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NASA Launches Moonbase Alpha
Several readers have sent word that today NASA launched Moonbase Alpha, an online game with single- and multi-player capability that "allows participants to step into the role of an exploration team member in a futuristic 3-D lunar settlement." The game is available now through Steam for free. Moonbase Alpha was built as a precursor to an upcoming NASA MMO called Astronaut: Moon, Mars & Beyond, and they hope it will be "a proof of concept to show how NASA content can be combined with a cutting-edge game engine to inspire, engage and educate students about agency technologies, job opportunities and the future of space exploration."
Nobody can hear you troll.
On the other hand, the Military gets tons of Cash and they have NEVER released a video game.
Is this how screwed up NASA is, reduced to releasing video games as opposed to sending people into space?
It's a master recruitment plan. See, kids think they're playing a game but in reality, they're being trained and the best of the best of the best will rise until one day, via their "game" they're doing actual exploration without realizing it. I hear they're planning a military version of this too.
Code name: ENDER
RIP America
July 4, 1776 - September 11, 2001
I can only imagine that the excitement curve for the game will be the same as any other MMO or living on an actual moon base.
Day 1: Woo! I'm on the server/moon!
Day 2: Wow! I can do like, 6 different things. Sweet!
Day 12: OH SWEET JESUS WHY CAN'T I ESCAPE THIS EYE-STABBING BOREDOM!!!!!
I think this is as close to doing any space work as NASA will come in the future. No one wants to spend money on Space Exploration. Both parties talk about it but wont fund it. We're through in space, the private companies will do earth orbit and maybe Japan or China will go to Mars. The US will make video games.
As far as sexual assault goes, groping is the least evil.
No OS on the planet can protect itself from a user with the admin password. - Yvan256
Neither do I. Condensation wreaks havoc with the circuitry. It also encourages mould growth. Also, I go through enough trouble keeping things cool. Why would I want steam anywhere near my machines? The closest steam should get is the stuff rising from my nice hot coffee.
When our name is on the back of your car, we're behind you all the way!
And the instances will be just like playing WoW with shitty pick-up groups.
Astronaut [party] Okay guys, I'm going up. You ready to make sure my mission is a success?
Congressman [party] I got all the money you need.
Contractor [party] All systems go! We got your back.
Administrator [party] You are cleared for take off.
Astronaut launches STS-135.
Astronaut is now 2 km above launch site.
*Astronaut is attacked by Faulty O-Ring (elite)*
Astronaut [party] oshitoshitoshit
Contractor disconnects from the server.
Administrator casts Blame the Contractor. Administrator teleports out.
Congressman casts Hookers and Blow. Congressman teleports out.
Astronaut takes 2389358954390354-e35 damage.
Astronaut dies.
Contractor reconnects.
Contractor [party] Guys? What'd I miss?
Congressman [party] Uhh yeah, I gotta go. Getting a blow job.
Astronaut [party] Fucking DIE.
Administrator [guild] We don't talk that way in the NASA guild.
Astronaut has been kicked from NASA.
The End.