Back in November of last year, Valve’s Gabe Newell sent out a notice to Steam users that the Steam database had been breached, and that some user data had possibly been taken. Details on what exactly happened were slim, but now we know a little more.

Newell once again sent out an email today to update Steam users on the situation, and in the email he said that company confirmed that some personal data was compromised in the breach, including usernames, email addresses, and possibly even encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. However, Newell said that hackers didn’t take information directly from the database, but rather a backup file containing Steam transaction information–this means that your Steam passwords appear to be safe.

Fortunately, Newell went on to say that, as of now, there has been no evidence to suggest that hackers were able to gain access to the encrypted billing addresses and passwords. Still, he suggests that you keep a close eye on your credit card statements just to be on the safe side.

Below is the letter from Gabe Newell in full.

Dear Steam Users and Steam Forum Users

We continue our investigation of last year’s intrusion with the help of outside security experts. In my last note about this, I described how intruders had accessed our Steam database but we found no evidence that the intruders took information from that database. That is still the case.

Recently we learned that it is probable that the intruders obtained a copy of a backup file with information about Steam transactions between 2004 and 2008. This backup file contained user names, email addresses, encrypted billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. It did not include Steam passwords.

We do not have any evidence that the encrypted credit card numbers or billing addresses have been compromised. However as I said in November it’s a good idea to watch your credit card activity and statements. And of course keeping Steam Guard on is a good idea as well.

We are still investigating and working with law enforcement authorities. Some state laws require a more formal notice of this incident so some of you will get that notice, but we wanted to update everyone with this new information now.

Gabe

Gabe Newell updates users on Steam hack situation is a post from: The Inquisitr

Ubisoft will soon be switching the hosting of a good many of its servers from a third-party provider to a new facility and, as a result, many Ubisoft games’ online modes will be unavailable during that time. For PC and Mac gamers, this may impact you even more.

When the transfer begins on February 7, most of Ubisoft’s titles will be limited to offline play only on all platforms, but a few PC and Mac titles won’t function at all. This list includes Assassin’s Creed (Mac), H.A.W.X. 2 (PC), Might & Magic: Heroes VI (PC), Splinter Cell: Conviction (Mac), The Settlers 7: Path to a Kingdom (PC), and The Settlers (Mac).

Ubisoft says that this transfer will affect all Ubisoft games one way or another, save for these five recently-released titles: ANNO 2070, Assassin’s Creed Revelations, Driver: San Francisco, Just Dance 3, and The Settlers Online.

“We apologize to our customers for the inconvenience,” Ubisoft said in a statement. “This move ultimately will help us improve the maintenance of our infrastructure and deliver better uptime and greatly improved services for our customers.”

Ubisoft didn’t say just how long the transfer is expected to take. The company recommends you follow its official Twitter account for more updates on when online functionality is expected to return.

Ubisoft migrating servers, several games affected is a post from: The Inquisitr

Macworld has been going on since 1985 and over the years, Apple has helped support the conference by attending. Unfortunately and starting back in 2008, the company said they would no longer be participating in the event.

This has definitely caused the conference to lack in attendance. Being that the tech company was there, it brought more interest and gave it that must go appeal. Now however, things have changed and the lack of them is definitely clear.

“Despite all the fresh new ideas on display for the Apple world from exuberant third-party companies, it matters quite a bit that the mothership isn’t here with her children. Attendance is down noticeably over 2010 and previous years, and there are fewer vendors showing their wares. There is more room to roam in the main expo hall, parking is easier to find, and that’s certainly good for attendees.”

“Although this still ranks as one of the most interesting and innovative of all the IT-related shows each year, the intensity has ratcheted down. Apple reported a high of 45,572 attendees in 2007; this year’s numbers aren’t yet available, but estimates are that between 10,000 and 15,000 people are at the show this week.”

The reason that Apple pulled from the conference is rather simple. Steve Jobs was not a fan of the conference and believed it was a distraction for the company and he does have a point. With that said however, to disregard such a large event that’s focused around your ecosystem, does make it feel like people are a bit shunned.

Would you ever attend Macworld or an Apple related conference?

Macworld 2012 Attendance Low, Lack Of Apple To Blame is a post from: The Inquisitr

Apple CEO Tim Cook announced during a recent Apple town hall meeting that employees will not be able to take advantage of an employee discount program that finally brings the company’s computers and tablets into competitive pricing ranges.

During the meeting Cook revealed that Apple employees can now receive $500 off the price of the company’s Macs and $250 off a brand new iPad device. The only system that appeared to be left out of the mic was the Mac mini, then again why would any Apple employee want to be seen using the company’s wimpiest desktop option.

In order to curb rampant abuse of the system Apple will only allow employees who have been with the company for at least 90 days to take advantage of the discount and current employees can only take advantage of the program every three years.

Up until this point the discount for employees was 25% and it’s still unclear if that discount will remain in effect during the three-year interval period.

Since CEO Tim Cook took over at Apple he has become more employee and charity focused then Steve Jobs, aside from this program he started a charitable donation matching program that encourages employees to give back to their community.

Do you think Tim Cook is doing a good job of turning Apple into a more “employee centric” operation?

Apple Town Hall Meeting Brings Deep Discounts For Apple Employees is a post from: The Inquisitr

Going by EA’s latest (and now presumably out of date) statistics, over one million players are knee-deep into Star Wars: The Old Republic right now, but Mac users that weren’t willing to jump through quite a few hoops to get it running on their system–namely, installing a Windows partition–are being left in the dust, as a Mac version is not yet available.

While the developers aren’t ready to talk specifics about the availability of a Mac version just yet, BioWare’s Ray Muzyka and Greg Zeschuk told Massively in a recent interview that the company has heard the fans, and a mac version is the next thing the company is looking at.

“We know there’s a big Mac audience of BioWare fans … we know that’s an important and large audience. And we want to serve that audience,” Muzyka said. “We’ve done a lot of Mac ports before of our games. We haven’t announced any details yet for The Old Republic, but we know that’s an important and large audience.”

We may not know the “when” and “how” just yet, but Zeschuk offered some assurance by saying that a Mac version was one of the things BioWare was looking into next. We want to get this launch under our belt and everything stabilized and happy, and then we’ll look at other platforms, and that’s obviously one of the first ones,” he explained.

Source: Massively

BioWare looking into Mac version of Star Wars: The Old Republic is a post from: The Inquisitr

Trine 2, the sequel to Frozenbyte’s 2009 physics-based puzzle platformer, was finally given a release date today. The developer announced that Trine 2 will release on PC and Mac on December 7, just two days away from now.

The console version of Trine 2 will release a couple weeks later on December 20 for the PlayStation Network, and a day later on Xbox Live. Linux users, on the other hand, will have to wait until an undisclosed point in 2012 to get their hands on the game.

“FINALLY!” says Lauri Hyvärinen, CEO of Frozenbyte in a press release. He continues: “Alas, fans will have to wait a little longer for the console versions. Trine 2 will be available in North America for PlayStation 3 system via PlayStation®Network on December 20, and worldwide for Xbox 360 system via Xbox LIVE Marketplace on December 21.

“A European release date for the PS3 system version of Trine 2 is still awaiting confirmation but we hope it won’t be far behind if delayed at all. The console releases might be arriving a bit later, but they are still in time for the holidays!”

Trine 2 is available to pre-order right now on Steam, GamersGate, and Direct2Drive for $14.99 / €12.99. A collector’s edition is also available for $24.99 / €$19.99 – it includes a digital artbook with developer commentary and the original soundtrack. A retail version of the collector’s edition will also be available, which includes a physical version of the artbook along with the soundtrack.

Trine 2 due out on PC/Mac December 7 is a post from: The Inquisitr

Developer Frozenbyte announced today that Trine 2, the sequel to 2009′s puzzle platformer, will be getting cross-platform play – but there’s a bit of a catch.

Trine 2 is set to release on just about every digital distribution service out there, but cross-platform play will only work on the Steamworks versions, and it will only work between PCs and Macs. In other words, no cross-platform play between Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3.

“The cross-platform multiplayer between Windows and Mac makes it easier to find people to play with, allowing everyone to enjoy the full co-op potential of the beta and the upcoming game,” said Lauri Hyvärinen, CEO of Frozenbyte.

If you’ve pre-ordered a copy of Trine 2, you can get access to a beta version of the game right now on both PC and Mac. The beta includes the cross-platform co-op functionality, so you’ll get the opportunity to give that a test run before the game comes out as well.

Trine 2 is priced at $14.99 and is expected out on Mac, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 “later this year”. A DRM-free PC version will be released at some point in early 2012.

Trine 2 will feature cross-platform co-op between PC and Mac is a post from: The Inquisitr

If you’re the type of person who can’t help but buy everything Valve puts on sale on Steam, you’re probably going to want to hide your wallet / credit card / PayPal account for about a week. Yep, it’s that time again.

Valve kicked off the ‘Autumn Sale’ over on Steam today with quite a few impressive deals, and there’s plenty more where that came from; each day up until November 27, Valve will be rotating in new deals.

Today’s round of deals include Portal 2 for $10.19, Mass Effect 2 for $4.99, Duke Nukem Forever for $6.79, Test Drive Unlimited 2, and Orcs Must Die for $3.74, just to name a few. Many more titles are being offered up for a discount beyond what’s in the featured list, so you’re sure to be able to find something you like that’s on sale.

Even if you can’t, there’s always tomorrow’s round.

To see what all is on sale for today, head over to the Steam Store or boot up your Steam client.

Valve kicks off Steam’s ‘Autumn Sale’ is a post from: The Inquisitr

In less than a week, November 23 to be specific, World of Warcraft will be celebrating its 7th birthday. To celebrate World of Warcraft‘s seven years of operation, Blizzard will be showing their appreciation for the players by offering a few gifts, but you’ll need to act fast to get them.

If you log in anywhere between November 20 and December 3, you’ll be able to score yourself a Feat of Strength achievement and a Celebration Package item. When you use the package, you’ll be treated to a display of fireworks, a new tabard for you to show off, and a 7% boost in experience and reputation gains for a limited time.

Blizzard also announced a new TV ad will be airing this weekend on CBS during the Bears / Chargers game, which will undoubtedly have a guest appearance from a celebrity of some sort.

Are you still interested in World of Warcraft after seven years, or have you moved on to something else? Let us know!

World of Warcraft celebrates seventh birthday next week, gets a new commercial is a post from: The Inquisitr

Bad news, Steam users. As it turns out, the Steam forums wasn’t the only thing that was breached in the recent hack – Valve boss Gabe Newell confirmed today that the database for Steam itself was also accessed by the hackers.

According to Newell, some personal data was accessible by the hackers, including user names, “hashed and salted” passwords, purchase history, email and billing addresses, and there’s even a possibility that encrypted credit card data may have been accessible. However, Newell is quick to note that there is no evidence to suggest that the hackers were able to grab the credit card information.

Here’s the statement in full:

Dear Steam Users and Steam Forum Users,

Our Steam forums were defaced on the evening of Sunday, November 6. We began investigating and found that the intrusion goes beyond the Steam forums.

We learned that intruders obtained access to a Steam database in addition to the forums. This database contained information including user names, hashed and salted passwords, game purchases, email addresses, billing addresses and encrypted credit card information. We do not have evidence that encrypted credit card numbers or personally identifying information were taken by the intruders, or that the protection on credit card numbers or passwords was cracked. We are still investigating.

We don’t have evidence of credit card misuse at this time. Nonetheless you should watch your credit card activity and statements closely.

While we only know of a few forum accounts that have been compromised, all forum users will be required to change their passwords the next time they login. If you have used your Steam forum password on other accounts you should change those passwords as well.

We do not know of any compromised Steam accounts, so we are not planning to force a change of Steam account passwords (which are separate from forum passwords). However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to change that as well, especially if it is the same as your Steam forum account password.

We will reopen the forums as soon as we can.

I am truly sorry this happened, and I apologize for the inconvenience.

Gabe.

Valve confirms Steam database hacked is a post from: The Inquisitr

Telltale Games’ Jurassic Park: The Game is nearly upon is. To provide you with something to hold you over until that November 15 release date, Telltale released a behind-the-scenes video of the making of Jurassic Park: The Game.

In the video, executive producer Kevin Boyle walks us through how the team was able to bring the player back to Isla Nublar. In the original movie, Dennis takes off with a shaving cream container filled with dinosaur embryos, but he meets an untimely end after an encounter with a Dilophosaurus. The developers felt that was a good starting point for Jurassic Park: The Game, he explains.

In the video, we also get some insight into the new engine. It’s still as much of an adventure game as Telltale’s other titles, but they decided to take a different approach with Jurassic Park: The Game.

To see it in action yourself, check out the Jurassic Park: The Game behind-the-scenes trailer below.

Jurassic Park: The Game will release on iPad, Mac, PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 on November 15.

Telltale Games offers behind-the-scenes look at Jurassic Park: The Game is a post from: The Inquisitr

Valve announced today that Portal 2 will be receiving new DLC early next year, but this time the DLC is going to be different.

Rather than cook up a new set of challenge maps for players to take on in singleplayer or co-op, Valve is working on creating an in-game map editor to allow users to create, edit and share maps of their very own, all from a slick, intuitive in-game interface.

Not much is known about it at this point, but Valve did say that users will be able to use the “easy-to-use” map editor to create both singleplayer test chambers and co-op test chambers. Once uploaded, other players will be able to check out your map, and even rate it if they like it.

Not only do we not know much about it, we also don’t know as of yet just what platforms Portal 2‘s second helping of DLC will be available on. It’s more than safe to say it’ll be arriving on PC, but a console release is up in the air at this point. We’ve reached out for comment on that.

Valve says that it’s aiming to get the Portal 2 map editor out by early 2012 which, when converted to Valve time, could be just about anything. Maybe sooner, maybe later. Who knows, it may be on time!

Just kidding, Valve. You know I love you.

Portal 2′s next DLC: In-game map editor is a post from: The Inquisitr

Diablo fans were expecting some form of Diablo III news out of BlizzCon, but what we all were really hoping for was a release date. Unfortunately, we didn’t get that, but Blizzard did at least give us something.

During the BlizzCon 2011 opening ceremonies, Blizzard showed what all would be included in the Diablo III: Collector’s Edition when it releases.. well, “when it’s done.”

The Collector’s Edition is set to include a Diablo III art book, a soundtrack, a two-disc making of Diablo III DVD, a Diablo skull, and a really cool Soulstone USB stick that comes with Diablo II.

Fortunately, Blizzard didn’t leave Diablo fans with just that. We also got to see an extended version of the original Diablo III cinematic teaser, and it more than made up for that whole “release date” thing not panning out.

To check out the new Diablo III cinematic trailer, see below.

Diablo III Collector’s Edition detailed, new cinematic trailer released [Video] is a post from: The Inquisitr

While Mac users like to brag on and on about how they don’t get viruses and other types of malware on their shiny objects of perfection recent events are proving otherwise, and to the degree that Apple has started to include their own anti-malware scanning engine as part of OS X.

The problem is that as smart as apple might think it is at catching all those nasties flocking to infect those awesome Mac machines the people writing the current crop of Mac oriented malware files are just as smart, as evidenced by their newest tactic to infect Mac machines.

Taking a note out of the old Windows malware writers guide the newest Mac trojan, which is actually just a variation of one already out in the wild, will nuke the built-in XProtectUpdater files.

The trojan, called Trojan-Downloader:OSX/Flashback.C, is delivered through a fake Flash Player installer and once the admin passwords are entered as a part of the install Flashback.C hunts down its prey by decrypting the paths within XPathUpdater and unload the XProtectUpdater daemon. Once that is done it overwrites those files with blank space, which in turns nukes the key files that XProtect needs so it can get regular updates.

The trojan can be removed using malware/ virus scanning software. You can find more information on F-Secure’s page for Flashback.C.

via Ars Technica

Mac trojan now equipped with OS X anti-virus nuking ability is a post from: The Inquisitr

When Half-Life 2 released in 2004, the Source Engine really was something to behold. The textures were beautiful, the lighting was great – especially when HDR was added in – and you didn’t even need a particularly high-end PC to get those visuals.

Seven years later, however, the engine is starting to show its old age. Valve continues to push the engine, opting to update it as technology progresses rather than building up a new engine from scratch, but even Portal 2, as gorgeous as it was, betrayed the engine’s age at times.

Valve is aware of this, but that doesn’t mean that they’re in a rush to get started on Source Engine 2. Not yet, at least.

In an interview with GamingLives, Valve’s Chet Faliszek explained why we haven’t seen a Source Engine 2 (yet), saying:

“[We] just update [Source] – not just replace it,” he said. “At some point we may say there’s Source 2 or whatever, but really for us there’s been a pretty easy way to keep it and understanding the tools. When you replace an engine, you’re replacing the tools and the way that people work, there’s an expense in man hours and people learning and people getting up on it right.”

Personally, I’d be willing to wait as long as it takes for Source Engine 2, or whatever it will be called. Portal 2 looked great and Left 4 Dead 2 didn’t look half bad either, but that’s not what’s really important in the end; What’s important is that Valve continues making games that are a blast to play, and there’s no signs of them stopping anytime soon.

What do you think? Are you tired of the Source Engine?

Source: GamingLives (via PC Gamer)

Valve explains why there is no Source Engine 2 (yet) is a post from: The Inquisitr

Good news and bad news, Portal 2 fans. The bad news is that Portal 2‘s first round of DLC won’t be coming out this month after all. The good news, though, is that it will be coming out in early October instead.

Valve announced earlier today that Portal 2‘s first DLC, “Peer Review”, will be made available for no cost to you on Mac, PC, PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 on October 4.

The DLC continues the story of the lovable robot duo, P-Body and Atlas, and sees you and a friend trying to work out a new set of nefarious puzzles from GLaDOS. Additionally, the DLC adds in a new singleplayer and co-op challenge mode, complete with your standard leaderboards to see how your scores measure up.

If you just can’t bear to wait a few more days for the DLC, Valve is offering up the last set of tracks from Portal 2‘s soundtrack, Music to Test By, over on thinkwithportals.com. It may not be the DLC you hoped for, but at least you get something out of the wait!

Portal 2 ‘Peer Review’ DLC coming out early next month (for free) is a post from: The Inquisitr

Diablo fans have been holding onto hope that Diablo III would release this year, and apparently Blizzard was hoping for the same. Unfortunately for all of us, our hopes have been dashed.

Blizzard’s Mike Morhaime announced by way of the Battle.net website that Diablo III will not make its intended “late 2011″ release date. Instead, it’s now expected to release at some point in early 2012.

“With every game we make, the temptation is always very strong to launch as soon as possible,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder. “However, we didn’t put so many years of work into Diablo III to release a game that was almost ready.”

On the bright side, this means that the currently-ongoing Diablo III closed beta will be extended, which in turn likely means more opportunities to get in – and for those who already are in, even longer to play it.

“The beta test is going very well, and we look forward to making the most of the extra time we’re taking to deliver an experience that lives up to our vision for the game and the expectations of our players. Next year is going to be an incredibly busy one for Blizzard, and we hope an incredibly fun one for Blizzard gamers.”

Busy indeed. In addition to Diablo III, Blizzard’s still working hard at getting StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm ready in time for a 2012 release, and there’s even rumor that another World of Warcraft expansion is targeted for a 2012 release date.

Diablo III to release in early 2012 is a post from: The Inquisitr

I can’t imagine that anyone on the internet who has at least a modicum of interest in gaming doesn’t already own Portal, but on the very off chance that you don’t, Steam has made the first-person puzzler available for free on Steam for a limited time.

You have between now and the end of day on Tuesday, September 20th to take advantage of what is essentially robbing Valve of one of the greatest puzzle games ever made. If you’re worried that your PC may not be able to run it, don’t; Portal will run on just about any rig made over the past 8 or so years, albeit with low-end settings.

Even in that case, it’s still absolutely worth the download. To get the download started, head over to this link – or, if you prefer, simply boot up your Steam client, browse your way over to the Portal store page and get to downloading.

Seriously. Download it. I mean it. If you do, I’ll give you some cake!

via Rock, Paper, Shotgun

Portal free on Steam, here’s your chance to rob Valve is a post from: The Inquisitr

In news that should come as no surprise after the auction house announcement, Blizzard announced today that PayPal will be their payment-service for the Diablo III auction house.

With the introduction of PayPal as an option for the auction house will also come the ability to play for Blizzard goods and services all across Battle.net. The service will be available in “many” regions, Blizzard said, but they weren’t willing to say which ones were excluded.

The Diablo III auction house, announced last month, allows players to sell and buy virtual items straight from within Diablo III for real-life cash or, if you prefer, in-game gold.

But don’t expect the auction house to be flooded with useless items up for sale for real cash; in an attempt to stop that very thing from happening – and to make some money in the process – Blizzard will be charging a small fee for listing an item up on the auction house.

The news that players will be able to buy items with real-life cash, this time through legitimate means, wasn’t particularly well-received among Blizzard’s fanbase, to put it lightly. Players argue that being able to buy items potentially upsets the balance of PVP, which Blizzard is putting a focus on with Diablo III‘s arena-like PVP modes.

Diablo III is expected to go into beta sometime this month.

Source: Blizzard

Blizzard announces PayPal support for Diablo III, Battle.net is a post from: The Inquisitr

Lucky PAX attendees are getting the chance to play Counter-Strike: Global Offensive right now, but if you’re like me and missed out on a chance to go, Valve was kind enough to release a new trailer to show us what we’re missing.

Most of the video is a series of quick flashes of action and a few showpieces for Counter-Strike: Global Offensive‘s visuals, but Valve also dropped some new information in the trailer: Counter-Strike: Global Offensive will have cross-platform play.

Just what that means exactly is unknown right now. The PlayStation 3 version of Portal 2 had Steamworks support and allowed for cross-platform play, but Microsoft imposes restrictions on Xbox Live that, at least for now, block Steamworks from being integrated in the same way.

This may not necessarily mean that the Xbox 360 will be left out of cross-platform play, though. We’ll send a note over to Valve and let you know as soon as we hear back.

Until then, check out the debut Counter-Strike: Global Offensive trailer below.

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive debut trailer out, confirms cross-platform play is a post from: The Inquisitr