Game Insider #9: Talk Like A Pirate Day Sept. '07 Newsletter

[Batleth]

Happy "Talk Like a Pirate Day"!

Don't forget - September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day! This holiday was created back in 1995 by a couple of salty old pirates who decided that, on this day, everyone should do nothing but talk like a pirate.

Don't worry if your pirate speak is feeling a little rusty - we've got you covered. With our new Pirate Translator, you simply type in any phrase you want to "pirate-ize", or choose from a list of useful phrases we've provided, and hit the translate button...you'll be on your way to perfect pirate speak in no time!
Developer Diary: From the Producer's Deck
Check out this month's Developer Diary, where our producer, Jason, gives us an update on what's been going on since Phase 1 of the Beta test ended, and provides a glimpse into some of the exciting things the VR Studio has in store for Phase 2! You should also check out this month's new Video Insider, which features an in-depth commentary on the latest game updates, complete with new game play footage.

Download New Wallpapers and Icons!
Visit the Downloads section where you'll find a host of brand new assets, including new screenshots, icons, and wallpapers!



NEW - Live Like a Pirate Contest!
To celebrate Talk Like a Pirate Day, we thought it would be a perfect time to kick off the Live Like a Pirate contest! To enter, create a video or send us a photo of how you live (and talk) like a pirate or at least how some pirate traits have invaded your life.

Whether you're constantly reprimanded for bringing your parrot into work, have 'customized' the family car so that it now resembles a fierce galleon, or occasionally throw in an 'Avast' or 'Savvy' into your daily conversations, we want to know and will award the 5 best photos and the 5 best videos with 30GB iPods. Get all the details here!



As your comments and questions keep pouring in, we're doing our best to answer them! We really like hearing from you - so keep them coming! Be sure to continue to check out the Player Q&A section of the Web site for answers to our players' most burning questions!

From Johanna:

Are player ships allowed to sink other player ships outside of the PVP playing mode? There are people near Cuba (switching seas) that sink anyone outside their guild. In other games, you can't be sunk unless you go over certain boundaries or reach a certain level - this allows more fair play. Is this how it will be in Pirates Online?


We've received a number of questions similar to this one - so we figured it must be a hot one! If players decide they want to fight each other, they can use the game's Lookout System to get matched up for player vs. player combat and blast away all they like. Otherwise, players will NOT be able to damage each other's ships (through any means, including ramming and cannons) when in the open (non-PVP) area.From Alex:

I am a level 7 player and I wanted a flintlock pistol, so i bought one. When I went to the "weapons" section to equip it, it was red and said "need pistol training to use" - I figured I would get pistol training later in the game. Later on, I saw a level 5 member using a pistol! I just want to know how I get pistol training so I can use it. Please help me!

Thanks for sending us your question...we hope this helps to clear up some of the confusion! So, before you can even purchase a pistol, you must learn about the Pirate Code and complete pistol training. In order to do this, you must complete the quest in the tutorial that sends you to visit Barbossa on Devil's Anvil. Upon completion of this quest, Barbossa will give you your first pistol - the Flintlock Pistol. Other types of pistols can be purchased in stores, but keep in mind, they have minimum level requirements.
Here are the current minimum level requirements:
Double-Barrel : Pistol Level 5 (250 gold)*
Triple-Barrel : Pistol Level 15 (2500 gold)*
*These numbers may change slightly as we continue balance the game before launch.


Pirate Words of the Month
Scuttle: to sink a ship - good if you're the sinker, bad if you're the sinkee.
Forecastle: below deck bow sleeping quarters... don't let the word 'castle' fool you -
it's cramped.
Dredgie: ghost or ghosts of pirates dead by betrayal - A.K.A. guys you don't want to
mess with.
Black Jack: large drinking cup made of leather and stiffened with tar - or one of the ways to
earn some extra booty in the game!
Did You Know?
The singing, animated parrot atop the entrance to the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction is named Peglegged Pete.


Watch Video
Developer's Commentary

Dive deeper into land-based combat and get a first-hand view into the latest changes
to the game.

Watch Video

Downloads
PirateTranslator
DesktopGalleon
Wallpapers
Buddy Icons

Screenshots

More Screenshots

[HaveAMagicalDay]

I like this stuff some whatly, but what I want to know is. When's the release date of Phase 2?!? LOL

~Capt.Sea

[Indianajo75]

Who knows lol - hopefully soon - I want to test my new computer with POTCO Beta.

[Qui-gon]

Some good stuff. And he said September at the end of the video so I hope that still stands.

~Q/S

[TooHip]

The fact that the "Beta is closed" message has been replaced with an actual login screen is promising. I keep trying in hopes that it will actually log me in instead of telling me "site closed for maintenance".

[Badpete]

same thing happening here, Glad i am not the only one checking it out


hope to see everyone sailing teh seas soon

[GraceWildRage]

Me too! What a happy day! This is a perfect day for them to reopen! I like those fighting dudes in the log in! Can't wait to see what all is new!

[berryu]

I've finally been let in to the POTC website! They've finally let international people in! YAY!

[Bluesaucer]

Originally Posted by Captain_Sea

I like this stuff some whatly, but what I want to know is. When's the release date of Phase 2?!? LOL

~Capt.Sea

That's exactly what I want to know. Sigh, September is drawing close! When will it be open!?

[MouseTyme]

Originally Posted by TooHip

The fact that the "Beta is closed" message has been replaced with an actual login screen is promising. I keep trying in hopes that it will actually log me in instead of telling me "site closed for maintenance".

I lost my link to the login site. Can you post the link?