Slashdot Mirror
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."
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
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.