possibility of becoming dependent and thus, vulnerable. This can be dangerous when that power is in a limited supply: run out of an integral part of your arsenal in the middle of a fire fight might end in your downfall.

Luckily, all kinds of spikes, stims, and grenades drop from enemies with great frequency. Any of these items may be picked up on the fly and used immediately. Now, more than ever, ark hunters can improvise. Maybe you run out of your favorite frag grenades, but if an enemy drops bio grenades, you can improvise: swap your loadout, change your mindset, and continue on your path to victory. It’s a deadly and exciting thing to improvise in combat and, in the wild world of Defiance, it can quickly become a necessity.

Good hunting,

Trick Dempsey
Creative Lead

Join us Friday for the Final Livestream of the Year!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/19/join-us-friday-for-the-final-livestream-of-the-year/

Join us this Friday for our final Livestream Extravaganza of the year! The show will start at 1:30 PM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

1:30 PM PST: Greg will be getting in the holiday spirit by seeing everything that Fae Yule has to offer. He’ll be playing on Faeblight as TW_OverloadUT should you want to join him in his merriment!

2:15 PM PST: We’ll be joined by Andrew and Adam of the Trove dev team to talk about Trove’s journey so far, and what we can expect as we enter the new year.

2:45 PM PST: Trick is back for our final livestream of 2013, and he’ll be taking live questions from the chat!

Be sure to tune in to the Trion Worlds Twitch channel. After the holidays, our regular livestream schedule will return on January 10th, 2014.

Quick Note on Videos, Let’s Plays, and YouTube

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/21/quick-note-on-videos-lets-plays-and-youtube/

With the recent issues going around with monetized game videos, and a new group of video makers getting involved with our games, we’ve had a spike in questions over the last couple weeks. Are we okay with our games’ content being used? Are we okay with people monetizing videos?

Here, with as little legalese as possible, is our answer.

YES.

We think of streamers, Let’s Play-ers, and people who make their own videos around our games like extended family. We’ve encouraged and supported them since day one.

We also love that we’re in an era where people can make entertaining video content from games and make a few bucks, or even a make a living doing so.

If you run into any difficulties with content removal notices when you make videos or streams using materials from our games, please do drop us a line at our communications@ email address if there’s something we can help with. We’ll get your back as best as we can.

Happy holidays, everyone!

Scott Hartsman
CEO, Trion Worlds

Holiday Bonuses are Here!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/24/holiday-bonuses-are-here/

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Log in and rejoice, ark hunters: We’re adding a 25% bonus to loot drops, XP, and weapon skill gains now through Jan. 1.

Enjoy the special bonuses alongside new Arkbreaker DLC  content and prepare for much more to come in 2014!

Happy Holidays,
The Defiance Team

Meet Rixty, a new online payment method

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2013/12/24/meet-rixty-a-new-online-payment-method/

Rixty is an online service that allows you to make purchases without the use of a credit card – and now it’s an accepted method of payment for Defiance!

You can use your Rixty account to get Bits, and it’s easy to refill with Rixty cards, MoneyPak® cards, coinstar machines, Western Union, or at stores at 75,000 stores in the US and nearly 500,000 locations worldwide.

Check out Rixty.com for more info.

Rixty

Introducing Defiance’s Next DLC: The 7th Legion

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/06/introducing-defiances-next-dlc-the-7th-legion/

When the world fell apart, one group kept their courage. Guided by the teachings of the Code of Bushido, the soldiers of the 7th Legion marched across Canada gathering survivors as they went. From one outpost to another they marched until finally they found a city which did not fall: Manhattan. There, they made their stand against the darkness, and Commander Yoshida Hiro called an end to their long journey. Now they have come to Paradise. What dread news could this herald?

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Coming February 2014.

It’s 2014: Let’s Celebrate with a Friday Livestream!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/10/its-2014-lets-celebrate-with-a-friday-livestream/

Join us for the first Friday livestream of 2014! The show will start at 1:30 PM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

1:30 PM PST: It’s viewers choice on Faeblight with TW_OverloadUT. Join him and direct where he goes and what he does!

2:15 PM PST: We’ve been working hard on Trove over the holidays and have quite a bit of new stuff to show you – including your own creations!

2:45 PM PST: Trick will be joining us again to talk Defiance as we hunt for loot in the Bay Area.

Be sure to tune in to the Trion Worlds Twitch channel. See you then!

Inside Trion: Let’s Chat!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/16/lets-chat/

Since the launch of Defiance, one of the most frequent requests we’ve gotten is to improve chat. Over the past few months, the team has been talking to ark hunters about the good, the bad, and the ugly of our chat interface and working to overhaul it. Today, I’m excited to give you a look into our upcoming chat and UI improvements.

In short: we’ve trimmed the fat. Previously, we tried a “kitchen sink” approach to chat, which obscured the core functionality and made the experience frustrating and clunky while in the heat of battle. Today, we have a cleaner, sleeker, and more useful chat to roll out for Defiance fans. Without further ado, I’d like to introduce you to our new chat functionality.

Old and Busted: This is how the chat interface used to look

Old and Busted: This is how the chat interface used to look


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New hotness. Click to view the screenshot in more detail.

See that screenshot? TrickCastithan is chatting right now. That’s the new full chat interface, free of the commands/emotes/etc. that bloated the viewport in the previous iteration.

We’ve also divorced voice chat from text chat: there’s no reason to keep those two tied together, bogging each other down. The voice chat channels now appear in the top-right of the screen alongside the mini-map. The voice channel you are speaking in is clearly indicated and can be swapped on the fly, but channels will also light up when people speak in them. (So you can know where that strange voice is coming from.)

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Let’s look at the small chat window in more detail: Everything is now tabbed. The small chat window can be activated the same way as the old quick chat system, allowing you to quickly change tabs to the conversation you need without seeing extra babble that could distract you.

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Changing the channel you are speaking in is easy as well. You just click the channel you want (or press left on the directional pad) and voila! You have swapped your text chat channel.

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You can even add additional chat tabs in the Chat Settings menu to suit your specific play style. You can see that I’ve set up a tab where only Whispers and EGO Calls will appear in my chat.

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Hopefully, you like what you see here, and are pounding on your screen saying “when do I get to use this?!” The Sedge Hat that TrickCastithan is wearing is your release date clue: all this will be available with the 7th Legion DLC coming out in February! And we’re not stopping with chat improvements: We’re taking even more steps to improve quality and ease-of-use for Defiance – so stay tuned – you’ll be hearing more from me as those head into the home stretch.

Good hunting,

Trick Dempsey
Defiance Creative Lead

Bonus Weekend: Jan. 17-19

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/17/bonus-weekend-jan-17-19/

Log in this weekend for a 25% bonus to all of the following:

  • XP
  • Loot drops
  • Weapon skill gains

Happy hunting!

PREVIEW: 7TH LEGION DLC

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/23/preview-7th-legion-dlc/

The New Frontier is at war in the next Defiance DLC pack coming early this February. Empires grow, and displaced evils look for new victims. As a member of the 7th Legion, you’ll fight to liberate Paradise with new weapons, armor, and more!
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KEY FEATURES

JOIN THE 7th LEGION

Yoshida Hiro’s 7th Legion marches for the Bay Area armed with the latest E-Rep  weaponry and defenses. Prove your worth to join their cause, battle against the enemies of a unified Earth, and reap new rewards.

SPECIAL RECRUIT KIT

An outfit, gear, and title start your path to becoming an honored member of the 7th Legion.

EXPAND YOUR ARSENAL

The 7th Legion has developed a unique fighting style expressed in its new weapons and synergies.

SHIELD UP

Wield hybrid Human-Votan tech shields designed to take down enemies on the New Frontier.

AND MORE!

A new chat system debuts with 7th Legion DLC, plus INCURSIONS: a new kind of dynamic content invading the bay area!

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7th Legion is the third entry in our Defiance DLC series. Preview the Castithan Charge and Arkbreaker packs out now for PC and console, or get the Defiance Season Pass to unlock all five first-season DLCs!

Inside Trion: 7th Legion DLC

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/28/inside-trion-7th-legion-dlc/

At first, we only helped Humans. Soon, though, we took all kinds. We kept marching, like a city with feet, toward Calgary and Winnipeg. Both were gone. Finally, as we neared Chicago, we found her signal. Funny – we probably would have stopped there, settled down … and missed Azumi. Left her holed up with the staff at VBI, transmitting into the dark, hoping that her father would come.

Now and again she’ll laugh about bushido, the code, the “samurai” nickname (something the troops first used, for all things, to mock my pride). But it stuck – not just for me or the others with roots in Japan. It’s a way of life that fits this world. It got us through the wastes, after all. It will carry us to the New Frontier.

– Yoshida Hiro, New Frontier Radio “Hiro’s March Retrospective”

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The launch of 7th Legion is coming up fast. Prepare with our behind-the-scenes Q&A with Creative Lead Trick Dempsey, who walks us through the background and inspiration for the latest Defiance DLC.

How’d you choose the 7th Legion, and where did they come from?

The 7th Legion dates back to the Arkfall – to the disastrous period following the destruction of the Votan colony ships in orbit. As an event, the Arkfall is both incredibly important to Defiance and one that’s hard to imagine (together with our partners at Syfy, we’ve crunched the numbers on just how catastrophic the Arkfall was, and it’s pretty grim).

Envisioning the death of billions of people and the reshaping of a whole planet is still a little beyond comprehension. But it’s one that we want to publically explore, and the 7th Legion provides us with a window into that time – a look at one of the organizations that rose from the ashes of global catastrophe.

As far as where they came from: the group of frontiersmen who became the 7th Legion were camped in the Yukon when the arks exploded. They watched as the Votan ships fell to Earth, thinking all was lost, hoping for a last chance to see their families. Of course, it was a chance that would never come.

What did they do after Arkfall?

The entire group rallied around Yoshida Hiro and the code of bushido. At first, it was an easy way for members to relate to Hiro’s ancestry, but as they moved south and east, inland from the irradiated coast, survivors flocked to the group and legend of a new “7th Legion” spread.

What sets the Legion apart from other survivors?

It’s a group that’s distanced from other factions like the Earth Republic, the Votanis Collective, and Von Bach Industries. Sure, they’ll use VBI weapons and Votan tech like when it benefits them, but their culture and beliefs diverged after Arkfall. You’ll see that in their weapons and gear, their unique synergy set, in current/future plotlines, and so on.

Talking bigger picture, the Legion reminds us that this world is “post-post-apocalyptic”: enough years have passed since the Arkfall that factions are more worried about emerging alliances, identities, and politics than basic survival. And, you know, more so than any other faction, they embrace the “Cyberpunk Western” character of Defiance (one of my favorites!).

What’s next for the Legion?

They’ve come to Paradise, and Hiro himself is on the coast to recruit ark hunters to carry on their mission. His connection with the Earth Republic and VBI allows him to bring in new weapons and defenses augmented with some of the Legion’s mythic flair. Of course, he won’t trust just anyone with 7th tech. Ark hunters hoping to join the Legion will have to prove themselves worthy!

Join us for Friday’s Livestream at a special EU Time

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/30/join-us-for-fridays-livestream-at-a-special-eu-time/

Our regular Friday livestream will be at a special European-friendly time this week. The show will start at 11:00 AM PST (in a different time zone? Use our handy world clock!)
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Here’s the full schedule of events:

11:00 AM PST: RIFT 2.6 is just around the corner. Join Greg and Elizabeth as they talk about everything new in RIFT 2.6, including a first look at the Bounty Hunting system.

11:45 AM PST: It’s time to reveal the Gunslinger! Tune in for a first look at Trove’s new gun-toting class.

12:15 PM PST: The 7th Legion DLC is playable to everyone on our Alpha servers. Greg and Elizabeth will be hopping on to play the upcoming DLC with the community.

Be sure to tune in to the Trion Worlds Twitch channel. See you then!

Season 1 Crossover Rewind

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/01/30/season-1-crossover-rewind/

Prepare to watch and play your way through Defiance as it was meant to be experienced! We’ve brought back all crossover content – from your first encounter with Nolan to The Plague and beyond – to celebrate the Defiance Season 1 catch-up  On Demand and on Syfy.com.

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Start in the game to meet Nolan and Irisa before they leave for the New Frontier, then follow (and take part in) their adventures as you watch and play Defiance Season 1 side-by-side.

Learn more on the Crossover Rewind page.

7th Legion is coming Feb 4 on PC and Xbox 360!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/02/03/7th-legion-is-coming-feb-4-on-pc-and-xbox-360/

It’s official: The 7th Legion DLC will be releasing on Tuesday, February 4th (yes, tomorrow!) for both PC and Xbox 360. PlayStation 3 Season Pass holders will also be able to play the 7th Legion DLC on February 4th. The standalone download for PS3 will be available on the store Feb. 18 in North America and Feb. 19 in Europe.

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Want to know more about 7th Legion? Check out this preview of the DLC, and this Inside Trion post for more insight in to the lore behind the 7th Legion.

7TH LEGION OUT NOW FOR PC, XBOX 360

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/02/04/7th-legion-out-now-for-pc-xbox-360/

The New Frontier is at war in the Defiance 7th Legion game DLC pack out now for Xbox 360® and PC.* Empires grow, and displaced evils look for new victims. Join the elite forces of Yoshida Hiro to liberate Paradise with new weapons and armor while walking the path of bushido. Click here to learn more.

*All Season Pass holders have received automatic access to 7th Legion on their platform of choice. Non-Season Pass holders playing on the PS3™ can purchase the DLC pack Feb. 18 in North America and Feb. 19 in Europe.

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Free Content

7th Legion launches with additional free content for all Defiance players including Incursions – a new kind of dynamic content invading the bay area – plus a refined chat system and more.

Introducing Gunslinger Trials, our next DLC pack

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/02/10/introducing-gunslinger-trials-our-next-dlc-pack/

Ark hunters,

The world of Defiance is a big place with lots of story to tell and many unanswered questions: What is the Biodyne Project? Who controls the Earth Republic? Today, we’re excited to announce an update that may answer many of those questions for you. For months we’ve been putting together a juicy story update for Defiance. We have had a lot of narrative threads we’ve wanted to explore since our initial release, and we’re proud to finally reveal our next DLC: Gunslinger Trials.

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Gunslinger Trials picks up after the disappearance of Karl Von Bach and during the expansionist push of the Earth Republic’s Terrestrian Party. Ark hunters will face three new mission lines, each presented by a different member of Von Bach Industries.

  • Azumi Yoshida – Former COO of Von Bach Industries, and acting CEO.
  • Uvan Johaar – Senior Technician at Von Bach Industries.
  • Raizar Zandijur – VBI Consultant to the Earth Republic.

These stories are told with eleven new cutscenes and over three hundred new lines of dialog. Ark hunters will uncover a conspiracy to steal EGO implants, the revival of the Biodyne project, and even the rise of a new political power in the Earth Republic. Working for Von Bach Industries is not without its benefits: Ark hunters who help the organization will be rewarded with new gear created to the specifications of each of the VBI leaders. Do you prefer the EGO-enhancing properties of the Yoshida weapons, or the danger of Raizar Zandijur’s weapons which push his “Ultimate Warrior” philosophy?

While betrayal and intrigue are the core of the story, Defiance is a tale told in bullets and blood. Gunslinger Trails will also add nine new arenas that challenge up to four ark hunters in a tactical race to reach the high score. Hunters will not only be graded on the pace at which they kill, but also their capacity to work together. Bonuses are scored for coordinated fire and for attacking enemies who are debilitated by nano-effects. Additionally, all existing Thorn Liro arenas will now be available to groups as well. Do you have what it takes to face these challenges?

Stay tuned for more in depth information on Gunslinger Trials in the coming weeks. We’ve got a lot to talk about before the DLC hits Xbox 360s, PlayStation 3s, and PCs everywhere this March.

New Scoring System & Co-op Arenas!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/02/28/new-scoring-system-co-op-arenas/

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Our Gunslinger Trials DLC is right around the corner, and it adds a new feature that significantly improves the feedback and balance of existing and future events: Scoring.

What does this mean for you? Better co-op, better rewards, and more reasons to play with your friends. How and why did we make this happen? Read on for all the details!

Improved Leaderboards
Instead of sorting players by damage done, Gunslinger Trials’ leaderboards will sort by revamped score values that translate directly into rewards. Each point earned will contribute to XP, scrip, and keycodes. Gone are the mystical calculations determining who earned the top rewards and who did not, and that makes everything more fun.

Improved Leaderboards

Additionally, scoring gives us the opportunity to present moment-to-moment feedback about success (and failure). While you will earn a “Hard Reset” bonus for stunning a Dark Matter Bulwark, you will also suffer point penalties for extraction and incapacitation. Strategies which revolved around repeated extraction will now result in very low rewards indeed.

New Incentives
Another reason we implemented scoring so broadly was to provide rewards for behaviors we had no other way to reward. Key to this strategy are two scoring events: “Teamwork” and “Opportunist.”

Teamwork rewards players for dealing damage to the same target. As players pour bullets into a Viscera, for example, they’ll see Teamwork points accruing in their score window.

Opportunist is a bit different, rewarding bonus points for dealing damage to an enemy that is debilitated by a nano-effect. This even extends to bio grenades and pyro grenades. Both these grenades now turn their victims into big bags of bonus points.

In addition, we’re exposing and restructuring the rewards players get for reviving allies. Each time you revive a new target in a single event, you’ll be rewarded points for doing so. As such, there’s no benefit for reviving the same poor sap over and over. On the flip side, reviving a large number of unique allies will now reward a lot of points.

Group Arenas
Group Arenas
Until Gunslinger Trials, arenas were something of an oddity in Defiance. They encouraged and rewarded a limited set of strategies – and not the kind we wanted to reward. So we revamped them with mechanics that support group play and give players a much greater variety of strategies to succeed.

After Gunslinger goes live, you can battle through any arena as a group, sharing kill scores while receiving individual rewards for skill shots and special events (this does mean that a group of four players will DESTROY any of their individual scores in arenas prior to Gunslinger Trials!). The new arenas also present a wider variety of challenges and environments and give opportunities for all types of players and play styles to shine.

On top of all this, they also contain story elements and objectives. They’ll feature all-new combat encounters in environments both new and familiar, from the interior of a newly crashed arkfall to a fateful showdown with Dekuso and his newly upgraded Raider minions.

Good hunting,
Trick Dempsey

Introducing Community Managers Scapes and Ocho

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/06/introducing-scapes-and-ocho/

Ark hunters, meet your new Community Managers: Evan “Scapes” Berman and Eric “Ocho” Cleaver! They’re new to the Trion Worlds family but have been growing and championing online game communities for more than 15 years combined.

Here’s Evan who will be taking lead on the Defiance and ArcheAge communities:

Greetings, fellow ark hunters! My name is Evan “Scapes” Berman and I am a Senior Community Relations Manager here at Trion Worlds.

I began my gamer life with an Apple IIC playing memorable two-tone titles held on floppy floppies. First embarking online when ISPs charged per minute and Geocities was tapping into the urge to Facebook before “social media” was a term, it was only natural that my love of multiplayer games would lead to a position at Flagship Studios, taking me away from editing commercials for advertising firm Crispin Porter + Bogusky and across the nation to join a new industry.

Originally a Hellgate: London fansite operator, I used my new official role to liaise between players and developers for the improvement of the game. Most recently, I championed the TERA community as one of the first employees at En Masse Entertainment, grew a vast army of mech pilots for Khang Le’s twitch shooter HAWKEN for Meteor Entertainment and Adhesive Games, and ushered in a new generation of independent developers onto Microsoft’s next generation Xbox One console as part of the ID@Xbox team.

I’m elated to join the talented team here at Trion Worlds and thrilled to meet you, our passionate players. My inner gamer, forged in late nights of progression raiding in MMOs and practicing headshots in FPS titles, is proud to be working on RIFT, Defiance, Trove, and ArcheAge. Feel free to tweet at me on Twitter: @Scapes

Next up, say hello to Eric who will be taking lead on the RIFT and Trove communities:

Greetings and well met! My name is Eric “Ocho” Cleaver. Much like Evan above, I too started my computer gaming on the venerable Apple II series, although mine was a IIGS. I’ll do my best not to hold his inferior system against him. This was the start of a long love story with computer games, much to my parents’ dismay at the time. They have since come to admit that “yes, you can maybe make a living with those games you play.”

The introduction of MMOs completely changed my way of gaming though, and playing anything else these days is a rarity for me. Of course the main games I’m playing right now are RIFT and Defiance, but I’m hugely excited to see ArcheAge and Trove as well.

Over the last several years I’ve worked in community on a number of games, including City of Heroes and EverQuest, and now I’m hugely excited to be working here at Trion Worlds with all of you folks. To me the most exciting part of the MMO world is you, the players, because you’re every bit as much a part of what makes our games great as our development teams are.

So hi and nice to meet all of you. I’ll have a lot of questions for you all, so don’t be surprised if I poke my nose in your conversations on our official forums, Facebook, Twitter, or anywhere else our games are discussed!

You’ll be able to find Evan and Eric posting on the official forums, chatting via socials, and previewing upcoming game content in videos. Feel free to call them by their first names or forum handles, and be sure to let them know about the best Defiance livestreams, cool player-made content, and what you want to see next in the game.

See you in the Bay Area!

The Trion Worlds Community Team

Gunslinger Trials Out Now For PC, Xbox 360

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/11/gunslinger-trials-out-now/

Gunslinger Trials Out Now

Team up and battle through new Co-op Arenas in the Defiance Gunslinger Trials DLC pack out now for Xbox 360 and PC!* Take a stand in Gunslinger’s VBI story missions and reap rewards from the most powerful weapons manufacturer on Earth. Click here to learn more!

* All Season Pass holders have received automatic access to Gunslinger Trials on their platform of choice. Non-Season Pass holders playing on the PlayStation 3 can purchase the DLC pack March 24 in North America and March 25 in Europe.

Free Content

Gunslinger Trials expands Defiance arenas for all. Enjoy co-op gameplay and an all-new scoring system across nine unique venues. Read more about the changes here.

Bonus Weekend: Mar. 14-16

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/11/bonus-weekend-mar-14-16/

Bonus Weekend March 14 - 16Log in this weekend for a 25% bonus to all of the following:

  • XP
  • Loot Drops
  • Weapon skill gains

Happy hunting!

Get a Bonus Tier 3 Lock Box with Rixty or MOLPoints

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/18/rixty-promo-lock-box/

From now until March 31, all PC players* who make a Defiance purchase of $20 or more via Rixty or MOLPoints will receive a bonus Tier 3 Lock Box!

Simply make your purchase in-game or online using Rixty as your method of payment, and you’ll receive a code by email (within 24 hours) to redeem for your Tier 3 Lock Box.

Best of luck!

* Promotion is PC-only.

Announcing Arktech Revolution, Defiance’s Fifth DLC Pack

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/25/announcing-arktech-revolution/

Arktech Revolution DLC Announced

Ark hunters! We’re proud to formally announce our next DLC pack, Arktech Revolution. Defiance’s fifth DLC introduces an arkfall’s worth of new features as well as revolutionary updates to core gameplay elements. Welcome to the new age!

EGO Rating Cap Increased and New Perks Added

While you’ve been hunting and modding the finest extraterrestrial equipment arkfalls can provide, your EGO has been working on upgrades of its own. Arktech Revolution introduces an increased EGO rating cap to reach along with new powerful perks on the EGO grid and a higher EGO unit cap to claim them. We’re just getting started, read on to learn how EGO is changing in other ways!

EGO Rating Progression and New Enemy Difficulty Tiers

EGO rating is about to mean more than ever before. For ark hunters, a higher EGO rating will now impart a much larger effect on damage, health, and shield capacity. Similarly, the damage output of weapons will now scale based on their power rating. Got your very favorite gun already modded with epics? We’ll also be adding a new Salvage Matrix function that can increase a weapon’s power rating!

New Dark Matter Designs

Not to be outdone, enemies will now be more difficult to match players’ new DPS potential. In addition to the difference between standard and elite enemies being more pronounced, new enemy difficulty tiers featuring enhanced abilities and updated designs will be introduced. Ark hunters aren’t the only ones who have been benefiting from arkfalls! (Did we mention they drop better loot too? Because they do.)

Expert Co-Op Maps and Dynamic Event Scaling

With all-new levels of raw power at your disposal, team up with your fellow ark hunters to tackle new expert versions of all co-op maps featuring the new enemy difficulty tiers! Defeating these challenging instances will not only reward you boasting rights but also new special tokens that can be spent to purchase legendary weapons and mods directly from certain vendors.

Looking to mentor your lower-level friends returning to Defiance to sample the changes in Arktech Revolution? We got you (and them) covered! Events will now dynamically adjust their difficulty based on the players participating in or joining them. Enemies will not only adjust their levels and quantity but their difficulty tier as well with upgraded enemies changing how they look for easier identification. Low EGO rating players will be able to stand in fights with these high-level foes by means of a special temporary buff.

Damage Type Overhaul and Armor Plates

We’re not done yet, wasteland warriors! Prepare to theorycraft because your equipment loadouts just got a little more complex. Defiance’s weapons damage types are getting a major overhaul to increase their impact on gameplay.

  • Incendiary: Deals increased damage to health and less to shields.
  • Electric: Deals increased damage to shields and less to health.
  • Syphon: Steals some health from shield damage and lots from health damage.
  • Radiation: Deals a percentage of damage directly, bypassing armor plates.
  • Bio: Deals increased damage to armor plates.

Wait, what are armor plates? We’re glad you asked! Armor is a new damage-mitigating buff granted passively by shield equipment and temporarily by perks, stims, or spikes. Unlike shields, armor does not regenerate when excessive damage breaks it but it can be repaired at extraction points. While temporary armor does not stack and expires with the effect that granted it, it does stack with passive armor. This is good news because you’re going to need both sources to take on your new enemies.

Universal Grenade, Spike, and Stim Charges

Last but not least, when we said we weren’t done tweaking how grenades, spikes, and stims behaved, we meant it! As of Arktech Revolution, enemies will drop universal consumables (called “charges”) of each type that refill one use of the specificied item type in your current loadout. Can’t carry any more of that item? Don’t fret: you’ll automatically salvage any excess charges upon picking it up.

You Say You Want a Revolution?

We’ve only scratched the surface of this game-changing update! Technical Design Director Peter Ju and Creative Lead Trick Dempsey will be expanding the individual changes revealed here over the course of the next few weeks. Meanwhile, we’re very eager to hear your constructive (even if critical) feedback on the forums about what’s been announced! The Arktech Revolution begins in Defiance on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3 this April.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Arktech Revolution: The March of Progress

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/03/28/arktech-revolution-the-march-of-progress/

Arktech Revolution DLC Announced

In April, Defiance will welcome its fifth DLC pack, Arktech Revolution, along with a new progression system that’s one our most important upgrades to date. For the first time, weapons will scale based on their EGO rating requirement. You’ll achieve new heights of power as your level increases, and enemies will scale to keep pace with your growing abilities, gaining new stats, tactics, and appearances.

Also launching with Arktech Revolution are advanced and expert level co-op maps, legendary weapons for sale from vendors, new perks and pursuits for DLC owners, and a raising of the EGO rating cap – one we’ve held back until the new progression system was ready to make it hugely worthwhile.

“Make the numbers go up!”

Until now, the only things that increased with EGO rating were the value of shields and, to a lesser extent, player health. Weapons, enemies, and grenades were completely unaffected by EGO or power rating. Aside from the addition of a common rarity bonus, high-rating weapons were no different from low-rating weapons. This could make collecting weapons unsatisfying, as new weapons often did not compare favorably to old ones. The chase was limited to rarity alone, or for the very hardcore, the chase of specific rarity and mastery bonuses. While exciting in its own way, this limited the joy of the hunt.

So, we fixed it. Perhaps the best way to illustrate this is with a picture:

Weapon Scaling Comparison

As you can see, with Arktech Revolution a rating 50 weapon does not hold a candle to a rating 4000 weapon. In fact, your rating 4000 weapon can take out a standard Mad Mattock with a lone shot to the chest. Which brings us to our next major change: scaling enemies.

“We’re going to need a bigger boat.”

Making players more powerful meant that we needed to make enemies bigger and badder, too – and not in name only. No one wants to rely on the UI to tell them that something awful is coming. With Arkfall Revolution you’ll see them coming, with a host of new (larger, tougher) enemies built to go toe-to-toe with the best ark hunters and deadliest groups.

For example, the majestic Minigunner:

Minigunner

This guy looks significantly deadlier. And the enemies only become deadlier from here.

Additionally, enemies need to be able to mitigate some of the advances in player skill by employing new tactics. The minigunner mutant, for example, might develop a propensity for rushing players in melee, drastically altering your strategies for dealing with it.

“But I want to play in the sandbox!”

Many of you will notice a problem with the plan above: if all of the enemies have been made deadlier, how are new players supposed to catch up? What if I want to play with my high-level friends?

Ladies and gentlemen of the New Frontier, I’d like to introduce you to Dynamic Scaling and EGO boosting.

Using the power of math, we’re creating an event “Threat Level” that scales content based on the number of participating players and their combined EGO rating. This Threat Level does two things: it changes the number and type of enemies that spawn, and boosts the minimum rating of all participants in an event (a boost that affects players and enemies alike). This may not make you equal to the content if you have a low EGO rating, but it will keep you from being wiped out by top-tier opponents.

Dynamic scaling is something we’ve been working on for a long time. You may have caught hints of it in some unusual UI issues with the display of EGO ratings when Gunslinger launched, or in the recent addition of a seemingly meaningless Threat Level to certain events. There are two reasons we’ve held onto it for so long: We want to get it right, and we want to make certain it is adjustable. Scaling is dangerous in any game, and a number of other open-world games have handled it poorly (which results in the lack of a feeling of progression. (“Why the hell do all these roadside bandits suddenly have magic armor or … tanks?”)

We took the time not only to assure that the upgraded enemies provided a rewarding experience, but also to be sure that we can alter the scaling rules as we gather more data from player experiences.

“Well, I seem to have a lot of old, low-rating stuff.”

Ark hunters who find themselves with legendary weapons they’ve been holding onto since the early game will not be left out in the cold. Arkforge, a new currency available from lock boxes and events, can be used to increase a weapon or shield’s power rating, so you can level up your favorite gear. Arkforge Caches can also be purchased from the store in the following quantities:

  • 50 Arkforge Cache – 200 Bits
  • 300 Arkforge Cache – 1200 Bits
  • 500 Arkforge Cache – 1600 Bits

A part of the Chimera Arktech Kit that comes with the purchase of Arktech Revolution, you’ll get a special outfit, title, new Chimera contracts and vendor, pursuits, perks, and more.

We’ll have more updates coming soon as the Arktech Revolution nears. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming updates about the opening of our alpha servers, more game mechanic updates, and fifth DLC release date!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Celebrate Defiance’s First Year!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/02/celebrate-defiance-first-year/

Anniversary Image

April 2 marks an important day in the Defiance universe: it’s our birthday! 365 days ago today, Trion Worlds opened the Defiance servers to ark hunters on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. To celebrate, we’re adding a 24-hour global boost to XP gain, skill gain, and loot drop rate! However, we’re aware that Defiance’s anniversary lands on a Wednesday when most ark hunters are not going to be able to celebrate with us. Our solution? A second global boost all this weekend!

Defiance Anniversary Boosts to XP Gain, Skill Gain, and Loot Drop Rate

  • Start: Wednesday, April 2 at 12:00 PM Pacific
  • End: Thursday, April 3 at 12:00 PM Pacific
  • Start: Friday, April 4 at 12:00 PM Pacific
  • End: Monday, April 7 at 12:00 PM Pacific

We sincerely thank you for being part of the Defiance community. To mark the game’s first year, Creative Lead Trick Dempsey will be posting a State of the Game article covering the year in review and how Defiance is growing in its second year.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Watch the “Defiance: The Lost Ones” Minisodes

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/03/defiance-the-lost-ones/

Defiance: The Lost Ones Webisodes

Get ready for the second season of Defiance with a five-part minisode series, Defiance: The Lost Ones! Picking up where the first season left off, Nolan faces unexpected danger as he searches for a missing Irisa. Hidden facets of Nolan and Irisa’s past are revealed as he races against a ticking clock to find his daughter. Watch all five minisodes online now at Defiance.com (US) or Showcase.ca (Canada).

Save the Date

The events of this original web series lead directly into Season 2, which premieres Thursday, June 19 at 8:00 PM Eastern and Pacific (7:00 PM Central) on Syfy in the US and 10:00 Eastern and Pacific on Showcase in Canada!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Arktech Revolution: Livestream Demonstration

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/04/arktech-revolution-livestream-demonstration/

Arktech Revolution Livestream Demonstration

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Community Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel today for an exploration of Defiance’s fifth DLC pack, Arktech Revolution. With Trick on the road recording Grant Bowler and other actors from the show for game voiceovers this week, QA Tester Anthony Reis will be driving and shooting our way through the Bay Area. Meanwhile, Trick and I will detail what’s coming to the Defiance with this new DLC including an EGO rating cap increase, a reworking of how EGO and power ratings impact gameplay, new enemy difficulty tiers, and lots more.

Arktech Revolution: Livestream Demonstration, part of the Trion Worlds Livestream Extravaganza
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: 1:30 PM Pacific
Duration: 30 minutes

After the DLC demonstration, we’ll field questions from the livestream chat. Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted a Powertech Lock Box. See you on Twitch!

Discuss this article on the forums.

One Year on the New Frontier

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/07/one-year-new-frontier/

One Year on the New Frontier

Greetings, ark hunters!

It has been an exciting year for Defiance. We’ve launched the first massive co-op shooter. We’ve launched a television series. We’ve provided more updates than you can shake a stick at. (Likely the incorporeal nature of updates greatly hampers your ability to shake a stick at them. Just sayin’.)

We’re wrapping up our fifth DLC, Arktech Revolution, and it transforms the face of the game. We’re adding fifteen perks, raising the EGO cap, adding new pursuits and gear. It has been a titanic undertaking that has altered the way every single fight in the game plays out.

Now ark hunters must balance damage types with armor with spikes, stims, and grenades. Top-tier enemies require teamwork to take down, and enemies all over the game world have learned all sorts of new attacks and strategies.

Welcome to the revolution.

The Power of Promise

Defiance has a lot of expectations to live up to. It’s the first game ever to be tied so closely to a co-developed television show. The promise of two windows into one world really resonates with people and conjures images both amazing and conflicting.

A year ago, we promised to bring players massive co-op gameplay in a living world that was both familiar and alien.

The Day of Reckoning

Much like the apocalypse that destroyed future Earth, thousands of players from diverse platforms and countries descended upon our little world like a horde of ravenous hellbugs. They devoured content at a scale and speed that had to be seen to be believed. And, of course, billions of virtual bullets being fired at literally millions of virtual enemies nearly made our poor servers spit blood.

The Double Launch

We knew we’d soon face a second wave. Two weeks later, the Defiance show would premiere on Syfy, and we had to prepare for a second horde of launch players. Working round the clock and round the globe, our team savaged issues as they arose. Some solutions required hardware, some networking software, and some simply optimizing endless pages code deep in the bowels of our systems. Each day, new issues were fixed and new ones rose. As the game stabilized, we had even more promises to keep.

As the show took off, viewers and players were drawn in by the story of the post-Arkfall world. Players wanted to experience more of this for themselves, and they tore through our story content like bookworms with the munchies. Each week we gave more story and more content. New enemies with improved AI came in with Hellbug Season and the Volge Invasion. Hidden knowledge resided in data recorders which cropped up all around the world. A whole new gameplay mode, sieges, rolled in with a plague which threatened both St. Louis and San Francisco. Players worked with and against characters which crossed over between show and game: Nolan, Irisa, Rynn, and Doc Yewll.

We even launched a mini-expansion during the season which we internally named “Module 0”. It introduced a slew of new features including the main mission replay. Each week brought more stability, more updates, and more content. And it was all free with the price of admission.

Rise of the Castithans

Our first DLC, the Castithan Charge Pack, rolled out shortly after the finale of the first season of the Defiance TV series. We’d all been fascinated by the Castithans and with the culture we’d developed for them alongside David Peterson, the language and culture expert for Defiance. We wanted to offer more than just pale skins to our ark hunters, so the Castithan Charge pack was paired with a series of missions, a new weapon type, and a new gameplay mode and environment.

Meanwhile, as we promised, all DLC is accompanied by content for all of our players. Volge sieges began as the Thorn Liro bared its fangs in Paradise. This brought updated scoring and mechanics to our sieges and to our Volge enemies. The Volge had learned some new tricks. Some, but they were about to learn more.

Raiders of the Fallen Ark

Our second DLC, Arkbreaker, was focused on bringing forth an experience that players had demanded since the premier of the show: climbing into arkfalls. After seeing Nolan and Irisa climb into the arkfall to retrieve the terrasphere, players wanted to do the same.

Building off of the art style from the ark module beneath Presidio Bunker, the Trion team built a series of maps for players to climb into, fight, and pillage. More than that, though, we introduced the Volge Warmaster, Huntmaster, and drones. These all played integral parts in the Arkbreaker content, and, to this day, the Warmaster remains the hardest and most complicated boss in the game.

Like all of our DLCs, we promised to provide content updates for all our players and not just the owners of the DLC. For this, we allowed anyone to participate in events triggered by Arkbreaker owners. Any time an arkbreak starts, any ark hunter can participate. This is massive co-op.

Canadian Space Samurai?

The New Frontier is a weird place. A really weird place. Defiance has long had a Western motif, and nothing borrows with the Western genre as much as the Samurai genre. The biggest example of that were the Seven Samurai and Magnificent Seven films. We wanted to capture that spirit in a DLC, and thus the 7th Legion was born.

7th Legion brought new outfits, new synergies, and new challenges. Our first three part gear synergy cropped up with the 7th Legion, as did a number of uniquely modified guns. These came in handy when facing our new open-world content.

With 7th Legion, the enemies of Paradise began to act on a scale not seen before. Incursions began cropping up in every region, and even Mt. Tam, our beginning region, fell under attack. To handle these massive co-op events, we drastically revamped the voice and text chat systems. Immediately after launch, we could see the results. People were chatting, constantly, and the coordination between our players improved drastically.

Cyberpunk Western

Our players longed for more and more challenging co-op content, and that came in spades with our Gunslinger Trials DLC. The Gunslinger Trials came in with three new mission lines, a slew of new world lore, and a series of grueling co-op arenas. Gunslingers faced these new challenges with a variety of unique new weapons and snazzy new outfits.

Our free content also changed the face of the game. Not only could anybody group up with DLC owners for the Gunslinger arenas, but players were also free to engage with our new scoring system throughout the game world. Finally, all weapons and strategies had something to offer for an ark hunter’s progression. Rewards were not just limited to the players who had the highest DPS or kill rate, but healers and support players could prosper as well.

Children of the Revolution

Our next DLC, Arktech Revolution is our most ambitious to date. By the time you read this, it will be live on our Alpha public test server. For the longest time, we called this update “Hard Mode” and with good reason. Our first arkfall playtest got renamed “Welcome to Murdertown, USA.” We added progression and scaling, and well, we may have tuned it a touch high.

We’ve added the ability to purchase legendary weapons in game, advanced and expert instances, and we’ve nearly drastically increased the number of enemies throughout the game. Many of them have even learned brand new attacks. Let me tell you, they have some game changers in there.

On top of that, Arktech Revolution layers much more value onto damage types and a new mechanic called “Ablative Armor.” With these two mechanics combined, players can finally make real and significant tactical decisions with their gear and loadout customizations.

The Future of Defiance

The Earth Republic and Votanis Collective are gearing up for war. Irisa’s developed inexplicable powers. Karl Von Bach is missing and presumed dead, but there are rumblings that he’s been seen beyond the bounds of Paradise.

There’s more than just story coming ahead. We’ve got a whole slew of updates coming out before and during the second season. We’re getting new enemies, new perks, new features, and the inevitable land expansion. The location has already been telegraphed to those who have been paying careful attention, but I won’t spoil that for you here.

2046 was a hard year for Earth, and 2047 is going to make it look like a cakewalk.

Good hunting.

Trick Dempsey
Creative Lead, Defiance

Discuss this article on the forums.

The Arktech Revolution Begins April 15

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/10/arktech-revolution-begins-april-15/

The Arktech Revolution Begins April 15

The Arktech Revolution is almost upon us! First announced late last March, Defiance’s fifth DLC pack will be available on PC and Xbox 360 on Tuesday, April 15. PlayStation 3 Season Pass holders will have access to Arktech Revolution on April 15 as well. The standalone DLC download will be available on the PlayStation 3 North American store on Tuesday, April 29 and the PlayStation 3 European store on Wednesday, April 30.

Paid Features

  • One Chimera Arktech Kit containing:
    • 1000 Arkforge
    • The “Arktech Revolutionary” title
    • The “Chimera Ark Hunter” outfit
  • Access to the Chimera daily contracts which reward Caeruleum Cores for completing expert tier co-op maps.
    • Additionally, Caeruleum Cores can be acquired in lesser numbers from weekly Paradise contracts.
  • Access to the Chimera vendor, which offers a unique line of legendary weapons and legendary mods purchased using Caeruleum Cores.
  • The Chimera mod synergy.
  • Six new pursuits offering unique titles and EGO rating increases that reward three pieces of legendary equipment:
    • The Chimera Claw (shield).
    • The Chimera Horn (rocket launcher).
    • The Chimera Fang (charge blade).
  • Access to 15 new perks for ark hunters who choose to join Chimera in the Arktech Revolution:
    • Conflagration: Increases damage to health from your incendiary attacks.
    • Flash Point: Increases damage to shields from your incendiary attacks.
    • Heat Shield: Reduces incoming damage from incendiary attacks.
    • Corrosion: Increases damage to armor from your bio attacks.
    • Virulent: Increases armor penetration from your bio attacks.
    • Immunized: Reduces incoming damage from bio attacks.
    • Bloodsucker: Increases health and shield damage stolen from your siphon attacks.
    • Deadly Apparition: Increases damage from your siphon attacks.
    • Strong Soul: Reduces incoming damage from siphon attacks.
    • Live Wire: Increases damage to shields from your electric attacks.
    • Electrical Fire: Increases damage to health from your electric attacks.
    • Grounded: Reduces incoming damage from electric attacks.
    • Gamma Rays: Increases armor penetration from your radiation attacks.
    • Radiation Burns: Increases damage from your radiation attacks.
    • Lead Lined: Reduces incoming damage from radiation attacks.

Free Features

  • EGO Rating Cap Increased
    • While you’ve been hunting and modding the finest extraterrestrial equipment arkfalls can provide, your EGO has been working on upgrades of its own.
  • EGO Rating Progression
    • For ark hunters, a higher EGO rating will now impart a much larger effect on damage, health, and shield capacity. Similarly, the damage output of weapons will now scale based on their power rating.
  • New Enemy Difficulty Tiers
    • In addition to the difference between standard and elite enemies being more pronounced, new enemy difficulty tiers featuring enhanced abilities and updated designs will be introduced.
    • Now that enemies scale in difficulty, “elites” as a designation for all mobs no longer exists. Instead, different types of mobs have different prefixes depending on their difficulty tier:
      • Hellbugs, Scrappers, Infected
        • Adapted, Superior, Evolved, Apex
      • Mutants, Raiders, Dark Matter
        • Experienced, Veteran, Hardened, Formidable
      • Volge, 99ers
        • Reinforced, Enhanced, Augmented, Ark
  • Expert Co-Op Maps
    • Team up with your fellow ark hunters to tackle new expert versions of all co-op maps featuring the new enemy difficulty tiers! Defeating these challenging instances will not only reward you boasting rights but also new special tokens that can be spent to purchase legendary weapons and mods directly from certain vendors.
  • Dynamic Event Scaling
    • Events will now dynamically adjust their difficulty based on the players participating in or joining them. Low EGO rating players will be able to stand in fights with these high-level foes by means of a special temporary buff.
  • Damage Type Overhaul
    • Defiance’s weapons damage types are getting a major overhaul to increase their impact on gameplay.
  • Armor Plates
    • Armor is a new damage-mitigating buff granted passively by shield equipment and temporarily by perks, stims, or spikes. Unlike shields, armor does not regenerate when excessive damage breaks it but it can be repaired at extraction points.
    • Armor repair stations have appeared all over the Bay Area. Travel to any fast travel point to find a station.
    • Two new stims have been added: armor repair and ablative armor.
  • Universal Grenade, Spike, and Stim Charges
    • As of Arktech Revolution, enemies will drop universal consumables (called “charges”) of each type that refill one use of the specificied item type in your current loadout. Can’t carry any more of that item? Don’t fret: you’ll automatically salvage any excess charges upon picking it up.

Game Updates

  • A number of perks have been rebalanced to match new armor and scaling mechanics:
    • Trait: Detachment – Now adds between 1 and 3 plates of ablative armor.
    • Trait: Juggernaut – Now adds between 2 and 4 plates of ablative armor.
    • Trait: Thick Skinned Basic Description – Now adds between 3 plates of ablative armor.
    • Trait: Time Out – Added 15 second cooldown.
    • Trait: In the Trenches – Drastically reduced effectiveness.
    • Trait: Fortitude – Changed to a percent of health rather than a flat number.
    • Trait: Rear Guard – Drastically reduced effectiveness.
  • Replaced Reset Weapon Mastery XP with Reroll Weapon Mastery bonus.
  • Players now gain weapon skill when using mastered weapons.
  • Added Upgrade rating to salvage matrix.
  • Personal and group boosts are now play time based instead of absolute time based. Clan boosts are still absolute time based. Any previously bought absolute time based boosts will still work.
  • Protection spikes have been adjusted. They now provide ablative armor. Also, blue protection spike are now less ludicrous.
  • Vendor changes:
    • Removed Vendors from Eastshore Docks (there was no Fast Travel there).
    • Paradise Vendor is now located at Iron Demon Ranch with easy access via Fast Travel.
    • Chimera Vendor (new for DLC5) is located at Headland Transit Depot, it is in place of the Mod Vendor that was there.
    • Legendary weapons now cost 10 rep, 20 token, and 1,000 scrip.
  • The Epic Mod Hoard has had its price adjusted, to bring it in line with the other 3 vendors due to the new Paradise contracts.
  • The Warmaster has been updated to challenge even high-rating ark hunters.
  • Teamwork points can now be gained from damaging shields.
  • Destroyed turrets no longer grant Opportunist points.
  • The game now displays “Teamwork Max” or “Opportunist Max” if the points cap is reached.

Want to know more about Arktech Revolution? Read Creative Lead Trick Dempsey’s in-depth article on how EGO is changing in this DLC and what it means for ark hunters, their equipment, and their foes.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Defiance Arktech Revolution DLC Out Now

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/16/defiance-arktech-revolution-out-now/

Arktech Revolution Out Now

The revolution is underway! Dive into new expert events and co-op maps, contracts, pursuits and more with the Defiance Arktech Revolution DLC pack. Hunt advanced enemies with legendary weapons and mods from Chimera, a rising force in the underground arms trade, and fifteen new nano-effect EGO perks. Only the best-equipped will survive! Get it now or click here to learn more!

* All Season Pass holders have received automatic access to Arktech Revolution on their platform of choice. Non-Season Pass holders playing on the PlayStation 3 can purchase the DLC pack April 29 in North America and April 30 in Europe.

Free Content

Arktech Revolution launches with game-changing features for all players including a new EGO Rating progression system, dynamic scaling events, enemy difficulty tiers, expert co-op maps, and more. Read more about the changes here.

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Defiance Season One Streaming Free on Amazon Prime

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/28/defiance-season-one-streaming-free-amazon-prime/

Defiance Season One Streaming Free on Amazon Prime

Prepare for the next season of Defiance with Season 1 on Amazon Prime! Enjoy all twelve episodes and the “Making of Defiance” featurette streaming on Prime Instant Video, available free for Amazon Prime customers. Missed an episode? Need a rewatch? Get caught up today!

Before Season 2 premieres on June 19 at 8:00 PM Eastern and Pacific on Syfy (US) and 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific on Showcase (Canada), be sure to also watch the Defiance: The Lost Ones minisodes. This five-part miniseries picks up where Season 1 left off and leads directly into Season 2.

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New Crossover Storyline Coming: Cradle to Grave

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/04/29/new-crossover-storyline-coming-cradle-grave/

New Crossover Storyline Coming: Cradle to Grave

Ark hunters, load your weapons! The first of our new crossover storylines is coming to Defiance in the next couple weeks. The world of Defiance is rocked when the hope of Tranquility, the first Earthling-Votan hybrid on record, lies dying in Eren’s emergency facility. As you track down the half-human and half-Irathient crossbreed’s medical history, you’ll quickly discover other forces are working to cover them up for a dark purpose.

It’d seem Amanda had good reason to ask if Irisa was a half-breed Irathient (rest assured, she’s a true blood). The Cradle to Grave storyline is coming to Defiance next week and will be available free to all players! Still need to get caught up on the first season of Defiance? Read up on how you can watch the entire first season for free as an Amazon Prime member!

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Defiance Free-to-Play Arrives June 4!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/01/defiance-free-to-play-arrives-june-4/

Defiance Free-to-Play Arrives June 4!

Ark hunters,

Fuel up your roller and stock up on ammo because your world is about to get a whole lot bigger: just in time for Season 2 of the Syfy series, an entire planet’s worth of EGO users, arkfall chasers, and most importantly Defiance fans are joining the fray!

Today we’re excited to announce that Trion Worlds’ post-apocalyptic massively co-op online cyberwestern shooter will be adding a new descriptor to its already meaty description: Defiance is going to become free-to-play. Starting June 4 on PC and mid-July on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, players will be able to download the Defiance client and experience the entire Bay Area storyline, original end-game content, and future missions completely for free. This may be cause for some concern from our current ark hunters, and that’s understandable as we haven’t detailed how we’re going to treat you, our frontier pioneers, like the wasteland kings and queens you are.

You’ll be glad to hear that all Defiance owners (existing badland adventurers such as yourselves) will enjoy more of everything than the greenhorns emerging from dropships and taking their first shaky footsteps in the Bay Area. You’ll continue to enjoy more character slots, loadouts, ark keycode capacity, and inventory slots than free-to-play accounts. For those looking to expand what they already have, we’ll even be offering increases to these limits.

Additionally, all players who purchased a boxed or digital copy of Defiance will receive a one-time grant of 1,000 Arkforge, redeemable for resetting weapon mastery, upgrading your weapon’s power rating, or even bumping an uncommon weapon to epic rarity. But we’re not done yet! Our veteran ark hunters will also enjoy 30 days of Paradise Patron status when Defiance begins its free-to-play service. Paradise Patrons receive:

  • Boosts to skill, XP, scrip, salvage, and reputation gain rates that stack with boosts available in the store.
  • 10% store-wide discount on boosts, costumes, lock boxes – all of it!
  • A daily grab bag of two-hour boosts.
  • Arkforge from Daily and Weekly Ark Hunter Bonus Lock Boxes. (Playing on Xbox 360 or PlayStation 3? Be sure to link your account to get this bonus!)

With RIFT, ArcheAge, and Trove, our free-to-play policy is simple: “No Tricks, No Traps” – and you better believe Defiance will follow that mantra as well. That means we aren’t designing Defiance in such a way where spending real-world money in the game’s store is necessary to progress or to win. Look forward to free crossover content throughout Season 2!

Still have questions about this change? Be sure to tune in to our Twitch livestream on Friday where Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman field questions you have about what this means for the game and our development plans moving forward. We’ve also published a detailed comparison of benefits veteran adventurers will enjoy versus new recruits. Lastly, we have lots planned for Defiance once free-to-play arrives and look forward to revealing what’s in store!

Welcome to the new age of freedom, veteran ark hunters! We’re glad you’re with us for this next chapter in the story of Defiance. Paradise is about to get an arkfall’s worth of new residents!

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Defiance Free-to-Play: Livestream Q&A

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/02/defiance-free-to-play-livestream-qa/

Defiance Free-to-Play: Livestream Q&A

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Community Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel today for a Defiance community Q&A livestream about this week’s announcement that Defiance will be transitioning to a free-to-play model starting June 4. We’ll harvest questions from the forums and answer them live on the broadcast while we showcase some of the new features we’re adding to the game in the coming weeks and months.

Defiance Free-to-Play: Livestream Q&A
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: 2:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

After addressing popular questions from the forums, we’ll field questions from the livestream chat. Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted in-game Defiance prizes. See you on Twitch!

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Special Gear Raises Funds for Doctors Without Borders

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/02/special-loot-raises-funds-for-doctors-without-borders/

Special Gear Raises Funds for Doctors Without Borders

We can’t imagine a better way to kick off spring than supporting Doctors Without Borders with a new charity promotion.

Chances are good you’ve heard of their Nobel Peace Prize-winning efforts to bring health care to people in crisis: Doctors Without Borders physicians and support staff race to medical humanitarian emergencies while doing life-saving work in nearly 70 countries across the world.

And it’s easy to help! This month (5/1 – 5/31), when you buy the new Defiance Lab Coat, we’ll donate all proceeds ($8) to Doctors Without Borders.

The lab coat (previewed above) is available now at the in-game store, and a fancy new head mirror is also available to accompany. If you’d like to make a direct donation to Doctors Without Borders, just visit http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/

* Trion Worlds, Inc. will donate $8 USD from the sale of each new Defiance Lab Coat to Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), worldwide (excluding Alabama, Massachusetts, and Mississippi), between 12:00am PDT May 1, 2014 through 11:59pm PDT May 31, 2014. This contribution is not tax deductible. Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization located 333 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004.

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Cradle to Grave: Livestream Demonstration

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/15/cradle-to-grave-livestream-demonstration/

Cradle to Grave: Livestream Demonstration

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Community Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel today for an exploration of Defiance’s upcoming crossover storyline, Cradle to Grave. We’ll be showcasing the first mission of the series and then announcing its release date.

Cradle to Grave: Livestream Demonstration
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, May 16 at 1:30 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

After the demonstration, we’ll field questions from the livestream chat. Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted a Powertech Lock Box. See you on Twitch!

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Cradle to Grave Crossover Missions Now Available

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/19/cradle-to-grave-crossover-missions-now-available/

Cradle to Grave Crossover Missions Now Available

Eren needs your help, ark hunters! The first Earthling-Votan hybrid on record, colloquially known as the hope of Tranquility, is dying in her emergency facility. She needs you to track down the half-human and half-Irathient crossbreed’s medical history, STAT!

This crossover storyline, Cradle to Grave, affects the entire Defiance universe and is available now, free to all players! Still need to get caught up on the first season of Defiance? Watch the entire first season for free as an Amazon Prime member!

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Upcoming Crossover Storyline: Stahma’s Interests

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/05/28/upcoming-crossover-storyline-stahmas-interests/

Upcoming Crossover Storyline: Stahma’s Interests

You uncovered the conspiracy surrounding the first Earthling-Votan hybrid in Cradle to Grave, now get ready for our second crossover storyline: Stahma’s Interests.

This new in-game mission series marks Stahma’s first appearance in the game and tasks you with overseeing a Tarr family cargo shipment for Varus. When things don’t go as planned, what should be a simple escort mission spirals out of control. As you chase down Varus’ foes, you’ll discover secrets about the Tarr family and an all-new in-game environment!

The Stahma’s Interests storyline is coming to Defiance next week and will be available free to all players. Log in Monday, June 2 to get a preview of what’s to come in Season 2 of the show!

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Last Chance to Lock In Pre-Free-to-Play Rewards!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/02/last-chance-to-lock-in-pre-free-to-play-rewards/

Last Chance to Lock In Pre-Free-to-Play Rewards!

New recruits and future ark hunters, today is your last chance to lock in great bonuses at the launch of Defiance Free-to-Play! Pick up a digital or box copy of Defiance to claim the following benefits over standard free-to-play accounts:

  • Character Slots: 4
  • Loadouts: 5
  • Ark Keycode Maximum: 75
  • Inventory Slots: 70
  • 30-Day Paradise Patron Pass
  • 1000 Arkforge, used to refine and upgrade weapons.

Owning a copy also grants the in-game title “Old School”, exclusive to ark hunters who bought Defiance before June 4! Click here for more information on Defiance Free-to-Play and Paradise Patron bonuses.

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Stahma’s Interests Crossover Storyline Now Available

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/02/stahmas-interests-crossover-storyline-now-available/

Stahma’s Interests Crossover Storyline Now Available

Stahma Tarr is in town and Varus has a job for you to escort her family’s cargo shipment through the Bay Area. Defiance’s second crossover storyline, Stahma’s Interests, marks Stahma’s first appearance in the game and gives you the opportunity to discover secrets about the Tarr family when what should be a simple escort mission goes very wrong.

The Stahma’s Interests storyline is available now in-game, free to all players. Log in to get a preview of what’s to come in Season 2 of the show!

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Get Your Games With Glyph!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/03/get-your-games-with-glyph/

We are excited to announce the launch of Glyph, a new digital client for PC games! As a player, Glyph unifies all of Trion’s games into a single client and introduces new features and conveniences:

  • Remembers you between sessions; no more logging in and out multiple times
  • Shows the latest blogs, news stories, and patch notes
  • Shows you the size of the download before you begin downloading
  • Downtime integration; you’ll know if a server is down from the main screen
  • And more great features on the way!

Glyph also integrates more incredible games from hand-picked developers and well-known global studios. You can now purchase the first titles released through Glyph, including:

  • Banner Saga
  • Book of Unwritten Tales Deluxe
  • Dungeon of Elements
  • The Raven Deluxe
  • Reignmaker
  • Wasteland 2 (Early Access)

Download Glyph Now!

To keep up with the latest DRM-free games added to Glyph, follow us on Facebook and Twitter. We’re also just a click away with the new Glyph client, so let’s get ready to get our game on!

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Defiance is Free to Play!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/04/defiance-is-free-to-play/

Defiance is Free to Play!

Strap in, ark hunters: Defiance is now free-to-play on PC! Check out the NSFW Defiance Free-to-Play launch trailer:

Earn your stripes as a new recruit fighting for the future of Earth (or return as a seasoned veteran!) and prepare for a whole new season of free crossover content between the game and the show:

  • Download Defiance today and battle through the entire Bay Area storyline.
  • Get ready for Season 2 with new crossover storyline missions following Stahma and Nolan. (Cradle to Grave and Stahma’s Interests are now available!)
  • Learn more about Defiance Free-to-Play from our our preview page and overview.
  • Read up on the changes that Patch 2.0 (The NSFW Patch) brings to Defiance.
  • Stay tuned for the Season 2 TV debut June 19 on Syfy at 8:00 PM ET/PT (7:00 PM CT) in the U.S., and on Showcase at 10:00 PM ET/PT in Canada. (Or catch the premiere June 20 in Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Australia – check your local listings for details!)

Defiance will be going free-to-play on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 on July 15. Click here to download Defiance and become an ark hunter!

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Defiance Free-to-Play Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/05/defiance-free-to-play-livestream/

Defiance Free-to-Play Livestream

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Community Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel for a Defiance livestream about the game’s transition to a free-to-play model on PC this week. We’ll discuss Season Two crossover content, how Defiance has changed with Patch 2.0, and will reveal a pair of special guests coming to our next livestream while running incursions and sieges with new and veteran ark hunters in-game.

Defiance Free-to-Play Livestream
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, June 6 at 1:30 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

After the demonstration, we’ll field questions from the livestream chat. Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted a Powertech Lock Box. See you on Twitch!

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Defiance Season 2 Livestream with Grant Bowler and Jaime Murray

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/10/defiance-season-2-livestream-with-grant-bowler-and-jaime-murray/

Defiance Season 2 Livestream with Grant Bowler and Jaime Murray

Meet special guests Grant Bowler (Joshua Nolan) and Jaime Murray (Stahma Tarr), stars of Defiance on Syfy, on a unique Trion Worlds livestream! Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Community Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman will asking them YOUR questions about the game, the show, and their acting experiences in both on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel. Be sure to play the Stahma’s Interests and Cradle to Grave crossover storyline missions in-game, then post your questions for Grant and Jamie on the forums!

Defiance Season 2 Livestream with Grant Bowler and Jaime Murray
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Monday, June 16 at 4:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 45-60 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted in-game rewards. See you on Twitch!

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Nolan Returns in Upcoming Crossover Storyline

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/11/nolan-returns-in-upcoming-crossover-storyline/

Nolan Returns in Upcoming Crossover Storyline

Following hot on the heels of Cradle to Grave and Stahma’s Interests storyline missions, Nolan returns to Paradise in new crossover content leading into the Season 2 television debut on Syfy.

Someone has set up a Votan trafficking ring in the Bay Area, and Cooper wants it shut down. Meanwhile, Nolan’s search for Irisa brings him ever closer to Paradise. Could these disappearances be connected? Find out next week! The Nolan Returns storyline is coming to Defiance next week and will be available free to all players. Log in Monday, June 16 to get a preview of what’s to come in Season 2 of the show and be sure to post your questions for our livestream with Grant Bowler and Jamie Murray happening that same day!

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Defiance Season 2 Starts Next Week

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/12/defiance-season-2-starts-next-week/

Defiance Season 2 Starts Next Week

Defiance returns to TV next week: Watch the premiere live on Syfy on June 19 at 8:00 PM Eastern and Pacific (7:00 PM Central) in the United States or on Showcase at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific in Canada.

Each episode will air a unique code for free game loot, but the codes are limited-time offers – watch live and get ’em while they’re hot!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 20 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 20 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Defiant Few Durango Challenges Now Available

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/16/defiant-few-durango-challenges-now-available/

Defiant Few Durango Challenges Now Available

Ark hunters, start your engines! Two new races are now available in Defiance: the Defiant Few Durango Challenge: Paradise and Defiant Few Durango Challenge: Madera. As the names suggest, these races introduce the Dodge Durango as a new race-only vehicle. Winning gold, silver, or bronze will reward prizes of scrip and experience in tiered amounts.

Best of luck at the races! The Durango will be available as a purchasable vehicle from the Defiant Few Vendor during Season 2.

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Nolan Returns Crossover Storyline Now Available

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/17/nolan-returns-crossover-storyline-now-available/

Nolan Returns Crossover Storyline Now Available

Nolan has returned to Paradise in new crossover content leading into the Season 2 TV debut! Log in today and learn more about Nolan’s search for Irisa as you help him track clues and investigate a Votan trafficking ring in the New Frontier.

Catch up on all the pre-season crossover content with special Cradle to Grave and Stahma’s Interests storylines, but do it fast: Defiance Season 2 returns to TV this week! Watch the premiere live on Syfy on June 19 at 8:00 PM Eastern and Pacific (7:00 PM Central) in the United States or on Showcase at 10:00 PM Eastern and Pacific in Canada.

For listings outside North America, see our preview post!

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Defiance Season 2 Premiere Airs This Week

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/18/defiance-season-2-premiere-airs-this-week/

Defiance Season 2 Starts Next Week

The original hit TV series returns this week for an all new-season! Each episode will air a unique code for free game loot during the live broadcast.

Tune in for the premiere live on Syfy this Thursday, June 19 at 8/7c in the U.S. or on Showcase at 10:00 PM ET/PT in Canada. Watch for the first EGO code and redeem it for in-game rewards at Defiance.com/EGO – these codes are limited-time offers so redeem them while they’re hot!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 20 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 20 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Producer Letter: Defiance Season 2 Kickoff

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/19/producer-letter-defiance-season-2-kickoff/

Producer Letter: Defiance Season 2 Kickoff

My fellow ark hunters,

It’s been an exciting year in Paradise. The Tarr family has expanded its operations into the Bay Area, Dark Matter operations in Tranquility have been thwarted, and now the thief, Josh Nolan, has been involved in the downfall of a Votan trafficking ring. Interesting times.

But there are more interesting times ahead.

Starting with the Gunslinger Trials, we began to drop hints of the dire events occurring in Silicon Valley. Von Bach Industries has research labs in the valley, but communication with these remote facilities has been disrupted for months now. It won’t be long before the troubles there come spilling out into the rest of the bay.

To give you an idea, here’s the state of one of the labs.

So, yeah. That can’t be good.

Now that the stage is set, our Season 2 storyline can begin in earnest. We’ve got a lot of content coming out over the next three months: new missions, new gear, a new vehicle, and a new landmass. The New Frontier will never be the same!

Season 2 Preview: The Grid

New enemy factions are coming to the Bay Area. When the Grid first appear, they’ll seem to be just another deadly curiosity on the New Frontier. In short order, however, they will become the focus of events that will embroil the bay in violence. You see, something bad is happening in the ark belt … and on our quiet planet below. As events in St. Louis and in San Francisco reveal startling similarities, you’ll realize no one will escape the conflict to come without sacrificing something they hold dear.

It’s a good thing that we’ve got a lot of fresh blood coming to the bay to face off against these new enemies. The NSFW update brought a horde of new ark hunters to Von Bach Industries’ Bay Area expedition. They may be a little green, but they are still hunting shoulder to shoulder with the best talent the bay has to offer.

If Paradise is to survive, it will need all the fresh blood the New Frontier can offer. Silicon Valley is overrun by the Grid, and a strange new cult has begun to take root in the bay. New missions, new battles, and new technology beckon brave souls to gamble with their lives. Whether for righteousness, fortune, or glory, it’s time to suit up, ark hunters, and battle your way into Season 2!

Good hunting!

Trick Dempsey
Creative Lead, Defiance

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Defiance Crossover Livestream: “The Opposite of Hallelujah”

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/20/defiance-crossover-livestream-the-opposite-of-hallelujah/

Join Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel for our first post-episode Defiance livestream about the crossover with “The Opposite of Hallelujah”, the Season 2 premiere episode. We’ll discuss Creative Lead Trick Dempsey’s Producer Letter that revealed Defiance’s new landmass and enemy faction while demonstrating the new Nolan Returns crossover mission storyline.

Defiance Crossover Livestream: “The Opposite of Hallelujah”
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, June 20 at 3:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 30 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted in-game loot. See you on Twitch!

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Notice: Shrill Grenades Found in Bay Area

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/24/notice-shrill-grenades-now-found-in-bay-area/

Notice: Shrill Grenades Now Found in Bay Area

Reports are coming in from reliable ark hunters that VBI-manufactured shrill grenades have found their way to certain enterprising vendors in the Bay Area. These relics of the Pale Wars are not your standard munitions: they’re packed with low-yield explosives and resilient shrill larvae. These voracious alien spores burrow into their food (read: exposed flesh), penetrating armor plates and robbing the victim wearing them of their damage-mitigating properties.

Shrill grenades are considered “dirty” biological weapons and the parasite-laden bombs have historically been used for terrorist purposes. Ark hunters who find themselves in possession of these explosives should be keenly aware: shrill larvae do not discriminate who they feed on and will gladly feast on the foolish who clumsily stumble into their own grenade’s area of effect. Consider this a strong warning to those who decide to add them to their arsenals!

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Watch Episode 2 This Week, Preview it Now

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/25/watch-episode-2-this-week-preview-it-now/

No secret is safe in the second episode of Defiance Season 2! Watch it live on Syfy this Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c in the U.S. or on Showcase at 10pm ET/PT in Canada and keep an eye out for our second live-broadcast EGO code. You can redeem it for an explosive new prize at Defiance.com/EGO!

Watch the preview and sneak peek now!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 27 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Season 2 premieres Friday, June 27 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Defiance Crossover Livestream: “In My Secret Life”

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/27/defiance-crossover-livestream-in-my-secret-life/

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel for our post-episode Defiance livestream series where we’ll be discussing the game’s crossover with “In My Secret Life”, the second episode of Season 2. We’ll be showing off the latest Bay Area fashions, discussing the dangers of shrill grenades, and revealing details about what’s coming to the game (and show) next.

Defiance Crossover Livestream: “In My Secret Life”
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, June 27 at 3:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 30 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted in-game loot. See you on Twitch!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Alert: Grid Emergencies Across Paradise

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/06/30/alert-grid-emergencies-across-paradise/

Ark hunters, be on your guard! Sources are reporting multiple emergency situations across Paradise. The reports themselves are alarming: bipedal mechanoids are assimilating the citizens of the Bay Area. We don’t know much about them, only that locals are calling them “The Grid” and that they have the ability to command foes to fight for them.

So far, ark hunters have reported that groups of 99ers, raiders, and even non-combatant ranchers are under attack from the Grid at this moment. The Bay Area needs your help, but be careful: these foes can convert anything, even roaming hellbugs, to do their bidding. ark hunters. Be safe out there!

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New Fashion on the New Frontier

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/02/new-fashion-on-the-new-frontier/

New Fashion on the New Frontier

Dress the part for Season 2 with the latest frontier fashions including Nolan’s and Irisa’s new outfits, plus a bonafide E-Rep uniform! See them in action in Season 2 of the Defiance TV show and get them for yourself at the Bit Store in-game.

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Watch Episode 3 Tonight, Preview It Now

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/03/watch-episode-3-tonight-preview-it-now/

Watch Episode 3 Tonight, Preview It Now

Irisa’s terrifying black-outs escalate in the next episode of Defiance, “The Cord and the Ax”, coinciding with reports of mysterious (and hostile) mechanoids appearing in-game. Meanwhile, Stahma must face her most formidable enemy – her husband!

Watch it live tonight on Syfy at 8/7c in the U.S. or on Showcase at 10pm ET/PT in Canada and keep an eye out for our third live-broadcast loot code. Redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO, and log in to battle a new menace across the Bay Area!

Can’t wait? Watch the preview and sneak peek now!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 3 debuts Friday, July 4 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 3 debuts Friday, July 4 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Defiance Community Q&A: July 3

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/04/defiance-community-qa-july-3/

Defiance Community Q&A: July 3

While we’re skipping our weekly Defiance Crossover livestream today due to the holiday, we’ve answered a set of burning questions from the community on the official forums. Big thanks to Etaew of DefianceData.com for diligently updating his top Defiance questions threads!

We’ll pick up the livestream series next Friday, until then check out our responses and continue sharing your feedback and asking questions on the forums – we want to hear them!

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Defiance Raider Masks Now Available

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/07/defiance-raider-masks-now-available/

Defiance Raider Masks Now Available

Watched the teaser trailer for the next episode of Defiance and coveted the raider masks it revealed? Good news: you can get them in-game and be the envy of every raider in the Bay Area!

We’ve added two new cosmetic headgear, Mask of Baphomet and Smiling Menace, soon to be featured on the fourth episode of Defiance Season 2, “Beasts of Burden”. You can find them on the Bit Store and strike fear in the hearts of those who would pillage and destroy the frontier. The third raider mask, Shotgun Murderface, will appear in-game when it makes an appearance during this week’s episode.

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Warmaster Event Changes in Defiance 2.1

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/09/warmaster-event-changes-in-defiance-2-1/

Warmaster Event Changes in Defiance 2.1

Ark hunters,

We’re releasing an update to the Warmaster instance to address social dynamics inside the event. Feedback from players fell into two broad categories: those that break locks and those that do not.

Lock breakers break the Warmaster locks at the first opportunity, valuing their play time, entertainment, and the moment-to-moment rewards that come from constant action. They are playing Defiance for a limited time each day and they are guided by which events are active in the game. Every part of the user interface supports this play method. Indicators and EGO instructions push these players forward, and they reap great rewards during their time. Lock breakers constitute a vast majority of players.

Lock keepers seek to prolong the lock-breaking step until the number of players inside the Warmaster event meets or exceeds 24 players, often using chat and weapon intimidation to dissuade others in the instance. These players value resources over time and aim to earn the legendary weapon drops from the Warmaster at all costs. Additionally, these players tend to have an extremely limited scope for value on items; anything that is not part of a predetermined list is deemed entirely worthless. These players are extremely active on the forums and in-game, but still constitute a small minority of players.

Here is how we are updating the event: When the last Volge in the upper level of the arkbreak is killed, the objective to open the vents appears. That objective now has a 30-second countdown. At that point, the vents will open themselves and the cage will appear in the room below. When the cage spawns, it begins a 3-minute countdown. During this countdown, the locks may be destroyed as normal. However, when the countdown completes, the locks shatter and the Warmaster is released. To be clear, from the moment the last Volge is killed in the lobby, there is a maximum of 3.5 minutes before the Warmaster fight starts.

This puts the game’s mechanics in line with the interface indicators in the game and the instructions from EGO. Once inside the Warmaster event, players will proceed to its end in 10 to 15 minutes, thus freeing them to pursue their next adventure in a timely manner. Players aiming to maximize their chances to earn legendary gear or Warmaster kills now have the onus put on them to organize their teams before entering the event. They need to prepare their plans, leader designations, and group/friend invites such that they can execute them quickly. We are not, at this time, removing the exploit that allows players to exceed the event’s 24-player maximum, but we are requiring teams that wish to do so to achieve this in a timely fashion.

While lock keepers are not necessarily playing the Warmaster instance incorrectly, this is not how the event was designed to be played. This change prevents them from holding an in-progress event hostage and allows the instance to progress as designed. Players who progress the Warmaster fight are not and have not been “griefers” as they are doing what the game has literally told them to do. We’ll continue to monitor feedback about the Warmaster event and this latest change, so please share your constructive experience-based insights with us on the forums.

Good hunting,

Creative Lead Trick Dempsey

Discuss this article on the forums.

Preview Defiance Episode 4: Beast of Burden

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/10/preview-defiance-episode-4-beast-of-burden/

Preview Defiance Episode 4: Beast of Burden

In the next episode of Defiance, Datak makes moves to reclaim his empire while Pottinger’s caravan is viciously attacked. Watch the preview and sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, July 10 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase to find our fourth live-broadcast EGO code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Face (of) the Enemy

While you’re watching, keep an eye out for new raider masks now available at the in-game store. Get your own to sow fear across the new frontier!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 4 debuts Friday, July 11 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 4 debuts Friday, July 11 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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New Alter EGO Crossover Missions Incoming

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/11/new-alter-ego-crossover-missions-incoming/

New Alter EGO Crossover Missions Incoming

This content will be available on Monday, July 14, at 12:00 PM PDT.

Ark hunters,

I’ve heard the strangest radio message coming out of San Francisco. Let’s give it a listen…

“For all those who have fought and struggled on this New Frontier. I have discovered a way for you to survive, to thrive, and to escape the fear of death. Join me in Silicon Valley, and I will show you the way to a new life.”

The speaker, for all the world, sounds like Karl Von Bach, but he’s dead. Right?

This announcement as shaken the pillars of Von Bach Industries and their CEO, Azumi Yoshida, is recruiting ark hunters to determine the origin of the message. If Karl Von Bach is alive, there will be hell to pay back East.

Something else troubles Azumi. Something far worse than the resurrection of her old friend and boss. Rumor has it that this Von Bach is giving out EGO implants to anyone who asks. Karl Von Bach insisted on a rigorous testing regimen for the ark hunters in the Bay Area Expedition, and he refused to give combat-capable EGOs to anyone else. The Earth Republic military has long desired to have access to VBI EGO implants. The actions of this Karl Von Bach are very different from his pre-resurrection predecessor.

The investigation of these strange events will provide a window into the history of the EGO, the capabilities of the Grid, and even a new social movement appearing in the world.

Good hunting,

Creative Lead Trick Dempsey

Due to ongoing issues with the Xbox 360 patch, this content will be delayed on that platform. We’ll update with more details when we have them. If you are having patching issues on Xbox 360, see this post: Xbox 2.100 Patch Update

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Defiance Crossover Livestream: “Beast of Burden”

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/11/defiance-crossover-livestream-beast-of-burden/

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel for our post-episode Defiance livestream series where we’ll be discussing the game’s crossover with “Beast of Burden” and “The Cord and The Ax” (which was skipped due to last week’s holiday), the third and fourth episodes of Season 2. We’ll be demonstrating the new changes to the Warmaster instance, demonstrating how mission lines can now be restarted, showing off the new raider masks, and revealing details about next week’s new missions and Grid enemies.

Defiance Crossover Livestream: “Beast of Burden”
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, July 11 at 3:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 30 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted in-game loot. See you on Twitch!

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Defiance Free-to-Play on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 Delayed

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/14/defiance-free-to-play-on-xbox-360-and-playstation-3-delayed/

Defiance Free-to-Play on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 Delayed

Ark hunters,

After careful deliberation, the development team has decided to postpone the launch of Defiance Free-to-Play on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3, originally targeted for July 15. A significant factor contributing to this delay is that we want to ensure a stable launch.

As you’ve seen or possibly experienced this week, we’ve been having stability issues with our console platforms. The team is working on a number of game additions as part of its crossover with Season 2 of the Defiance TV show and the latest build has negatively impacted game stability. Our programmers are working on addressing these issues.

While we don’t have a new ETA for the transition to free-to-play on console, please know that this is a priority fix for us, as we are eager to welcome fans on all platforms to the new Defiance experience. We will provide updates on our progress toward the Free-to-Play launch on Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3 as they are available. Thanks for your understanding and patience as we work to ensure a stable and successful launch on console.

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New Crossover Missions: Finding Karl Von Bach

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/14/new-crossover-missions-finding-karl-von-bach/

New Missions, New EGO: The Return of Karl Von Bach

Attention ark hunters: Karl Von Bach, missing scientist-CEO of Von Bach Industries, has turned up alive at Twin Peaks station. He appears to have conquered death itself and is offering to share his secrets in the form of a new, free EGO for all takers.

VBI is anxious to confirm Von Bach’s identity and investigate his offer in a series of new missions now available in-game. Log in today to help Azumi Yoshida in a developing storyline with implications for both the game and show, and tune in to Syfy Thursdays at 8/7c to watch as new crossover events unfold!

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Glyph is Coming to Defiance!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/15/glyph-is-coming-to-defiance/

Glyph is Coming to Defiance!

On July 16, Defiance will be upgrading to Glyph! When you log in on or after July 16, 2014, your Defiance patcher will automatically upgrade itself to Glyph. You can also download Glyph now and take advantage of all of its new features today.

Glyph includes the twin benefits of login persistence and easy access to all of Trion’s great games (along with those of our select partners). With Glyph you spend less time logging in and more time playing! You can also access a variety of helpful options, such as easy access to purchasing Paradise Patron time and Credits.

For more information, please see the Glyph launcher FAQ below:

  1. When will the transition to Glyph take place?
    Your launcher will automatically upgrade itself the next time it runs on or after July 16, 2014.
  2. Can I download Glyph now?
    Yes, Glyph is available here.
  3. Is the change to Glyph mandatory?
    Yes. You may not know this, but under the hood, the Glyph client is an upgraded version of the exact patcher you use today. As with any patcher rollout, all users upgrade at the same time.
  4. I’m happy with the current Defiance launcher. Why are you making this change?
    Glyph allows us to build a better launcher for all our games, and lets you manage all your Trion games in a single digital hub, all while maintaining the same quality and ease of use the Defiance launcher currently offers.
  5. I log in to Defiance through Steam, will this change impact me?
    You’ll notice that your patcher gets a new look as it upgrades to the latest version. Enjoy!
  6. Do I need to keep the Glyph launcher running after I’ve launched Defiance?
    No, you can launch Defiance and then close Glyph if you choose.
  7. I like to run multiple instances of Defiance on my computer. Can I still do this with Glyph?
    Yes. Launch Defiance from Glyph, then log in the additional account you wish to launch Defiance with, and launch Defiance again. You’ll remain logged in with each account you had active at the time you launched Defiance until you close that instance of the game.
  8. What are the operating system requirements for Glyph?
    Glyph runs on Windows XP with Service Pack 2 installed and later versions of Windows.

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Preview Defiance Episode 5: Putting the Damage On

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/17/preview-defiance-episode-5-putting-the-damage-on/

Preview Defiance Episode 5: Putting the Damage On

In the next episode of Defiance, Amanda is terrorized by a stalker, but the true reasons behind her frightening experiences have far-reaching ramifications for other residents in town. Watch the preview and sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, July 17 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase to find our fifth live-broadcast EGO code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 5 debuts Friday, July 18 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 5 debuts Friday, July 18 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Defiance Fashion Sale: Cosmetic Items on Bit Store Discounted

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/18/defiance-fashion-sale-cosmetic-items-on-bit-store-discounted/

Defiance Season 2 fashions are 50% off!

Noticed the new pricing on the Bit Store? No, it’s not Von Bach’s divergent EGO at work.

For a limited time, we’ve dropped the prices of cosmetic items on the in-game Bit Store. Now’s your chance to claim that headgear and costume you’ve been coveting at 20% to 50% off their normal prices. Even the new Season 2 outfits! Varus Soleptor may not agree with this fashion sale but we’ve heard ark hunters’ feedback on the price of new threads in Defiance.

Patrons also take another 10% off these sale prices due to their Bit Store discount. Find out more about becoming a Patron or pick up a new pile of Bits!

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New Arkfalls Bringing Gulanee Warriors to Earth

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/21/new-arkfalls-bringing-gulanee-warriors-to-earth/

And you thought the Volge were tough...

Attention: Radio activity has erupted in the husks of the ark belt’s long-dead ships. Something is alive up there, something that has ark hunters racing to call down these chatty relics and discover the secrets inside.

Starting today, players with the Arkbreaker DLC Pack can deploy ark spikes with a chance to pull new modules out of orbit. Inside, you’ll face new Grid enemies and a Gulanee warrior in massive battles at the center of the arkfall.

As you’re hauling invaluable space wreckage out of the skies, Nolan and Pottinger investigate an impact site where one has already fallen to Earth. Tune in to this week’s episode to see what it means for the future of Defiance!

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Arkbreaker DLC 50% Off for Gulanee Arkfalls

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/21/arkbreaker-dlc-50-off-for-gulanee-arkfalls/

Playing on PC? Get the Arkbreaker DLC Pack 50% off now through July 29 to join ark hunters calling down special new Gulanee arkfalls across the Bay Area!

This DLC will allow you to bring members of a rare alien species to Earth (and then battle them for life and for loot) at the same time Nolan and Pottinger investigate their appearance on the show. Become an Arkbreaker today for access to all the new enemies, boss fights, and rewards, plus DLC Pack missions, Volge weapons, and more!

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Preview Defiance Episode 6: This Woman’s Work

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/24/preview-defiance-episode-6-this-womans-work/

Preview Defiance Episode 6: This Woman's Work

Prepare, ark hunters: The Gulanee you’ve glimpsed in-game are coming to the show! Catch their (explosive) arrival in this week’s episode of Defiance while Stahma cooks up the mother of all schemes.

Watch the sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, July 24 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase to find our sixth live-broadcast loot code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, July 25 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, July 25 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Introducing Silicon Valley’s Encrypted Items

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/28/introducing-silicon-valleys-encrypted-items/

Introducing Silicon Valley's Encrypted Items

Ark hunters,

The premiere of Season 2 of Defiance on Syfy heralded the beginning of a rapid content release schedule for the Defiance Team here at Trion Worlds. Our designers are working day and night to get the game’s first map addition, Silicon Valley, ready to launch in the coming weeks. One of the upcoming gameplay mechanics introduced with this major update is encryption, a new approach to upgrading equipment while improving the overall item chase of Defiance.

Weapons and shields that are looted after the Silicon Valley world expansion launches may drop as an encrypted item, a status which buffs damage or capacity while preventing rarity upgrades via the Salvage Matrix. For more details about this new mechanic, Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes have addressed core questions about encryption and what it means for Defiance and its community.

What is encryption?

Encryption is a new modifier being added to weapons and shields. Ark hunters will encounter dropped equipment that is marked as “Encrypted” in their details window. These items are advanced to the point that they can no longer be fully upgraded using the Salvage Matrix. Encrypted weapons have a 3% boost to their damage and encrypted shields have a 3% boost to capacity, but they cannot have their rarity increased in the Salvage Matrix. These items have reached the maximum level of technological advancement which the Salvage Matrix can achieve.

A weapon or shield will also become encrypted when its rarity is increased in the Salvage Matrix. When a piece of equipment’s rarity is upgraded in the Salvage Matrix, its rarity is increased by one tier (as players have already experienced in the current version of the game). The equipment also gains the encrypted modifier on its details window. Additionally, while an encrypted item’s EGO rating can still be increased, its rarity tier cannot be increased any further.

Defiance as a game centers on a diverse loot chase, defined as defeating challenging foes and the good feeling of picking up their bigger and better weapons, shields, and other equipment so you can defeat even more challenging foes. The previous incarnation of rarity upgrades via the Salvage Matrix undercut much of that excitement by allowing for any item to essentially become infinitely upgradeable. Encryption helps to restore the thrill of the chase while still providing an impactful benefit for upgrading an item’s rarity.

Who will encryption affect?

Starting with the launch of the Silicon Valley world expansion, new weapons and shields will have a chance to drop as either an encrypted or an unencrypted version. All of your current legendary weapons and shields will become encrypted so you can gain the damage and capacity bonuses, respectively. All of your weapons and shields of epic or lower tiers will be considered unencrypted. We decided against retroactively setting all rarity-upgraded weapons and shields already in the game as encrypted because that measure felt very punitive to us as players and that isn’t the purpose of this new mechanic.

When will encryption be introduced?

Encryption will be added to Defiance with the launch of the Silicon Valley world expansion which we expect to launch in the next few weeks to dovetail with the Season 2 plotline of the Syfy television series. We have also made changes to our Public Test Server that will make major updates like this one easier to deploy earlier in advance of them going live. Look for the full Silicon Valley world expansion, including encryption, on the Public Test Server soon!

Why encryption?

In our June 4 update, one the Salvage Matrix functions we added was the ability for players to upgrade an item’s rarity tier by using arkforge. Arkforge can be earned from in-game events and purchased from the Bit Store. After approximately two months of monitoring how the rarity upgrade system was used, we found that the loot chase was largely gone because of infinitely upgradeable equipment and this ease of access to legendary rarity weapons and shields has reduced player engagement.

Our priority is to make Defiance the best game possible, and after reviewing the data we see fewer players purchasing lockboxes with both our in-game currency and Bits. And as we dig through this data from the past 2 months we realize the mistake we made: our introduction of essentially unlimited rarity upgrades removed the item chase from the game for many of our players.

This is change is not solely about revenue – but at same time we make no secret about it: Defiance is a business – and to be a successful business we need to ensure that our gameplay systems are fun and that they encourage long term play and enjoyment. While not all players may agree with this change, we hope you appreciate our transparency in communicating the rationale behind it. You have asked for us to be upfront with you about the reasons for changes; this is an example of us doing so.

Is there an opportunity for community feedback and questions about encryption?

Yes, we’ve moved the livestream planned for this past Friday to Wednesday, July 30 so that we can collect your questions about encryption from the forums and answer them. This change is undoubtedly going to generate feedback and we’re open to hearing it.

It’s been a nonstop month for the team and the Silicon Valley world expansion is nearly ready for public testing. We’ll be sure to announce when it reaches the Public Test Server so that intrepid ark hunters can explore the landmass addition early and provide feedback on the new content and mechanics the update introduces. Looking forward to seeing you in (what remains of) the valley!

The Defiance Team

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Defiance Silicon Valley Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/30/defiance-silicon-valley-livestream/

Defiance Silicon Valley Livestream

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey, Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman, and Junior Community Relations Manager Sarah “Kiwibird” Walters on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be revealing the new Silicon Valley world expansion and discussing its new features. We’ll also be answering questions asked by the community about the upcoming encryption mechanic.

Defiance Silicon Valley Livestream
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Wednesday, July 30 at 3:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted 15-Day Patron Passes. See you on Twitch!

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World Expansion: Silicon Valley Coming

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/30/world-expansion-silicon-valley-coming-soon/

World Expansion: Silicon Valley Coming Soon

Karl Von Bach has disappeared into Silicon Valley with his EGO-imbued followers, but it’s not quite the paradise they promised. The valley is overrun with Grid and a strange cult, the Pilgrims of the Guiding Light, has taken hold in locations across the zone.

Questions abound: Who are these pilgrims, and what do they want? What challenges face the newly formed Defiant Few? Will history catch up with Doctor Eren Niden?

As these mysteries unravel, the populace of Silicon Valley calls out for assistance: The Grid is spreading its influence with invasions giving rise to special battles and conflict sites only ark hunters can clear! Do you have what it takes to face the trials of Silicon Valley when it opens next week on August 5?

Be sure to tune in for today’s Defiance livestream all about this upcoming world expansion!

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Preview Defiance Episode 7: If You Could See Her Through My Eyes

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/07/31/preview-defiance-episode-7-if-you-could-see-her-through-my-eyes/

Preview Defiance Episode 7: If You Could See Her Through My Eyes

In the next episode of Defiance, Datak is framed for a bizarre murder while Irisa learns more about her true identity!

Watch the sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, July 31 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase to find our seventh live-broadcast loot code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 1 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 1 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

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Castithan Charge DLC (PC) 50% Off and Lock Box Sale

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/01/castithan-charge-dlc-pc-50-off-and-lock-box-sale/

Castithan Charge DLC (PC) 50% Off and Lock Box Sale

In honor of the Casti cosplay on this week’s episode of Defiance, we’re taking 50% off the Castithan Charge DLC (PC) until August 6. Unlock the Castithan race, a unique outfit, a four-player vehicle, and more. Answer the call of a higher liro and hunt as a Casti today!

Also, to celebrate the launch of Defiance Free-to-Play on Steam, we’ve also put all lock boxes in the Bit Store on sale at 30% off this weekend. Stock up on the lock boxes of your choice until this sale ends on August 4!

Silicon Valley World Expansion Now Live

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/06/silicon-valley-world-expansion-now-live/

Silicon Valley World Expansion Now Live

Today, all roads (and quads, and EGOs) lead to one place, ark hunters: Silicon Valley, home of Karl Von Bach’s mysterious Pilgrims of the Guiding Light and the first-ever world expansion for Defiance!

It’s a monumental occasion with story lines playing out both in-game and on the show: How did Von Bach discover a new EGO, and what is his cult’s intent? What will it mean for you – and for your favorite characters – on both sides of the Storm Divide?

Find out in missions featuring new enemies, challenges, discoveries, and rewards across Silicon Valley’s zone’s sweeping, post-apocalyptic expanse – and do it all for free!

This world expansion is available now for all players on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3. Log in and live the adventure today!

FEATURES

World Expansion: Silicon Valley
Karl Von Bach and the Pilgrims of the Guiding Light eagerly await your arrival. Almost … too eagerly. The valley is still crawling with Grid and not all is what it seems. Unravel its mysteries from the eerie edge of Pacifica to cultist temples guarding key areas of interest on either side of the buckled San Andreas Fault!

New Missions: The Guiding Light
Dive into five new missions exploring the perils of Silicon Valley and the cult that calls it home. Are the Pilgrims of the Guiding Light simply a New Earth oddity, or do they hold a sinister purpose?

New Dynamic Events: Invasions
The Grid are using converted 99ers to erect Evangel devices across the zone. These constructs, if left unchecked, will turn its key areas into hives of Grid activity. Can you stop the Grid before they conquer the valley?

New Synergies and Outfits: Corporate Espionage
We’re proud to introduce the Corporate Espionage Lock Box. Themed after the works of William Gibson, these lock boxes contain vanity outfits and headgear as well as weapons and shields loaded with three new synergies.

Firewall turns ark hunters into living tanks by boosting their defenses, Wetwork bolsters damage output for the user and their allies, and The Way of Change encourages players to swap between melee and ranged attacks, boosting damage to one when you use the other.

New Equipment Modifier: Encryption
Certain advanced weapons and shields will now drop with the Encrypted trait, which confers a 3% bonus to damage or capacity. Additionally, when the Salvage Matrix is used to increase the rarity level of a shield or weapon, it will become Encrypted. This can only happen once; the Salvage Matrix will not be able to increase the rarity level of items that are already Encrypted.

EGO Rating Cap: 5900
Max EGO rating has been increased to 5900, which is possible to achieve without completing all Pursuits. Fear not: When the max rating is increased again, any additional points you’ve earned will automatically be added to your rating!

Be sure to read the full patch notes on the forums!

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Preview Episode 8: Slouching Towards Bethlehem

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/07/preview-episode-8-slouching-towards-bethlehem/

Preview Episode 8: Slouching Towards Bethlehem

As you storm new Guiding Light holdouts across Silicon Valley, Nolan moves against a terrorist plot threatening Defiance and New York. Unfortunately, one of his closest allies stands in the way!

Watch the sneak peek, then tune in live tonight, August 7 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase* to find our eighth live-broadcast loot code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 8 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 8 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Defiance Free-to-Play Coming to PlayStation 3

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/08/defiance-free-to-play-coming-to-playstation-3/

Defiance Free-to-Play Coming to PlayStation 3

We’re excited to announce that Defiance Free-to-Play is coming to PlayStation 3 next week! Starting August 12, veteran ark hunters on PlayStation 3 will be granted 1,000 arkforge, 30 days of Paradise Patron status, and retain their increased number of loadouts, character slots, inventory slots, and keycode storage capacity (please note that some these will need to be reclaimed from the Claim Items pane). New recruits will be able to download Defiance from the PlayStation Network (PSN) for free once their store updates.

Due to how Sony deploys new (updated) products, our North American PlayStation 3 servers will be down on Tuesday, August 12 for a restart when the deployment occurs (estimated between 12:00 PM PDT and 4:00 PM PDT [GMT-7]). We will post an absolute outage window next week when this time is finalized. The same will occur for our European PlayStation 3 servers on Wednesday, August 13. The team is working closely with Microsoft to launch Defiance Free-to-Play on Xbox 360 and we’ll post an announcement about the transition when we’ve finalized the date.

See you in the Bay Area, ark hunters!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Play Defiance Free on PlayStation 3

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/13/play-for-free-on-playstation-3/

Play for Free on PlayStation 3

Console players rejoice: Defiance is now Free-to-Play on PlayStation 3 with Xbox 360 soon to follow!

Just visit the PlayStation Store on your PlayStation 3 to download Defiance for free and play today. Meanwhile, Season 2 of the Defiance TV series pushes your favorite characters to their breaking points, with action that spills over from show to game (and back!).

How to Get Started:

  1. Open the PlayStation Store.
  2. Search “Defiance”.
  3. Download the main game which is marked as free.
  4. If you have PS+, hit download on the Defiance PlayStation Plus Pack during or after you finish downloading the game.

The Defiance PlayStation Plus Pack contains a Tex Growler Pro ATV in camo orange, one Weapon Kit, one Tier 4 Lock Box, three XP Boosts, and 100 Bits.

Make sure to link your account to receive in-game loot and bonuses, and prepare for massive battles as new recruits join seasoned ark hunters fighting for fame and fortune across the Bay!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Preview Episode 9: Painted From Memory

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/14/preview-episode-9-painted-from-memory/

Preview Episode 9: Painted From Memory

In the next episode of Defiance, Doc Yewll works to keep her dark secret hidden while Kenya’s earth-shattering return causes all-new shock waves – especially for Stahma!

Watch the sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, August 14 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase to find our ninth live-broadcast loot code and redeem it for a new in-game reward at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 15 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 15 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Defiance Mid-Season Livestream

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/15/defiance-mid-season-livestream/

Defiance Mid-Season Livestream

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be discussing crossovers with the Syfy show, the latest changes to the game, and upcoming additions to the Silicon Valley world expansion. We’ll also be answering questions asked by the community in the live chat.

Defiance Mid-Season Livestream
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, August 15 at 3:00 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted 15-Day Patron Passes. See you on Twitch!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Party with Trion at PAX!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/20/party-with-trion-at-pax/

Party with Trion at PAX!

You’re invited to the Trion Community Party on Friday, August 29 at the W Hotel in Seattle!

During the midst of PAX Prime madness, take a break at 7 PM PDT and join the Trion Team for food, drinks and a great time. Be ready for some exciting news about your favorite Trion games, including a very special announcement, and enjoy the chance to get up close and personal with members of the ArcheAge, Trove, RIFT, and Defiance teams. Got a question you’ve always wanted to ask them? This is your opportunity!

So mark your calendars and come hang out with us from 7 to 10 PM. Make sure to get there early; food, space, and loot are limited!

  • What: Trion Community Party
  • When: Friday, August 29, 2014 from 7 to 10 PM PDT
  • Where: The W Hotel, 1112 Fourth Avenue, Seattle, WA 98101

See you at the party!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Double Feature: Defiance Episodes 10 and 11 Tonight

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/21/double-feature-defiance-episodes-10-11-tonight/

Double Feature: Defiance Episodes 10 & 11 Tonight

Linda Hamilton joins the cast of Defiance for a double dose of new episodes this week. The special 2-hour minithon explores fresh trouble in the Guli mines and new dangers that threaten to tear allies apart!

Watch sneak peeks of “Bottom of the World” and “Doll Parts”, then tune in live this Thursday, August 21 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase and find two live-broadcast loot codes to redeem for new in-game rewards at Defiance.com/EGO.

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 22 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 22 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

Discuss this article on the forums.

25% Off Outfits and Headgear!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/21/25-off-outfits-and-headgear/

25% Off Outfits and Headgear!

Get futuristically fetching for less this weekend with 25% off Outfits and Headgear (on top of our recent price cuts!).

Now through August 24, all looks are on sale – from the recently released E-Rep uniforms and Raider masks to classics from Season 1.

Log in and look good as you explore Silicon Valley today!

Discuss this article on the forums.

2-Hour Season Finale This Thursday, August 28

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/27/2-hour-season-finale-this-thursday-august-28/

2-Hour Season Finale This Thursday, August 28

No one is safe as Irisa’s plan comes to fruition in the 2-Hour Defiance Season Finale Event! Who will survive and what will remain in the wake of a cataclysmic attack?

Watch the sneak peek, then tune in live this Thursday, August 28 at 8/7c on Syfy or 10pm ET/PT on Showcase and find our final live-broadcast loot code (good for new in-game rewards at Defiance.com/EGO) during the explosive end to Season 2!

Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

  • Australia/Brazil/Germany/Latin America: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 29 at 21:00, only on Syfy.
  • Spain: Episode 6 debuts Friday, August 29 at 21:30, only on Syfy.
  • France/UK: Season 2 airs on Syfy this September.

Discuss this article on the forums.

New Glyph Security Feature: Two-Factor Authentication via Email

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/08/27/new-glyph-security-feature/

New Glyph Security Feature: Two-Factor Authentication via Email

Starting tomorrow, we are adding a new security feature to Glyph to help keep your account safe.

When you log in from a new computer or a place that we haven’t seen you log in from before, you’ll be asked to verify that it really is you that’s logging in, by entering a code emailed to your account’s primary email address.

The Details

The updated login screen now only asks for your account name and password. Once you have successfully entered the correct account name and password, you will have to verify your identity.

For those of you who use the Glyph or RIFT Authenticator, you’ll notice that the code entry has moved to a step after login. You can enter the code from your authenticator there and, optionally, whitelist your computer so you don’t have to enter codes when you log in using it in the future. 

If you don’t have a Glyph or RIFT Authenticator attached to your account, you’ll receive an authentication code via email. You’ll need to enter that code to proceed. You can choose to whitelist the computer that you are on so you don’t have to get a code every time.

If you’ve whitelisted the computer that you’re on, you won’t have to enter a code again to log in to Glyph as long as the computer doesn’t change. If you log in from a new location, get a new computer, or your ISP changes your computer’s IP address, then you’ll be asked for a code again.

If you’re a RIFT player, the computers that you have authorized in the past with RIFT’s Coin Lock security will automatically be whitelisted.

If you’d like to use a mobile authenticator on your account, please check out the Glyph Authenticator for iOS or the RIFT Authenticator for Android and Windows Phone.

If you have any issues with access to your account, please contact our Support Team for assistance.

Discuss this article on the forums.

Raptr Returns to Defiance!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/09/08/raptr-returns-to-defiance/

Defiance Instant Replay Event

Attention ark hunters! Raptr is back with a brand new pack! Defiance Recruit and Hunter Packs, that is. These awesome rewards will be delivered to the creators of the best clips shared with Raptr between September 8 and September 22!

Get all the Defiance details with Raptr here!

New to Defiance? Not familiar with the rewards? Don’t worry, we’re breaking it down for you below:

Recruit Pack Rewards:

  • +25 Ark Key Capacity
  • +30 Inventory Slots
  • Hi-tech ATV
  • 3 x 50% XP+ boosts
  • T4 Lockbox
  • 15-Day Patron Pass

Hunter Pack Rewards:

  • +50 Ark Key Capacity
  • +60 Inventory Slots
  • +2 Loadout Slots
  • +2 Character Slots
  • Helldorado ATV
  • 5 x 50% XP+ Boosts
  • 2 x 25% Score+ Boosts
  • T4 Lockbox
  • 50 Arkforge (premium in-game currency)
  • 30-Day Patron Pass

Remember: there are only 100 Recruit Packs and 10 bonus Hunter Packs available, so make sure you capture the very best of Defiance for this event!

50% Faction Reputation Bonus Week Starts Right Now!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/09/10/50-faction-reputation-bonus-week-starts-right-now/

Full week of 50% Faction Reputation Bonus!

Just a few days ago, we invited you to choose which week-long boost you wanted on the Defiance forums, and we’ve tallied the votes. Starting today (right now!), you’ll have a full week of 50% Faction Reputation Bonus, doubling your reputation gains! Make sure to log in and take advantage of this limited-time bonus as it ends September 17 at 11:59 AM PDT (GMT-7)!

New to Defiance? Never fear: we’ll be boosting XP rates by a full 100% from Friday, September 12 at 12:01 AM PDT to Monday, September 15 at 11:59 AM PDT (GMT-7) to welcome our newest recruits!

Log in and get ready for an awesome week in Defiance, ark hunters!

Defiance Renewed: Season Three

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/09/25/defiance-renewed-season-three/

Defiance Season 3

Ark hunters,

We’re proud to confirm the rumors: Syfy has renewed Defiance for a third season to be released on 2015!

The New Frontier is changing. Votan and Human cities alike lay crumbling under the force of terraforming weaponry. Refugees flee onto the frontier, and warlords rise to stake their claim in the chaos.

Is this the end of the Earth Republic? Will civilization descend into a new Pale War or will we rise above in a spirit of Defiance?

Explore an ever-changing world in Defiance now, and watch the stories unfold in Syfy’s dramatic television series in 2015!

Good hunting!

Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead

Aftermath is Coming

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/09/25/aftermath-is-coming/

Defiance: Aftermath

Hot on the heels of a bombastic season finale, the ark hunters of the Bay Area are about to be faced with seven new missions spanning all over Silicon Valley and Paradise. The Pilgrims of the Guiding Light reveal their final move, and the world is put in jeopardy once again. The assassin, Nujekpe, closes in on his prey, Eren Niden, and the criminal Melak Vor reveals a new plan to launch a war between what remains of the Earth Republic and Votanis Collective.

With this healthy serving of new mission content comes a slew of new pursuits, contracts, and events. The whole of Silicon Valley is under siege from Grid, Pilgrims, and Hellbugs; only the ark hunters can put a stop to these nefarious invasions. New enemies also pour into the bay with the Grid brining out their largest unit yet: The Inquisitor. These three-meter-tall monstrosities act as mobile artillery platforms. Deep within the three new story mission maps, the ark hunters will also face down Votanis Assassins and even face off with a new kind of Pilgrim zealot.

  • Seven new missions
  • Four new enemies
  • New Pursuits
  • New contracts

As part of our continuing improvements to quality of life, we’re also adding a mission replay for our season 2 missions and matchmaking options for the season 2 mission maps. Additionally, we’ve refined the difficulty settings for co-op maps so that high rating characters will be brought in line with the power curve of low difficulty maps. This way experienced players may join their friends in standard and expert instances without negating the challenge and fun of those maps.

Do you have what it takes to face the perils of The Aftermath?

Discuss this article on the forums.

Get Season 2 on DVD or Blu-ray™

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/06/get-season-2-on-dvd-or-blu-ray/

defiance_041513_1600

This week, the hottest loot in Defiance is all about the show! Season 2 is out now on DVD and Blu-ray in 3-disc sets filled with extra scenes, outtakes, and commentary plus The Lost Ones webisodes, Season 1 alternate ending, and more!

Get your copy and watch as Nolan, Stahma, and Irisa are pushed to their breaking points in an acclaimed season that launches massive new arcs for both the game and show.

Game Mechanics Update: Reloading and Perks

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/08/game-mechanics-update-reloading-and-perks/

Game Mechanics Update: Reloading and Perks

Ark hunters,

With our Aftermath update, we will be making modifications to the behaviors of some beloved-yet-broken features surrounding reloading weapons. Reloading contributes significantly to the rhythm of a gunfight and contributes the rest and fermatas that keep things interesting. However, there have been some long-standing inconsistencies in how reload works, and we’re going to even those out.

In Defiance, there has always been a functional minimum reload time. This one-second reload acts as an unbreakable barrier, like the speed of light, preventing players from getting lightning fast reloads. “But wait!”, you say, “what about the zero-reload Zagger!” And you would be right to ask! There’s a long-standing bug that allowed guns to be reloaded instantly if you modded it to be exactly a 0 second reload time. Anything else would properly respect the 1 second minimum reload time, though the UI could incorrectly display less than 1 second. This led to extremely overpowered weapons that others could never compete with. With the Aftermath update, we’re fixing both of those issues:

  • Weapons that had exactly 0 reload time will properly respect the 1 second minimum reload time like everything else.
  • The UI will also respect the minimum reload time and you will no longer see fictional improvements to reload when you’ve reached the lower bound of reload times.

This means that the beloved Zagger is going to be updated. With the reload limit visible and strictly enforced, it’s clear that the Zagger no longer benefits from its uncommon or legendary rolls. As such, we’ve altered those bonuses to turn the Zagger into a weapon that captures it original flavor and keeps it as a best-in-category sawed-off shotgun. The uncommon reload bonus have been transformed into a flat damage bonus, and the legendary bonus has been updated into an additional two slugs in the clip. This means that all legendary Zaggers may fire two shots before requiring their one-second reload. The legendary Zagger continues to be the best weapon of its kind.

zagger1

Additionally, we’ve been really bothered by how single-slug-reload weapons responded to reload increases. Or how they displayed reload time in general. Or how clip size improvements made them worse. (Extended magazines took longer to reload and therefore meant they could trigger reload bonuses less often.) We’ve updated our system for single-shot reload weapons so that they display their total reload time rather than the reload time for individual shells. Any time you see reload displayed on a weapon, that will describe the full time it takes to reload that weapon and extended magazines no longer affect that reload time.

This means that some individual shot reload weapons would result in ark hunters visually loading those weapons comically fast. Like extra silly fast. For any time that an ark hunter would be loading a shot into a gun faster than one shot per second, we now have them load multiple shot in a single action. This is AWESOME and has the added benefit of preventing your die-hard ark hunter from looking like a lunatic on fast-forward.

These updates put our reload system in line save for one big outlier: Preparedness.

preparedness1

Preparedness in its current form reloads a percentage of your stowed weapon every second. It maxes out at 10% per second, reloading a minimum of 1 round per second. This sounds benign, but it causes two unbalanced strategies. One is predicated on using two weapons which take a long time to unload and swapping between them rather than reloading. They take so long to empty that the stowed weapon is reloaded by the time the active weapon is dry. This removes the disadvantage of these weapons entirely as there is never a time when they are manually reloaded. A second strategy is to pair weapons with very low ammo capacity, like sawed-off shotguns or rocket launchers, and take advantage of the minimum one-shot-per-second reload of the stowed weapon. Doing this, an ark hunter may fire, swap, and repeat infinitely to keep firing with no downtime. This was never intended and bypasses a large part of the tactics in Defiance’s combat wherein downtime due to shield recharge and weapon reload play a significant part.

To address these problems while keeping Preparedness useful, we’ve changed its functionality to tie it to your equipped weapon’s reload. Preparedness now reloads a percentage of your stowed weapon’s clip each time you fully reload the weapon in your hands. This can be quite difficult to track, a problem shared by many triggered abilities, so we’ve updated the display of triggered effects so they display each time they are triggered. In the image here, our intrepid APS deliveryman has just finished reloading his Zagger, and therefore partially reloaded the weapon he has stowed.

preparedness2

These improvements are part of our ongoing mission to keep Defiance as the tightest and most robust massive co-op shooter on the market. Come explore the Aftermath on PTS, give us your feedback, and see for yourself how the New Frontier has changed!

Good hunting,

Creative Lead Trick Dempsey

Discuss this article on the forums.

We Want You For Extra Life!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/08/we-want-you-for-extra-life/

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Calling all gamers, friends, relatives, and pets with opposable thumbs: The Extra Life charity gaming marathon returns Sat., Oct. 25!

Join our cast of thousands of gamers coming together for 24 hours of non-stop adventure in RIFT, ArcheAge, Defiance, and Trove! This year, we’re streaming special events straight from the office, giving away new loot and prizes, and aiming to raise more money for children in need than ever before.

Joining is Easy!

You can register for free today at Extra Life, grab a spot on our team, and create a profile that friends and family can use to donate to your epic gaming marathon.

Extra Life Logo_White_v2

To sign up, just click “Join a Team” after choosing your registration level. Then Select Trion Worlds 2014 from the drop-down menu and complete your registration.

It will fill in a $100 fundraising goal, but there’s NO minimum requirement to participate – every little bit helps, and 100% of donations go to the charity hospital of your choice!

Playing is a Blast.

Pack your bags for a FULL DAY of all-out gaming kicking off Saturday, Oct. 25 at 8am PDT. We’ll be running special events, giveaways, and in-game activities the whole time. Jump in and roll with us throughout the day – or play anything you like – just keep playing and we’ll cross the finish line together!

Want to join without raiding your sleep schedule? Easy! You can log your hours early over several days, or you can even donate directly to Trion Team members – view our growing list here.

Rewards are Epic.

Extra Life 2014 is bursting with loot you’ll get for reaching team goals, loot for completing your 24 hours in-game, loot for reaching personal fundraising milestones, and more! Stay tuned for details on specific prizes (did someone say ArcheAge Starter Packs and RIFT CEs?) that we’ll post in the days to come.

And the Cause is Legendary.

Every year, Extra Life gamers and teams raise millions of dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals helping kids in need. It’s the perfect time to play hard for a wonderful cause, and we hope you’ll come along for the ride!

Defiance Friday Livestream: October 10

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/10/3285/

Defiance Friday Livestream

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be exploring Aftermath and the latest game mechanic updates coming to Defiance. We’ll also be answering questions asked by the community in the live chat!

Defiance Friday Livestream
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, October 10 at 3:30 PM Pacific
Duration: 45 minutes

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted 15-Day Patron Passes. See you on Twitch!

Discuss this article on the forums.

Halloween Arkfalls & Hulker Madness!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/17/halloween-arkfalls-hulker-madness/

2spooky4me

Ark hunters,

Defiance is in for one hell of a Halloween.

Starting Oct. 29, Paradise will be threatened by a new kind of arkfall: Hulker Hell. (Do you like Hulkers? Do you think they’re friendly? They want to play!) New jack-o’-lanterns appearing around these arkfalls hold a variety of treats … and tricks. Look closely at their smiles for clues about what they contain before you break them open!

Pumpkin Headgear

Keep an eye out, too, for special weapons and mods. New Blackened Hellfire weapons will rain from the heavens, including Assault Rifles, Fraggers, Quick Repeaters, Tachmag Pulsers, Blasters, and SAWs that will send your enemies straight to the pit.

In honor of Walpurgisnacht, these weapons are equipped with a new mod synergy: The Purge. It adds Crit Multiplier and nano-effect chance on critical hits, and, at its ultimate power, grants 10% life steal as well. Are syphon weapons a little weak for your tank? Then The Purge is the synergy for you!

But that’s not quite all. Samhain adds one final bounty: Legendary Hellfire weapons! Keep an eye out for the legendary Ghost Duster, Wolfman, Demon Hunter, Devil’s Advocate, Beelzebub, and Witch Hexer. These weapons are hand-crafted by the most devious beasts of hell, and they are looking for idle hands to be their playthings!

Not keen on all that murder and savagery? Fond of the little things in life? Fancy yourself a fine squash? Watch for the new pumpkin headgear dropping from Hulker Hell arkfalls. How did they get into space? Who carved them? IT’S HALLOWEEN IN PARADISE!

All these bounties are available from arkfalls through Nov. 12, but if you don’t quite get your fill, you may also find Halloween weapons, mods, and legendaries in our new Blackened Hellfire Supply Crates. Have a taste for hell-raising attire? Check out new Devil’s Carnival Crates, too. Each offers a random chance for exclusive costume pieces (Lucifer’s Knave, Hell’s Jester, Satan’s Harlequin, and the incredibly creepy “The Smile”) or a variety of devilish tools to spread the spirit of the holiday.

Happy
Halloween

Look for these spooky and seasonal detonators, rocket launchers, and infectors – all with the assassin synergy – or try your luck for a signature Legendary: Abbadon’s Touch!

Sometimes, you have to give the devil his due.

Good hunting – and happy Halloween!

Trick Dempsey
Creative Lead, Defiance

Extra Life Details & Rewards – Prepare for Oct. 25!

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/23/extra-life-details-rewards-prepare-for-oct-25/

Extra Life

Ark hunters, are you ready for this Saturday’s Extra Life charity gaming marathon? Each year, Extra Life raises millions of dollars for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and we hope you’ll help us make a bigger difference in kids’ lives this year than ever before!

Join us on October 25 at 8am PDT as we celebrate Extra Life for a full 24 hours. Prepare today by signing up for the Trion Team and checking out our Extra Life page: Friends, family members, humans and Votans can sponsor your day of marathon gaming, and you’ll earn a huge range of rewards for hitting donation goals.

DEF_ExtraLife_75_Challenger1_02

Extra Life 2014 Rewards
– Raise $25 in donations for an Extra Life Lockbox.
– Raise $75 in donations for a Blue Streak Dodge Challenger.
– Raise $150 in donations for another Dodge Challenger in Detonator Yellow!
– Everyone who raises an incredible $500 in donations will be entered into our Defiance Hero Drawing, and 25 Heroes (selected at random) will receive a 1-year Patron Pass OR a Recruit Pack + Season Pass combo – your choice!*

DEF_ExtraLife_75_Challenger2_02

*Plus rewards in RIFT, ArcheAge, and Trove, too, as you hit each milestone! Learn more.
*And everyone who plays Trion games for a total of 24 hours on the weekend of the 25th will earn a new title: The Benefactor. The count starts at 8am PDT on 10/25 and ends at 8am PDT on 10/27!

Event Goodness
Keep an eye out for the new Extra Lively Hellbug arkfalls featuring GOLDEN HELLBUGS throughout the event. Don’t let those bugs escape – they’re filled with delicious loot candy!

If you missed out on last year’s Extra Life weapons, you have another chance to get them this year. However, they won’t be hidden on a vendor; they can only be earned from completing Extra Life arkfalls and by killing the golden skitterlings scurrying around the battlefield. In addition, each Extra Life arkfall completed has a chance of granting a special angelic Halo for those who participated.

Last but not least, a special Defiance Starter Pack is available in the Extra Life Humble Bundle! You’ll get a 15-Day Patron Pass, Lockbox, Character Slots, ATV and more (plus other games and goodies including Trove® Closed Beta access and a month of reddit gold) no matter what you pay. It’s another great way to support a great cause as you play this weekend!

Good hunting,

Trick Dempsey
Creative Lead, Defiance

Spooky Pre-Extra Life Livestream: October 24

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/23/spooky-pre-extra-life-livestream-october-24/

Defiance Spooky Scary Livestream

Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel for an extra spooky livestream! We’ll be discussing Extra Life, Halloween Hulker Hell, and more!

Defiance Spooky Pre-Extra Life Livestream
Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
Start Time: Friday, October 24 at 3:30 PM Pacific

Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted three Tier 4 Lockboxes! See you on Twitch!

Discuss this article on the forums.

LOCK BOX SALE! SAVE 25-50% OCT. 23-26

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/23/lock-box-sale-save-25-50-oct-23-26/

This weekend (Oct. 23-26), ALL lock boxes at the in-game Bit store are 25-50% off!

Score some of Season 2’s latest fashions and gear with Corporate Espionage lock boxes, or roll the dice for a legendary weapon – and your last chance at the Respark Regenerator V ARK Shield jackpot – with 50% off Tier 4 lock boxes. Gear up!

Defiance Community Contributions

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/10/30/defiance-community-contributions-2/

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Defiance Community,

A band of intrepid ark hunters, scouring beneath the arkfall that struck The Rift have unearthed new treasure. They found a trove of information regarding the arrival of the Votans, a vast wealth of knowledge predating all known discoveries. Encased in a blast-proof safe, these defiant ark hunters found something else. They found outfits themed in the Trion colors of Red and White. They also found a warning: For use only by Trion’s champions in the time after the Arks fall.

Who is the “Trion”? What are these outfits? This may be yet another mystery whose solution was lost in the Arkfall.

However, members of the Defiance community who have gone, or go, above and beyond the call of duty will be the recipients of these outfits: the Trion Advocate and the Trion Supporter.

advocate supporter

The first two recipients of these outfits are well known to the community for their contributions:

Etaew

  • Server: Europe PC
  • Contribution: Etaew maintains Defiance Data, an excellent resource for everything Defiance. Check out his site – he periodically runs events and gives away lockboxes and other rewards!

DEF_Players_8x10_01_Etaew

Escyos

  • Server: North America PC
  • Contribution: Escyos maintains The Defiance Wiki, started in April 2012 and still going strong!

4

Congratulations, and Thank You, to Etaew and Escyos!!

And, for the rest of the community, be on the lookout for ways to earn one of these elusive outfits – there are many deserving players out there!

Defiance Community Hulker Hell Contest

Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/06/defiance-community-hulker-hell-contest/

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To commemorate Defiance’s first holiday event, and with the recent explosion of amazing shots from community members, we will be holding a very special contest with multiple winners per Defiance platform!

Defiance Community Hulker Hell Contest

We’re looking for the best of the best! Starting today and lasting until November 12, 2014 at 6:00 PM PST, we’ll be running the Defiance Community Hulker Hell Contest! To submit an entry to this contest, you will need to submit a picture of your Hulker Hell holiday experience in Defiance. Can’t take a screenshot? Never fear, we’re accepting photos, and we do encourage you to include yourself in the picture if you’re going with a photo!

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We’ve lured Phantasie into providing an example. On the left, you’ll see Phantasie in front of the local Redwood City Chassis that makes up the internal enviornment for Defiance! All of the Dev team and QA connect to these servers – there’s a Halloween Event running on them right now – can you tell? On the right, we have Kiwibird hanging out in front of one of the local Austin Chassis – with a Hulker Hell in progress!

This contest was inspired by the Frontier Corporation News Special Bulletin, which you should definitely check out! They will be continuing their coverage throughout the duration of this contest.

Instructions

  • Take a single Defiance screenshot or picture that captures the essence of the Hulker Hell holiday experience!
  • There will be three categories for participation! You may only submit one entry, so choose wisely! The categories are: PC, PS3, and Xbox 360.
  • Not sure how to take a screenshot on PC? We’ve got you covered! Just press the Print Scrn on your keyboard and paste it into your paint tool of choice.
  • Post your entry as an attachment or linked image on the official Defiance forums as a reply to this thread.
  • The image must be personally taken by you or you must be in the image and it must be submitted in a digital format (ideally JPG). No cheater cheater pumpkin eaters allowed!
  • Your entry should be “safe for work” and will be disqualified or deleted if it is indecent in nature. As a rule of thumb: if you have to ask, it’s probably not okay!
  • Click here for the official Defiance Community Hulker Hell Contest rules.

Prizes

  • The Defiance Team will be determining three winners per Defiance platform! Scoring will be based on the following:
    • Creativity
    • Originality
    • Adherence to guidelines
  • One grand prize winner for each Defiance platform (PC, PS3, and Xbox 360) will receive a Defiance Hunter Pack.
  • Two runner-up prize winners for each Defiance platform (PC, PS3, and Xbox 360) will each receive a Blackened Hellfire Lock Box.

Duration

  • This contest starts Thursday, November 6 and ends Wednesday, November 12 at 6:00 PM PST (GMT-7), at which point we will no longer accept contest entries.
  • The contest results will be published about a week after the end of the contest.
  • Thanks for joining us for Hulker Hell in Defiance, we’re very excited for your submission!

    Defiance Livestream: November 14

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/14/defiance-livestream-november-14/

    Defiance Friday Livestream

    Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be discussing how Extra Life and Hulker Hell went as well as what’s coming up in Defiance. We’ll also be answering questions asked by the community in the live chat!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, November 14 at 2:30 PM Pacific
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted 15-Day Patron Passes. See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Free-to-Play Launches on Xbox 360 Tomorrow

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/17/defiance-free-to-play-launches-on-xbox-360-tomorrow/

    Defiance Free-to-Play Launches on Xbox 360 Tomorrow

    Ark hunters, Defiance Free-to-Play will be launching on Xbox 360 tomorrow, November 18 at 9:30 AM PST (GMT-7)!

    Earn your stripes as a new recruit fighting for the future of Earth (or return as a seasoned veteran!) just in time for the Aftermath of Season 2’s events:

    • Download Defiance today and battle through the entire Bay Area and Silicon Valley storylines.
    • Discover the conclusion and follow-up to the Season 2 crossover storyline with our Aftermath update, coming next week.
    • Learn more about Defiance Free-to-Play from our our preview page.

    When Defiance Free-to-Play launches on Xbox 360 tomorrow, everyone with an Xbox Live Gold membership will be able to install the game free:

    • At the Xbox 360 Dashboard:
      • Using the Left Bumper, navigate to the Games tab and press A.
      • Select Search Game and press A.
      • Enter “Defiance” and select the Defiance search result.
      • Select the Defiance image and press A.
      • Select Download and follow the prompts (where you want to install to, etc).
    • Once the Pending Download is complete, open the Xbox 360 Dashboard again.
      • Using the Left Bumper Switch to the Home tab.
      • Select Recent and press A.
      • Select Defiance and press A.
      • Select Play Now.
    • FYI:
      • You can also Pin the Defiance game to your My Pins or you can find it under My Games.
      • Once you run Defiance, you will then download the newest Defiance patch to get you completely up to date.
      • If you have already installed the disc-based version and have the newest patch there, you will not need to reload the Defiance specific patch again as the digital version will recognize it.

    Are you a returning veteran? All Defiance owners will enjoy more character slots, loadouts, ark keycode capacity, and inventory slots than free-to-play accounts. For those looking to expand what they already have, we’ll even be offering increases to these limits. Defiance owners will have the following on their account when Defiance Free-to-Play launches:

    • Character Slots Base: 4
    • Loadouts Base: 5
    • Ark Keycode Base: 75
    • Inventory Slots Base: 70
    • 30-Day Paradise Patron Pass
    • Grant of 1000 Arkforge
    • Existing characters will retain any extra Character, Inventory, Loadout and Ark Keycode capacity they already have above the base numbers listed here.

    We look forward to seeing you in this brave new frontier, ark hunters!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Thanksgiving on the New Frontier

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/17/thanksgiving-on-the-new-frontier/

    Thanksgiving on the New Frontier

    Ark hunters,

    It’s time for the annual fall harvest in the New Frontier, and that can only mean one thing: THANKSGIVING! This resilient holiday tradition is celebrated in the lands that were once North America, though there is some dispute regarding the exact date used to celebrate it. Heck, the Votans even argue that Earthkind’s insistence on using a calendar that was a propaganda tool for the long-fallen Roman Empire shows our ties to our primitive past. Regardless, it’s Thanksgiving in Paradise, and it’s time for a doozy of a celebration!

    Turkeys, those resilient and delicious birds, managed to survive the apocalypse against all odds. In fact, the Wild Turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) has even adapted to a migratory pattern which can cross the Storm Divide. For a couple of bountiful weeks, the birds can be found grazing even on the West Coast! Keep an eye out for turkeys, live and otherwise, across Paradise, San Francisco, and Silicon Valley!

    Unfortunately for those celebrating this festive holiday, the mutants from the former EMC have come forth with their own bizarre celebratory traditions. They seem convinced that Thanksgiving is a celebration of genocide and extermination, and they’ve set out to prove it. Keep an eye out for massive hordes of Biomen and mutants assaulting the bay during their “New Frontier Harvest” as they amass around arkfalls and challenge all comers.

    Don’t worry, gentle ark hunters, you won’t be caught flat-footed by their assaults. Some keen machinist, who wishes to remain anonymous, has designed a weapon to fight against these deadly opponents: The Gobbler. By combining the natural prowess of the elegant Turkeys of the Frontier with deadly Votan technology, this ingenious machinist has created a rocket-delivered payload of rage-infused Turkeys to destroy those that threaten the peace and civility of the New Frontier. When asked for a comment, the anonymous machinist was heard to cackle: “Look at ‘em go! Murderous turkeys! Brilliant!”

    Not only will ark hunters have access to the Gobbler during the New Frontier Harvest event, but they will also have access to a brand-new synergy: The Plate Slicer! This synergy specializes in destroying armor and rewarding the destruction of armor. As you rip the armor plates from your enemies, you gain further armor durability damage bonuses, a chance to fully reload your weapon, and, finally, a stack of ablative armor to protect yourself. Plate Slicer weapons and mods will drop from the New Frontier Harvest end rewards and enemies throughout the event.

    If you’ve not had your fill of armor-destroying power, you can also acquire Plate Slicer weapons and mods from the Cornucopia Supply Crate! Inside you’ll find epic weapons and a selection of deadly mods as well as a chance at unique jackpot weapons! On top of that, Cornucopia Supply Crate can also drop Pilgrim-themed outfits and headgear. By “Pilgrim” we do mean the Pilgrims of the Guiding Light. So, show your LOCI pride and cast your gaze to Alpha Centauri with the stylish pilgrim outfits.

    Now… no event is complete without a unique silly hat. In the tradition of the long-collapsed peoples of the United States of America, both the Cornucopia Supply Crates and the New Frontier Harvests have a special gift in store: a stylish chapeau called the “Buckled Capotain.” Relive your grade-school Thanksgiving pageants with this throwback to poor fashion sense from ages past!

    Good hunting,

    Creative Lead Trick Dempsey

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Play for Free on Xbox 360

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/18/play-for-free-on-xbox-360/

    Play for Free on Xbox 360

    Lock and load, ark hunters: Defiance is now Free-to-Play on Xbox 360 for all Xbox Live Gold members! Prepare for a surge of arkfalls, hellbugs, and hulkers to sweep across consoles near you.

    Just visit the Games Marketplace on your console to download Defiance for free and play today. Make sure to link your account to receive in-game loot and bonuses, and prepare for massive battles as new recruits join seasoned vets fighting for fame and fortune across the New Frontier!

    Everyone with an Xbox Live Gold membership can install the game on Xbox 360:

    • At the Xbox 360 Dashboard:
      • Using the Left Bumper, navigate to the Games tab and press A.
      • Select Search Game and press A.
      • Enter “Defiance” and select the Defiance search result.
      • Select the Defiance image and press A.
      • Select Download and follow the prompts (where you want to install to, etc).
    • Once the Pending Download is complete, open the Xbox 360 Dashboard again.
      • Using the Left Bumper Switch to the Home tab.
      • Select Recent and press A.
      • Select Defiance and press A.
      • Select Play Now.
    • FYI:
      • You can also Pin the Defiance game to your My Pins or you can find it under My Games.
      • Once you run Defiance, you will then download the newest Defiance patch to get you completely up to date.
      • If you have already installed the disc-based version and have the newest patch there, you will not need to reload the Defiance specific patch again as the digital version will recognize it.

    Already own Defiance? Everyone with a physical copy of Defiance for Xbox 360 (and a linked account) will receive special perks and bonuses as part of the switch! Owners’ rewards include:

    • Character Slots Base: 4
    • Loadouts Base: 5
    • Ark Keycode Base: 75
    • Inventory Slots Base: 70
    • 30-Day Paradise Patron Pass
    • Grant of 1000 Arkforge
    • Existing characters will retain any extra Character, Inventory, Loadout and Ark Keycode capacity they already have above the base numbers listed here.

    Good hunting!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance’s Aftermath Update Coming November 25

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/21/defiances-aftermath-update-coming-november-25/

    Defiance's Aftermath Update Coming November 25

    The Aftermath is almost upon us, Ark hunters!

    Starting Tuesday, November 25, new missions that follow the events of Season 2 and span both Paradise and Silicon Valley will be available. The Pilgrims of the Guiding Light reveal their final move, and the world is put in jeopardy once again. The assassin, Nujekpe, closes in on his prey, Eren Niden, and the criminal Melak Vor reveals a new plan to launch a war between what remains of the Earth Republic and Votanis Collective.

    The full patch notes will be live soon but here’s a preview:

    New Missions: Seven new missions, including three instanced missions, which challenge ark hunters to overcome the villainous Melak Vor, the assassin Nujekpe, and the nefarious machinations of LOCI. Do you have what it takes to stop the Arkrise?

    New Story Maps: Put a stop to Echelon’s machinations in a bunker deep beneath the Presidio, face Nujekpe and his mercenaries at Eren’s last stand, and delve deep into a huge arkfall buried below Silicon Valley.

    Thanksgiving Event: Do you have what is takes to face the Bioman barrage of the New Frontier Harvest? Do you want a full set of the Plate Slicer Synergy? Do you like weaponized turkey?

    Salvage Matrix Action – Reduce Rating: Reduce Rating brings the rating of an item down to match your current EGO rating.

    Perk and Effect Feedback: Triggered effects now display names or effects when triggered. You may toggle this feature on the settings menu with “Show Effect Names”.

    Emotes and Callouts: Emotes and Callouts are now available in the Quick Menu!

    See you in Paradise!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Thanksgiving Sale Extravaganza – Save 50%!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/25/thanksgiving-sale-extravaganza/

    Thanksgiving Sale Extravaganza – Save 50%!

    An arkfall of savings has arrived in Defiance! Now through Monday, December 1 all Starter Packs, DLC Packs, Season Pass, and Lock Boxes are 50% off– including Thanksgiving Cornucopia Supply Crates from the New Frontier Harvest.

    Thanksgiving in Paradise

    Turkeys, mutants, and Biomen star in our first-annual Thanksgiving event, live November 26 through December 10! Gobble up new Pilgrim outfits and headgear from Cornucopia Crates – and carve through Harvest enemies to earn new weapons and mods with the Plate Slicer synergy. Mmm, melting armor!

    Need Bits for new Boxes? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    The Aftermath has Arrived!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/11/25/the-aftermath-has-arrived/

    The Aftermath has Arrived!

    Defiance Season 2 has not gone quietly into the night! Silicon Valley has fallen under siege by waves of new Grid, Pilgrims, and Hellbugs. Meanwhile, the assassin Nujekpe hunts Eren Niden, and the criminal Melak Vor works to start a war between what remains of the Earth Republic and Votanis Collective.

    Welcome, ark hunters, to The Aftermath – a game update packed with new enemies, Pursuits, Contracts, and missions that pick up where Season 2 left off. As massive Grid Inquisitors and Votanis Assassins threaten life on the New Frontier, the Pilgrims of the Guiding Light prepare to throw the entire world into chaos.

    Are you prepared to stop them?

    Learn more about The Aftermath in our preview post and join the battle today!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: December 4

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/04/defiance-developer-qa-december-4-2/

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    Hello again ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A.

      1. What clan features are planned for the future?

        The big clan feature that is incoming is part of the “Mass Invite”. We’re developing a feature which will allow you to invite all your friends, or all your clan mates, or everyone within 60 meters of you to join a map your are in or queued for. This will make it much easier to fill out a Warmater instance, for example.

      2. Will private instances still give rewards like public instances?

        Indeed they will. They will give identical rewards.

      3. Are there any new vehicles planned for Defiance?

        We are not working on any presently since we’re focusing on other content.

      4. Can the mute button be made to work permanently, so once you put someone on mute they stay that way?

        We have an engineer looking into this.

      5. How does one reach the EGO cap without doing PvP?

        Max out your EGO points, every weapon skill, and every vehicle skill. Join a clan with maxed out activities. Participate with those clan members to complete the social pursuits. Complete every other non-PvP pursuit. Your EGO rating will be 5900, which is the cap. The trickiest part will probably be getting the Cerberus skill and pursuits, which you’ll have to do at Explosions 101.

      6. What’s on the horizon for Defiance after Aftermath?

        We’ve got two updates coming up soon: one small and one big. Our Christmas update and our first Season 3 update. The Christmas update will bring several UI and convenience features, updates to the Silicon Valley events, and, of course, a Christmas-themed arkfall or two. Our first season 3 patch is bringing a host of new features and content that will challenge both experienced and inexperienced players. It will also add a new form of progression to further allow players to customize their experience and style.

      7. Trick mentioned that he was considering implementing something like cybernetic augmentation, is that still under consideration?

        Indeed it is. We’re calling them “Cyber Rigs”.

      8. Will there be a Christmas event like the Halloween and Thanksgiving ones?

        Yes!

      9. Are the Devs getting us anything for Christmas in Defiance?

        How do you feel about Reindeer Antlers? Volge? Creepy Christmas helmets?

      10. This is important. What’s the best way to cook a ham?

        I’m fond of Alton Brown’s “City Ham” recipe. I’m a sucker for both brown sugar and bourbon. Also, it’s covered in crushed ginger snaps! What’s not to like?

      11. Users would like to be able to obtain all 4 starter outfits on their characters. Is this something that could be implemented?

        Probably. It would be pretty easy to implement, really, but we’d want to make the requirements more satisfying than just one of our regular pursuits. We might add them as a drop in our first Season 3 content. Or maybe hook them to a new co-op pursuit. Hmm…

      12. Are the Major Mutant Ark Falls going to stay after the Thanksgiving event?

        They are not. They may reappear, albeit modified, in a future event.

      13. Can we get a small amount of Arkforge when we salvage a legendary weapon? They’re so rare it’s a shame when we have to sell one.

        It’s an interesting idea. We’re looking into ways to make breaking down items, particularly special ones, more valuable. That includes finding additional uses for salvage so it’s more valuable, but there’s also the possibility that special items could break down into something that has other interesting uses.

    If you have any questions you’d like to ask our Defiance Devs, now is your chance! Questions are being pulled from our official forums right now.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance in 2015: From The Rock to the Rockies

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/11/defiance-in-2015-from-the-rock-to-the-rockies/

    Defiance in 2015: From The Rock to the Rockies

    Ark hunters,

    This year has seen more than Season 2, wearing squashes on our heads, and arming ourselves with weirdly deadly turkeys. Defiance has also gone free-to-play on PS3, Xbox 360, and Windows PC. This brought a horde of new ark hunters to the bay area during a time of great change. There are more big changes coming to the bay, and only the most resilient ark hunters will be able to face them.

    Hot on the heels of the Aftermath update and our Thanksgiving event, we’re unleashing something special for the holidays: The Volge are rallying for a Solstice Strike! They will drop out of the sky with the hope of turning our longest night into Earthkind’s last stand.

    In future updates, the invasions in Silicon Valley are undergoing a major revamp with clearer objectives, special gear drops, and improved enemy behaviors. We’re also bringing improvements to the gear modding process and to many of the boosts in the game. Have you ever wanted to carry more bullets? Soon you can! (Bullets are great: they kill Volge. Did I mention that VOLGE WILL BE FALLING FROM THE SKY?)

    A new year also brings new challenges. With Manhattan destroyed, the seat of power for the Earth Republic has been shattered and masses of people are now moving away from populated areas. Earth’s tenuous grasp at rebuilding civilization may finally fall apart. However, Ara Shondu and Noah Grant won’t let that happen. They’ve put up a beacon for all the displaced people of the frontier: The Rock. They’ve opened up Alcatraz Island to welcome immigrants to the bay area as ark hunters set out to clear safe spaces for Earthkind habitation.

    The Alcatraz update will also debut Expeditions: progressively harder procedurally-generated instances which challenge hunters to risk their winnings to take their chances at harder and more rewarding content. Not only do these Expeditions offer a chance to earn increased arkforge and keycodes, they also offer a chance to acquire ark tech weapons and gear with new and unique properties. Though they start off weak, they can be upgraded into the most powerful weapons in the New Frontier. On top of that, ark hunters will return from Expeditions sporting new cybernetic augmentations: Cyber Rigs. By socketing versatile Augments into Cyber Rigs, you can increase your power and unlock special abilities.

    That’s just the first offering 2015 has for the New Frontier. Valentine’s Day, Armistice Day, and Season 3 are all on the horizon, and each will bring new threats to – and opportunities for – all of Earthkind. Do you have what it takes to go from The Rock to the Rockies?

    Good hunting,

    Trick Dempsey
    Creative Lead, Defiance

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: December 12

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/12/defiance-developer-qa-december-12/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Hello again ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A.

      1. What are the current priorities for the Defiance team?

        In no particular order we are focused on:

          – Server stability, lag, and clearing up crashes
          – The Holiday Event
          – UI Improvements
          – Fixing the issues with enemy scaling (power rating)
          – The next major update, slated for early Q1 2015.

      2. Will we see weekend/week long events running in between the holiday events with regular synergy weapon/mod drops?

        The Holiday event will run for two weeks. We have a bonus weekend planned shortly after that event ends (more details to follow).

      3. In the future, will we see more events that drop a specific synergy type?

        More than likely. We’re happy how they’ve played out with the recent holiday events.

      4. We know we will have further crossover content in the game, but will we get more crossover content in the show as well?

        Indeed! We’re working out all of the details now. We’ve got some game factions which may appear in the show, and we’re discussing some tie-ins to our new content as well.

      5. Any update on private instances, bit gifting?

        Private instances are in progress right now, and we are aiming to release them early in the new year. We are not currently working on bit gifting because other features are taking priority.

      6. Great job with the vehicle fix, any plans to work on full friends list issues? Such as still receiving invites, friends being removed, sending a message to the inviter letting them know the list is full?

        While digging into Clan list issues, we found a slew of failure points like you’ve described. We have a number of fixes going in to address Friend and Clan issues, and we’ll be rolling them out as each one is ready. (Many of them don’t even require a patch on the client side, so we’ll be able to deploy the fixes quickly once they are verified.)

      7. When will the PS3 store overcharging issue be addressed? It is showing prices as if everyone has a Patron Pass (or something) which means that when a person buys something, you end up paying full price for something specifically shown in the store to be of a lower price. For instance, a 680 Bit outfit is listed as 612 Bits, yet still takes a full 680 Bits from the player.

        There is a bug where a small number of players who had Patron Pass at one point, but no longer do, are shown the discounted price in the store (even though they shouldn’t be getting it). Customer Service will fix this issue if it happens to you. However this is not a global issue. It only happens rarely. You can see this post for more details.

      8. Will we be allowed to trade arkforge in the future?

        That’s not currently planned.

      9. Will we have the option to queue for multiple co-op events in the future? Waiting for a single event is frustrating when you just want to play any!

        I KNOW, RIGHT? We had to temporarily shelve our Quickmatch update which was intended for our next large update, but it’s still on the queue to be worked on. We, too, would like to see players be able to queue for multiple events and be guaranteed to hop in quickly. We do have one improvement which should streamline the process considerably: mass invite. You’ll be able to mass invite your friends, your clan mates, and/or everyone in your immediate area.

      10. Any news on new races to play?

        We shelved the Indogene for later use. We had hoped to unleash them along with Cyber-rigs since it is thematically appropriate, but we held off on it since we wanted them to have a more significant impact than just be a new skin. We have not decided on when we will be introducing a new race.

      11. Will Blitzer’s ever get the firebomb attack across all difficulty tiers?

        Probably not. The Molotov attack can be VERY impractical in many Raider fights. When Blitzers have it, they take away a lot of what makes Rioters special. (Rioters are “cover flushers” much like Cleavers and Smelters.) We’re currently looking at making a special Raider with the Molotov ability, but it won’t appear in swarms like the Blitzers do.

      12. Are there any new weapon types planned?

        Not in the near term, but it’s a long term goal.

      13. Any chance of seeing a return of self-revive rolls on guns?

        Actually… yes. We’ve hinted at Expeditions in our recent letter, and Self-Revive bonuses will be HIGHLY desirable for those events. As such, they will be making a return in some form or another. (Weapons, Cyber-rigs, and Synergies are all being considered.)

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    FCN News Bulletin Report: Team Evil

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/15/fcn-news-bulletin-report-team-evil/

    Ark hunters,

    Not long ago, during a certain Hulker Hell Halloween event, a few good ark hunters shared a special story on our forums. We’d like to share their story with you.

    As you may remember, Team Evil is the group of pumpkin-helmet-wearing miscreants who escaped from the psycho ward of Vegas Prison. Despite the best efforts of our law keepers, they’d harassed the good citizens of Paradise since Halloween night!

    These criminals raised quite an army – one that was documented by Belle Starr and other intrepid ark hunters in a series of very disturbing shots….

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    Freshly escaped from Vegas Prison.

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    What evil did they intend? It looks like they’ve found our headquarters. Could it be that they’ve been trying to keep Christmas from coming?

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    Rumors had it their pumpkin helmets acted like sentient EGOs that, along with experimental Hellfire weapons from the research ark, were designed to create an army of alien berserkers.

    We’ve attempted to confirm these reports with Creative Lead Trick Dempsey, but his fortified bunker was sealed tight. From deep within we could hear the sound of gunfire and the eerie refrain of “Rudolph with your nose so bright…” over and over again. Team Evil has disappeared, and any members who were caught have had their crimes forgiven due to temporary insanity!

    The best news of all? They failed to sabotage Christmas: Solstice Strike is still on the way!

    Holidays Arrive in New Paradise Solstice Celebration

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/17/holidays-arrive-in-new-paradise-solstice-celebration/

    Holidays Arrive in New Paradise Solstice Celebration!

    Ark hunters,

    Winter can be a trying time for the denizens of the New Frontier. The daily struggle for food and water is complicated by the dangers of exposure. The frontier has a cold, unforgiving heart, and winter lets that frigidity pour out. This is why the people of Paradise still celebrate the old Solstice traditions of feasts, fun, and warm fires. Who could protest such joviality?

    The Volge.

    If you wanted to know, Volge hate fun. If you think you’ve seen an angry Volge, wait until you’ve seen a Volge covered in snow. Cranky.

    We figured if the Volge were dead-set on crashing our Solstice celebrations, we’d just have to make them a part of it – along with a new line of Radiant Solstice weapons that use radiation damage to cut through those hardened Volge hides and dive right to their hearts. (Don’t worry, their hearts won’t be growing three sizes larger. Their hearts will stop. I assure you. If the irradiated bullets don’t finish the job, then the Saturnalia synergy will. It’s like a party and every bullet is invited.)

    In addition to the Celebration’s Solstice Strike arkfalls, festive outfits, and heaps of seasonal loot, Ara Shondu is offering a special bounty for ark hunters who are ready to face the Volge now through January 5. Stop enough Volge attacks, and you’ll be invited to Shondu’s Consulate to collect a gift of epic Radiant Solstice weapons.

    If you collect five of these gifts in a single week, you can return to the Consulate and collect a special present containing one of twelve named legendary weapons – and yes, you may notice a pattern…

    Paradise Solstice Celebration Legendary Weapons

    If you’re more interested in the peaceful side of this year’s celebration, the Tarr Family is sponsoring a scavenger hunt of a sort. Nine unusual reindeer have been spotted across the New Frontier, and the Tarrs will pay good money to anyone who can track them all down.

    So, my good ark hunters, the call has gone out. Find Dancer. Find Prancer. And, above all, find the elusive Rudolph with his nose so bright…

    Good hunting and happy holidays!

    Trick Dempsey
    Creative Lead, Defiance

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Solstice Strike Screenshot Contest

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/17/solstice-strike-screenshot-contest/

    Welcome, ark hunters! In light of the season and new seasonal delights, we’re holding a Solstice Strike Screenshot Contest! Starting on December 17, you’ll have a chance to win a Defiance Hunter Pack for the PC if your screenshot is spectacularly seasonal! Two “Runner-Ups” will be selected and will win a Radiant Solstice Supply Crate each.

    Solstice Strike Screenshot Contest

    Instructions

    • Take and submit a single Defiance screenshot that captures the essence of the Solstice Strike experience in Defiance.
    • Not sure how to take a screenshot on PC? We’ve got you covered! Just press the Print Scrn button on your keyboard and paste it into your paint tool of choice.
    • Entries are limited to PC users only.
    • No image manipulation is permitted
    • One entry per person. Submitting more than one entry may disqualify you.
    • Post your entry as an attachment or linked image on the official Defiance forums as a reply to this thread.
    • The image must be personally taken by you and it must be submitted in a digital format (ideally JPG).
    • Your entry should be “safe for work” and will be disqualified or deleted if it is indecent in nature. As a rule of thumb: if you have to ask, it’s probably not okay!
    • Make sure to review the rules!

    Prizes

    • The Defiance Team will be determining the grand prize and runner up winners. Scoring will be based on creativity, originality, and adherence to guidelines.
    • One grand prize winner will be selected and will receive a Defiance Hunter Pack.
    • Two runner-up prize winners will be selected and will each receive a Radiant Solstice Supply Crate.

    Duration

    • This contest begins Wednesday, December 17 and ends Monday, January 5 at 6:00 PM PST (GMT-8), at which point we will no longer accept contest entries.
    • The contest results will be published about a week after the end of the contest.

    Thanks for joining us for Solstice Strike in Defiance, we’re very excited for your submission! Happy Holidays!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    New Outstanding Community Contributors Named

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/18/new-outstanding-community-contributors-named/

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    Not long ago, it was said that members of the Defiance community who have gone, or go, above and beyond the call of duty will be the recipient of the Trion Supporter outfit.

    The Defiance community thrives with community contributions. The next recipients of the Trion Supporter outfit are well known to the community for their contributions: Fuzzy, Market, Batman, and CollapsN7.

    supporter

    Be it bug-blasting on our Public Test Server or the urge to go above and beyond when helping other ark hunters on our official forums, these members have all earned the Trion Supporter outfit.

    Congratulations and thank you for being pillars of the Defiance community!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Paradise Solstice Livestream: December 19

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/18/defiance-paradise-solstice-livestream-december-19/

    Defiance Paradise Solstice Livestream: December 19

    Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be discussing and playing the new Paradise Solstice event as well as what’s coming up in Defiance. We’ll also be answering questions asked by the community in the live chat!

    Defiance Paradise Solstice Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, December 19 at 3:30 PM PST (GMT-8)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end when three lucky, random livestream viewers will each be granted 15-Day Patron Passes. See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: December 19

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2014/12/19/defiance-developer-qa-december-19/

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    Happy Holidays, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A.

      1. What inventory improvements are planned?

        We have a few inventory changes in the works.

          – (Complete) Salvage Matrix access from Inventory – access all salvage matrix actions directly from the inventory screen.
          – (In Progress) Synergy labels and icons in Inventory – Appending synergy names to the items which have them as well as an icon to indicate whether that synergy is a loadout synergy or a mod synergy.
          – (Not Started) Tabbed Inventory menu – Adds tabs for different kinds of items based on weapon type, shields, consumables, etc.

      2. Instances mentioned in expansion announcement, will they allow more than 4 players?

        They will be designed for four players. The system is expandable to larger groups, but we’re building our environments to work for groups of four players for our initial Expedition release.

      3. Are there plans to see more world effects such as lighting, razor rain, or deadly meteorite ark debris?

        Not currently. We’re focused on the Alcatraz content.

      4. Will HD textures be added for PC in the future?

        HD textures are still on the back burner.

      5. Can you tell us more about what we can expect from the Alcatraz update?

        Trick and Scapes discussed Alcatraz on the Livestream today, and we will reveal more information in future blog posts and livestreams.

      6. Could we get an update on the future of Caeruleum Cores and other currencies?

        We will continue to have these currencies. We are adding a new currency, the Hunter Requisition, in the Alcatraz update. Hunter Reqs will be used to access Expedition content.

      7. Could you implement a “killing bonus system”? For example, every time you kill 1000 enemies of a particular kind, you’d gain a 1% damage bonus against them that would have a fixed percentage limit.

        Definitely possible, but not in our plans at the moment.

      8. Will any Defiance merchandise be available in the future?

        Trion Worlds doesn’t directly sell Defiance merchandise, however be on the lookout for merchandise becoming available from 3rd parties when the next season of the TV shows kicks off.

      9. Would it be possible to implement weekly or monthly code hunts? Something that would not hurt game economics and would bring back the thrill of discovery would be ideal.

        We are adding hidden ark chests and golden skitterlings around the world for the Alcatraz update. These will encourage exploration into the harder to reach places of the world.

      10. Will we see a boost to core drops in the future?

        Not likely. Caeruleum Core drops are designed to unlock access to top-tier weapons on a very specific schedule, and we’re in no hurry to accelerate that process.

      11. Will there be any new competitive/shadow war maps added?

        We are not currently developing additional competitive content.

      12. Can we see Emergencies spawn in groups together? Why are they so far apart?

        Since emergencies have such varying enemy populations, they are spawned far apart so that they will not enter combat with one another.

      13. Will we see more Ark Falls that we can go into in the future, and is it to far out to think that they can one day be randomly generated?

        We are developing additional arkbreak interiors as we speak. These new arkbreaks will be used in future arkfalls and expeditions.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: January 9

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/09/defiance-developer-qa-january-9/

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    Happy New Year, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A, and our first of 2015!

      1. What changes or features are coming next in Defiance?

        We are fully focused on bringing the Alcatraz update to maximum awesome! Alcatraz will include the new hub on Alcatraz Island, our semi-procedural Expedition maps, high powered “Ark” weapons and mods, and, finally, a whole new form of progression in Cyber Rigs. It’s a heck of an update, and we’ve focused a lot of attention at making it a fulfilling experience.

      2. What are the priorities for the Defiance team for 2015?

        We’re dedicating resources to new enemies and environments for our Expedition content and using that a funnel for a bevy of new advancement options. Our initial release of Cyber Rigs will only scratch the surface of their potential, and we’re going to be expanding that functionality as we move forward. This also gives us an opportunity to take the Defiance game story to areas outside of the immediate environments of the San Francisco Bay. Since Expeditions challenge ark hunters to visit areas which are ambiguously beyond the bay area, ark hunters can learn about world developments in Defiance through events which play out there. It is in Expeditions that the ark hunters will discover much of the aftermath of the destruction of New York and the escalation of aggression from the Votanis Collective. Also, during this season, we are going to reveal the rise of yet another nation-state actor on the New Frontier stage.

      3. When can we expect the next major update?

        The Alcatraz update is an enormous undertaking, and we want it to release at the highest quality. As such, we are holding on to it so it can spend more time on the public test server. We’ll be releasing details on that deployment shortly as well as special rewards for players who choose to participate in playtesting.

      4. When can we expect a fix for Defiant Few II?

        It should be in our next patch. We’re going to retroactively alter players who are in the bad state.

      5. What are some crazy Dev ideas that you thought of and would have liked to see in the game but were just not able to make final cut or were just to outrageous to be implemented into the game?

        Shooting from vehicles in the open world – particularly from the Raptor and from the Runners – is something we’ve wanted for a while. There are some relatively minor issues with animations and so forth if we were to implement it, but there are far greater issues from a content standpoint. There is only one event where players may drive a shooting vehicle against non-player enemies, and that is in a controlled environment in Explosions 101. The enemies have been greatly increased in number in that area (both times you get the vehicle), and they are entirely optional. If we were to add vehicle combat to the open world more globally, we’d need to take a few steps.

          A. We’d want to update the itemization of vehicles. We’d want to give them resistances and have some built for combat and some not. We’d add a greater chase and variety so players would have significant decisions in their vehicle progression.
          B. We’d need to update enemies to better handle player vehicles. They’d need some special anti-vehicle attacks and some special behaviors to make them run to cover to avoid vehicles. This would take a significant amount of time to implement on all enemies.
          C. AND THIS IS THE HARDEST TASK (Probably) – We’d need enemy vehicles. This was actually attempted a couple of times with varying success. However it was never handled in an efficient enough fashion to run with all the players we could have active at once. (With our huge player and enemy population, we have to be very careful about efficiency.)

        As it stands, we’ve put player combat vehicles on hold indefinitely. I’ve personally really wanted it for some time, but it is not a good investment for the Defiance team right now. After Season 3, we’ll evaluate the feature again. Until then, it’s just a beautiful dream.

      6. What new store content can we expect for the new year?

        We’re adding store content to correlate with the Cyber Rig and Expedition Content as well as releasing a fan favorite outfit and lockbox: “Special Delivery” featuring The APS Courier. That last one will be coming later in the season, however.

      7. When you guys (Trion) did the math did you exclude “In the Inner Circle”, “In the Inner Circle II”, “Echelon Contractor” and “Echelon Contractor II” or just the pursuits under the Competitive Multiplayer tab?

        When discussing reaching Max EGO without and Competitive multiplayer, we did remove those pursuits from our calculation. However, we did include the DLC pursuits, since that was not part of the previous questions as they were conveyed to the development team. So, to be clear:

          1. A player who has never paid for a DLC may reach the Max EGO level, but they will have to participate in PvP.
          2. A player who has purchased DLC may reach the Max EGO level without participating in PvP.

        Over time, as we add more pursuits for episodic content, the PvP requirement will slip even from non-DLC owners. For now, however, you must do one or the other.

      8. Can you take us through a typical work day at Trion? What’s your usual first dealings? Do you guys have meetings and spitball, or discuss what we post here and mull over them?

        We actually try to keep formal meetings to a minimum. We have task lists that we’ve agreed upon based on our upcoming feature sets. We have a small number of meetings each week which last under 30 minutes. One full team meeting every Tuesday to go over our status towards our next patch and any other business that affects the full team. We also have two smaller meetings for engineers and for designers. In addition to that, Rashere, Phantasie, and I (Trick) meet as needed any time an issue comes up where we need to reprioritize work or change estimates.

        Aside from that, everyone’s typical work day varies quite a bit. I, personally, come in early every morning and look over our engagement numbers on each platform before trying to get the bulk of my management and communication tasks completed before lunch. Then I prefer to spend the rest of the day creating content in some form or fashion. I try to dedicate some time each week to going on a massive hunt for reported bugs that I can squash or for organizing a playtest of new or old features to check for their completeness and for clarity in communication.

        Many nights, when I go home, I end up reading communications from our partners at Syfy or writing scripts for the game itself.

      9. Will we ever get an outfit piece similar to Ara Shondu’s?

        We may do one similar. Ara has a very limited movement set, and her outfit was built to support that. Since players make much broader movements, we’d need to adjust the outfit to match. (Tightening certain joints, etc.) We had one planned ages ago for the Castithan Charge pack that just did not make the cut. We’ll probably revisit a player version of her outfit when we next feature her more in our story.

      10. Any update on private instances/Mass invite option?

        It’s coming in with the Alcatraz update, but we may split its implementation across multiple updates. Currently, it’s nearing feature complete for Arkbreaks and for Expeditions. We may delay implementing it for Co-op maps and for Arenas. (Implementation for arenas would be delayed until we can better balance arena rewards. That’s a feature update we’ve wished to make for a long time.)

      11. Can we have multiple waypoint navigation implemented to the maps? Pretty please?

        We’d like to add seeing the waypoints of other group members, but we’re not considering a multiple waypoints for an individual player at this time.

      12. Any word on a time frame for the next time the EGO cap will be raised?

        It will be raised with the Alcatraz update along with some adjustments to the high-level player power curve. (This would behave much like our previous update to the 4500-5000 EGO range. We’ll have the details on that adjustment later, but it will be retroactive.)

      13. Are there any planned upcoming livestreams?

        Yes! We’re doing one next Friday! I’m hoping to demonstrate Expeditions, but we may have to restrict ourselves to showing off some other content. Hard to say. I REALLY REALLY want to show off Expeditions.

      14. When are we likely to see the weapons tuning pass, and can we have a sneak peak for the BMG changes?

        Currently, we’re working on updating weapon rarity bonuses. That’s nearly done and should be going to PTS soon. Watch for a more detailed forum post explaining those changes.

        For BMGs, we’re just starting to look at potential changes there. Obvious candidates include work to tone down the particle effects, possibly reducing the rate of fire to limit the impact on the servers, and looking at the tuning of the healing effects.

        Oh, we also buffed Blast Rifles. That change will hit PTS with the next update.

      15. Will the holiday arkfalls return in 2015? Will there be additional changes to these events for this year?

        Indeed they will. We’re already preparing for a special mid-February holiday. It’s that special time of year when Matrons and Monarchs show their love for one another. Which is bad for basically all of Earthkind. Like… really bad.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Solstice Strike Screenshot Contest Results

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/12/solstice-strike-screenshot-contest-results/

    We are very happy to announce the results of the Solstice Strike Screenshot Contest! Please join us in congratulating Altras, Untamed1, and Badprocess for their spectacular screenshots of the Solstice Strike!

    altras

    Grand Prize Winner and now the proud owner of a Defiance Hunter Pack: Altras

    Untamed1

    Runner-Up Winner: Untamed1

    badprocess

    Runner-Up Winner: Badprocess

    Congratulations to our winners and thanks to everyone who entered this contest! All prizes will be sent to the winners via Private Message on the forums this week. We do look forward to hosting more events with you in the future!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Get Double Arkforge Jan. 16-18

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/15/get-double-arkforge-jan-16-18/

    Get Double Arkforge Jan. 16-18

    Ready for a legendary weekend? Now through Jan. 18, you’ll rake in 200% Arkforge from Incursions, Sieges and Expert Co-op Runs!

    Upgrade your favorite weapons (or stockpile Arkforge for Alcatraz!) as you slug it out on the New Frontier – and be on the lookout for “Special Delivery” Lock Boxes bringing three new synergies, costumes, and a jackpot APS Courier sawed-off to Defiance!

    *Valid through 11:59pm PST on Sunday, Jan. 18. Excludes direct Arkforge purchases.

    New “Special Delivery” Lock Boxes are Live

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/20/new-special-delivery-lock-boxes-are-live/

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    When it comes to secure cargo delivery, only the heavily-armed couriers of the Armored Parcel Service are more dependable than a group of (well-paid) ark hunters.

    Now, thanks to Special Delivery Lock Boxes, you have the first chance since Defiance Beta to score a jackpot APS Courier sawed-off – plus 3 powerful new synergies, outfits, and headgear – to use while running your own high-risk payloads up and down the New Frontier.

    Check out all the new loot up for grabs below, and stock up on Bits today!

    Defiance Livestream: January 23 at 3:30 PM PST

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/22/defiance-livestream-january-23-at-330-pm-pst/

    Defiance Livestream: January 23

    Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be do a recap of what worked and what we learned from recent holiday events and will then preview what we have planned for Valentine’s Day in Defiance. We’ll also be answering your questions about the upcoming new game feature: expeditions!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, January 23 at 3:30 PM PST (GMT-8)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end for our giveaways! See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: January 22

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/22/defiance-developer-qa-january-22/

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    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A!

      1. When will the Alcatraz update make it to PTS?

        We’re working on Alcatraz currently and making great progress. It’s still rough, but our internal playtests of Expedition content have been a blast and we can’t wait to get them out to PTS to start gathering player feedback. We don’t have a hard ETA on when that will be, but we’re getting close. Besides, our next event –Colony Courtship – is on PTS right now. Go check it out!

      2. When can we expect to be able to view the synergies of the mods installed on our weapons?

        It’s something we want to do, but it’ll be a future enhancement and we don’t have an ETA.

      3. Could we get more details on the “hub”?

        Alcatraz Island is the landing point for Expeditions. Everyone that exits an expedition will find themselves dropped onto the docks at Alcatraz next to some of the standard vendors. Nearby, they’ll find vendors for each of the factions as well as stations to enter matchmaking for a variety of activities. Additionally, Alcatraz is a non-combat area. Weapons cannot be drawn there and no hostile actions can be taken on its shores. We’re also updating contracts which require players to enter matchmaking to point to locations on Alcatraz island where players can enter matchmaking for those events.

      4. Are there still plans to expand the Bay area, after the Alcatraz hub?

        Not currently. We’re focusing on Expeditions at the moment and plan to continue adding additional types of Expeditions post-Alcatraz.

      5. Are expeditions explorable (with no or little combat, or at least solo) or are they more like traditional instances like this games co-ops?

        Expeditions are filled with difficult combats designed to test the limits of player skills. While they can be entered alone, they thrive on drop-in cooperative combat for four players. When fighting against them alone, the deck is stacked against you. However, whenever a player is eliminated, they can be quickly replaced. There is no waiting for a full group; when you sign up for an Expedition it works to get you into the action as soon as possible.

      6. Are you working on a fix for the non encrypted legendary weapon bug?

        Yes, in fact server update 2.505 fixed it! On top of that, we will soon be retroactively encrypting anything affected by this bug so you do get the Encryption bonus.

      7. Is there going to be an update in the future to allow us to replay side missions alongside the main storyline?

        There may be, but such an update is not planned.

      8. Could we get a letter tab for the clan and friends list so we can look up more people?

        We found an issue where all online clan members were not passed to players when they viewed the clan screen. We’ve resolved this issue, and that fix will be in the Alcatraz update.

      9. Will there be any more character customization options coming out in the future? It would be great if you could purchase multiple hairstyle slots without redoing customization!

        That would be really cool, but we are not currently revamping character personalization.

      10. Is a personalized post event screen still something that is coming?

        Indeed. You’ll see it on PTS when the Alcatraz update goes live.

      11. Why was the decision made to have what are considered some of the best guns in the game with the Longshot Cannon, Ground Pounder, and Invader to be granted the Radiation Nano for the Solstice event? Why weren’t the lesser weapons from those weapon categories chosen to be the weapons selected for the event and granted the Radiation nano?

        Our goal for special events is always that the items dropped from them are desirable by the majority of players so we pick weapons that most players prefer when deciding which ones to use. We also attempt to not use the same base weapons too frequently, so we rotate through weapons as we make new events.

      12. Why are there no more Major Arkfall Impacts Sites?

        Major arkfall impact sites can be found in San Francisco.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Elite Lock Box Sale, 50% Off Until January 25

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/23/elite-lock-box-sale-50-off-through-jan-25/

    Elite Lock Boxes

    Incoming, ark hunters! Now through January 25 you’ll save 50% on Elite Lock Boxes at the Defiance Store.

    Save Bits as you tear into new gear and enjoy one last chance to hunt down the legendary Reckoning, a special Tachmag Pulser, before the new jackpot weapon arrives.

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    The Enervator: New From VBI

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/29/the-enervator-new-from-vbi/

    The Enervator: New From VBI

    Months of research in Von Bach Industries new labs in Silicon Valley have produced an incredible advance in Infector technology. We’re proud to present The Enervator. Expanding on the techniques employed by the Canker line of VBI weapons, the Enervator employs a modified version of the Grid nanotechnology to eat away at – rather than regenerate – the cellular structure of organic and robotic targets. This devastating development will eat away your opponents from the inside out.

    Due to limited manufacturing facilities in the Bay Area, Von Bach Industries is restricting supply of this legendary weapon to Elite Lock Boxes sold from the Defiance Store or lock box vendors throughout the Bay. The Enervator will also only be available for a limited time, so pick up your Elite Lock Boxes now before time runs out!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: January 30

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/01/30/defiance-developer-qa-january-30/

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    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

      1. Is the Dev team thinking of implementing any changes to charge blades in the near future?

        Not currently. Our focus is on Alcatraz at the moment.

      2. Could you tell the community more about the community moderator program?

        The Community Supporters will be granted limited moderator permissions to help remove obvious spam posts. Currently, their scope will not include actioning actual players.

      3. What are some of the things that you would have liked to have had in for the Valentines event, but couldn’t fit it in due to time or design constraints?

        This is gruesome, but I wanted bouquets of hellbug hearts. I wanted to not only have the hearts of hellbugs skewered on pikes in front of major game locations, but I wanted to task players with harvesting those hearts from incapacitated hellbugs. Then players would take that bouquet to any of the main stars to “declare their love”. Because that is awesomely gross!

      4. Are there any changes planned for the bug report system?

        There are none currently planned, though we certainly could in the future!

      5. Will there be a nanoless jackpot weapon in the future?

        If it makes sense for the weapon, that’s certainly possible. All jackpots are case-by-case.

      6. When will we get the ability to name our gear like you mentioned a few months back?

        There isn’t a release date for it yet, so there’s no word at present. We’re in love with the feature though.

      7. Will there be any features to work Expeditions into the private match system for people in the same clan, etc. who want to play together?

        Actually, yes! They were intended to be paired with Private Matches, but we’re going to hold off on Private Expeditions for a future update. (It complicates matchmaking, and Expedition matchmaking is complicated enough for one release, thank you!)

        Spectating will be a big no-no for the foreseeable future, but Private Matches are still in the plans for the future.

      8. There are concerns of thieves on the PS3 using a bug that freezes the PS3 to steal choice weapons. This was investigated, can you tell us about the results?

        While we won’t discuss scamming, cheating, exploiting, etc. publicly, we do investigate and deal with reported cases. The key factor is proof – we log everything – and will go through chat logs, play style history, etc. and if there is clear evidence the player will be dealt with.

      9. What’s your policy on scamming in game and what can players do if they’ve been scammed?

        If you’ve been scammed, make sure to report it to our support team as soon as possible. Scamming is where a player generally makes an agreement with another player that is not fulfilled and only benefits one individual. If a player agrees to give 10,000 Scrip for a weapon and the trade occurs but the other player never gets the weapon and the offender runs off with the Scrip, this qualifies as a scam and is actionable by our support team. We consider this a major violation of our Code of Conduct, and possible suspensions may occur for the player performing the scam. We will also reverse the trade, so you’ll get your currency returned to you!

        In order to protect yourself, please be sure to make sure perform any trades using the in game text chat system so that we can reliably track the agreement. This helps protect you and your trade.

      10. What does the Dev team have planned to promote map exploration?

        We’re placing Golden Skitterlings and Ark Chests in the world for players to find. A bit of a scavenger hunt with semi-random locations.

      11. Can you remove the encryption from named weapons like the Diablo?

        Most fixed-bonus weapons are built specifically for the rating tier they drop at. El Diablo, for example, only has bonuses up to the rare tier. It’s encrypted so you get the 3% damage bonus since you can’t upgrade the weapon anyway.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Updating to Version 2.6

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/04/defiance-updating-to-version-2-6/

    Defiance Updating to Version 2.6

    Ark hunters,

    Defiance is updating to Version 2.6! The patch notes can be found below.

    FEATURES
    * Love on the Horizon…?
    – Stay tuned for or next event, arriving at 12:00 PM PST on Monday, February 9!

    GENERAL
    * Corrected the issue that was causing NPCs to not scale properly in the middle of combat.
    * Slightly reworked difficulty scaling for better results in Sieges.
    * Players that go completely AFK in co-op missions will no longer gain disproportionate rewards, nor will they complete the corresponding weekly contract.
    * Fixed several collision problems
    * Updated the description of the Gunslinger cache to reflect the number of weapons coming from the box
    * Fixed a bug that could cause weapons or shields to lose their encryption status when claimed. This fix is retroactive, meaning all all legendary (orange) weapons and shields in your inventory will now be encrypted (and gain their bonus from that encryption).

    LOCK BOXES
    * Returned the FRC Birdshot Pump to the store lock boxes.

    WEAPONS
    * Increased Blast Rifle and Mazu Blast Rifle damage to bring them in line with other assault rifles.
    – The damage is actually triple what is displayed, as the blast rifle fires three rounds at once.
    – The “x3” will be added to the display in a future update.
    * The uncommon +mag mastery for explosive weapons is now properly +1. Previously, it had corrupted data and would be an odd value like +4.57 or +12.39.
    * The Stalker mod synergy now affects both weapon Range and Falloff Damage Distance.
    * Corrected the name of DC-7 Swimming Swan.

    WEAPON RARITY BONUS CHANGES
    * Guns can no longer receive multiple rarity bonuses of the same type.
    – Instead, the individual bonuses have been increased.
    – The overall damage output of most guns using the new system will be about the same, or slightly higher, than it was before.
    – The difference between a “perfect” gun and one with suboptimal rolls is smaller than it was previously, though, so more randomly generated weapons will be competitive.
    * Each sub-type of weapon (ex. Bolt Action Sniper Rifles, Charged Sniper Rifles, and Semi-Auto Sniper Rifles) now has their own possible bonuses which exclude ones that don’t make sense for the gun (ex. recoil bonuses on a bolt action rifle).
    * New +mag bonuses are percentage increases rather than flat bonuses so they scale better with the weapon’s base clip size.
    * These changes only affect guns that randomize their bonuses.
    * These changes only affect guns that drop after this patch.
    * For more information, please visit the Coming Change to Weapon Rarity Bonuses thread.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: February 6 at 2:30 PM PST

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/06/defiance-livestream-february-6-at-230-pm-pst/

    Defiance Livestream: February 6 at 2:30 PM PST

    Join Creative Lead Trick Dempsey, Game Designer Carble “Locarb” Cheung, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel where we’ll be demonstrating an expedition for the first time! We’ll also touch on the latest Defiance Season 3 news and Valentine’s Day event details.

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, February 6 at 2:30 PM PST (GMT-8)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end for our giveaways! See you on Twitch!

    Hellbug Season is Here: February 9-22

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/06/hellbug-season-is-here-february-9-22/

    Hellbug Season is Here: February 9-22

    Love is in the air, ark hunters. Hellbug love, that is, and from February 9-22, it’s up to you to nip it in the bud!

    Keep an eye out for new Colony Courtship arkfalls bringing Valentine’s “presents” galore crashing to Earth:
    – Battle through arkfalls for a chance to find an exclusive Heartbreaker weapon or mod.
    – The Heartbreaker synergy specializes in defense by providing effects that occur when your shield or armor break and a faster self-revive recharge rate, making it love at first sight for expeditions!
    – Look for one of three unique titles to drop from minor and major arkfalls.
    – Complete arkfalls for a chance to collect an exotic new Pith Helmet hat.

    If you just can’t get your fill of new weapons, mods, or outfits, head to the store to pick up a Heartbreaker Supply Crate. Within you may find the unique Night Porter outfit or any of three new pieces of headgear: the Pith Helmet, the Hellbug Tooth Hat, and the Hellbug Stalker!

    Whether you’re breaking arkfalls, heads, or hearts, it’s almost time to celebrate!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: February 9

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/09/defiance-developer-qa-february-9/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A!

      1. Will the Gulanee ever be a playable race?

        Although it would be pretty cool to play a race of pure energy, we have no current plans to add the Gulanee race as a playable character. Keep in mind that to stay consistent with lore, we can’t have you enjoy all of the awesome in-game costumes and that you would have to remain in a containment suit all of the time. Imagine how bad it must smell to be in a containment suit all the time. Think about it. Eww.

      2. Will we be able to port characters over regions in the future? For example, switching from EU to NA.

        Character Copy is a tool that we only make available to copy characters to our Public Test Environment. It is a manual process that does not scale well for use with the population of the live servers. Also consider that since it is an internal tool not designed for frequent use there are a few bugs with it. Bugs that we can put up with on PTS and internally, but would not be acceptable to players on the live servers. Finally, there are restrictions that are beyond our control when it comes to transferring paid content such as Season Pass and DLC. These are only some of the reasons why we have no plans to offer character on our live servers.

      3. Can we have the option to purchase more than 6 loadout slots?

        Currently we have no immediate plans on implementing more than the 6 loadout slots per character. This is something we may reevaluate in the future as more varying content becomes available that may require the convenience of more loadouts.

      4. When will players begin to see the inventory improvements/when are they set to be released?

        With the update to Alcatraz we have added right-click functionality in the Inventory screen. This will allow you to breakdown individual items, attach and remove mods, or upgrade the rarity. Keep in mind that Inventory and general usability improvements are always being evaluated. Unfortunately most changes are larger tasks than they may appear once we get in to the guts of the system causing us to delay the feature or forgo the feature all together.

      5. Is an auto-loot option being considered? If not, why?

        This is one of those features that sound like an easy win, but when we put it to consideration raises few flags that made us favor not implementing it. Among many other things, we have to consider our average players and how much inventory space is available to them during gameplay. As an example, it would be unfortunate for someone to participate in an incursion and forced to choose to keep up with the group or deal with inventory management because auto-loot filled up their inventory space. Having the feature as an optional toggle could be an option, but we would prefer to focus on features that a majority of players would use and enjoy for a consistent experience. In lieu of auto-loot, we’ve looked into making ways to better manage what drops players see and when they expire.

      6. Can you give us any hints at what is planned for Season 3 in the game?

        Season 3 focuses exclusively on Expedition content. We’ve planned a series of episodic Expeditions packed with new enemies, bosses, and environments which tell the story of the continuing conflicts consuming the New Frontier.

      7. Are there any plans to add context to group invite messages?

        As mentioned above concerning inventory improvements, UI (User Interface) changes as a whole are generally much larger tasks than they appear to be and get pretty ugly once we get into the guts of it. We’re not saying we aren’t considering Quality of Life changes such as the one you are suggesting, we just need to pick our battles on what will bring us the biggest bang (benefits the most users) for the buck (time).

      8. Can you hint at what is planned for Armistice Day?

        We do have plans for Armistice day, but that is still quite some time away, we will reveal details as time nears. For now you can keep busy with the Valentine’s day event Colony Courtship and the upcoming long awaited Alcatraz update. Those updates should keep you busy til then and before you know it, you will have your answer.

      9. When will the Community supporters get the ability to kill the spam?

        We’ll be getting them set up with moderator permissions this week.

      10. Will we have more Defiance contests in the future?

        Absolutely! We’ve been pleased to see such interest in them and are exploring ways to make it easier to take screenshots in-game.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Fight Colony Courtship with a New Trailer and Sale

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/11/fight-colony-courtship-with-a-new-trailer-and-sale/

    Fight Colony Courtship with a New Trailer and Sale

    Hellbug season is upon us and we’re calling for all ark hunters to fight their expanding numbers in new Colony Courtship arkfall events!

    Hellbug Season is Here: February 9-22

    To sway the battle in human and Votan favor, we’re also discounting the new Heartbreaker Supply Crate by 40% for the duration of the event. Remember, the only good hellbug is a dead hellbug!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: February 16

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/16/defiance-developer-qa-february-16/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Ark hunters, welcome to our latest Defiance Developer Q&A, populated with the questions you’re asking on the official forums. Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our forums this week!

    1. Will we see new EGO powers in the future?

    We aren’t planning to introduce new EGO powers, but we are looking at alternatives that would provide new, activatable abilities through other means.

    2. Are there any plans to tone down some of the graphic displays in the game? Things like the BMG beams, Crimefighter blasts or spikes.

    Yes, we do plan on reducing some of the weapons tied to heavy visual effects usage. We have already made a quick pass at the Crimefighter and reduced some of the camera shake and vfx slightly. A second pass at this will still be needed for the vfx itself. As for the BMGs it may take some time to deal with properly.

    3. Will the hair on headgear items ever be changed to match the color of our character’s hair?

    This is still being investigated by members of our team. We will update you as we make progress.

    4. Can you give us an update on what the team is doing to improve server stability?

    This is one of our ongoing tasks – we are constantly monitoring server stability and traffic. There are a few devs that are on call 24/7 to make sure services are functioning within expected limits. We have reports that help us narrow down when these spikes occur and help us investigate what may be triggering them to occur. The data provided allows us to make adjustments to improve the player experience.

    5. Are the new bonus roll mechanics going to be applied to Mission Reward, Vendor, and Named weapons?

    Possibly. It’s something we’d like to do, but it’s a tricky task to do in a way that doesn’t impact existing weapons. It’s something we’ll be investigating post-Alcatraz.

    6. What will be the Bit Store price for one Hunter Requisition, and will there be an option to buy in “bulk” for a discount?

    The price for a single Hunter Requisition is currently 40 bits, 5 Hunter Reqs for 180 bits, 20 Hunter Reqs for 500 bits. Keep in mind that 1 Hunter Requisition will allow you to play through multiple rounds of Expeditions as long as you do not extract or end the Expedition. A single round of an Expedition is designed to take approximately 20 minutes for the average 4 player group. As with all things currently on PTS, these are subject to change as we go through tuning and test.

    7. Will there be a maximum number of Hunter Requisitions that a player can have, and, if so, what is that limit?

    We currently do not have a cap on the amount of Hunter Requisitions available to a character. Also, remember that if you have a Patron Pass you must log in to claim your daily Hunter Requisition.

    8. Can Hunter Requisitions be traded between players?

    Hunter Requisitions are a non-tradable currency.

    9. Is the team looking at options for more ways for players to acquire Hunter Requisition?

    As with all things on the PTS, we are currently evaluating the data on how players use the Hunter Requisition currency. As it stands now, the current allotment is 1 free Hunter Requisition that all players can claim each week, Patron Pass players can claim a bonus Hunter Requisition each day. What’s on PTS right now is our starting point and based on what we find during testing, it may change.

    10. Do the Radiation perks have any effect on Shrill Grenades?

    Radiation perks do apply to the Shrill grenade damage as well as incendiary perks also apply to Pyro grenades. (Technically, the electric perks also apply to Flashbangs, but their primary benefit is not the damage.

    11. Not all players love PvP. In what ways will Alcatraz help players avoid it and still have a full game experience?

    The Alcatraz update will introduce Expeditions which are a PvE activity as well as increasing the EGO cap to 6000. Expeditions will have related pursuits that will help you acquire more EGO towards your goal of increasing your character’s EGO. On top of the initial release of expeditions, we plan on adding more expeditions & pursuits in future updates within the coming months. As in the past with Defiance being a Live game we will be adding new content and activities that will encompass players of all types.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Party with Trion at PAX East 2015

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/17/party-with-trion-at-pax-east-2015/

    Party with Trion at PAX East 2015

    Attending PAX East 2015 in Boston this March? Join the Trion Worlds team for a party celebrating the Defiance community!

    Follow up the first day of the show with a short walk to Liberty Wharf and party with us at Legal Harborside on March 6. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks, and giveaways. While supplies last, guests will each receive the “…And Taxes”, an epic VOT Mazu Blast Rifle with a special skin and hand-picked stats, as well as real-world loot. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity for face time with the team members working on Defiance and all of our other games. We’ll announce the latest developments with each game after which you’ll be able to ask questions and swap stories up close and in person.

    Mark your calendars and come hang out with us from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST (before the time switch to Daylight Savings). Arriving early is strongly advised as space (and giveaways) are limited!

    WHAT: Trion Worlds Community Party at PAX East 2015
    WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
    WHERE: Legal Harborside, 270 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210

    See you in Boston!

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    Alcatraz Preview: Expeditions

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/17/alcatraz-preview-expeditions/

    Alcatraz Preview: Expeditions

    Expeditions are new, evolving co-op matches that pit players against increasingly tough enemies for ever-increasing rewards. Our first three expeditions – The War Below, Stolen Purpose, and Hellbug Hunt – will debut with the launch of the Alcatraz update!

    Read on to learn more about Expedition challenges and mechanics, and stay tuned for in-depth coverage of their rewards in our upcoming Alcatraz Preview: Cyber Rigs post.

    Expedition Tiers and Rounds

    When you start an Expedition, you’ll be placed into a series of matches based on your EGO rating. These matches are broken up into difficulty “Tiers” to best challenge all ark hunters who participate. For example, a rating 700 hunter might enter a Tier 3 Expedition while a rating 5000 hunter would enter at Tier 19.

    Expedition Tier rating determines the power level and rank of the enemies you will face, as well as the quality of the gear you will discover in Expedition reward rooms (higher Tiers lead to greater potential rewards). The Tier you will start with is determined by the EGO rating of your group leader, so be mindful of the challenge you will face before entering. A word of warning: ark hunters are not boosted up in power to match the dangers presented in Expeditions, but high-powered ark hunters will be scaled down to face the challenges of lower Tiers!

    In addition to Tiers, a new “Round” tracker shows how many Expeditions you’ve completed in a row. After completing an Expedition, you will be transported back to Alcatraz to rearm, regroup, and purchase gear. But don’t dawdle! Once returned to Alcatraz, you only have five minutes to resume your Expedition run and continue your streak. Defeating your current Tier gives you access to the next while incrementing the rewards you’ll receive. The best gear in Expeditions can only be found on the third Round or higher, so be sure to return to the Expedition quickly or you will miss out!

    Hunter Requisitions

    Expeditions are not to be undertaken lightly. Joining an Expedition costs a Hunter Requisition – or “Hunter Req” for short – which are available both for Bits and as login rewards.

    If you’ve fallen in combat without an available revive, you can spend a Hunter Req to refresh your cooldown and continue the fight. Choosing to Extract, on the other hand, returns you to Alcatraz and ends your Expedition (though you can spend another Req to start a new run).

    Note: In Expeditions, reviving your fellow players now requires – and consumes – your own self-revive, which dramatically increases the risk, tension, and mounting difficulty of each encounter!

    Mutant Captains and Commanders

    Mutant battalions roaming the Badlands have seized valuable technology and deployed it to the field. You’ll need a mixture of resistances and shield-breaking attacks to face the Captains of their horde – terrifying variants equipped with an array advanced weaponry:

    – Scorcher: A specialized Cleaver armed with flaming knives and a deadly flamethrower attack. This is, by far, the deadliest melee enemy in the Badlands; equip fire-resistant gear to survive.

    – Fireteam Leader: These advanced riflemen use damage spikes to boost the offensive power of the mutants around them.

    – Engineer: As deadly as they are cautious, engineers deploy special shield spikes to boost defenses around their fellow mutants.

    – Incinerator: Some units operate with subtlety, but not the Incinerators – they are Bioman grenadiers who have traded their usual fragmentation munitions for incendiary rounds.

    – Battle Master: The most dangerous of the mutant Captains, these units specialize in defensive techniques much like Engineers, though they prefer shield boosters to spikes.

    In addition to these Captains, two new Mutant Commanders have arrived in the Badlands. Will your team of have what it takes to outwit the wily Engineer Marshal and defeat the indomitable soldiers of Jackson’s Chosen?

    Raider Captains and Commanders

    The Raiders have been learning new tricks, too. Unlike the mutants, Raiders take no pains to defend themselves, so focus on damage bonuses and kill or be killed!

    – Pyromaniac: A Blitzer got ahold of a plethora of incendiary grenades and now all hell is breaking loose.

    – Plagueblaster: Armed with infector rockets, Plagueblasters unleash hordes of infector bugs to savage their enemies.

    – Electrocutioner: Tankers armed with Votan rocket technology can not only blanket areas with cascading explosives, they can destroy shields with a powerful underground attack.

    – Anarchist: Rioters armed with Couriers blast bombs onto unsuspecting opponents.

    The Raiders have also promoted deadly Commanders from their ranks. The Badlands now suffer under the boot of Dekuso’s Offspring – younger descendants of their dreaded Gulanee crimelord – and riotous, adreno-laden Raging Hulkers.

    Hellbug Advanced Mutations and Bosses

    Badlands hellbugs have continued their process of rapid evolution and metamorphosis. In the latest hive expansions, horrific new hellbug warriors – Irradiated and Electrified Conquerors – and intimidating new archer breeds – Incendiary and Plaguebringer Artillery – have been spotted accompanying colonization hordes to their destinations. Even worse, Burrowing Hellions and Monarch Hivelords have destroyed settlements previously thought to be impenetrable!

    Join the Expedition

    Expeditions provide an opportunity to gain power never before seen in the Bay Area. Keep an eye on the Defiance blog for more details on Cyber Rigs, the exciting new technology ark hunters will find in Expeditions. It’s survival of the fittest out in the Badlands, and it’s time to see who makes the cut!

    Good hunting,

    Trick Dempsey
    Creative Lead, Defiance

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Meet the New Creative Lead: Carble “LoCarb” Cheung

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/19/meet-the-new-creative-lead-carble-locarb-cheung/

    Meet the New Creative Lead: Carble “LoCarb” Cheung

    Ark hunters,

    I have some much heavier news than my usual bluster. I am moving on to another project, and it is with a heavy heart that I leave Defiance. The New Frontier has been my home for four years now, longer than it has been called “Defiance” or even “The New Frontier.” I’ve seen it grow from a bleak post-apocalyptic hell to a world of hope and diversity overcoming the forces of oppression. It has been my most fulfilling project, and it will always hold a special place in my heart.

    I’m sad in particular to be leaving with Alcatraz and its Expeditions so close to release. Expeditions are something we’ve been developing since before the release of Arktech Revolution. They are, by far, the most engaging content in Defiance, and they are only going to grow better over time. In particular, they will be phenomenal on the shoulders of our new Creative Lead: Carble Cheung.

    Carble has been a quiet influence on Defiance since he joined the project near the release of Arkbreaker back in 2013. He lacks my bombast, but his skill and know-how are unparalleled. His work can be seen in many of the best encounters in the game, and he will carry his stellar design sense into every corner of the content for Season 3 and beyond.

    Don’t take it from me, however – take it from the man himself. Allow me to say my adieu by introducing Carble Cheung.

    Good hunting,

    Trick Dempsey
    Ark Hunter, Defiance

    ***

    Hi there fellow ark hunters,

    My name is Carble Cheung. Some of you may know me via the forums or PMs as “LoCarb” – yup, the guy in the orange hoodie who popped up in the last live stream. Before I continue, though, I’d like to first thank Trick for all of his contributions to the Defiance project – the amount of knowledge and creativity he has shared with the team has been truly inspiring.

    Now let’s talk Defiance! I first heard about the project in 2008 while working with the RIFT team – it piqued my interest then and has held it ever since. As with many of you, my imagination ran wild with the possibilities of what Defiance would become. For a few years, though, I could only dream about what I could contribute during my brief encounters with the game and show.

    Then in the fall of 2013 I was given the privilege of joining the Defiance team. Since then, we have released 5 DLCs and tons of additional content that keeps improving the game. You’ll find most of my recent contributions in our live Holiday Events – everything from “Hulker Hell” to our current pre-Alcatraz event, “Colony Courtship.”

    With the release of our free Alcatraz update, we plan on refreshing the player base (and rewarding you grizzled vets) with challenging new content called Expeditions and a new inventory chase called Cyber Rigs. These are by far the crown jewels of the upper-tier chase you’ve been asking for. With Expeditions, the challenge is real – as are the rewards – and we look forward to their initial release along with the many new Expeditions planned to launch in the near future.

    Speaking of the future: “YES!” we are planning for Season 3 and beyond. This includes updates to arkfalls, sieges, Expeditions, and more. Beyond that, a new enemy type is in the works, and we’re discussing ways to spread some love to our PvP players … along with the possibility of a non-instanced roaming Warmaster. It’s a lot to talk about, so stay tuned – I’ll be back with updates as we narrow down more details and specifics!

    It’s an exciting age for the Defiance team and our players. I look forward to spending more time with you on the forums, the live stream, and future community events (*hint* next one is in Boston). On behalf of the rest of the team, thank you for being a part of game and welcome to the future of Defiance.

    See you there,

    Carble “LoCarb” Cheung
    Creative Lead, Defiance

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: February 20 at 2:30 PM PST

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/20/defiance-livestream-february-20-at-230-pm-pst/

    Defiance Livestream: February 20 at 2:30 PM PST

    Join Creative Lead Emeritus Trick Dempsey, Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing LoCarb’s new role as Creative Lead and talking about the latest developments of the upcoming Alcatraz update.

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, February 20 at 2:30 PM PST (GMT-8)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end for our giveaways! See you on Twitch!

    DefianceData.com Interview with Lead Designer Travis “Rashere” McGeathy

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/20/defiancedata-com-interview-with-producer-travis-rashere-mcgeathy-2/

    Travis

    Defiance Data, one of our fansites, has interviewed members of our Defiance Team! With this series, you’ll have a chance to take a peek behind the scenes of the Defiance game. Unlike our Defiance Developer Q&As, these interviews will have a special focus on the variety of backgrounds present within our team and the Trion Worlds office environment.

    Get to know Lead Designer Travis “Rashere” McGeathy with this interview from Defiance Data and make sure to keep an eye out for more from Defiance Data in the future!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Alcatraz Preview: Cyber Rigs

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/26/alcatraz-preview-cyber-rigs-2/

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    Defiance is introducing Cyber Rigs – a new type of equipment – as part of the Alcatraz Update. These customizable implants allow you to push beyond your normal capabilities and ready yourself for the Expeditions that lie ahead. Read on to learn more!

    Cyber Rig Example

    Cyber Rigs

    A Cyber Rig is an implant that connects your nervous system directly with your gear, augmenting your natural abilities and improving your performance with weapons, shields, vehicles, and more. You can equip a Cyber Rig with each of your loadouts, though as with other gear, Cyber Rigs have an EGO rating you must meet before you can use them. (This rating does not directly impact the power of the rig and cannot be altered by the Salvage Matrix.)

    Cyber Chips

    Each Cyber Rig can house up to 16 Cyber Chips – modules that add charge to your rig and modify its performance to suit your needs. Charge is used to power an additional set of (up to four) innate abilities that come built into your rig. More powerful abilities require more charge (and thus more chips) to activate.

    Chip 1 Chip 2

    In addition to adding charge, Cyber Chips impart their own boosts to your rig. There are five different types of chip: chips that provide offensive benefits, chips that provide defensive benefits, chips that enhance your longevity in a fight, chips that provide miscellaneous or non-combat benefits, and keystone chips that enhance EGO abilities. Each type of chip has a unique shape and will only fit into slots of the same type on your rig.

    Chip 3 Chip 4 Chip 5

    Keystone Chips

    Most rigs are built for general-purpose use and have a fairly even mix of chip slots. Keystone chips are the exception: a rig can hold a single keystone chip, and even then, keystone slots only appear on top-end rigs.

    Some top-end rigs are also specialized for offensive or defensive combat. These rigs feature more offensive or defensive chip slots and related rig abilities.

    Wiring Up

    Many rigs come pre-slotted with a selection of Cyber Chips so when you find a rig, you can immediately load it up and start using it. To get the most out of your rig, though, you’ll want to fill up its remaining slots. You can replace any chip in a rig with another chip, but if you want to remove a chip without destroying it, you’ll need to use a special Chip Puller tool (available from the Bit Store).

    Getting Started

    Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips can be found on the bosses and mini-bosses inside Expeditions. The more difficult the Expedition, and the more consecutive rounds you’ve gone without extracting, the better rigs and chips you’ll find.

    Finally, your rigs and chips are not tradable, but they can be broken down into Silicon Shards. These shards are accepted as currency by a merchant in Alcatraz who peddles in specialized rigs and chips – visit the island after the launch of Alcatraz to see more!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Elite Lock Boxes 50% Off Until March 1

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/27/elite-lock-boxes-50-off-until-march-1/

    Elite Lock Boxes 50% Off Until March 1

    Attention, ark hunters: the Enervator Jackpot is riding into the sunset with this weekend’s Defiance Store sale!

    Save 50% on Elite lock boxes now through March 1 as you hunt down new gear for Alcatraz and Expeditions, including a chance at this Legendary Infector!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: February 27

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/02/27/defiance-developer-qa-february-27-2/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Developer Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    In light of recent feedback, we’d also like to cover some hot topics from the forums! Each player will now get 3 complimentary Hunter Requisitions per week, while Patron Pass owners will receive an additional Hunter Requisition each day.

    Solo Warmaster
    The change to have Warmaster always at Threat Level 10 is intended. Warmaster is end-game content, and is arguably the only “raid” content currently in the game. One of the lingering problems with Warmaster is that, because his Threat Level can scale, he can be easier to defeat with fewer players for the same rewards. It’s been a lingering concern since he went in, but since we’re about to let players spawn him at will for their own, private purposes, it’s time to address it. At the same time, we’re looking at his loot to make sure it’s appropriate to the now-locked difficulty of the content.

    Private Warmaster
    With the Alcatraz update we are responding to community feedback and we have decided to give additional functionality to popular DLC content that was released over a year ago. You are now given the option to create a private Warmaster or private minor Arkbreak interior, for the cost of 3 Hunter Requisitions. Take note that this does not take away the option to enter a public Warmaster. With the increase in the free weekly stipend from 1 to 3 Hunter Requisitions we feel that this gives the players a choice to face the difficulty challenge of the Warmaster for the larger groups or fight through our new Expeditions content for those who enjoy a more intimate group setting.

      1. Rashere was talking about looking into adding some of the outfits from the boxes into the store. Has there been any progress?

        Yes! We need to add a little code to be able to do it properly first, though. The way the system works, direct sale outfits are able to be granted to every characters on an account, but ones that come from a box aren’t. To be fair, when we offer outfits for direct sale that are also available in a lock box, they both need to work the same way. So, we’re planning to update the system to allow costumes coming from lock boxes to also grant the outfit to every character on the account.

        We need to wrap up higher priority work on Alcatraz first, but should be able to tackle this in the near future and we plan to have the Night Porter outfit be our first test of the concept.

      2. How can we get help if we’re having trouble with stability?

        Information concerning connectivity and stability problems can be posted on the forums here.

        Please post in the proper platform and include information on your exact issue. Keep in mind just reporting a random crash or disconnect may or may not help, information such as the time, timezone, and game location can help. The best pieces of information for us to use are reproducible issues with steps on how you reproduce them for your setup.

      3. Will bit store lock box outfits ever be account based rather than character based?

        That’s the plan. See #1 above for more details!

      4. Can you add a “do not disturb” option to block teleports when in arenas? It disrupts gameplay and is causing some frustration.

        We can look in to this as a general UI feature, keep in mind that the game is designed to be played with other players.

      5. Do you plan on increasing the Cerberus Turret damage in PvP?

        We plan on looking at tuning PvP in the future but we do not have a set timeframe for this, so please sit tight! This will include vehicle damage and vehicle hitpoints during PvP matches.

      6. Can we have a “Capture the Flag” PvP mode in the future?

        PvP updates are being considered but new game modes are not planned for the immediate future. We are going to take baby steps to tweak what is available now before jumping in to put in new game modes. Please keep in mind there is still no guarantee of new PvP game modes.

      7. In the past it was discussed that you might make it possible to obtain all 4 starter outfits. Has any progress been made on making this a reality in game?

        We are looking to put up the 4 starter outfits on the Defiance Store as soon as the Armistice day update. Please keep in mind that this is a planned date, and is subject to change.

      8. With the ego cap originally set at 5000 when threat scaling was introduced, the max ego boost you could get was 4750. It stayed that way when the ego cap was raised to 5900. Will the boost cap of 4750 be raised now that the new cap is 6000?

        The EGO cap is based around the EGO of the NPCs, not the max EGO of players. That’s also why its higher in Silicon Valley than elsewhere: the NPCs there have a higher EGO. We aren’t currently changing the EGO of NPCs when they scale, so we aren’t changing the max boosted EGO of players. If we change the scaling of NPCs, we’ll adjust the player boost accordingly!

      9. Do all players in the group have to give up a Hunter Req to play or can one member use for entire group?

        Every player that wants to join an expedition needs their own Hunter Requisition to do so.

      10. In addition to the current inventory filters, could there also be filters for rarity, Nano effect, and synergy?

        We have discussed additional ways to improve inventory flow, this includes filters and the like. With the Alcatraz update we have added a few such as the Inventory Salvage Matrix which allows you the convenience of modding and breaking down items in your inventory screen.

      11. Can the Salvage Matrix options for raising ego level be changed? Currently there is a restriction that prevents items from beings scaled up if they are within 1-99 EGO rating points of your EGO and it’s frustrating.

        Yes! We just removed the restriction that prevented items from being scaled up if they were within 100 rating of the player’s EGO. Note: increasing rating is a flat cost per operation even if it increases by less than 100 rating. This change is now live on PTS.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Trion Worlds PAX East 2015 Party Trailer

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/02/trion-worlds-pax-east-2015-party-trailer/

    Party with Trion at PAX East 2015

    PAX East 2015 is mere days away! Will you be in Boston for it? Join the Trion Worlds team for a party celebrating the Defiance community!

    Follow up the first day of the show with a short walk to Liberty Wharf and party with us at Legal Harborside on March 6. Attendees will enjoy food, drinks, and giveaways. While supplies last, guests will each receive the “…And Taxes”, an epic VOT Mazu Blast Rifle with a special skin and hand-picked stats, as well as real-world loot. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity for face time with the team members working on Defiance and all of our other games. We’ll announce the latest developments with each game after which you’ll be able to ask questions and swap stories up close and in person.

    Mark your calendars and come hang out with us from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST (before the time switch to Daylight Savings). Arriving early is strongly advised as space (and giveaways) are limited!

    WHAT: Trion Worlds Community Party at PAX East 2015
    WHEN: Friday, March 6, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM EST
    WHERE: Legal Harborside, 270 Northern Ave., Boston, MA 02210

    See you in Boston!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    DefianceData.com Interview with Senior Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/03/defiancedata-com-interview-with-senior-producer-rich-phantasie-barnes/

    Rich

    We’ve got another peek behind the scenes of Defiance, ark hunters! The fansite Defiance Data has interviewed members of the Defiance Team. These interviews have a special focus on the variety of backgrounds present within the team and Trion Worlds at large.

      Defiance Data: What accomplishment by your team are you most proud of?

      Rich “Phantasie” Barnes: I’m proud of what we did on consoles. A lot of people don’t understand the enormous technical challenges to get an MMO running on consoles, and we are now approaching our second year anniversary!

    If you’ve ever wondered where the name “Phantasie” came from, you’re in luck! Learn more about Senior Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes with this interview from Defiance Data and make sure to keep an eye out for more from Defiance Data!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    The Guardian Angel: A Shield to Die For

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/04/the-guardian-angel-a-shield-to-die-for/

    The Guardian Angel: A Shield to Die For

    The latest innovation in VBI shield technology is a true godsend for ark hunters preparing for Alcatraz deployments. Combining the legendary capacity of ARK Ironclad design with accelerated revivification, the Guardian Angel is the best insurance policy you could buy for deep-run Expeditions. With advanced specs and anti-radiation nanotech, this is the new high-end shield to bet your life on.

    Due to limited manufacturing facilities in the Bay Area, Von Bach Industries is restricting supply of this legendary weapon to Elite Lock Boxes sold from the Defiance Store or lock box vendors throughout the Bay. The Guardian Angel ARK Ironclad Survivor will only be available for a limited time, so pick up your Elite Lock Boxes now and tear through Expeditions in the weeks to come!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    DefianceData.com Interview with Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/11/defiancedata-com-interview-with-creative-lead-carble-locarb-cheung/

    LoCarb

    Prepare yourself for a very special peek behind the scenes of Defiance with this interview, ark hunters. The fansite Defiance Data has had a chance to interview our new Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung! These interviews have a special focus on the variety of backgrounds present within the team and Trion Worlds at large.

    Defiance Data: How did you start working for Trion?

    Carble “LoCarb” Cheung: One day in 2007 I bumped in to a former colleague who worked at Trion and told him I was looking for a new gig, I landed an interview the next day and I started working within a week’s time. The best thing was that during the interview I saw a lot of former colleagues that I trust and respected, it really convinced me to join the team then and that one aspect continues to keep me here today. We really work with great people here at Trion, I feel quite fortunate about that.

    If you’ve ever wondered what a day at Trion Worlds as the Creative Lead looks like, you’re in for a treat! Learn more about Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung with this interview from Defiance Data and make sure to keep an eye out for more from Defiance Data!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Bonus XP & Reputation March 13-15

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/12/bonus-xp-reputation-march-13-15/

    37-bonus_blog

    Prepare for a lucrative weekend with Double XP plus 50% Bonus Faction Reputation now through March 15!

    Whether you’re leveling through Silicon Valley, raking in faction weapons and supply crates, or hunting for the new Guardian Angel jackpot shield, this is the perfect time to stock up for Alcatraz!

    Happy Hunting,
    The Defiance Team

    Defiance Developer Q&A: March 13

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/13/defiance-developer-qa-march-13/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Developer Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. Vega: After Season 3 content is released… Will we get the option to play the game HUDless?

      We have discussed a HUD toggle option for the purpose of screen captures in the past, usually when screen capture forum posts pop up. The challenge would be for how that would work on consoles since they do not have the ability to take screen captures. We’d prefer to work on features that all platforms can take advantage of, so that would make this a lower priority. Also keep in mind that Season 3 content will be released throughout this coming year, the Alcatraz Update is the first free update for Season 3.

    2. Iceberg: Can LoCarb give any more details about the free roaming war master?

      We have been throwing around the idea of a roaming WarMaster as a new experience, one that was not part of an Arkfall or an Instance. Originally I thought about dropping the WarMaster at the end of the Solstice Strike event, but did not have enough time to polish that experience for that deadline. As for the Roaming WarMaster concept as it stands now it would most likely be one that has already broken his armor to play along the “escaped” WarMaster. This would be to keep the experience of the Summoned Arkfall version intact. We have to solve a few technical and design hurdles before we have the roaming WarMaster appearing in Paradise.

    3. Adage: Will the inventory cap be raised in Alcatraz or at any time in the near future?

      With the addition of the new expedition rewards of Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips we suspect players will be a little more pressed for space. With that being said there is a good chance the inventory cap will be raised in the near future.

    4. SirServed: Will weapons with no nano effect that can possibly have them ever be removed from loot tables? The current nano system in place really leaves no good reason for them to exist anymore.

      Not currently planned. While weapons without nanos lack the additional benefits inherent to the nano effect, they do more base damage and aren’t subject to nano resistances. Just like every nano has tradeoffs, a nanoless gun should be a valid choice for some situations too and we may make tweaks to the balance of different nanos (and no nano) to ensure that’s true.

    5. Holy Bahamut3: LoCarb, now that you are back from PAX, and are getting settled into the Captain’s chair, what are some things you want to see in the future of this game? We’re there any notes Trick left you for things he never got around to implementing? If so, anything in particular you would like to see as well?

      As for things I want to see I’ve hinted at in my first introduction letter. Without going in to too many boring details I will need to spec out things internally in terms of schedule to work out what we can deliver to our players within a reasonable time frame. I’d hate to bring up something that we would not approach until next year.

    6. Octobersnow: Will the chat in defiance ever get some love?

      We don’t have any immediate plans for new chat features, that may change as we think up of new features that may require chat updates. Was there anything in particular you were looking for?

    7. Nefarious: What’s the future of Incursions? What’s planned to make them better?

      As it stands now Incursions will not get any immediate updates, there may be some later on in Season 3 if we can fit that in to the schedule. Now that I think about it, it might be pretty cool to see a Grid Incursion with a mix of converted enemies.

    8. Grandpa Ace: The possibility of making the Durango’s carry four passengers (Including driver), or making the Raptor climb better and go faster.

      The Durango will for now remain a 2 person vehicle. Thanks for the reminder on the Raptor, and I agree it needs some tweaking to make it more fun to play as a group.

    9. Cryptic Effect: Could we get something else to use our ark salvage on, such as changing the nano on our gun rather than using the conversion mags and therefore remove the conversion mags from the game completely?

      We’re always looking for additional things for people to spend currencies on, including Arkforge, but we don’t have any plans to allow them to be spent to directly choose which nano a weapon has. The mods provide a purposeful choice and tradeoff: do you give up some other benefit you could have gained from that mod slot in order to change the nano?

    10. Punisher Illinois Blue: Will we get boats, subs, pond, lake, river, ocean based enemies someday?

      With not that much content or playspaces over water it would be unlikely that we will support amphibious vehicles and enemies in the near future.

    11. Fallen_Aingeal: It was mentioned in the last Q&A that there were no immediate or set plans for pvp, just that updates were being “considered”. It was also mentioned that “baby steps” were going to be taken in tweaking the available content. What type of tweaks are you thinking?

      With PvP it’s a bit tricky, there are a couple of things we would like to try like new game modes, environments, etc. Before we touch those we need to make sure the rewards are there, currently XP and other general rewards for PvP need a pass. Also as a whole the Echelon and other vendors need some love with their available merchant items. After we address those tidbits we would feel more comfortable sending you to play new PvP content.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: March 20 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/19/defiance-livestream-march-20-at-330-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: March 20 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Technical Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing the latest Alcatraz developments, changes to the in-game Armistice event along with a PTS demonstration, what’s new from the Defiant Few reputation vendor, and more. Got questions for the Defiance Team? Ask them in this forum thread!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, March 19 at 3:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end for our giveaways! See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: March 23

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/23/defiance-developer-qa-march-23/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums this week!

    1. WhiteStrike: Will Echelon rep get a use in the near future?

      The goal is to revisit each reputation vendor and update them over time. We are starting this with the Defiant Few. With the coming Armistice update we are updating the Defiant Few Supply Crate with Mark II versions of the existing guns. For fans of the existing Defiant Few guns they will remain in a Legacy box.

    2. beerninja: When can we expect a buff on Cerberus collision damage? Increasing the raw collision damage seems like it would be easier than fixing the broken vehicle scaling and would be a good temporary fix.

      You are correct, vehicle damage on the Cerberus is a bit out of wack. We will have to evaluate this as we look at this and other vehicles like the raptor which moves slower than it should (which ends up not very fun for a party vehicle).

    3. Adage: Are there any plans to tone down the vfx on weapons like the Protector BMG, Crimefighter, Bloodhound, etc?

      It’s on the list to look at to see what we can do that won’t negate the messaging of the actual damage radius. The BMG is little trickier to address at this moment.

    4. Chris Robet: Are we ever going to get more mutant animals like Pows?

      Sorry Chris at this exact moment there no plans for pow like animals that are passive in the environment. Maybe we can do something in the future, a churkey?

    5. Holy Bahamut3: Will we ever be given the opportunity to add nanos to our blade weapons?

      With the way the data structure is set up for the blades it’s pretty difficult to have nanos on them without breaking them in other ways. So for now we will let them be.

    6. Fedbox: will we ever get another use for ark salvage (like rerolling nanos or synergy)

      Currently we do not have plans to use ark salvage for the ideas you mentioned, though we can consider those concepts as we bounce ideas around internally.

    7. Chocolatelover67: Will there be new game content / missions outside of the Alcatraz update?

      For Alcatraz the main content will be in the form of expeditions. We are currently looking in what form the to other content updates will be like over the next year. Being a massive online game with other players I would favor towards making content that matches that format, but do understand the desire to explore some aspects solo. I’ll see what kind of balance we can strike.

    8. Wolfknyte: I don’t like that you have to PvP in order to get Max EGO, as it holds no real interest for me. Has this been addressed? Will it be fixed or changed in the future? (Selected because it’s a chance to talk about how not-PvP things are being added)

      With the Alcatraz Update there will be a few more Pursuits to add to your total EGO that are not PvP related, we do plan to add a few more Pursuits as we add more expedition updates.

    9. Xellia: In the quick menu for clan members- Can the officers/leaders be bumped to the top of the list so everyone can get to clan events easier?

      That might be something we can take a look at, I do know that in large clans such as the one you are in, it does get a bit difficult to find other players in your clan.

    10. Nefarious: Why is it that every time I exit my vehicle my toon does a side flip animation to get out of it? It used to be that they would step out like normal ppl. Why they always flip now?

      Yup you’re right, I just tried it. I guess I haven’t noticed that since I’ve been rolling with a quad for a bit, or jumping out mid air into an encounter when I’m in another vehicle. I’ll see if we can find a quick fix, if not it may take us some time to get to the root of this.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: March 27

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/03/27/defiance-developer-qa-march-27/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. Chris Robet: Can we add new sword abilities?

      We are currently looking in to adding nano mods to swords. It’s a little complicated with the existing color mods, but we hope to come up with something soon. As for specific effects and abilities we will have to look into nano mods first before we can experiment further.

    2. Anemic crowd: What synergy is the next event going to be?

      The Armistice Festival will have weapons that will give synergies from their respective Arkfall Events.
      Hulker Hell Arkfall Event & Blackened Hellfire Supply Crate will have the Synergy “The Purge”
      New Frontier Harvest Arkfall Event & Cornucopia Supply Crate will have the Synergy “Plate Slicer”
      Solstice Strike Arkfall Event & Radiant Solstice Supply Crate will have the Synergy “Saturnalia”
      Colony Courtship Arkfall Event & Heartbreaker Supply Crate will have the Synergy “Heartbreaker”

    3. Bentu: Can you add an indicator to a downed player that tells others around them if they have a self revival available?

      That sounds pretty interesting we will look into how easy or difficult this will be to implement.

    4. Graywolfe: Can we start getting T4 mods of each syn as the random specials at the vendors?

      For the time being we will leave the system as it is now. We may revisit the vendor specials in the future, for the time being we are looking into the reputation vendors first.

    5. Fedbox: Will there ever be new cars?

      We need to tweak some of the existing vehicles first, after that we may start looking in to new vehicles.

    6. Tex_Arcana: Are major Scrapper/Dark Matter/Hellbug Arkfalls going to get better value for participation? At present they are not worth attending except for pursuit completions.

      For the immediate time frame they will remain as is. I have been thinking about adding some new pursuits related to these events.

    7. TNO: With the way the Threat Level system is working it feels like we are getting penalized for playing in groups. This becomes particularly apparent when doing contracts at Conflict Sites. Is this something that is troubling you and does your team intend to look into it?

      With the Alcatraz update there was a general scaling change that should ease some of the level spikes we were all experiencing with threat level scaling. You can test out some of these changes on PTS if you are on PC.

    8. Claydough: Can we please get the option to increase the amount of load outs with the alcatraz update?

      We currently do not have any immediate plans to increase the amount of load outs a character has. We may revisit this in the future as we add more types of gameplay that may require a new loadout.

    9. Ruvo: I am really concerned that Trion has taken a turn for the worse with the “penalty” for reviving your fellow players in expeditions. If you make it to where reviving a fallen ally removes yourself rev, then there is zero incentive to stop and help a fallen ally. Would it not be easier and more beneficial to limit the amount of revives available to each player to one or two per expedition, then require resources to revive beyond that point to make it challenging yet encourage team play for those of us who enjoy helping our fellow players? One of my ego perks is a 45% recharge to myself revive for reviving an ally. Does this negate that as well?

      Many players were asking for more challenging group content something that wasn’t a walk in the park, a challenge that also included a real death penalty. We listened to the players and are releasing this content in the form of expeditions. The difficulty of Expeditions should be tuned as to which you will want to revive your fellow group member to survive the encounters. If you want to succeed in Expeditions, you’ll need their gun by your side. During the development process we considered existing builds available to the players via EGO perks. We also made a new rare synergy, “heartbreaker” which grants a 2% recharge to your self revive on an enemy kill. This synergy was available to players who participated in the Valentine’s Event and there will be chance to get this rare Synergy as part of the upcoming Armistice Festival event coming up next week. As for the EGO perk “Turn the Tide”, it still works in Expeditions. With the “Turn the Tide” EGO perk equipped during an expedition, when you revive your fellow group member you will have your revive charge start at 45% instead of 0%.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: April 2 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/02/defiance-livestream-april-2-at-330-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: March 20 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Technical Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes, and Cole “Copy2Floppy” Marshall on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing Armistice Day, and celebrating this momentous occasion.

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Thursday, April 2 at 3:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Remember to stick around until the end for our giveaways! See you on Twitch!

    Alcatraz: Nuts & Bolts

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/07/alcatraz-nuts-bolts/

    Alcatraz: Nuts & Bolts

    While the focus of Alcatraz is Expeditions, the update is bringing a number of other changes to some core areas of Defiance. Here’s a look under the hood at a few of them!

    Higher Max EGO and Power Curve Adjustments

    With Alcatraz, we’re increasing the max EGO a player can attain to 6000. To go along with that, we’re also making some adjustments to the amount of power players and NPCs gain as their EGO increases throughout the game. These power changes are seen in stats like the amount of health players have, the damage weapons do, the capacity of shields, and the corresponding health and damage of NPCs. There are two ranges where we’re making changes:

    1. We’ve smoothed the power curve from EGO 10 to EGO 4500. Previously, power gains were very spikey with significant increases over the first 500 EGO of every thousand (e.g. from 1000 to 1500) and then a minimal gain over the back half (e.g. 1500-2000). After the update, you’ll gain power at a much steadier rate.

    You should notice related changes in your weapon and shield stats after the launch of Alcatraz. Depending on what your EGO is, your stats may either increase or decrease. Since these changes affect players and NPCs equally, relative difficulty against like-EGO NPCs will be the same as before, but these changes alleviate difficulty spikes that popped up as NPCs gained threat levels.

    2. We’ve increased the amount of power gained from EGO 4500 to 6000. Previously, the power gain from 4500 to 6000 was small and nearly non-existent above 5500. To support the max EGO increase and provide the leeway for high EGO expeditions to become more challenging as you progress, there’s now a much more significant power gain from 4500 to 6000. You should see your weapon and shield stats increase as you climb through this highest EGO range (but NPCs will also gain the same amount of power!).

    Economy Updates

    We’re going to be shifting around where you earn currencies so it’s less based on luck and more on success and skill. “Woot Loot” – where players spray items around them when they gain EGO and skill – is being removed and the amount of scrip and salvage gains from score on events is being increased.

    Currently, because Woot Loot is dependent upon the players around you and how quickly they are gaining EGO and skill, the variance in income it provides can be massive. If you’re around low-EGO players who are gaining EGO quickly, the items gained from Woot Loot can make up 80% or more of your total income. If you’re off by yourself or around high-EGO players who aren’t advancing, you could get nothing from Woot Loot. On average, though, it was increasing scrip or salvage by about 25% over a play session.

    To help balance this out, we’re taking that average gain from Woot Loot and increasing the scrip and salvage reward from high scores in events by about 25%. This ensures that you aren’t losing out just due to luck while also providing more benefits for playing well.

    Warmaster

    Warmaster

    We’ve been making some tweaks to Warmaster, too, in anticipation of allowing you to create private instances for that event. While we’ve decided to hold that feature and not release it with Alcatraz, the other changes to Warmaster are still launching alongside the update.

    1. Warmaster will always be Threat Level 10. It’s top-tier content and should always be challenging. (The current setup can make the Warmaster easier to solo than to do with a group, which will become a bigger problem when players can create their own private version at will.)

    2. To go along with the Threat Level change, we’ve updated the Warmaster loot to be more rewarding. The Warmaster will now drop “Mk II” variants of the Arkbreaker weapons, which have been updated to use the new rarity bonuses. In addition, the Warmaster will always drop at least rare items on a win instead of uncommons and has a higher chance of dropping the special Arkbreaker weapons than it did previously. On the other side, a loss isn’t as rewarding as it used to be. You’ll no longer see the epic Volge weapons if you lose!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Alcatraz Update Coming to Defiance on April 14!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/08/alcatraz-update-coming-to-defiance-on-april-14/

    Alcatraz Update Coming to Defiance on April 14!

    Ark hunters, prepare yourselves for challenging new gameplay and powerful new equipment in our Alcatraz Update coming April 14!

    Once a maximum-security penitentiary, the Bay Area island of Alcatraz is now an Expedition rally point for ark hunters looking to explore enemy-infested territories.

    • Expeditions are 4-player co-op instanced battles that pit groups of players against increasingly difficult foes for increasingly valuable rewards.
    • Three Expeditions will be available when the free Alcatraz Update launches: the forgotten bunkers of The War Below, Stolen Purpose’s labyrinthine mines, and the cavernous Hellbug Hunt.
    • Read our Expedition preview to learn more about their new mechanics and challenges!

    And what new rewards will you reap? Golden hellbugs and chests guarded by enemy captains and commanders contain Expeditions’ highly sought-after Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips.

    • Cyber Rigs are implants that connect your nervous system directly with your gear, augmenting your effectiveness in battle.
    • This new item type is powered and enhanced by Cyber Chips, each imparting their own bonus to your rig.
    • Check out our Cyber Rigs preview to discover how this new equipment will change the way you play Defiance!

    For more details on what’s coming next, be sure to catch up with Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung! We’d also like to also extend a special thanks to the dedicated testers from the Defiance community who have been putting this latest update through its paces on the Public Test Server.

    Meet you at The Rock soon!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance and Trove: A Player’s Perspective

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/09/defiance-and-trove-a-players-perspective/

    Defiance and Trove: A Player's Perspective

    Defiance and Trove player Market wanted to share a few of his thoughts on Defiance and Trove. Read on to hear what they have to say!

    Greetings Ark Hunters and Trovians!

    I’ve been a Defiance player since Beta and spent a great deal of time playing on Xbox 360, PC(NA), and the Public Test Server. I picked up Trove after seeing it featured on the Trion Twitch livestream and I found quite a few similarities between the two as well as some pretty major differences. I could easily write a small book about Defiance and Trove, but instead I aim to give a brief outline comparing and contrasting these two games. The goal is to give some insight on why a Defiance player may enjoy Trion’s other project.

    trove-defiant-few-characters

    Similarities:

    How Trove differs from Defiance:

    • Entertaining combat system with skills/powers and moddable equipment.
    • Large, open world environments to explore and fight through.
    • Vast quantities of loot to collect and trade with your friends.
    • Instanced high-level battles offering a chance at rare treasures.
    • Daily objectives with special rewards.
    • Meeting up with friends or random players to adventure together.
    • Background progression system that allows players to unlock bonus stats and in-game items.
    • Several unlockable and store-only modes of transportation for your characters.
    • In-game store offers several items to make life easier in the game or to give your characters personal flair.
    • Free-to-play with no tricks or traps.
    • Build mode allows you to build with voxels in a Clubworld or your own private Cornerstone.
    • Easy leveling system with different classes, each having their own set of skills and powers.
    • Community submissions are added to the game nearly every week.
    • Still in Open Beta, with content and fixes added each week.
    • Heavy character customization available at any time, allows players to show different hairstyles, hats, masks, costumes and weapons.
    • Very easy learning curve to master the game.
    • Countless styles, decorations, and block types to unlock and use in a Cornerstone or Clubworld.
    • Choose the difficulty of the game by entering different portals into adventure worlds.
    • Randomly generated adventure world maps guarantees you’ll never see the same one twice.
    • In-game store has items you can purchase for real money and in-game currency.
    • Sandbox gameplay.

    With half of Trove focused on building, it’s only fair that this subject would get special attention. Clubworlds can be expanded greatly using in-game materials and make a good gathering place for your club members. The best perspective I have on this is from the club I run alongside my son, Sargonnas, that pays homage to our Defiance roots – Defiant Few.

    trove-defiant-few-clubworld-1

    In the Defiant Few Clubworld, we have several constructions to see and more are being worked on daily. We have a Skitterling statue and a scale replica of the Gateway Arch for the Defiance fans. There is a 4-person maze race, a functional 9 hole golf course, and a miniature ice hockey rink. Our latest additions are something Defiance players will be familiar with… Ring courses! To date, there are six finished courses in Defiant few, while two more are under construction using the new updraft blocks. If you want to have some fun with your wings, Defiant Few is the place!

    trove-defiant-few-clubworld-2

    We have some members actively building in Defiant Few. Sargonnas, Fuzz, Etaew, and myself are the club Officers, but we have a few Architects as well. Sarg has a huge string of biomes on the east side of the Clubworld containing some amazing spires, as well as our “expert” ring course. Fuzz built a giant snowman and a scale replica of the ExtraLife Joystick ally. Etaew has been slowly building a castle inspired by another video game in his library. Kithgarass, one of our Architects, is building a temple complex based on the four seasons and it is a sight to see.

    I think many Defiance players would enjoy Trove. There are enough aspects of Trove that are similar to Defiance, but several make Trove a game of its own.

    Defiant Few would love to see you visit us! Trove is free to play so all you have to do is run a quick install and join in the fun!

    – Market

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    Defiance Season 3 Premieres June 12 at 8/7c

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/10/defiance-season-3-premieres-june-12-at-87c/

    Defiance Season 3 Premieres June 12 at 8/7c

    Clear your schedule for a Stahma uavano: Defiance Season 3 premieres June 12 at 8/7c on Syfy!

    If you’ve been following us on the series side, you’ve already heard the first whispers about the Omec race (read: alien overlords) being brought to life by new cast members Nichole Galicia (Django Unchained, Wish I was Here) and Conrad Coates (The Strain, Nikita), as well as the addition of Lee Tergesen (Oz, American Horror Story: Freak Show) as a major force within the Votanis Collective.

    Read more about the cast on the Syfy blog and begin your preparations for Season 3 in-game with all-new Expeditions and Cyber Rigs launching with next week’s Alcatraz Update!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Alcatraz Update is Live!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/14/alcatraz-update-is-live/

    Alcatraz Update is Live!

    Welcome to Alcatraz, ark hunters. Are you ready to save the world?

    As the Earth Republic deals with fallout on the east coast, survivors are turning to a new beacon of salvation in the west: The Rock! This prison-turned-island-base has become a staging point for Expeditions, daring progressive raids against massive threats across (and beyond) the New Frontier.

    Battle deep into Expeditions while leveling toward the new 6,000 EGO Rating cap, earning new weapons and rewards including Cyber Rigs: neural implants with unique powers and room for Cyber Chip upgrades that explode the character customization options in Defiance.

    KEY FEATURES

    Expeditions

    Expeditions are evolving co-op matches that pit you against increasingly tough enemies for ever-increasing rewards. Launching a fresh Expedition transports you into the first Round of your adventure, and defeating a Round gives you access to the next while incrementing the rewards you’ll receive. The best gear in Expeditions can only be found on the third Round or higher – happy hunting and good luck!

    Note: Difficulty (and potential rewards) scale with the EGO Rating of your party leader. Click here to learn more.

    Alcatraz Island

    Long a symbol of order and authority, Alcatraz has become a rallying point for teams of ark hunters running Expeditions against the enemies of man and Votan alike. After each Round of an Expedition, you’ll be transported back to Alcatraz to rearm, regroup, and purchase gear from faction vendors. But don’t dawdle! Once you’ve returned to the drop zone, you only have 30 minutes to resume your run and continue your Expedition streak.

    Cyber Rigs

    Cyber Rigs connect your nervous system directly with your gear, augmenting your natural abilities and improving your performance with weapons, shields, vehicles, and more. You can power and customize your Rigs with up to 16 Cyber Chips – modular upgrades that add special benefits of their own. Both Rigs and Chips have a chance to drop from Expedition bosses, and the more difficult your Expedition (and the more Rounds you’ve completed), the better the Rigs and Chips become.

    Cyber gear piling up? You can break items you don’t need into Silicon Shards, then trade your Shards to a special vendor on Alcatraz offering a variety of new Rigs and Chips!

    And More

    Enjoy a smooth power curve as you level up to the new EGO Rating cap of 6,000 thanks to behind-the-scenes changes to stat gain (hint: you should see weapon and shield stats increase significantly as you climb through the highest EGO range). Take on the boosted Warmaster to earn new Mk II variant Arkbreaker Weapons, earn more scrip and salvage during events, and more.

    We’ve also added lots of new items to the Bit Store including new boosts to increase inventory and consumable capacity, three new Alcatraz themed outfits, refills for grenades, spikes, and stims, and a new Alcatraz Starter Pack. Read the full patch notes and enjoy!

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    DefianceData.com Interview with Software Engineer Martin “TheCrater”

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/23/defiancedata-com-interview-with-software-engineer-martin-thecrater/

    37-bonus_blog

    We’ve got another peek behind the scenes of Defiance, ark hunters! The fansite Defiance Data has interviewed members of the Defiance Team. These interviews have a special focus on the variety of backgrounds present within the team and Trion Worlds at large.

      Defiance Data: When and how did you discover your passion for programming?
      Martin “TheCrater”: I find that my history is somewhat unusual among programmers, most of whom had some introduction at a young age. I started university without knowing what programming was, but on a professor’s recommendation I took an intro class and it really clicked with me.

      I discovered that I loved the analytical process of breaking down a problem and building a solution with programming languages as my tools. Even the standard boring programming class work (a fake “account book” or Towers of Hanoi) was fun to think about, though I think everyone has to overcome early frustrations with debugging.

      Of course I’ve also played a lot of games (pc, console, board games), and I was even more excited when I realized how well the two interests meshed. I started out in school writing bad code in Python, C++ and Java – C++ is primarily what I use these days since it’s a good tool for games like Defiance that need to focus on speed and memory use.

    Learn more about the role of software engineers like Martin “TheCrater” in Defiance with this interview from Defiance Data and make sure to keep an eye out for more from Defiance Data!

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    Defiance Livestream: May 1 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/04/30/defiance-livestream-may-1-at-330-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: May 1 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Technical Producer Rich “Phantasie” Barnes, Associate Producer Matt “Destromathe” Pettit, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing the launch of the Alcatraz update, developments with Defiance’s third season on Syfy, and more.

    Got a question for the team? Post it in this forum thread!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, May 1 at 3:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance to win a special in-game giveaway. See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: May 1

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/01/defiance-developer-qa-may-1-2/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Developer Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

      1. Will we see new enemy types in the immediate future within expeditions?

        We are currently working on a new Dark Matter Expedition in a new environment. It’s looking pretty sweet, we’ll have updates soon.

      2. Will bit gifting, or bit store item gifting become a thing?

        That’s something we’d like to get going, we have to clean up the store a bit first before we do that.

      3. Can we please get the old Cornucopia Supply Crate added to the bit store?

        The current Cornucopia Supply crate along with the other holiday crates will be removed from the store in the near future.

      4. Inventory is an issue many players have, but previous caps caused extensive disconnect issues, would it be possible to create a stash system where a player could place items that are not trade locked. This would allow more room in inventory for things that are such as chips/rigs and would open another possible bit store item to increase cap of stash.

        With the next update we are increasing the inventory cap by another 100.

      5. Are you aware of the issue regarding major arkfalls and incursions overwriting and wiping out a Warmaster arkfall? If so, do you have any plans in place to fix it?

        Yes, we are aware of the larger incursion event ending the Major Summon Arkfall (Warmaster), we are still investigating the root cause of this.

      6. Are there any plans to help organize the Salvage Matrix menus? If so what kind of plans?

        With the Alcatraz release there was an update to the Salvage Matrix functionality in the inventory. You can now Right Click (PC) or use the R2 Trigger (Consoles) for all your basic Salvage Matrix actions.

      7. Will we be able to break down orange weapons into silicon shards?

        Silicon Shards are an exclusive component when breaking down Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips.

      8. Why did you guys remove the loot item pop up on top of screen?

        This is something we are in the process of correcting. For the time being, the smaller pop up will be fixed to show the proper rarity of the item.

      9. Have the Developers considered adding Chip Pullers to the in-game loot that only drops in boxes?

        Chip pullers will not come from any crates.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    New Ark Hunter Bundles, 10 Epics & More

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/06/new-ark-hunter-bundles-10-epics-more/

    New Ark Hunter Bundles, 10 Epics & More

    10 Epics. 5 Bucks. One Awesome Deal.

    Expand your arsenal with new Ark Hunter Bundles built to thrill no matter how long you’ve played!

    You can buy each bundle in-game now for Bits (Xbox 360/PS3/PC), or on the Defiance web store (PC-only) and redeem them for massive savings on new vehicles, weapons, and more.

    Adapted Ark Hunter Bundle – $4.99 ($20 value)
    Just getting started? Choose an Adapted Bundle to unleash the power of 10 new Epic Adapted Weapons – one of each type in Defiance! With 3 days of Patron time, 15 Inventory Slots, and a new in-game title, this bundle is a STEAL for new and returning players. 

    Evolved Ark Hunter Bundle – $19.99 ($70 value)
    Nuzzle the muzzles of the same epic new weapons, plus a Legendary Tachmag Pulser SMG, special Duni Shetarru vehicle, and more. Once you evolve, there’s no going back!

    Includes

    • Adapted Weapon Box (10 Epic Weapons!)
    • 15-Day Patron Pass
    • Unique Title: Evolved Ark Hunter
    • 35 Inventory Slots
    • Duni Shetarru Racer: Unique tinted Duni Vehicle
    • 1 Pack Rat Boost
    • 5 XP+ 50% Boosts
    • 250 Arkforge
    • +1 Loadout Slot
    • Legendary SMG: Evolved Tachmag Pulser

    Apex Ark Hunter Bundle – $99.99 ($220 value)
    Do your implants twitch in the presence of arktech? Does a Jackpot Big Boomer make you weak in the knees? Stalk the New Frontier at the peak of your game with this legendary ark-full of loot.

    Includes

    • Adapted Weapon Box (10 Epic Weapons!)
    • 60-Day Patron Pass
    • 50 Inventory Slots
    • 1 Pack Rat Boost
    • 5 XP+ 50% Boosts
    • +1 Loadout Slot
    • 2000 Arkforge
    • Unique Title: Apex Ark Hunter
    • Velociraptor Vehicle: Unique Raptor with Improved Speed and Control
    • Ark Infiltrator Outfit
    • Legendary Jackpot Weapon: “Apex Sludge Hammer” Big Boomer with Biological Nano

    Learn more at the store!

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    Break Into the Industry Livestream: May 8 at 2:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/07/break-into-the-industry-livestream-may-8-at-230-pm-pdt/

    Break Into the Industry Livestream: May 8 at 2:30 PM PDT

    The Community Team has taken over the weekly livestream! Join Director of Community Relations Linda “Brasse” Carlson and Human Resources Ninja Hope McGeathy on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel to learn how to break into the game industry.

    Break Into the Industry Livestream: May 8 at 2:30 PM PDT
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, May 8 at 2:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 45-60 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance to win in our weekly Defiance in-game loot giveaway. See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Elite Lock Boxes 50% Off Until May 10

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/08/elite-lock-boxes-50-off-until-may-10/

    Elite Lock Boxes 50% Off Until May 10

    Attention, ark hunters: the Guardian Angel Jackpot is flying away following with this weekend’s Bit Store sale on Elite Lock Boxes!

    Save 50% on Elite Lock Boxes now through May 10 and arm yourself with the best equipment built by humans and Votans to delve deeper into Alcatraz’ Expeditions, plus a chance to collect a legendary Guardian Angel shield!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

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    Defiance Developer Q&A: May 8

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/08/defiance-developer-qa-may-8-2/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. What are the current priorities for the Defiance team?

      As of today, our priorities as a team include:

        – Resolving several bugs created by Alcatraz patch.
        – Addressing and maintaining on server stability.
        – The next patch for the season premiere for the show on SyFy Channel on June 12th.
        – The Summer Solstice Event update.

      There are some other technical priorities, but they involve more planning and scheduling.

    2. Do you have any plans on expanding the open world maps to include new areas?

      This is something we have gone back and forth with deciding between instance content and open world content, they both have their pros and cons. We are currently weighing out which one works out best for players and our team to execute within a reasonable amount of time.

    3. Any info you can give on the Summer Solstice event?

      We’re still working out the details but we’ve found some fireworks that we want to get tweaked for use during the event.

    4. Any chance the Devs will remove the auto-matchmaking for expeditions?

      This was something we discussed at the release of Alcatraz. We opted not to because we expect that players may drop out by choice.

    5. Was the Warmaster modified to make him easier to kill? He’s missing three of his moves from his typical attacks.

      Aside from the changes to Threat Level and loot, the Warmaster was not touched. This is something we will need to take a look in to further. If anyone has any info please forward it on to the team.

    6. Any headway on things like adding the Night Porter to the store and adding things like roaming warmaster/golden skitterlings?

      Those features are still being planned out, currently fixes and Season 3 updates are our priority as a team. From the question above, it looks like we need to make sure the existing Warmaster gets some love first.

    7. Can officer chat be changed to a different color? It’s the same color as clan chat so it can get overlooked right now.

      That sounds like something that we can look at. Hopefully it’s a quick feature update between major tasks. Sometimes what may seem simple ends up being a monstrous task, but this is something we’d like to implement.

    8. Are you working on a Looking For Group feature that could be applied globally to Co-op Maps, Competitive Multiplayer, Expeditions, and Public Instances? It is difficult to form a group without going to chat or planning external to the game.

      They are all different since they have different functionality and thresholds for starting. If we witness that players find this difference too jarring we may consider making a pass at consolidating the system, but for now they will remain as they are.

    9. Will you please expand the character limit on the Clan Message of the Day? The box for the message is large but the character limit is about 96. I don’t have room for all the info I want to share.

      We can look into that and see what changing the limitation does. Same caveat for this as the clan officer chat change.

    10. LoCarb mentioned briefly in the livestream that they were looking for new ways to engage players with Season 3 crossover content. Is it too soon for you all to expand on that bit as far as what we should expect next month?

      We’ll have news on this soon! It might be ready for the live stream at the end of the month. The main point was that we are trying some different ways to connect season 3 of the show to the game. More of a creative solution since the main characters of the show in Season 2 were, you know… (I won’t spoil it for those who are catching up on Season 2!)

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    New from VBI: Order and Chaos

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/12/new-from-vbi-order-and-chaos/

    New from VBI: Order and Chaos

    What better way to fight chaos and maintain order than with the latest arms from Von Bach Industries? The new Order pistol and Chaos assault rifle are the newest jackpot weapons available from the Elite Lock Box. Order and Chaos are a matched set, great by themselves but get a significant boost when equipped together: the new Pandemonium backpack synergy.

    Due to limited manufacturing facilities in the Bay Area, Von Bach Industries is restricting supply of these two legendary weapons to Elite Lock Boxes sold from the Defiance Store or Lockbox Vendors throughout the Bay. The Order pistol and Chaos assault rifle will also only be available for a limited time, so pick up your Elite Lock Boxes now before time runs out!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Double Golden Skitterling Weekend: May 15-17

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/14/double-golden-skitterling-weekend-may-15-17/

    Double Golden Skitterling Weekend: May 15-17

    Attention ark hunters! We’re getting reports from your fellow expeditioneers that a fortuitous opportunity is about to hatch. Literally.

    The rare loot-hoarding golden skitterling breed of hellbugs appear to be spawning in increased numbers in response to the threat from marauders. That’d be you, of course, as this particular breed drops Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips and is hunted with great zeal.

    Given the maturation rate of golden skitterlings, ark hunters should expect to see twice as many spawn from May 15 until May 17. Be wary of larger, more intimidating threats and best of luck in your hellbug hunt!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: May 15 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/14/defiance-livestream-may-15-at-330-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: May 15 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Associate Producer Matt “Destromathe” Pettit, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing Defiance’s new developments including upcoming game content, improved server stability, plans for more Hunter Requisitions, the latest Season 3 details, and more.

    Got a question for the team? Post it in this forum thread!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, May 15 at 3:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 45 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance to win a special in-game giveaway. See you on Twitch!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: May 15

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/15/defiance-developer-qa-may-15-2/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. Any news on resolving the issue with reward screens? We miss our notifications!

      We fixed the colors, and notification will still occur when you open your daily/weekly rewards. We are still looking in this issue.

    2. What is the team currently working on implementing?

      We are currently working on some updates to our Season Premier patch and a new Dark Matter Expedition.

    3. Will users be able to trade items between characters on their own account in the future? If not, what other inventory improvements are being looked at?

      We currently do not have plans to transfer items between characters associated with your account, there are already methods that allow for this to happen via trading. We would prefer to spend time with inventory improvements in general. We are looking in to more sorting and filtering changes and how they would work with PC users that play with a gamepad or a mouse as well as console players.

    4. Will we be readdressing the daily system? The expedition requirement is difficult for new players and players leveling new characters.

      For now the Expedition contract rotation will remain as is. As for expeditions being too difficult for new or leveling players we will look in to tuning those more.

    5. Are there any plans to add a clan progression track for expeditions?

      This something we took a quick look at to see what we could to add as a new clan activity, nothing is definitively planned at the moment though.

    6. Since it’s pretty hard to find a good T4 mod, can we expect a rarity upgrade system for them? Just like guns and shields.

      There are no current plans to allow users to upgrade the rarity of Mods.

    7. Will Alcatraz have a weapon faction in the future?

      We currently do not plan on adding a new reputation vendor for Alcatraz, we may expand a bit on the Silicon Shard Vendor in the future.

    8. Are you working on a fix for arkfalls and sieges not showing the score or time left?

      We are still tracking this issue down, we just came across this during lunch with one of our engineers! We are in the process of finding a strong reproduction case.

    9. Are there any plans to buff Fire Nano?

      No plans to buff incendiary at this time. It’s arguably the most useful nano already and doesn’t need to be more effective against shielded enemies to maintain that.

    10. Do you have any plans to put Legendary Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips on the Expedition vendor, even if at ridiculous Silicon Shard costs? Are you also aware that several Cyber Chips (namely Keystones) aren’t working?

      We don’t have any current plans to add Legendary Cyber Rigs or Chips to the Cyber Rig Vendor. As for the chips and keystones not working please ping Kiwibird about which ones are not working properly. I believe we had a few patches that solved a few of these early bugs.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Last Chance Sale for Synergy & Holiday Lock Boxes

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/19/last-chance-sale-for-synergy-holiday-lock-boxes/

    Last Chance Sale for Synergy & Holiday Lock Boxes

    Attention, ark hunters: some of the limited-time lock boxes are about to leave the Bit Store!

    Now is your last chance to claim nine synergy and holiday lock boxes: save 25% on Heartbreaker, Radiant Solstice, Blackened Hellfire, Cornucopia, Machinist, Survivalist, Outlaw, Veteran, and Full Synergy Lock Boxes now through 12:00 PM PDT on Tuesday, May 26. New lock boxes will be introduced in the future to replace them, so keep an eye on the Bit Store after they’re gone!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: May 22

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/22/defiance-developer-qa-may-22-2/

    Defiance_blog_header_1_720x332

    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. Will Season 3 show crossover content be tied into expeditions?

      Season 3 content consists of the expeditions, we are planning to release the next expedition about a month after the Season 3 premiere of the show.

    2. When are Diablo Station, the Quarry Seiges, and Incursions going to be fixed? I especially miss the Diablo Afflicted ones.

      We have a fix that we are in the process of testing and we hope to get this out to PTS soon.

    3. What are the best ways to use Silicon Shards and will there be more uses in the future?

      Currently the main purpose of Silicon Shard Vendor is to fill out a newly aquired rig (without having to pull all of your existing chips out of your current rig). We are looking into ways of expanding the usage of Silicon Shards in the future.

      Once you’ve outfitted your rig with everything you want, shards continue to fill a role since you need all new chips on any new rig you get. Our expectation is that players will use different rigs in different circumstances, just like weapon loadouts, and we’ll be introducing more rigs in the future.

    4. When can we expect results from the synergy feedback thread?

      We are looking into ideas about what players are interested in for future Synergies in events boxes.

    5. Could the revive icon be updated to a timer?

      The current space in the HUD is a bit tight and we are considering using that space for other (possible) things in the future. For now the revive icon will remain as is, but good feedback!

    6. What is the state of gear balancing at this point?

      Balance is an ongoing consideration. We continue to evaluate and make changes as deemed necessary.

    7. What’s the scoop on Community Pursuits, and possible Community synergies?

      We added a “Community” section in the Pursuits to allow for events such as Extra Life and possibly Holiday Events to be recognized in game, this may expand into real life events such as future conventions. Keep an eye out!

    8. What steps are being taken by the team to prevent cheating in Defiance?

      As with any game we are constantly looking into addressing cheating and exploits. We cannot reveal exactly what we are doing to monitor these activities, but we are making progress towards tracking actions that warrant permanent account bans.

    9. Any chance the continue expedition popup window on the hud is going to be moved? It blocks the place where you would see who is in your group. This has caused a couple times of people who left group accidentally to not be entered into Alcatraz with the rest of the group because no one could see they had dropped out.

      We’ll see what we can do to alleviate this, the HUD is pretty crowded with spots reserved for specific UI elements.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Double Hunter Requisition Week: May 27 to June 3

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/27/double-hunter-requisitions-may-27-june-3-2/

    2X Hunter Requisitions this week!

    Ark hunters, rearm and regroup for twice the expedition action! From today, May 27, until 12:00 PM PDT on June 3, all ark hunters will enjoy double grants of their normal weekly Hunter Requisitions. As a Patron, set off on 20 free expeditions from Alcatraz this coming week!

    The Defiance Team would also like to thank the ark hunters who have submitted reports and feedback about connectivity issues during expeditions since the launch of the Alcatraz update. As thanks for your patience during this instability, you will be granted an additional 20 Hunter Requisitions if you purchased any before now.

    As an added bonus, all ark hunters can prepare for a very lucrative weekend with Double XP plus 50% Bonus Faction Reputation from May 29 to June 3!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Bonus XP & Reputation May 29 – June 3

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/05/28/bonus-xp-reputation-may-29-june-3/

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    Prepare for a very lucrative weekend with Double XP plus 50% Bonus Faction Reputation from May 29 through June 3!

    Get that sweet, sweet Faction Reputation or double down on XP with your clan of choice! Gear up and don’t forget to take advantage of Double Hunter Requisitions this week.

    Bonus XP & Reputation Weekend
    Start Time: May 29, 2015 at 11:00 AM PDT
    End Time: June 3, 2015 at 10:00 AM PDT

    Happy Hunting,
    The Defiance Team

    Discuss this article on our forums!

    Defiance Developer Q&A: June 1

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/01/defiance-developer-qa-june-1-2/

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    Hey all, we’ve covered questions drawn from community gathering threads in the past. We wanted to do a special edition this week to address some of the topics that have been buzzing for the Defiance community. These topics have been pulled from feedback from the general forums and previous Q&A threads.

    1. Connectivity

      A majority of the server crashes associated with the introduction of Alcatraz have been resolved. Disconnects that are the result of these crashes should be largely resolved, but this does not mean that all causes of disconnects are resolved at this point. Disconnects are a symptom and server crashes are only one cause.

      Right now our team is looking for cases of disconnects from the Warmaster. If you or someone you know has been disconnecting from the Warmaster, we’d like to know.

      PM Kiwibird on our official forums with your tracert results, the time of the disconnect, and your character information. We’ll need to know the character name, platform, and region. We look forward to hearing from you all and submitting this information to our development team for review.

    2. Expeditions and Scaling Rewards

      We have been reading feedback regarding this, and modifying the increasing scale vs rewards is something definitely on our radar. Our development team is working to find solutions while still working on meeting deadlines for upcoming Season 3 content. There are still some technical hurdles that the team needs to face to make this a reality.

    3. Warmaster Missing Moves

      This is a bug that was brought up in a previous Q&A session and we very much appreciate the reports. This issue is entirely server side and as such, this isn’t an issue that we can use player reports to track down the cause. Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung is investigating the cause.

    4. Stalling Events

      We’ve added a temporary fix to this on our live servers. If you’d like to join in on testing future changes, please use the code TDFQ-2NYG-CCYX-NWMQ-NF32 to claim bonuses on your testing character that will help you along your way with testing. If you’d like your character copied over to the Public Test Server, please make sure to do that first before applying the code for PTS bonuses.

    5. Support Response Times

      With the launch of Alcatraz, we’ve seen a large increase in the volume of tickets submitted to our support team. While our support team is working through these, we don’t want to discourage you from submitting a ticket for assistance. If you have lost a Hunter Requisition, we want you to submit a ticket so that our support team can help us make it right. This is completely separate from our compensation package.

      We appreciate you taking the time to report the loss. If you run into any trouble, just email our support team so we can clear up any confusion.

    6. Community Synergy Feedback

      This is a topic that has come up in a previous Q&A, but we wanted to take a chance to touch on it a little bit more. The synergies suggested may be used for future jackpot weapons because we want to make jackpot weapons desirable to our community. They also may be used in the future for weapons made specifically for the community. Remember the exclusive we had available at PAX last year?

      We want to be able to have promotions like that geared more towards the desires of the heart of our community and that’s why your feedback matters. In line with that feedback, changing old and undervalued synergies is on our radar. Please keep an eye out for other feedback threads in the future, as we will be drawing more feedback as we go!

    If we’ve missed a topic that you want to be covered, please make sure to include this topic within our Q&A collection thread this week.

    Discuss this article on our official forums!

    Introducing Community Manager Sarah “Kiwibird” Walters

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/02/introducing-community-manager-sarah-kiwibird-walters-2/

    Sarah Kiwibird Walters

    Greetings ark hunters!

    My name is Sarah “Kiwibird” Walters and today I begin my new role as your Community Manager.

    Some of you may remember me from my time with our Support Team. I started working at Trion Worlds in early 2013 as GM Kiwibird and transitioned to the Community Team early last year. In my time as a Community Representative, I was mentored by Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman and Eric “Ocho” Cleaver and Community Coordinator Deb “Morgana” Davis. I am lucky to have had the opportunity to work with our community and the Defiance Team extensively. As your Community Manager, I will continue this tradition with highly unhealthy levels of enthusiasm. Consider yourself warned!

    Prior to my experience at Trion Worlds, I began gaming at a tender age when I discovered that my brothers had left their consoles unattended. I didn’t know how to read at that early point in my life, but I did know how to help Mario meet an untimely end. I progressed through that phase quickly and eventually dove (HARD) into PC gaming when I built my first gaming rig at 17. Fast forward and you’ll find that I’m fully set up on the Xbox 360 with an account that I have dedicated solely to Defiance community events. You may have seen my Castithan this past weekend during the player-run Death March event hosted by THE FALLEN clan. As a part of the Community Team working on Defiance, I will continue to support future in-game events. Speaking of events, I do hope you are all ready for Extra Life 2015!

    If you’re the type of ark hunter that tweets, you can find me on Twitter as Kiwibirding. I look forward spending more time in Paradise with all of you!

    Discuss this article on our forums.

    Defiance Livestream: June 5 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/03/defiance-livestream-june-5-at-330-pm-pdt-2/

    Defiance Livestream: May 15 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Associate Producer Matt “Destromathe” Pettit, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing Defiance’s next update, the latest details on Season 3, our Season 3 pursuit, upcoming lock box changes, new jackpots and more!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, June 5 at 3:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 30-45 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance to win a special in-game giveaway. See you on Twitch, ark hunters!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Catch up before Season 3 TV Premiere

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/05/catch-up-before-season-3-tv-premiere-2/

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    Defiance returns to TV June 12 at 8/7c on Syfy, but don’t worry if you’re behind! Amazon Instant Video will prepare you for next week’s Season 3 premiere with on-demand streaming of every episode from Seasons 1 & 2.

    Let the binge begin, and stay tuned for game-changing action in Season 3’s double-episode debut!

    Discuss this article on our official forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: June 5

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/05/defiance-developer-qa-june-5-2/

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    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Dev Q&A! Make sure to keep an eye out for the next question collection thread on our official forums next week!

    1. Because contracts will soon reward ark hunters with key codes will the key code cap be raised in the future?

      We plan to keep the 125 key cap for now as the largest key purchase is 75 keys.

    2. For Season 3, you mentioned new expeditions a month after the first episode. Will there still be weekly codes?

      Correct, we are working on a new Dark Matter expedition inside a new playspace that we are planning to release in early July!

      Weekly codes from watching Season 3 will be paired with the next update that is scheduled for the middle of next week.

    3. Can the kick function be readdressed? It has too much power now, and when it falls on the hands of people that think the game should be played only according to their personal views, griefing happens.

      We can take a look into this, we will see if we can reduce the amount of grief for both ends. We’ll have to weigh the options here as removing the kick function can also cause frustration.

    4. Can you remove the backpack synergy guns from the loot table?

      For now we plan to keep them in, as some players do prefer these types of synergies. We’ll keep an eye on this as we start taking a look through the Synergies we are adding.

    5. Are there any plans to work on PvP after the summer event?

      Yes, we are currently looking into some PvP changes. We’ll have more information on this later on as these changes are still a few months off in the future.

    6. Has there been any progress on the issue with viewing synergies on installed mods?

      This issue will be resolved in the next update and is currently on PTS if you want to take a look.

      To check them out, you need to go to the Salvage Matrix > Select your modded weapon > Select retrieve Mods > Select the Mod > Press the View Button.

      Please remember that retrieving Mods will destroy your weapon!

    7. Would it be possible to implement a cool-down period when you exit competitive, expeditions, COOPs, or shadow wars?

      We currently have no plans to prevent players from entering another instance event after leaving one.

    8. Do you guys plan on making a tutorial for everyone on how to use communicate stuff in the game? I’ve noticed a ton of people that’s starting out don’t know how to use the chat box or the mics.

      That’s good point, we’ll have to see if that fits anywhere in the flow.

    9. Could the next holiday event reward include something other than a gun?

      For the upcoming holiday event, we are taking a look at making some novelty weapons and a spike may have been mentioned! We will update if it ends up becoming a reality.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Livestream: June 12 at 12:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/10/defiance-livestream-june-12-at-1230-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: May 15 at 3:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Associate Producer Matt “Destromathe” Pettit, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing Season 3 of Defiance, showing a demo of our Dark Matter expeditions, and we will be covering questions asked within our Q&A collection thread!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, June 12 at 12:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 30-45 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance to win a special in-game giveaway. See you on Twitch, ark hunters!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Season 3 Starts Tomorrow!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/11/defiance-season-3-starts-tomorrow-2/

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    Defiance returns to TV tomorrow, June 12, with “The World We Seize,” a special two-hour U.S. premiere live on Syfy at 7/8c. Pick up the action seven months later in a very different Defiance filled with new villains, new aliens, and one game-changing, jaw-dropping moment!

    Each episode will air a unique code for free game loot or bonuses in the U.S., Canada, Brazil, and Germany, but the codes are limited-time offers! Tune in to catch the code, and collect all 12 over the course of the season to complete a new in-game Pursuit for epic rewards.

    Watching outside the U.S.? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

    Canada – June 14, 2015
    9pm PT / 6pm ET on Showcase

    Australia – June 13, 2015
    8:30pm on Syfy

    Spain – June 15, 2015
    21:30h on Syfy

    France/Germany – June 16, 2015
    8:45pm France, 8:15pm Germany on Syfy (catch the rest of the season at 9:00pm)

    Mexico – June 23, 2015
    20hs on Syfy

    Brazil – June 23, 2015
    21h on Syfy

    Central/South America – June 23, 2015
    22hs AR on Syfy

    UK – June 25, 2015
    9pm on Syfy

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Epic Mod Hoard Sale: June 12-19

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/12/epic-mod-hoard-sale-june-12-19-2/

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    Attention, ark hunters: it’s time to load up on Epic Mods in Defiance! Get 35% off Epic Mod Hoards now until June 19!

    Make sure to visit the Salvage Matrix to deck out your favorite weapons with your haul!

    Epic Mod Hoard Sale
    Start Time: June 12, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT
    End Time: June 19, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: June 15

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/15/defiance-developer-qa-june-15/

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    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Developer Q&A! If you haven’t had a chance to yet, make sure you add your questions to this week’s Q&A collection thread.

    1. Have the rewards for expeditions been examined?

      As discussed during our livestream, we’re going to have Rashere make a pass at adding some additional loot at higher levels.

    2. Has there been a discussion regarding Shield chips on the Cyber Rigs? The bug damage on infectors, Hatchling grenades, and the last synergy on Saturnalina are also concerning players.

      As mentioned, we have a list of some issues regarding effects. We will patch those up once we confirm that the fixes do not impact other areas.

    3. Will the Summer Solstice be a three week event like the last few?

      We are aiming at a 2 week event, but we still haven’t locked down the exact dates. We should soon announce more specific times for our Summer event.

    4. What happened to Rashere?

      Rashere is alive and well, though you may see less of him in a community role.

    5. Any plans to revisit the EGO payout for Season 3 Expedition Pursuits?

      We are adding new Pursuits for the Dark Matter Expedition, and a few more will come down the line in the future.

    6. Can we have a toggle option for the HUD where we can turn things off such as incursions? There’s a lot of stuff on the screen that I just don’t want or need to see and it spoils my enjoyment of the game.

      It may be good quality of life to have the legend also toggle the minimap in the HUD. We’ll check to see if that is a quick change and if this is a highly desired change, we will look into this further. We may hold a poll to determine this.

    7. What are you planning or implementing for player retention? Any update on Warmaster?

      We have a new Expedition coming out soon, the Summer event, along with the other holiday events are also lined up. We’re scoping out the next few content update patches right now. As for the Warmaster, we are continuing to investigate.

    8. Did y’all remove players from the scoreboards for contract sites and coops?

      We did not, but we have a fix that we are testing for this issue that we hope to implement as soon as we can.

    9. Can VBI expedition contracts be removed? VBI expedition contracts are hindering my ability to buy Gunslinger crates.

      Expedition contracts will remain on VBI, though we may do some tweaking on them so you won’t have to kill a specific boss in the future. We have also added additional contracts to the Patron Pass.

    10. Every time anyone teleports to Silicon Valley, they crash. There are no shadow wars, no challenges, and we are continuing to have trouble with incursions and conflicts. What is the team planning for this area?

      There is a certain path in Silicon Valley near Port Bruno between the parking structures that we are looking at. A few of us would like to make a pass at Silicon Valley with the content additions mentioned above.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    DefianceData.com Interview with Localization Lead Scott “WholeLottaLoc” Gall

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/15/defiancedata-com-interview-with-localization-lead-scott-wholelottaloc-gall/

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    We’re back with another peek behind the scenes of Defiance, ark hunters! The fansite Defiance Data has interviewed members of the Defiance Team. These interviews have a special focus on the variety of backgrounds present within the team and Trion Worlds at large.

      Defiance Data: Could you introduce yourself, what’s your job title and how long have you worked for Trion and on Defiance?
      Scott “WholeLottaLoc” Gall: Hey! I’m Scott WholeLottaLoc Gall, a.k.a. scottg because of the high Scott population at Trion. I joined the company in 2011 and since then I’ve worked on five games, plus our platform. My first whiff of Defiance came in June 2011 when we translated the text in the E3 trailer There Will Be Consequences. A few months later I saw a live demo on PC but I didn’t start working on Defiance game assets until summer 2012. That’s when Trick gave us the lore glossary and we began translation of the first VO script.

    Learn more about what it takes to lead a localization team at Trion Worlds with this interview from Defiance Data and make sure to keep an eye out for more from Defiance Data!

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    New from VBI: RA-44 Hellcat

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/16/new-from-vbi-ra-44-hellcat-2/

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    Launching off of the success of Order and Chaos, Von Bach Industries is proud to present the RA-44 Hellcat. Aptly named and recently acquired, the RA-44 Hellcat is the first Alien Guided Rocket Launcher of its kind. Reminiscent of the alien technology that made the Chimera Horn possible, this innovation is the latest jackpot weapon available from the Premium Elite Lock Box and Elite Lock Box. With the ability to lock in on targets with the right aim, this heavy hitter will have your enemies running for the hills.

    Due to limited manufacturing facilities in the Bay Area, Von Bach Industries is restricting supply of this legendary weapon to Premium Elite Lock Boxes sold from the Defiance Store or lock box vendors throughout the Bay. The RA-44 Hellcat will only be available for a limited time, so pick up Premium Elite Lock Boxes or Elite Lock Boxes for a this chance at raising hell!

    Need Bits? Click here to stock up!

    Discuss this article on our forums.

    A New Episode of Defiance Airs Tomorrow!

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/18/a-new-episode-of-defiance-airs-tomorrow/

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    A new episode of Defiance premieres tomorrow, June 19, on Syfy at 8/7c. As Rahm Tak threatens the safety of Defiance once more, it falls on Nolan and Irisa to put a stop to his plots before it’s too late – but with traitors infiltrating the city itself, will their actions be enough?

    A unique, limited-time code for free game loot or bonuses is shared in each episode, so be sure to tune in to catch it! Collect all 12 over the course of the season to complete a new in-game Pursuit for epic rewards.

    *Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

    Australia – June 20, 2015
    8.30pm on Syfy

    Canada – June 21, 2015
    9pm ET / 6pm PT on Showcase

    Germany – June 23, 2015
    9pm on Syfy

    Spain – June 29, 2015
    9:30pm on Syfy

    France – June 30, 2015
    8:45pm on Syfy

    Central/South America – June 30, 2015
    20hs MX/22hs AR on Syfy

    Brazil – June 30, 2015
    9:00pm on Syfy

    UK – July 9, 2015
    9pm on Syfy

    Discuss this article on our forums.

    Bonus XP & Reputation: June 19-21

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/18/bonus-xp-reputation-june-19-21/

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    Attention, ark hunters: Double XP plus 50% Bonus Faction Reputation will be available tomorrow through June 21! If you’re new to Defiance, you’ll definitely want to double down on XP with this limited-time bonus.

    Bonus XP & Reputation Weekend
    Start Time: June 19, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT
    End Time: June 21, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT

    Happy Hunting,
    The Defiance Team

    Discuss this article on our official forums.

    Defiance Developer Q&A: June 19

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/19/defiance-developer-qa-june-19/

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    Welcome, ark hunters! You’ve asked, we’re answering. We’re back with another action packed Defiance Developer Q&A! Keep an eye out for a new question collection thread on our official forums next week.

    1. Will we ever see any new permanent arkfalls in game?

      Yes, this is something we would like to add. We would have to balance their frequency with existing pursuits so that new players will be able to fully participate.

    2. Is the Defiance team looking into providing rewards for PTS participation? We could use more people on PTS.

      We will be introducing some testing in the future that will require a higher than usual amount of players on PTS. When that comes around, we are absolutely looking into rewards for players who participate and help us test. That is not to say we will forget all the players who have helped us until now, but the goal is to get something out there once we need more players. These rewards will be unique ONLY to PTS testers, and we will hopefully have more details when we get closer to the PvP balancing.

    3. Can you make the Corporate Espionage Box outfits accessible to all characters on the account? It’s a large investment and it would feel like a much better investment if the outfits awarded were account-wide.

      We still have to address the differences with how outfits are applied whether you purchased item directly from the store or from a lockbox. As a note the Corporate Espionage box will be coming off the lockbox vendor soon. We will evaluate if and how the outfits will be given afterwards, but there is no definitive timeline at this moment.

    4. Is there any chance of Bay Area Ark Hunters getting their hands on any Omec tech/armor?

      We are looking into some Omec inspired armor as a possibility.

    5. Will the Omec appear at some point in the game as a cross-over?

      At this time we do not have the Omec appear as a cross-over.

    6. Backwards compatibility has been announced for Xbox One. Is Defiance going to be one of the games available?

      We have been in contact with representatives from Microsoft, at this point nothing is happening yet.

    7. The game needs new large events, the holiday events and the recent death marches have shown that these types of events are favored by the community. Are there any plans to introduce new large in game activities/events/content?

      Yes, we would like to see more large scale social events added.

    8. When will the faction vendors be addressed? They need some love. I know gunslinger is tied to VBI, but is there any way to separate them and use the gunslinger arenas to earn rep? Similar to Thorn Liro? Let’s face it, the Gunslinger arenas and Thorn Liro arenas could have a purpose in this game other than finishing the pursuits then forgetting about them.

      We can take a look at splitting out VBI to arenas, but until we address Reputation Vendors we can’t make promises for VBI.

    9. Major arkfalls are a waste of time in terms of rewards currently. Will these rewards be balanced in the future?

      We will be looking into the possibility of itemizing specific drops towards certain events, major Arkfalls are one of the events we will look at.

    10. Any chance of adding a little icon on the HUD with how many Hunter Requistions we currently have? You can’t check when you’re crawling around.

      We’ll take that into consideration, appreciate the suggestion.

    11. Any update on expedition rewards?

      We’re updating the rewards from end bosses in expeditions so their drops overall are better and they’ll always drop at least one chip or rig. We’re also introducing another reward tier that further increases the chance for legendary drops starting at expedition tier 30.

    Discuss this article on the forums.

    New Spinal Tap Crate: Undertaker

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/20/new-spinal-tap-crate-undertaker/

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    Ark hunters, it’s out with the old and in with the new with the Spinal Tap Crate. This weekend is your last chance at the Souleater jackpot weapon, but you’ll be dealing out death with our latest innovation.

    3142iyf

    Say hello to the Undertaker, the next jackpot weapon for the Spinal Tap Crate in Defiance! This lightweight, semi-auto sniper rifle will have you bringing your enemies down to zero. Keep an eye out for this new, advanced weaponry starting on June 23 in Defiance.

    Happy hunting,
    The Defiance Team

    Discuss this article on our official forums!

    Double Golden Skitterling Weekend: June 26-29

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/24/double-golden-skitterling-weekend-june-26-29/

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    Attention, ark hunters! Golden skitterlings are rare, loot-hoarding hellbugs that are about to go wild in Expeditions across the New Frontier. In response to increased threats from marauders, they’ve hatched a double brood, spawning twice as many biters (and twice the loot!) June 26-29.

    Golden Skitterling Weekend
    Start Time: June 26, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT
    End Time: June 29, 2015 at 12:00 PM PDT

    These particular skitterlings hoard Cyber Rigs and Cyber Chips that are useful to new and experienced ark hunters alike, so stock up for this weekend and make the most of this hellbug hunt!

    Discuss this article on our official forums!

    Uneasy Alliances Form Tomorrow on Defiance

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/25/uneasy-alliances-form-tomorrow-on-defiance/

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    A new episode of Defiance premieres tomorrow, June 26, on Syfy at 8/7c. Old friends and new enemies cause confusion throughout the ranks. Stahma’s dalliances with danger present new opportunities, while the arrival of a familiar face turns Amanda’s world upside down.

    Be sure to tune in to catch the unique, limited-time code for free game loot or bonuses in every episode! Collect all 12 throughout the season to complete a new in-game Pursuit for epic rewards.

    *Watching outside North America? Check your local listings or the cheat sheet below:

    Australia – June 27, 2015
    8.30pm on Syfy

    Canada – June 28, 2015
    9pm ET / 6pm PT on Showcase

    Germany – June 30, 2015
    9pm on Syfy

    Spain – July 6, 2015
    9:30pm on Syfy

    France – July 7, 2015
    8:45pm on Syfy

    Central/South America – July 7, 2015
    20hs MX/22hs AR on Syfy

    Brazil – July 7, 2015
    9:00pm on Syfy

    UK – July 16, 2015
    9pm on Syfy

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    Defiance Livestream: June 26 at 12:30 PM PDT

    Originally published at https://www.trionworlds.com/defiance/en/2015/06/25/defiance-livestream-june-26-at-1230-pm-pdt/

    Defiance Livestream: June 26 at 12:30 PM PDT

    Join Creative Lead Carble “LoCarb” Cheung, Associate Producer Matt “Destromathe” Pettit, and Senior Community Relations Manager Evan “Scapes” Berman on the Trion Worlds Twitch channel! We’ll be discussing Defiance’s next bundle, the latest details on Midsummer Mutiny, Contracts and rewards, Sol’s Prominence, The Emancipator jackpot and more!

    Defiance Livestream
    Twitch Channel: http://www.twitch.tv/trionworlds
    Start Time: Friday, June 26 at 12:30 PM PDT (GMT-7)
    Duration: 30-45 minutes

    Stick around until the end for a chance t