Pumpkin Carving Contest 2017 Winners

Your pumpkin carving game was strong this season, and our inboxes were flooded with your artistic gourd carvings. Selecting the winning entries is never an easy task, but after much deliberation we’ve selecting the following as the game-specific winning entries, and the overall Grand Prize winners.

Please join us in congratulating the winners!


Grand Prize Winners
These winners were selected from entries submitted across all NCSOFT titles, and will each receive:


• 8,000 NCoin (or equivalent in Protobucks or X-Coin)
• Selected game prizing







Aion
Forthyn - Katalam

WildStar
Moondust Cupperbottom - Jabbit

Lineage II
Hilu - Naia




Aion

Each winner will receive 4000 NCoin and:


• Imperial Courtier Costume Set





Shaidessa - Katalam




Blade & Soul

Each winner will receive 4000 NCoin and:


• Kindred Soul


• White Horse Mask





RiceOnFire - Eisenherz




Lineage II

Each winner will receive 4000 NCoin and:


• Halloween Costume


• 500,000,000 Adena





Iso100 - Naia




MXM

Each winner will receive 13,000 X-Coin and:


• Mischief Night Bundle





Cheesecake - North America




WildStar

Each winner will receive 6,250 Protobucks and:


• Velocirex (Electrified) Mount


• Shadow Warrior Costume





FlamingoLoco - Jabbit





Thank you all for celebrating this pumpkin season with us. Winners will have their prizes delivered via in-game mail within 72 hours.

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Limited Time Costume Rotation

Peacock's Proposal

Peacock's Crown








Frozen Aristocracy

Frozen Ornament




Visit the in-game shop or web store here to see all the limited time items. Sale ends November 10, 2017.

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Pumpkin King's Haunt

Esta and the rest of the Candy Galaxy Corporation have come to Atreia to bring tasty Pumpking Ghoulash for all, but the Great Pumpkin King has different intentions. He has stolen all of the pumpkins Esta needs to create her ghoulash! Help Candy Galaxy Corporation retrieve the stolen pumpkins and be rewarded handsomely. Other spooky bonuses and treats are available too.

- How To Participate -

The Great Pumpkn King
Levels 65+

Starting tomorrow, October 25, the Candy Galaxy Corporation can be found in the capital cities and sanctuaries inside Iluma and Norsvold. Speak with Esta and receive quests to obtain the Stolen Pumpkins from the Great Pumpkin King – the more Stolen Pumpkins required, the higher the reward. You will be able to find the Great Pumpkin King hiding in Archdaeva solo and group instances. Once found, you can use Candy Blasts to defeat the Great Pumpkin King and retrieve a Stolen Pumpkin and special bundle.*


To obtain Candy Blasts, each day Archdaevas will receive 2 Candy Blasts every 10 minutes, up to 10 per day. Additional Candy Blasts can be found inside Detonation Stations provided by the Candy Galaxy Corporation scattered around Pandamoniem, Sanctum, Iluma and Norsvold. These first-come first-serve Detonation Stations will only appear hourly between 6 -11 PM server time each day. Additionally, you will be able to purchase 10 Candy Blasts daily on the store for 240 NCoin.

*Note: Group instances require 18 Candy Blasts, and solo instances require 7.


Spooky Coffin
Levels 10+

Also during the event period you will find large candles placed around the capital cities, and sanctuaries in Iluma and Norsvold. Work with others to light the candles in the proper order to spawn an Elegant Coffin. This coffin will only be around for one minute, but interacting with it before it disappears grants you an hour long buff which provides a 400% EXP boost and 100% drop boost.


Candy Queen
Levels 65+

Next to the Candy Galaxy Corporation members you will find Guen, the Candy Queen. She may appear to be just a cat, but each day she has a special trick-or-treat goodie bag full of transformation candies for all Archdaevas.

- Rewards -

For a full list of rewards and available instances please see the thread on the forums here.



Pumpkin King’s Haunt will be ending November 8, so be sure to have a scary good time before it ends!

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AR and VR technologies both create an enhanced experience

What is AR and VR?
By now everybody has heard about Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), both exciting new technologies. VR is defined as a three-dimensional environment generated by a computer and this environment can be interacted with and explored. The person will become part of the virtual environment and becomes immersed in it. In this environment the person is able to not only manipulate the objects in the environment but also able to execute actions.


The word augment means to add to something and AR is something that is added to the world such as graphics, sound and touch feedback. Unlike VR where a person inhabits a virtual environment, AR makes use of the existing environment and overlays virtual information over it. With AR the virtual and real world exists side by side.


How do they function?
VR is accessed by means of a headset such as the Oculus Rift and is used mainly in two ways. In video gaming VR creates and enhances a gaming environment when used for gaming on consoles. It can also be used to watch 3D movies. VR is also used as a training tool to simulate real life environments allowing people to practice certain scenarios such as flight simulators for pilots or for real money gaming like that offered at Jackpot City NZ. VR is made possible by a technology which is known as Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) and this creates a series of images and allows certain types of interactions and actions.


AR is used with applications on mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones and combines digital components with the real world and this enhances each component. AR is fast becoming popular and is also being used to display scores on sports games that are broadcasted. AR also makes it possible for 3D email notifications as well as alerts on mobile devices. There have also been developments in the tech industry with regard to holograms and motion activated commands.


AR and VR Combined
VR and AR can be used together; they do not necessarily work independently of one another. When used together they offer an immersive experience which is much better than when they operate independently. An example is vibration and sensation known as haptic feedback and when this is added to graphics it is augmentation. This is also used together with VR to make an environment more real by means of touch.


Both AR and VR give the user a high quality experience which is enhanced by both these technologies. With both of these technologies users are looking for a more immersive experience and in the past this type of technology was inconceivable, it is now something that users expect and look for. Virtual environments can be controlled and more enhanced interaction is a new capability. New technologies are constantly being developed and more and more products are finding their way to the virtual world.


When AR and VR are combined it is known as mixed reality (MR) also known as hybrid reality. This type of technology places a digital object into a real world environment and interacts with it using a pre-programmed scenario, such as creating holographic behaviour. MR makes use of sensors and optics which enable a user to interact with the physical and then act in a certain way.

Both of these technologies are used to enhance and create new environments allowing users an immersive experience and interaction with a simulated world or scenario.

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Loyal Atari fans are excitedly waiting for the new release.

Atari is still a household name and this company has played a big role in the console industry, unfortunately the last development from Atari, Jaguar, did not do well. Over the years Atari has been bought and sold multiple times, come back from bankruptcy and has been used as a marketing tool for social and online gaming. Atari fans are hoping that the new Atari Box will bring Atari back into the world of gaming.


Ataribox is Atari’s attempt at getting back into the market and has promised fans that they will be able to access all the original games as well as the new ones. Atari has been quite tight lipped about their new console so not many details have been revealed. The Atari Box was first spoken about in June of this year with an introduction on their website and a short YouTube video. The CEO of Atari, Fred Chesnais who has owned the company since 2013 intimated that they were back for good and that Atari Box would be based on PC technology.



Specs of the AtariboxIn July Atari released its newsletter which answered some of the questions. Two models of the Atari Box will be available, a classic looking one with a wood grain front and a black and red one, a more modern look. Both models will be slim and streamlined and will look very similar to a cable box. Both of the models will have a smooth design, ribbed lines with a raised back.


It seems that the Atari Box will have an HDMI output and four USB ports. There will be an Ethernet port which allows for wired internet. It will also be compatible with SD cards making it easy for gaming and media to be accessed. It will have an AMD customised processor and Radeon Graphics Technology. Ataribox will run Linux with a user friendly interface. Another press release said the hardware will enable the new console to stream movies, access apps and social networks, surf the web as well as streaming music. The majority of TV devices have closed systems, but Linux is more open and users will have access to the operating system and they will be able to customise it and then be able to access other games from different platforms.


Old and New Games
For a gamer the choice of games is usually a really important consideration and was the problem with the previous console, Jaguar as well as the complicate hardware. Unlike the selection of real money pokies NZ games available, the game selection for this device was slim. The Atari Box will run the old classics as well as new games digitally even if they are built-in or if they are downloadable. Atari has the rights to over 200 games which include Pong, Missile Command, Asteroids and Centipede. It seems that new games will also be released such as Rollercoaster Tycoon and Ghostbusters.


Release Date
Ataribox will be released on Indiegogo and Atari has said they plan to ship in late spring 2018. Ataribox will range in price from $249 to $299 and the cost will depend on specific editions as well as memory configurations.


The long awaited Atari Box is set to make a big comeback and loyal Atari fans are hoping that it will be a successful return for Atari to the gaming world.

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Shugo Sweep Returns

Shugo Sweep has returned to Atreia. Come one, come all, the same rules apply. Roll the die to go around the board and win wonderful prizes. The Golden Card is also up for grabs for the luckiest Daevas!

-How To Participate-

After the maintenance tomorrow, October 18, you will find the Shugo Sweep icon in the bottom right portion of your screen. Clicking this icon will open up the Shugo Sweep game board where you will be able to roll the die and get rewarded with an item for the spot you land on. The item is immediately placed into your inventory and once you claim an item, you can’t land on that spot again. You can go around the board as many times as possible until you run out of available spots, at which point the board will be refreshed with new items.

Accounts with level 46+ characters will receive one free roll per event week after the maintenance. The board and dice pool are shared across all the characters on the account. If you are looking for additional rolls, you can purchase Golden Dice on the store. Additionally, a survey containing one Golden Die will be sent out to all players once per week after the maintenance, and if you are a Prestige Pack holder you will receive an additional Golden Die. If you want to reset the board before collecting all the items, you can purchase a Shuffle Card from the store to refresh the board immediately.

While progressing through the board you may come across a Ten, Jack, Queen, King and Ace Card. If you combine all five of these cards together you will be granted a Golden Card which you can open for fabulous prizes.

=


-Rewards-

Golden Card


[Event] Provenance Weapon Box

Skill Card Bundle


Shining Eternal Glory Weapon Box

Royal Captain's Accessory Box


Shining Prime Royal Captain Armor Chest

Shining Prime Royal Captain Weapon Chest


[Event] Title Card Box

Transcendent Thunder Dragon King Weapon Chest


Sophisticated Frigida Legion Weapon Box

Harvester's Armor Box


Harvester's Weapon Box

Shiny +9 Manastone Bundle (x3)



For reference take a look at the video below TestLadyJane made before.  Get your lucky rabbits foot and roll the dice because Shugo Sweep will be ending on November 8.

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Harvest Revel Pumpkin Carving Contest 2017

Pumpkins are back in season! But set down your pumpkin-flavored coffee, cookies, and cakes, and push aside your pumpkin-scented soaps, air fresheners, and mouth washes—it’s time to get back to basics and carve them up for fabulous prizes!

How You Slice It
The NCSOFT Pumpkin Carving Contest is available across all titles: AION, Lineage II, WildStar, Blade & Soul, and MXM. You’re tasked with carving a pumpkin and submitting them in the artistic style and look of the game you’re entering for. Each individual game has their own individual news article like this one, their own submission process, and their own rewards! In addition to the game-specific rewards we’re also awarding best-overall carvings across all games.

The Scoop
Use your artistic skills—by masterfully massacring some gourd flesh, or get artistic and make it look like you had—and create a design based on the game you’re entering for. Your entry must be your original work, and must be based on the game title you’re entering for. Any designs that violate a copyright or someone else’s intellectual property (other than NCSOFT’s) will be disqualified.

Here are some examples from years past!





Prizes
One winner from each game will be selected to win 4000 NCoin (or equivalent in Protobucks or X-Coin) the following from their selected game:

AION
• Imperial Courtier Costume Set

Blade & Soul
• Kindred Soul Costume and White Horse Mask

Lineage II
• Halloween Costume & 500,000,000 Adena

MXM
• Mischief Night Bundle

WildStar
• Shadow Warrior Costume + Velocirex (Electrified)



Three Grand Prize winners will be chosen from each category (real pumpkin and virtual), across all entries for all titles and will each receive:
• 8,000 NCoin and the selected game prizing from above


Judging

The NCSOFT team will select the finalists and Grand Prize winners, and they’ll be announced on October 31, 2017 and winners will be contacted directly shortly thereafter. Judging will be based on creativity, originality, and overall representation of the contest theme.

Read the Official Contest Rules before entering.



Submissions

For the real-life pumpkin carving please take a photo of your carving alongside a hand-written or printed note of your in-game name, server, and the year, so we can verify authenticity.

Submit Here

Click the submission link above, or email your entry with the subject line: Pumpkin Carving Contestto aioncommunity@ncsoft.com. The body of the email must include your in-game character name and server along with this line: “This email is submitted as an entry in the Aion Pumpkin Carving Contest 2017.”



This contest ends on October 29, 2017 so please get your entry in before then!

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Limited Time Costume Rotation

Dreamstrider's Costume









Shiver Me Timbers

Shiver Me Topsails








Dream Faerie's Costume

Dream Faerie's Diadem

We will also be rotating out a few old costumes so visit the in-game shop or web store here to see all the limited time items. Sale ends October 27, 2017.

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Haunted Energy

Wandering Omens have made their way to Atreia, and a Purifying Tree has appeared. Use the containment charms to seal away these monsters and cleanse them with the Purifying Tree for spooky-good rewards.

-How To Participate-

The Omens and Harrowing Omens roaming around Iluma and Norsvold will need to be sealed inside the sachets and cleansed to finally be at peace. Daily, all Daevas level 66 and above will receive three Containment Charms, per hour, for three hours. Using your standard abilities to defeat Omens have a chance to drop Harrowing Containment Charms.

The Purifying Trees inside the Iluma and Norsvold sanctuaries offer quests seeking Sealed Sachetsand Large Sealed Sachets for the willing Daeva. Seal the Omens and Harrowing Omens using their respective Containment Charms and bring their sachets to the Purifying Trees. Once the sachets are hung on the tree, they will fade away revealing a special item.

Additional Harrowing Containment Charms can be purchased from the store. Limit three per day.

-Rewards-
These ghostly beings are only here until October 25 so be quick before they leave for good!

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Limited Time Costume Rotation

Warm Panda Padding








Singer's Comfort Outfit

Singer's Comfort Hairpin






We will also be rotating out a few old costumes so visit the in-game shop or web store here to see all the limited time items. Sale ends October 13, 2017.

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