Concept101: Pirate101's Darkmoor, Zafaria, and Valencia Extensions

Some concept art is truly beautiful. Some concept art is truly telling. But there's nothing greater than concept art that both tells a story or hints at future content and looks spectacular. You guessed it, that's what I've got tonight. For anyone not wanting to spoil future Pirate101 worlds, sorry, as the title wasn't so kind. But you can still quite now... if you don't want to see the Zebra Witchdoctor... or the new Valencia ships... or the Darkmoor tower drawings.

Concept101: Pollo's Map, Future Promotions, and Ship Teleports - Oh My!

Art can tell you a lot about a game. But what's really fun is when you find art that reveals something coming in the future. Fortunately, as we saw yesterday with Hawkules's second tier, KingsIsle employees aren't very good at keeping secrets.

Concept101: A Fresh Perspective

Normally, the concept art that intrigues us the most is something brand new, or particularly beautiful, or exhibiting some quality that attracts us to it. However, oftentimes concept art from well-known in-game characters, objects, and spells can be quite refreshing.

Concept101: Extending a Hand

It's clear that the concept process is a lot more complicated than anyone first imagined. Tonight, I'm going to finish up talking about the process, and give you some hints at what's coming up next. But tonight, it's time for new art and artists... oh, and Hawkules's second tier!

Concept101: Hidden in Detail

At this point, you're probably beginning to get an idea of how much work goes into a single character or piece, but I haven't talked a lot about artists that specifically do textures or environments. And when it comes to art, there's an artist for everything!

Concept101: Complexity by Design

So at this point, you know that the beginning of Wizard101 wasn't just the wave of a wand. But through a new Concept101 every day through the end of the month, you're learning about the specifics of the concept process, and seeing more new concept art and artists!

Concept101: Red Hair and Painted Shields

Everyday, check out this site for a new Concept101 post until the end of the month, at which point it will return to its regular weekly schedule. But while it's here, enjoy brand new concept art and artists, plus an explanation of the concept process and links to artists' sites!

Concept101: Preceding Darkness and Death

When KingsIsle first started, people weren't exactly lining up the at doors to join in, but there are plenty of aspiring artists looking to do what they love for a living. And KingsIsle, or what existed of it, was smart. They went to several of the popular concept art forums and posted about contract art jobs available to the people there.

Concept101: Point of Origin

With June nearing a close, and excitement very likely just around the corner for KingsIsle games, I've decided to do something special for the remainder of the month - every single day, you'll get the pleasure of reading a new Concept101 post, with a detailed analysis of one to three pieces. But that isn't the best part!

Hoard Packs: My Thoughts

I don't think any of us around for it will forget the day that the first Wizard101 Hoard Pack was released. And it wasn't necessarily a bad day. If you think this is purely a rant on Bundles and Packs or an entire advocacy for them, you'd be wrong. I want to do more than complain about hoard packs, I want to offer constructive ideas on how to improve them... and possibly note why they're alright.

Concept101: Uncharted Territory

What happens when a KingsIsle game launches a big update? A new world, of course! But the folks over at Pirate101 decided to change things up and release two new worlds with fifteen new levels... all at once! With these areas being unknown for so long, they were bound to be special. And it took plenty of work to create them. In my second ever expanded article, I'll be walking you through the latest updates... concept style!

Completing Your Galleon on a Budget

With the release of new Crown Shop items and a new Crown Shop ship, there's a new standard for the best of the best. But if you're like me, you're pirating on a budget. One which does not allow excessive Crown Shop purchases! So, between frantically entering contests, check out my tips for completing your Aquilan Galleon with as few crowns as possible.

All-Around Update

Things have been busy in the KingsIsle world lately! For one, the Pirate101 fansites are hosting awesome contests for unreleased ship gear, and a new trailer has been released! Wizard101 has unveiled their latest pack: the Pharaoh's Hoard. As for the UK, well, things are heating up behind the scenes!

Concept101: Skyway Warfare

By popular demand, Concept101 has returned! Each week, I'll continue to analyze a piece involved in the concept process. Now exactly what piece I analyze will be determined by the audience' feelings and reaction, but rest assured, this post series is here to stay!

Second Blog-O-Versary Contest Answers and Winners

Argos, open the Prize Vault!

After running into a small computer snag, everything was delayed a bit, but I'm ready to announce the winners of my second blog-o-versary contests! Plus, this isn't the only important announcement today, so stay tuned!

Renewing Your Game Excitement

We all know that we can lose interest in any game pretty easily when we've completed most of the primary content. Some games work around that, but Wizard101 and Pirate101 basically require storyline completion to advance your character. So, while you're waiting for new content, how do you keep interest? Gardening, crafting, PvP, pets? Now what kind of blogger would I be if those were the only tips I could give you?

Second Blog-O-Versary Contest Hints!

Since I haven't received many entries for my contests (HERE), I figured I'd give a few hints. I've got some hints for the two trivia/locating contests, then some tips for the writing portions, and reminders for the raffle. Be sure to get entries in - contests end in two days!