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DDoS Attack Sidelines CCP Servers For EVE Online, DUST 514

These hackers are just a colossal pain in the ass.

CCP Games has pulled down their servers for EVE Online and DUST 514 due to a DDoS attack over the weekend. The information was revealed via the EVE Facebook page . CCP is currently investigating the situation and said:

"With the highest sense of precaution we have taken Tranquility and associated websites back down for further investigation and an exhaustive scan of our entire infrastructure. We will update you more frequently via our Twitter feed, however, an extended service interruption of several hours is expected as this process should not be rushed."

EVE is a MMORPG for the PC while DUST 514 is basically a MMOFPS; a spin-off of EVE that is available exclusively on the PlayStation 3. Sadly, DUST 514 just launched back on May 14, so the timing of this attack sucks. Of course, such attacks always suck but they can be especially damaging when a title is brand new. For the time being, CCP is trying to reactivate the servers, but we have no idea when everything will be back up and running again. Here's hoping it'll be soon.

Related Game(s): DUST 514

DUST 514 Launches On May 14…Get It?

Guess they're done testing.

For a while now, we've been waiting on the official launch date of CCP's MMOFPS, DUST 514 . Exclusive to the PlayStation 3, this EVE Online spin-off features a more action-oriented perspective of EVE 's insanely in-depth world.

Now, as announced at the developer's Twitter page , DUST 514 is cleared to release on May 14. Makes perfect sense, doesn't it? 5/14? DUST 514 …? Yes, we get it, CCP. Very clever. We just hope you've made some essential tweaks in the last few weeks, because based on what we've seen thus far, you ain't ready to go. There are still a number of issues to be addressed, as we mentioned in our recent hands-on preview . But a new build is due on May 6, so here's hoping! Maybe it'll feel like a whole new game.

This sorta makes me miss MAG . That game was pretty great, and I don't even like that multiplayer style.

Related Game(s): DUST 514

DUST 514 Now In Open Beta On PS3

It has been a long time coming but then again, gigantic productions typically take more time to prepare and test.

And speaking of "test," good news for PlayStation 3 owners: CCP Games has announced that their highly anticipated MMOFPS, DUST 514 , is "officially in open beta," and it's now free to download on the PSN.

Enter EVE Online 's ever-expanding New Eden universe and see how the developers have connected the two experiences; EVE Online has been available on PC for some time, and DUST 514 essentially builds on that foundation. Technically, the PC version was dubbed a "space combat simulator" while they're saying DUST is a FPS, so "this is the first time two games from different genres and different platforms have been linked together into one massive online gaming experience." It is indeed quite the ambitious endeavor.

So now it's time to get involved in the prolonged battle. Mercenaries can begin to shape their careers as you will have to make critical decisions concerning skill upgrades, weapon options, and dropsuit choices. And this is only the first step, as the press release says CCP "will continually improve upon the overall DUST 514 experience, adding features, content, as well as deeper integration between the two games." Download away if you're interested, and try not to get too sucked in…

Related Game(s): DUST 514

Tretton: DUST 514 Hits Next Month

It's the MMOFPS that EVE followers have been waiting on, and interested PS3 players have been anxiously anticipating.

Thing is, we still don't have an official launch date, despite the recent beta tests. Many have assumed the game would release for the holidays, though, and now it appears that estimation was correct.

Sony boss Jack Tretton may have involuntarily confirmed DUST 514 for October. During a FOX Business interview (as cited by Strategy Informer ), Tretton was talking about free-to-play games and referred to the upcoming PS3 title:

" A game called Dust 514 is a full-blown first-person shooter available on PlayStation 3 that not only allows you to play against your friends on PS3, but also against people on the PC. "

Someone asked Tretton whether he said "Dusk" or "Dust," and he replied "Dust…coming out next month." Well, that's good enough for now. Just be forewarned- A game as big as CCP's DUST 514 could just swallow up every last spare second you've got, and October ain't exactly July. There are a ton of games slated for the fourth quarter and if you want to play 'em, you should approach CCP's project carefully . Heh.

Related Game(s): DUST 514

PlayStation Plus Members Can Join The DUST 514 Beta Fun

PlayStation Plus members always get a little preferential treatment thrown their way. And rightfully so.

Developer CCP has revealed a special closed beta test for Plus subscribers, who will get to play DUST 514 between August 21 and September 4. They will join those who have purchased a Mercenary Pack and gamers who were already in thanks to the All-Access Pass.

A statement from CCP:

"August 21 marks an important milestone in the Dust 514 beta as it ushers in the “Precursor” release. This update includes the first live Dust/Eve Online integration, Orbital Strike framework, instant battle matchmaking, new environments, keyboard and mouse support, and tons of other enhancements. As a bonus, PlayStation Plus subscribers will receive a 50 percent discount on the Mercenary Pack for Dust 514 during the beta event. The Mercenary Pack gives players unlimited beta access, as well as in-game currency, skill boosts, and exclusive gear. Those interested can learn more about the Mercenary Pack by visiting www.dust514.com/mercpack."

DUST 514 is essentially a MMOFPS, which a never-ending online multiplayer structure that allows players to explore a vast sci-fi universe from a number of different perspectives. Definitely a game you could get lost in for many, many hours so set aside a big chunk of time.

Related Game(s): DUST 514

DUST 514 Mercenary Pack: Weapons, Armor, Beta Access

Well, this is mildly interesting.

When we first started talking about CCP's MMOFPS DUST 514 , the developers mentioned an initial "cover charge" that consumers would pay to download the game. However, since that time DUST 514 has become free-to-play, so if you don't wish to pay right off the bat, you don't have to.

And yet, that "cover charge" appears to be an option…in the form of the Mercenary Pack, which should be available today on the PlayStation Network. This pack offers plenty of exclusive items, such as additional armor and weapons and best of all, an all-access pass to the closed beta test being conducted throughout the summer. Interestingly enough, it also includes 4,000 Aurum, which is the game's currency. That translates to $20, the same price as that "cover charge" we were going to see, and the price of the Mercenary Pack.

So like, you can get into the beta ahead of time and you get a bunch of extra stuff others won't get (at least, not immediately). Maybe they just decided that without the $20 entry fee, they'd find another way to charge $20 for something . But hey, it's still free-to-play, so why complain?

Related Game(s): DUST 514