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Wednesday Archives: 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002

Wednesday, Sep 13 2006

BioWare Wednesday Format Changes
We are making a change to our web content release schedule in favor of a more flexible schedule for our online updates. Read this important message from BioWare Community Manager Jay Watamaniuk, and participate in the discussion. Discuss.

BioWare Community Team Grows
BioWare's community has flourished over the years with each new game release, and is now one of most recognized and active communities in the world of gaming. To help BioWare move into exciting new spaces of community, we have hired a Community Coordinator whose name (if you have spent any time on our official forums, it will be familiar) is Chris Priestly. Discuss.

New Premium Neverwinter Nights Module Released!
Stampede your way into the latest Premium Neverwinter Nights module, Wyvern Crown of Cormyr, which features the long-awaited addition of fully ride-able horses, plus cloaks, tabards, new tileset, new creatures, new placeable objects, and whole a lot more! Discuss.

Wednesday, Sep 06 2006

1.68 Cloaks and Textures Tutorial
With NWN 1.68 we now have support for dynamic cloaks! Equip a cloak into the cloak slot and a cloak appears on your character. Read this tutorial to learn how to add exciting new cloak textures to your games. Discuss.

Wednesday, Aug 30 2006

Persistent World Higher Ground and the Big Transition
Last week we looked at a long-running Neverwinter Nights persistent world and some of the features they worked hard to implement that set themselves apart as a place for competitive, epic characters. This week we continue our discussion, but with a focus on the future, which is rapidly arriving in the form of Neverwinter Nights 2. Discuss.

Tuesday, Aug 29 2006

NWN 1.68 Update Released
Update 1.68 for Neverwinter Nights and the NWN Expansions is now available. Get the update automatically through the in-game updater, or download it from the NWN support area. 1.68 contains visible cloaks and scripting updates. Discuss.

Wednesday, Aug 23 2006

3 Million Member Contest Closed
Thanks to everyone who entered the BioWare 3 Million Member Ultimate Gaming Setup contest. The contest is now closed and winners notified by e-mail. To be alerted when our next contest starts up, sign up for our newsletter. Discuss.

Legendary Adventure: The World of Higher Ground
Read an interview with Funky Swerve, spokesman for NWN persistent world Higher Ground, which is making the transition from NWN 1 to NWN 2. Learn about the cool features Higher Ground has to offer, such as its legendary levels system, intense action, and multi-server community. Discuss.

Wednesday, Aug 16 2006

Darkness over Daggerford
Ossian Studios, headed by former BioWare producer Alan Miranda, has crafted a huge, 25-30 hour NWN adventure called Darkness over Daggerford. Formally a Premium Module, this free adventure offers new creatures, features, strongholds, and more. Discuss.

Ultimate Gaming Contest Closing Soon
Your chance to win the ultimate gaming setup ends Monday, August 21. Up for grabs is an NVidia PC gaming system bundled with an XBox 360 Premium system! Be sure to enter today, before it's too late. Discuss.

Wednesday, Aug 09 2006

New NWN CEP v2 Screenshots
Check out new screenshots featuring the cool content of the Community Expansion Pack v2. View some of the new shields - including emitter shields - and several placeable objects, such as portals, curtains, magic globes, a carriage, carts, starfish, a tome, a desk, and a chalkboard. Discuss.

Wednesday, Aug 02 2006

Wheel of Time Persistent World Part 2
Read the second half of our Neverwinter Nights interview with Wheel of Time persistent world co-chief, Lucky Day. Learn about what fans of the Wheel of Time can find in the world, along with what eager players can expect as well. Discuss.

NWN CEP v2 Unleashed
The Community Expansion Pack v2 is almost out! It will contain rideable horses, arcane and emitter based shields, hundreds of new monsters and creatures, thousands of armour and weapon components, and much more. Wow. This week, read an interview with CEP Project Overlord Kephisto, and check out screenshots of some of the new creatures in CEP v2. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jul 26 2006

Last Week to Enter Computer Giveaway
Enter to win a new Alienware PC. Entry is free and the deadline is looming - July 31. Wouldn't it be sweet if you could play Jade Empire PC on a brand spankin' new Alienware computer that even Death’s Hand would envy? If you haven't already entered, do it today. Discuss.

Wheel of Time Persistent World
The Wheel of Time Persistent World has been thriving for years, and we spoke with PW co-owner Lucky Day to learn about one of Neverwinter Night's most enduring and popular gaming destinations. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jul 19 2006

Mass Effect Podcast + Jade PC Screens
Listen to an interview with Mass Effect Project Director Casey Hudson in a podcast hosted by Official XBox Magazine. The Mass Effect part begins at the 20:24 mark. Also, view exclusive, new screenshots of Jade Empire PC. While you're at the Jade Empire site, be sure to enter the Alienware Giveaway where you could win a free computer. Discuss.

Mass Effect Video: See the Best RPG of E3 in Action
Mass Effect is taking the next-generation console world by storm! Watch stunning, in-game footage of Mass Effect in action with narration by Project Director Casey Hudson. You can also download this video from the Xbox Live Marketplace and watch it in beautiful, high definition! Discuss.

Tyrants of the Moonsea
We chat with Luke J.S. Scull, a.k.a Alazander, author of the exceptional Neverwinter Nights module, Tyrants of the Moonsea. Though once slated as a premium module, it is now available for all to download from the Neverwinter Vault, and fan reaction has been very positive. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jul 12 2006

The Overlooked Modules Reports
With a multitude of community-created modules at the Neverwinter Vault, it's easy to miss a few gems. Enter the Overlooked Modules Reports, which highlight high caliber modules that might have been missed in the avalanche of module submissions. We chat with community members actively working on the project. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jul 05 2006

BloodSpell Anatomy Part 2
We continue our nuts and bolts look into the making of a feature-length NWN machinima movie. Hugh Hancock of Strange Company outlines the final stages used to craft BloodSpell: Voice Recording, Filming, Editing, and more. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jun 28 2006

BloodSpell: Anatomy of a Feature Length Machinima Film, Pt 1
If you've ever wondered what goes into making a machinima film, Artistic Director of Strange Company, Hugh Hancock, gives us an in-depth, blow-by-blow account of each step in the crafting of BloodSpell. A fascinating read! Discuss.

Wednesday, Jun 21 2006

Celebrating Over 3 Million Members
The BioWare Community has achieved the amazing milestone of 3 million members! To show our thanks to the most awesome game community in the world, we are celebrating by giving away the Ultimate Gaming Setup. Community members, enter to win the Ultimate Gaming Setup. Non-members, we invite you to set-up a free community account and enter as well. Discuss.

From Talented Community Member to BioWare Staff
As the BioWare community continues to expand, we are always on the lookout for exceptionally talented community members who have shown not only creativity and skill, but the drive to turn a hobby into a profession. We profiled some community members turned BioWare staff when we achieved two million members, and now that the community has ballooned to three million, we wanted to add to the expanding list of outstanding new staff who got their start in the community. Discuss.

BloodSpell: A Feature Length Machinima Film
BloodSpell, a full-length machinima film built with the Neverwinter Nights engine, recently released the first few installments to the public! We speak with Hugh Hancock, the Artistic Director of Strange Company who heads up the massive BloodSpell project. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jun 14 2006

Learning the Ropes of Game Design with Matt Deller
We speak with Assistant Principal Matt Deller, a.k.a Poetic Colossus, about teaching game design using Neverwinter Nights, and how a high score in Asteroids can actually mean something in the real world. Discuss.

Widow Hagatha, Sharing Your Dungeon, New Screens
In this final week for Infinite Dungeons BioWare Wednesday updates, we have for you a new boss monster article about Widow Hagatha, an article on how to share your dungeons with friends and the community, new screenshots, and a new forum portrait. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jun 07 2006

Lord Antoine Baccha, Vizier de Guise
Read up on Infinite Dungeons' boss monster, Lord Antoine Baccha, Vizier de Guise, and learn about his dual nature and dark secret. Also available this week is a new Infinite Dungeons forums portrait and new screenshots! Discuss.

Infinite Dungeons Wallpaper
A cool wallpaper for NWN Infinite Dungeons is now available for download. It's brimming with creepy and deadly critters--can you name them all? After you've installed the desktop, read an interview with Senior Artist Todd Grenier who chats about crafting the feature Infinite Dungeons image. Discuss.

Wednesday, May 31 2006

Randomization, Scalability, and Stats Collection
For the number crunchers out there, read an article about the randomization, scalability, and stats collection of Infinite Dungeons for Neverwinter Nights, written by QA Ninja, Stanley Woo. Discuss.

The Lich King of Infinite Dungeons
Not all kings are created equal. Learn about the Infinite Dungeons villain, Masterius the Lich King, and his tragic story. Plus, a new Infinite Dungeons forum portrait and screenshots are available! Discuss.

Wednesday, May 24 2006

Infinite Dungeons Boss Monster Revealed
Meet Harat, Lord of Darkness, a malformed, demonic outcast from the lower planes and now Halaster's grudging servant in the uber wizard's Undermountain lair. Also check out new Infinite Dungeons screenshots and forum portraits. Discuss.

Infinite Dungeons Released
Infinite Dungeons, the brand new single and multi-player premium module for Neverwinter Nights, is now available at the BioWare Online Store for purchase and immediate download. Discuss.

Wednesday, May 17 2006

Final Writing Contest Winner Interviews
The last batch of four interviews with the talented folks who won the BioWare Writing contest are up. Read their thoughts on writing, characterization tips, and their plans for the future. Discuss.

Mass Effect a Hit at E3
Press and gamers are raving about the Mass Effect demo and presentation they experienced at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo. Congrats to the Mass Effect team! Browse the full list of online previews and reviews, plus view the complete set of brand new screenshots. Discuss.

Infinite Dungeons Premium Module May 24
A brand new Neverwinter Nights premium module releases May 24. Infinite Dungeons provides randomly generated adventures for characters of every level. Play with your friends or compete against your adversaries. If you dare, you can play alone.... View screenshots, read articles, and check out the module's awesome features. Discuss.

Wednesday, May 10 2006

Part 2: Writing Contest Winner Interviews
Four new interviews with the BioWare Writing Contest winners are up. Read their thoughts on writing modules, finding inspiration, and more. Discuss.

New Mass Effect Screens and Info
Check out a dozen new screens for BioWare's spectacular vision of the future currently in development, and stay tuned for Mass Effect news, interviews, and previews from this year's Entertainment Expo in L.A. Discuss.

Jade Coming to PC + Alienware Giveaway
BioWare recently announced Jade Empire is coming to the PC. The PC version will include customizable and intuitive controls, increased graphics resolutions, plus new visual effects, monsters, fighting styles, and more. Also, be sure and enter our free giveaway for a chance to win a new Alienware computer. Discuss.

Wednesday, May 03 2006

Interviews With Writing Contest Winners
This week, we start an article series about the authors of the winning BioWare Writing Contest modules that were recognized for writing quality and ability to tell a good story in a tiny little 4 by 4 square. Discuss.

1.67 Update Script Articles & Demo Module
Flashy new creatures are all fine and good, but the real meat of an NWN update is the added scripting commands and features. Check out a player-friendly overview of what might be in store in upcoming modules that utilize some of the new commands, plus in-depth articles about two of the flashier new commands for the scripting enthusiastic. Discuss.

Wednesday, Apr 26 2006

Free Content In New Neverwinter Nights 1.67 Update
The 1.67 update for Neverwinter Nights is available now and it features the most new content ever to be released for free. 1.67 contains new creatures, new placeable objects, new tilesets, and new scripting commands. Get all the goodies today! Discuss.

Wednesday, Apr 19 2006

NeverTris: High Fantasy Tetris
This week we return to our bizarro roots with a profile about Neverwinter Tetris. We spoke with community member Primogenitor, who has created a finely crafted game of Tetris that can be added to any NWN module for an interesting diversion. Discuss.

Wednesday, Apr 12 2006

Independent Game Festival Winner
This was the first year the Independent Games Festival awarded recognition to the top talent within the rich Neverwinter Nights modding community. This week, we speak with the competition winner, Challseus, about his winning module, Rose of Eternity - Chapter 1 - The Coming, and what it was like to attend the festival. Discuss.

BioWare Writing Contest Winners
The results are in and winners of the BioWare Writing Contest announced! Congratulations to everyone who entered and to those who won. Director of Design Kevin Barrett also shares with us his closing comments about the contest and a few tips for aspiring writers. Discuss.

Wednesday, Apr 05 2006

The Amazing World of Layonara
Nearly twelve moons ago we looked at a very impressive NWN persistent world that had gone to great lengths to create a unique experience for serious fans. Since then, Layonara has evolved to produce several new, innovative world features, and we revisit their work and introduce this realm to a new audience. Discuss.

Wednesday, Mar 29 2006

The Lands of Catara
This week, we profile the NWN persistent world of Catara, which recently joined the Confederation of Planes and Planets. ~ Note: only three days left for BioWare Writing Contest fan voting! Winners will be announced in an upcoming BioWare Wednesday. Discuss.

Wednesday, Mar 22 2006

The World of Arelith
We chat with folks from the Neverwinter Nights persistent world of Arelith, which began as small project between friends and grew into a huge, dynamic world for role-players. ~ Heads-up for NWN fans: there's only a week and a bit left to vote in the BioWare Writing Contest. Discuss.

Wednesday, Mar 15 2006

Escape From The Underdark
What if you were a penniless, escaped slave trapped in the Underdark, desperately seeking a way back outside? This is the premise behind the NWN persistent world, Escape from the Underdark, and world founder Howland answers our questions regarding his ominous setting. ~ Note: Only two weeks left for fan voting in the BioWare Writing Contest! Discuss.

Wednesday, Mar 08 2006

The Persistent World of Silver Spire
The NWN persistent world of Silver Spire not only has a great backstory, but a team of admins and DMs with a different way of approaching the fundamental cornerstones of running a successful PW as well. We spoke with World Leader Reinstag about his fantastic realm. The first round of judging for the BioWare Writing Contest is now complete, and the final modules are being narrowed down. Community voting is still open though! Discuss.

Wednesday, Mar 01 2006

Hala, The Heroic Domain of Ysgard
We speak with community member and Head DM Arkon who is thick in the machinery of running Hala, a Neverwinter Nights persistent world set in a Norse theme. Also, now that March has arrived, there is less than a month to check out some of the 300+ Writer's Contest modules, so take a few moments this week to play, evaluate, and vote. Discuss.

Wednesday, Feb 22 2006

Four Easy Steps To Omnipotence
BioWare's Senior Writer for Mass Effect provides excellent tips and advice in four easy steps about building worlds that are worth spending time in. NWN fans, don't forget to play and vote for modules in the Writing Contest. Discuss.

Wednesday, Feb 15 2006

Writing Contest Module Review Tips
Two top reviewers from the Neverwinter Vault share their tips and advice on reviewing module entries for the BioWare Writing Contest. Discuss.

Jade Empire Follower Profile: Sky
The laughing eyes of this handsome rogue charm some and infuriate others, but none can deny the skill and fighting spirit within. Sky's smile, however, hides an inner torment that can only come from a haunted past. Learn more. Discuss.

Wednesday, Feb 08 2006

Writing Contest Voting Continues
BioWare's Writing Contest is a smash hit with over 300 entries! It's time to download, play, and vote for your favourite modules. To give you enough time to try out a batch, we've extended the voting deadline to March 31. Heads-up: next week we'll be posting some review hints and tips. Game on! Discuss.

The Hunt By The Guildhall
We profile the fifth finalist in this year's inaugural Best Mod awards at the Independent Game Festival. NWN module, The Hunt, was crafted and produced by students of the Guildhall at the Southern Methodist University. We chat with Guildhall members about their experiences working on a team and building mods. Discuss.

Wednesday, Feb 01 2006

Xbox Giveaway Finished
Thanks to everyone who entered BioWare's Mass Effect Xbox 360 giveaway. Entry is now closed. The lucky winners have been selected and notified by e-mail. Discuss.

Runes of Blood & Rose of Eternity
Read two more interviews of NWN community members who've been selected as finalists in the Independent Games Festival mods awards: Brian Watson, who crafted Runes of Blood, a quest for revenge and glory, and Challseus, who created Rose of Eternity - Chapter 1. Discuss.

Vote For The Best Writing Contest Entries
The BioWare Writing Contest entry period has ended. Thanks to everyone who submitted their modules--best of luck with the voting! Speaking of which, it's now time for you to check out the horde of contest modules at the Vault and start voting for your favourites. Due to the huge volume of module submissions, we're extending the voting period so you'll have a chance to download and try them all. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jan 25 2006

Bitter Harvest & Hythum II: The Halls Of Kilgirn
We introduce members of the Neverwinter Nights community who have been named finalists for their outstanding work by the Independent Games Festival. This week, read about John Platte, a.k.a Scrotok, who crafted the Dungeon Master-run module Bitter Harvest, and Earnest Noa, who created the Hythum II: The Halls Of Kilgirn adventure. Discuss.

Call For Focus Testers: BioWare Needs YOU!
Are you interested in participating in the game development process? Do you know what makes a good game great? BioWare is interested in hearing from you! We are currently looking for Edmonton and local area residents who are interested in participating in focus testing. More details.... Discuss.

Free Contest Entry For Community Members
We're giving away Xbox 360s and there's only one week left to enter. Entry is free, fast, and easy. Hit the contest page, sign into your community account, and click the Enter Contest button. That's all there is to it. Enter now! Discuss.

Wednesday, Jan 18 2006

Enter Today: Submissions Now Being Accepted
For those entering the BioWare Writing Contest, submissions are now being accepted. View the short entry submission process, follow the instructions carefully, and be sure to enter your module by January 30, 2006. Discuss.

Erick D's Amazing Emitter Shields
Community member Erick D. treats us to new, emitter-based shields that look awesome and are free for all Neverwinter Nights fans to download and use. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jan 11 2006

The Mysterious Sagacious Zu
Sagacious Zu is a strange hermit who lives a simple life. His skill with his staff makes him a deadly opponent, and his history contains many demons that anyone seeking him as an ally must confront. Read more about this mysterious Jade Empire follower. Discuss.

BioWare's Kevin Barrett Answers Buckets of Contest Questions
Back in December, BioWare announced a special contest giving writers a chance at having their material reviewed by some of the best and brightest at BioWare. This week, we answer several questions burning in fans' minds about the contest. Discuss.

Wednesday, Jan 04 2006

Radiant Jen Zi Revealed
Radiant Jen Zi has a razor-sharp mind and is a master of the quick strike and the split-second dodge. Read more about this exciting playable character at the Jade Empire website. Discuss.

Fun To Say, Fun To Use: Konfabulator Widgets
BioWare's very own Georg Zoeller has crafted a pair of useful tools, known as Konfabulator Widgets, to bring you the latest Jade Empire and Hordes of the Underdark forum topics right to your desktop. Read more about these cool freebies and try them out for yourself. Discuss.

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Wednesday Archives: 2005 | 2004 | 2003 | 2002