Ericsson Year in Review 2022 - January to June Ericsson
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These days I'm a dabbler rather than a hardcore raider, but my fascination with MMOs and the unique communities that form around each one remains undimmed. The nature of these games means that, whatever structure may be intended for them, elements can be purely player authored. Guilds set themselves quests, individuals decide to do something so unusual everyone stops to watch, and sometimes developers come in and play god.
Not all of these stories happened in 2022, that's just when they came to light. Such is the nature of these spaces, worlds in a bottle with their own legends and myth. So whether it's burning down the ill-gotten gains of item dupers, or taverns that provide professional companionship to world-weary adventurers, here are the best MMO community stories of the year.
A game in the rudest of health, Final Fantasy 14's huge playerbase and more unusual elements make it an absolute goldmine for curious community behaviour. One of PC Gamer's resident experts is Mollie Taylor who, along with the rest of the community, began 2022 giddy with excitement at the thought of buying a house in-game: only to discover that the process left her a broken woman (opens in new tab).
After recovering, Mollie went on to interview the erotic roleplayers that make a living in the game's equivalent of Vegas (opens in new tab). Nope, you're never too far from a catgirl in this world. Speaking of which, one erotic roleplaying server found itself under the protection of a (friendly) catgirl army (opens in new tab).
Later in the year Final Fantasy 14 would add a new farming mode, intended as a relaxing activity for players. Clearly the developers have never actually met the game's fanbase because what happened next was predictable. They started grinding the hell out of it (opens in new tab) and yes, spreadsheets are involved.
This one I can't summarise better than the headline: Final Fantasy 14 producer asks players to stop saying "nice job!" to opponents then setting off fireworks on their bodies (opens in new tab).
Ultima Online is an astonishing 25 years old (opens in new tab) in 2022, and its emergent systems are usually behind the best community stories. This one, though, came from inside. A former developer on the game recounts a time when they worked out how to identify players who were using a glitch to duplicate items.
The developers tracked them all down, waited for the right moment to strike, then went in and burned everything the item-dupers owned to ashes (opens in new tab): "It felt fantastic."
The grand daddy keeps delivering, and 2022 was no exception. Why don't we start off with the classic MMO love story, of a young and determined dwarf who decided to solo a boss that should have been un-solo-able (opens in new tab). It took five hours but, somehow, he pulled it off.
The big WoW news of the year was the Dragonflight expansion, which did not launch without its hitches. Here an expert from within the community explains how one overlooked line of code ultimately brought a 10 year-old loot system to its knees (opens in new tab).
Dragonflight also brought some old favourites back out of the woodwork. WoW's most stubborn peacenik, a panda that will do no harm, once again managed to hit max level without hurting anyone (opens in new tab).
As well as the main branch, this year World of Warcraft Classic got the Wrath of the Lich King expansion and Blizzard produced one of the best trailers the game's had in years. The secret? They just got one of the best community creators to do the whole thing. (opens in new tab)
Tibia is a 25 year-old MMO created by four German students that, slowly but surely, found enough of a following that it's been supported for that length of time too. This year's update was a big one though: the previously silent MMO now has sound (opens in new tab).
This one's a classic: The story of how, in the early days of EverQuest, a cheater and a designer waged secret war in a San Diego gaming store (opens in new tab).
Still hanging in there, and producing wild stories too. This year an Old School Runescape player who'd spent two years on the run was finally hunted down: and the player who killed him received an astonishing 16 billion gold (opens in new tab), the largest bounty in the history of the game.
Does Destiny 2 count? Eh who cares, funny stories come out of it, and my favourite thing about the Destiny players I know is how dedicated they are to knowing about the latest exploits. They love cheese more than a cartoon mouse. Which is why it was little surprise that, this year, a community event that was supposed to last weeks was over and done with in a single day (opens in new tab) thanks to liberal cheddar.
Shin Megami Tensei Imagine Online shut down in 2016, but was revived by two dedicated fans in 2020, who began operating their own server for other fans of the defunct MMO to enjoy. Harmless enough one might think but no: Atlus has gone after them with the lawyers (opens in new tab), which could set a precedent for the preservation of abandoned titles.
Amazon's New World hasn't had the most exciting year, but one interesting problem did crop up: shell companies. Long story short is that players worked out how to game the MMO's 'companies' system, basically the same as guilds, and would have multiple shell companies (opens in new tab) operating under the aegis of one company to rule them all, messing up elements of the PvP big time.
Guild Wars 2 players are used to getting their head around unusual quests, but one this year took the cake. Players needed to kill a particular enemy by following certain criteria that, ultimately, meant they had to 'lose' a group event. Problem is that players couldn't stop winning it (opens in new tab), making some very angry about the fact.
Not really a community story this, but enough of an oddity to warrant a mention. Crowfall, a crowdfunded MMO, has been shut down less than a year after launch. That's not uncommon but what's odd is the reason: developer Monumental reckons this is the way to save the game (opens in new tab), by taking it offline while the studio works on its future. Don't hold your breath.
If there's one thing about MMOs, they do accrue certain community notions of right and wrong. The kinds of rules that are unspoken, but woe betide anyone who breaks them. So to perhaps the year's greatest MMO story: how a bunch of EverQuest players broke sacred MMO code by waking up a 20 year-old dragon (opens in new tab).
That's it, apart from the biggest MMO story of the year. Take a bow everyone: Earth's passed the 8 billion concurrent users mark.
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SINGAPORE: A server previously owned and used by Keppel Telecommunications and Transportation (KTT) that contained the personal data of employees and former workers has been hacked, the company said on Tuesday (Dec 20) night.
KTT recently discovered that an unidentified hacker or hacker group had accessed the server on which some old files were stored.
The incident did not involve nor affect any existing IT systems or infrastructure of KTT, it said in a media statement.
The files on the server contained the personal data of KTTs and some of its affiliates' employees and former workers, as well as former company shareholders prior to its delisting from the Singapore Exchange. It also contained "other information", but the firm did not elaborate.
The data involved is historical data, some of which may no longer be current (or) applicable, said the firm.
KTT is contacting the relevant parties whose data may have been compromised and affected by this incident. It has notified the relevant authorities and is working closely with them on this matter.
The company has started an investigation, with a team of leading international cybersecurity and digital forensics experts.
It said the incident was limited to the server and there has been no compromise of any of the IT systems of KTT, adding that the data on its IT systems remain secure.
Immediate steps were taken to contain the incident and stop any further intrusions, said the company.
KTT regrets the inconvenience this cyber-attack has caused its stakeholders and would like to thank them for their patience and understanding as it continues its investigation into the breach, it added.
A dedicated channel has been set up to provide support and assistance to those affected.
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Strengths and opportunities of the German colocation market DatacenterDynamics
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Strengths and opportunities of the German colocation market - DatacenterDynamics
Arlington, VA --
Connect to Care is a new approach to providing support for Airmen, Guardians, and their families in which all providers, regardless of area of responsibility, will personally guide each individual or group to the support services they need. This new approach is in response to the 2021 Independent Review Commission on Sexual Assault in the Military and its recommendation to prioritize the needs of individuals seeking care and support by ensuring seamless coordination between helping agencies known as a warm handoff within the IRC.
The Pacific Air Forces Integrated Resilience team was among the first to receive training in Connect to Care. Drew Kadokowa, PACAFs Community Support Program Manager and Community Action Team Chair, said the new approach formalizes a process that was, for the most part, already being carried out.
I feel like most of our providers and supervisors are already doing this. This [Connect to Care] is a utilization reporting system and training to make sure we are doing it right and in the most efficient way possible, Kadokawa said.
The utilization reporting system will capture the total number of referrals and the specific agencies that receive those referrals. Service provider offices, squadrons, and First Sergeants will capture data from their respective encounters with an individual or group, and the agency to which they were referred.
Kadokawas team was one of the first to take the Connect to Care training, which is the beginning of a months-long, but thorough process to train DAF personnel. This training will assist those who may be able to give referrals to Airmen and Guardians for other helping agencies.
Its a four-phased approach and the first phase was to train the trainer, which Air Force Personnel Center conducted. The next phase of it, parts two and three, is the rollout to the installation command teams and the service providers, Kadokawa said.
In the final phase, training facilitators will educate all front-line supervisors. Each phase of the training is slightly different with direct providers, such as Chaplains, or Sexual Assault Response Coordinators (SARC), having longer, more detailed instruction. Kadokawa said that is because the providers are more likely to have Airmen, Guardians, and family members come to them directly for help with an issue.So, we need to make sure they understand what each agency does and how to account for referrals through Connect to Care, and that were sending them to the right places to get the help they need, Kadokawa said.The Connect to Care approach is the foundation of a one-stop shop concept. For example, if a spouse who was the victim of domestic violence sought help from a SARC, they would then guide the spouse to a Domestic Abuse Victim Advocate (DAVA) by contacting the DAVA directly, with the spouses permission. Kadokawa said that creates a reliable and person-centered experience for Airmen, Guardians and DAF family members who choose to explore support options.
Kadokawa said, For someone who is requesting serious, immediate assistance, if you refer them to the wrong agency, or just give them the information and send them out the door, they may not reach out again.
Connect to Care aims to ensure no individual or group encounters an obstacle to the support they need, and to provide seamless coordination among helping resources.
Kadokawa said providers can make a referral three different ways: by picking up the phone and calling the next provider, personally walking the individual(s) to another providers location, or contacting the other provider virtually from a computer.
Referrals are up to the individual(s) seeking information or support and only with their consent. Progress and success of the Connect to Care approach will be measured by feedback from the individuals served, and through installation commanders who will capture the total number of connections and agencies that receive the referrals. The metrics will not include any personal identifiable information.
The intention of the Connect to Care approach is the same as the Co-Location pilot, which places helping agencies within the same location. Both prioritize the needs of Airmen, Guardians, and their family members by ensuring providers refer those requesting help are personally directed to the support they need. Connect to Care makes it possible to guide them to the right resource regardless of where the helping agency or provider is located.
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Connecting Airmen, Guardians, family members to care ... - resilience.af.mil
The wait is over. On Thursday, December 8, Isla & Co. officially opened its doors to the city of Atlanta. This Buckhead restaurant from NYC-based Parched Hospitality Group has brunch, a unique variety of coffee, cocktails, and dinner, mixing Australian-inspired cuisine with the flavors of Southeast Asia and the Mediterranean and seating up to 110 people in its intimate, greenery-forward dining room, front bar, and cozy outdoor patio.
Atlanta has an amazing culinary and bar scene, and we are so excited for Isla & Co. to become a part of that hospitality community and to bring our culture to the city, says PHG president and co-owner, David Orr. We wanted to find a neighborhood that would embrace the Australian experience and where we would feel at home delivering it, and Buckhead gave us just what we were looking for. With a second lease just signed in the Midtown neighborhood, Isla & Co. is looking forward to making our home in Atlanta and growing our presence in the years to come.
Helmed by executive chef Matthew Foley and local Atlanta chef Kate Huang, the menu features excellent cuts of meat paired with bright flavors, alongside vegetable-focused dishes filled with fresh, local produce. In another nod to Australian caf culture, a carefully curated specialty coffee program features PHG coffee brand Hole In The Wall with two signature house blends originating from the Americas and Ethiopia.
For the brunch enthusiasts out there, breakfast is served until 4 pm, with menu options such as the Brekkie Roll, Brioche French Toast, or the Sambal Scramble, which is soft-beaten eggs, a house-made chili sambal sauce, green harissa, and parmesan with sourdough and choice of bacon or avocado. Lunch is spearheaded by Fish & Chips, and the dinner list includes the Braised Lamb Shoulder, Spicy Thai Green Curry, or the sharable oysters for the table.
Isla & Co.s has a comprehensive list of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails, including a Buckhead exclusive: the What the Buck, featuring rye whiskey, mint, lemon, maple, and ginger beer.
Isla & Co is open Tuesday - Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm for brunch, and 5 pm to 10 pm for dinner. Dine-in is extended an extra hour on Fridays and Saturdays; with the restaurant closing its doors at 11 pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations are now open through Resy.
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Isla & Co. Debuts in Buckhead with a Menu of Australian Inspired ... - Thrillist
Goose Island Beer moving brewpub to Salt Shed
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Goose Island Beer Co. is moving its original Lincoln Park brewpub to the new Salt Shed music venue along the Chicago River.
The new location in the former Morton Salt shed at Elston and Magnolia avenues is just across the river from the brewery's namesake, Goose Island.
The Goose Island Beer Company was founded by John Hall in 1988, as one of the first small breweries in the Midwest. The Lincoln Park brewery and brewpub opened that year in an old industrial complex at 1800 N. Clybourn Ave., and became an anchor of the 1800 Clybourn mall. The mall also housed the Remains Theatre stage company, Muddler's Pool Room, the ArtGolf indoor miniature golf course, and an assortment of specialty and boutique stores and restaurants.
The mall closed in 1994 and most of it was demolished, but the Goose Island brewpub remained as a new shopping center anchored by a Bed, Bath and Beyond store rose around it. A Goose Island brewery and taproom at 1800 W. Fulton St. went on to open in 1995.
Goose Island also operates the Barrel House space for private events at 603 N. Sacramento Blvd. on the city's West Side, where the brewery also ages its Bourbon County Brand Stout. International Goose Island brewpub locations have also opened over the past several years.
Goose Island operated a second brewpub at 3535 N. Clark St. just south of Wrigley Field from 1999 until 2015. The building where it was located has since been torn down for a new development.
The Clybourn Avenue brewpub nearly closed in 2008, on account of rising rents in the neighborhood. But last-minute negotiations with the landlord kept it open. The brewpubnearly closed again in 2014, but that too was averted.
The bar notes that the Clybourn Avenue location is the longest continuously operating craft brewery in Chicago.
Goose Island was sold to Anheuser-Busch InBev in 2011.
You still have time to enjoy the original Clybourn Avenue location where the company got its start. The move isn't anticipated until the end of next year.
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Goose Island Beer Co. to move brewpub to Salt Shed - CBS News
In a not-that-surprising twist of events, San Francisco-founded tea chain Boba Guys has closed the doors on its original location. Co-founders Andrew Chau and Bin Chen confirmed the closure to the San Francisco Chronicle, telling the paper they offered the laid-off staff roles at other Boba Guys locations. The co-founders also announced the Newport Beach Boba Guys location will shut down, too.
Its an unsurprising choice given the spate of backlash the company received in late October when the company pushed back on its staff after they announced hopes to unionize. Then, more backlash followed when SFGATE reported the company allegedly recorded employees in its shop without prior consent, a violation of California state law. Boba Guys began its empire from this original location in the Mission when it opened in 2011. Thankfully, there are lots of other boba shops in the city worth a visit.
Sithas Authentic Khmer Food, the San Bruno pop-up from owner Sitha Yim, will vacate its current home at Pho de Nguyen after December 18. Worry not, though: the Peninsula Foodist reports the business will move to two new (currently undisclosed) locations in the new year. Yims business became paramount to the Bays Cambodian American community for her loving recreations of staple dishes including garlic noodles and Cambodian beef jerky.
Bernal Heights chef Greg Lutes, the owner and operator of Michelin-recognized 3rd Cousin, is joining the Sprouts Chef Training program in auctioning off a cooking class and brunch. Bids are open online until December 18 and start at $150.
As of December 21, Canyon Market at 2815 Diamond Street will become a new Guss Community Market. According to a press release, the full 90-person staff will stay on, and operations will carry on as usual under the new ownership. Janet and Richard Tarlov opened Canyon Market in 2006.
The Sage and Drifter, the Inner Sunsets cocktail and neighborhood bar, is turning one on December 17. But theyre not alone: Potrero Hills go-to wine bar Ruby is celebrating its 11th birthday on December 16 with help from fellow neighborhood merchant Alimentari Aurora. Both bars are hosting shindigs with DJs, special food offerings, and plenty of good vibes.
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Boba Guys Pulls the Plug on Its Original Location Just Months After ... - Eater SF
Mana Up has opened a new retail location at Prince Waikiki The Business Journals
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Mana Up has opened a new retail location at Prince Waikiki - The Business Journals
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