Zero Point Report

Uncover the secret sauce of gaming mastery that Jimmytherabbit brings to the table in our latest Strain 88-KMB episode. We dive headfirst into the unpredictable world of randomizer mods in The Secret World, where Jimmy's Dark Agartha escapades redefine the meaning of in-game challenge. Not just a walk in the virtual park, we also peel back the layers of community dynamics in MMOs—revealing how the online bonds are just as intricate and heartwarming as any real-world connection. The conversation takes a turn into the technical trenches, where Two-Ton Waffle and I share our battle stories against the streaming gremlins that seek to thwart our broadcast. From microphone meltdowns to software scuffles, experience the raw and unfiltered side of podcasting that usually stays behind the scenes. Yet, it's not all glitches and gaffes; rejoice in the camaraderie as we highlight the latest gaming rigs and the dedication of our listeners who make every hiccup worth the hassle. Cap off the episode with a reflective look at the industry's latest shifts—Joshua Alan Doetsch's homecoming to Funcom and the ripples of restructuring resonating through the gaming world. Whether you're a veteran gamer or a newcomer to the digital domain, this episode promises to whisk you away on a journey through the holiday traditions of the MMO universe, the spooky undertones of the winter season, and the continued legacy of The Secret World. So, please pull up a chair, and let's toast to the shared adventures and misadventures that unite us all in the grand game of life. (00:00) Technical Troubleshooting and Gaming Update (18:48) Technical Issues With Microphone and Software (27:09) Winter Event & Free Elite Run (45:08) Progression and Challenges in F2P Game (49:35) Randomizer Run Challenges in Dark Agartha (01:01:22) Jimmy Mode and Randomizer Runs Discussion (01:11:52) Rehiring and Restructuring at Funcom (01:24:52) MMO Player Communities and Game Updates (01:37:43) ARGs and Spooky Holiday Traditions Discussion (01:41:53) Secret World Updates and Reflections (01:47:34) Discussion on Alcohol and Gaming Impairments (02:08:34) Sleep, Caffeine, and Historical Drug Discussion ------------------------------------------------------------- FOLLOW US Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/thezeropointreport Twitter: https://twitter.com/ZeroPointReport ------------------------------------------------------------- Check out our community Discord server https://discord.gg/uYgTeZZ ------------------------------------------------------------- Music used in many of our videos is from the following artists. Streambeats by Harris Heller - https://www.senpai.tv/ Streamsight - https://streamsight.net/ Backing Track - https://backingtrack.gg/ - Some links in this description are affiliate links and when clicked, if you buy the service or product, I may make a small commission off of that sale. This helps keep this channel afloat. My opinions on products and services remain unbiased.

In this episode of "The Zero Point Report," we dive into the latest updates and releases in the gaming world. First off, we have Jimmy, who recently completed a 24+ hour gaming stream for Extra Life Day. He played the Funcom MMOs, Anarchy Online, and Age of Conan Unchained, as well as Secret World Legends. Tune in to hear about his unique mod-related hijinks and the possibility of winning some prizes! Next up, we have an exciting TTRPG update for all you Secret World backers. Ross Watson provides an end-of-month update on the layout progress of the core book, art book, and stretch goals. Once the rough layout is approved by Funcom, you'll have the opportunity to provide feedback and corrections. We can't wait to get this book in your hands! Moving on to Conan Exiles, get ready for the release of Chapter 3, "Age of War," on December 14th. Andy B., Dennis Douthett (Lead Designer), and Nicole (Spynosaur) recently had a livestream discussing the major features of this chapter. Expect an epic Fortress Assault, where you can finally experience the thrill of besieging castles yourself. You'll also have the chance to open your own tavern and hire NPCs as guards or workers. Plus, there's a Battle Pass, Bazaar Cosmetics, and some surprises in store! If you're a fan of Dune, we have some exciting news for you. Dune Spice Wars is now available on PC Game Pass, and it will soon arrive on Xbox Series X|S on November 28th. Immerse yourself in the world of Dune and experience the spice wars firsthand. Lastly, get ready for Dune Awakening, as the first Closed Beta signups have been announced. The game is in development and the team is seeking player feedback to further enhance the gaming experience. If you're interested in participating in the closed beta tests, make sure to sign up on the official website and join the official Discord for more updates. Don't miss out on all the gaming excitement! Join us on "The Zero Point Report" for all the latest gaming news and updates. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Secret World Haunted Ealdwick Ghost Tour https://twitter.com/MedrinaKamaar/status/1717477644105880011 Drina @MedrinaKamaar Long overdue but... Join me THIS SATURDAY behind the Horned God in Ealdwic for the return of the Haunted Ealdwic Ghost Tour! The first run is around 9 PM ET! Costumes / fancy dress encouraged. Conan Conan Text Adventure: Tavern of Treachery Released https://twitter.com/Funcom/status/1716514989777834384 Embark on a unique quest to carve out your names into the tapestry of history in Tavern of Treachery, a Conan text adventure! ⚔️ Funcom Sale on Moons, Park, and Hellsinger! https://twitter.com/Funcom/status/1717609588722188699 Spooky season calls for some spooky games. Check out Moons of Madness ($9.99) , Metal: Hellsinger ($14.99), and The Park ($5.19) for up to 60% off on Steam! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

In this episode of the Zero Point Report podcast, hosts Big Mikey Ocho, Jimmy the Rabbit, and 2TonWaffle discuss the latest gaming news and their various playthroughs. They cover updates from Funcom, including the launch of Conan Exiles Chapter 2 and news about the upcoming Dune Awakening game. Jimmy also announces that he has once again signed up for Extra Life to benefit children's hospitals. The group chats about different roleplaying styles in Divinity: Original Sin 3 and how approaching quests in unusual ways can lead to humorous glitches. 2TonWaffle talks about experimenting with darker storylines and the limits of gameplay systems. They also debate whether returning to older games is best after significant time has passed. Big Mikey talks about keeping up with the Lord of the Rings book club and exploring the films. The Envoys of Avalon are Back for their 5th Fall Equinox Festivities! Jimmy has once more signed onto another year of Extra Life, his 8th year!! https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=519664 Dune Spice Wars comes out of Early Access formally! Dune: Awakening is also having a Discord Book Club, starting with a Kindle Book giveaway Funcom is thrilled to announce the launch of the Funcom Creator Program! https://creators.funcom.com Conan Exiles Age of War Chapter 2 Launches Today!! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

The Zero Point Report Strain 83-DCS (Dune, Conan, Secret World) Thursday September 7th, 2023 In this episode, we discuss the latest updates from Star Anvil about the upcoming Secret World tabletop roleplaying game, Conan Exiles, and Dune Spice Wars. Show Notes: TTRPG Update #34 Kari Wahlgren Comic Con Appearance Dune: Spice Wars Full Release Conan Exiles Server Rollback Age of War Chapter 2 Release Show Links: This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Interview w/ Star Anvil Studios before the Release of the TTRPG Raw Text-Only Core Rulebook Ft. Brandon Verhalen, Darrell Hardy, and Joshua Doetsch Announced last Saturday on Discord and through monthly Kickstarter. Ross Watson: “Greetings backers! Keep an eye on your email this week; Star Anvil Studios is pushing out a test pdf to you so we can make sure our delivery system works for providing you with the kickstarter materials. Note: this is ONLY a test! Raw PDF On the Way! We plan on giving you guys the raw pdf of the Secret World RPG 5e Core Rulebook next weekend, using the same system. Keep your fingers crossed, and if everything works the way it should, we'll be sending you the raw rulebook so you can get your games going as early as seven days from now.” We’ve had copies since late Monday and have been able to look over them since, but at 500 pages, it’s a LOT. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Greetings, you (presumably human) wonderful backers! It's July, so it's time for an update on the Secret World RPG! This is a bit of a "progress report" to let you know what we've completed for the core book and where we're at in the production of the stretch goals. Core Rulebook All writing is complete, approved by Funcom, editing is underway. After we get the editing done, it goes to layout! The editor is reporting that the manuscript is in really good shape and she's making great progress. The "lore" section of the book is done and the editor is working her way through the remaining chapters (all of which are likely to go faster). Our current projection is that we'll have the book completely edited and into layout by early August. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

The Secret World RPG Backerkit: Access to the Secret World RPG backerkit end(ed) May 31st! Make sure to grab anything you want from the offerings from the kickstarter before it is over! (Hopefully you all filled out your Backerkit surveys at least) Special NPC Backers: Artwork is underway and we’re on track to deliver before October of 2023. Manuscript: All the files for the core book and stretch goals are at Funcom and we’re waiting on approval. Funcom tells us they are looking at the end of May for reviewing all the materials. May 13th on Discord (Brandon) - (same thing as above) Backerkit. Ends May 31st ●Files are at Funcom and we are waiting for approval. FUNCOM has stated they are looking at end of May to review the material. ●Backer art is being worked on and we are still on track to deliver before our self imposed deadline of October this year. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Secret World TTRPG Updates May 13th: The Secret World RPG Backerkit: Access to the Secret World RPG backerkit end(ed) May 31st! Make sure to grab anything you want from the offerings from the kickstarter before it is over! (Hopefully you all filled out your Backerkit surveys at least) Special NPC Backers: Artwork is underway and we’re on track to deliver before October of 2023. Jimmy’s Free-to-Play Path to E17, up to 432 IP and 126 hours Nice! Upcoming 6th Anniversary on or about the End of June (24th/25th) We’re planning some shenanigans on our end, testing tonight Conan Stuff Celebrated the game’s 5th anniversary, having come out of early access on May 8th, 2018 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Secret World May Progress Update for SW TTRPG Posted April 29th Manuscripts Sent to Funcom! The writing for the core rulebook and stretch goals is completed, and we've sent all our files to Funcom for approval! So, what are the next steps for The Secret World RPG? Right now, we're going through the approval process with Funcom. This may require us to make any requested changes in order to get final approval from our licensor. After that, we're going to move on to editing and then layout. We're on track to meet our projected timeline and we look forward to getting the book into the hands of our backers and all the Secret World fans! Late Pledges on Backerkit Ends May 31st Jimmy’s New FTP to E17 Run Jimmy started a new run for a FTP to E17. Other Games - Conan Exiles 5th Anniversary Coming Up May 8th This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Sitting down with the Star Anvil Studios team to go over the latest on the Secret World TTG. Join by Joshua Doetsch (Secret World RPG Loremaster), Ross Watson (Secret World RPG Lead Developer), and Brandon Verhalen (Secret World RPG Art Director) Brandon Verhalen - Star Anvil Studios Founder and CEO, Secret World RPG Art Director - RPG enthusiast for over 30 years. A lifelong fan of all things sci-fi and fantasy, Brandon was inspired by the Alternity RPG to create his first foray into the gaming world with Saints & Synners, a gritty sci-fi setting for the TinyD6 system. Creating Saints & Synners led Brandon to the foundation of Star Anvil Studios in 2017. Ross Watson - COO, Secret World RPG Lead Developer - Origins-award winning Writer and Game Designer with over two decades of experience in crafting immersive stories, creating memorable characters, and designing worlds for roleplaying games. He has worked on numerous high-profile titles for game lines including Darksiders II, Warhammer 40,000 Roleplay, Star Wars: Edge of the Empire, and Savage Worlds. He was the lead designer for several tabletop RPG game lines, including Rogue Trader, Deathwatch, and Wrath & Glory. Ross is a published author, with work featured in short story anthologies and dozens of tabletop supplements/rulebooks Joshua Doetsch - Secret World RPG Loremaster - Joshua Alan Doetsch is a sentient word virus spreading across the collective unconscious through the vector of human language. It has taken on many forms, from short stories, to screenplays, to tabletop roleplaying games. It spreads through print, digital, and audio mediums. It coalesced as the novel Strangeness in the Proportion and shaped itself into an anthropomorphic guise as Lead Writer of The Secret World — April 8th, published on StarAnvilStudios.com - We are getting the Secret World RPG Backerkit ready to go! The weekend of April 21st will be the smoke test for the Secret World backerkit. What this means is, some existing backers get notices as we test the system to make sure everything works correctly. Once we know everything is 100%, we will open it up to our original backers as well as late backers. If you’d like to get in on the action for the Secret World RPG–and get an opportunity to grab some of the collector’s edition covers–stay tuned for more information coming soon! Posted today 4/13/2023 on Discord - Just so we don't miss anyone, the Smoke Test for the Secret World has gone out. This means about 100 people or so will receive their surveys etc. This allows us to evaluate if there are issues before going live to everyone. So keep your eyes peeled, check your emails, etc. If you didn't get a notice don't worry, that will come soon. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

The Envoys of Avalon have Returned for their 10th appearance! Starting March 17th, the Envoys are in time for the Vernal Equinox and will be hanging around until the end of the month. Abernathy and company didn’t show up until the 20th, however. Thanks Jimmy! Login Rewards available. Vomher announces a “Love on Gaia” Writing Contest Starting March 20th until April 22nd, from the vernal equinox until Earth Day https://forums.funcom.com/t/secret-world-legends-love-on-gaia-writing-contest/223868 March Update for Secret World TTRPG by Star Anvil Studios Greetings backers, Let's talk about the Secret World RPG! Manuscript Our faithful loremaster, Josha Doetsch, is reviewing the chapters now. We anticipate sending the core book to Funcom for approval very soon! Stretch Goals We have some great news on this front! Intro Adventure: Writing is complete! Bestiary PDF: Writing is complete! Maps: All complete! We're making good progress on the remaining stretch goals and we'll keep you updated! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Rosenbrawl Valentine’s Event has come again in SWL! From February 14th until the 28th(?) featuring Rosenbrawl Week and the “A Match Made in Rosenbrawl” Investigation, as well as the repeatable “Friendly Competition” Masked Woman Fight. https://www.tswdb.com/events/valentines-day/ Jimmy’s Gatekeeper Run shenanigans - up to 18 sessions TTRPG https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/star-anvil-studios/the-secret-world/posts/3734634 Update #21 posted TODAY Feb 16th February Progress Update Ross Watson - Collaborator February 16, 2023 Hello backers! We wanted to stop by and let you guys know how things are going on The Secret World RPG. Manuscript The manuscript is in the hands of our faithful loremaster, Joshua Doetsch, to ensure all The Secret World lore is solid before we send it to Funcom for approval. Art We've got some updates to show you here! Some amazing monsters that you'll find inside the book: Custom Characters We have emailed everyone who backed at a level for a custom character image. Several have responded and that art is being handled right now. HOWEVER, there are still some folks who have not yet responded to us -- so if you're a backer who selected a PC or NPC portrait, please get in touch with us ASAP! Dune Awakening Part 2 of Dune: Awakening’s Shigawire Reels released, basically shorts showing some features of Arrakis and Dune. Part 2’s include: Desert Construction - structures need to be built on solid rock or be destroyed by sandworms, One-man Groundcar - nimble vehicles for short distance travel, Groundcar - versatile all-terrain vehicles w/ space for up to 4 passengers, can serve as light combat vehicles, https://twitter.com/DuneAwakening/status/1626280257849360385 Metal Hellsinger MH wins 3 NAVGTR awards: Outstanding Song Collection, Outstanding Original Light Mix Score - New IP, and Outstanding Game - Music or Performance-Based https://twitter.com/MetalHellsinger/status/1625903501162299392 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

- Jimmy’s new March of the Gatekeeper run, involving all walking, using photomode mod to make his character look like the Gatekeeper, and also using a mod to Poorly Translate as much game text as possible - TTRPG Updates: D&D Open Gaming License debacle possibly affecting TTRPG. However, Brandon on the Star Anvil Discord server says: Jan 5th: “So far from what I have seen we will be fine. Of course we are continuing to monitor. We are also finishing the work. While we have no intention on changing anything at this time, we do have a back up plan if the world falls apart with 5e. One way or another there will be a TSW game.” and “There are other systems and options. This one is the one we promised, so barring legal shenanigans, it's what we will deliver. But if it went crazy with power on WotC end we can still make the game.” Jan 13th: “Had a great call with Funcom this morning. Got some higher level details of the setting and great feedback on our work so far. They were super helpful and offered insights to help us better frame the story as we finish the book writing up. Onward we go!” Jan 15th: “[Secret World TTRPG] was designed using 5e. We are watching the updates and will make a final decision when we have all the information we need. We still have a little ways before we have to make a final call on that.” Conan Exiles - Started 2nd season of Battle Pass December 6th, or as they are referring to it as “Age of Sorcery Chapter 2” as well as posting a year in review video showcasing. Update 2.8, Follower Emotes, Update 3.0 Age of Sorcery, Battle Pass & Black Lotus Bazaar, Encounter System, Perks and Attributes Revamp, Buiding System Revamp, Weapons and Armor Illusion System, 3.1 Age of Sorcery Chapter 2, Headhunting, New Battle Pass, Pet Companion Rebalance https://twitter.com/ConanExiles/status/1616114802224467969 Dune: Spice Wars - New “Line in the Sand” update Jan 24th Main Changes Added End Game Statistics Military alerts now appear on the border of the screen pointing in the direction of the crisis Military units can now Hold their Position (With C) Fremen Harvesting Teams can now harvest Spice in neutral territories Map Generation improvements: Main Bases and Deep Desert spawning has changed to make maps that are both more fair and varied Changed Spice spawn to ensure less spiceless starts Military balancing Major performance improvements and optimization Metal: Hellsinger - Update 1.5 Added New Weapon SKins among other fixes Dec 27th - Nominated for the NAVGTR Awards in several categories like ‘Outstanding Game, Music or Performace Based” “Outstanding Original Light Mix Score, New IP” “Outstanding Performance in a Drama, Lead” “Outstanding Song Collection” “Outstanding Song, Original or Adapted” Winners announced Feb 14th https://twitter.com/MetalHellsinger/status/1607805537084706819 https://twitter.com/MetalHellsinger/status/1616556259418771456 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Secret World - Krampusnacht arrives! December 14th to Jan 5th, daily logins, Krampus, Hel, and the… Haunted Cache? - Secret World TTRPG Brandon said on their Discord that they are “fully committed to delivering the book on or before October 2023” and they “definitely plan on getting [us] a PDF of the book in-progress once we’ve got the writing complete”. It will be likely “sometime in January when we can give an update on when we could present an early access PDF.” Also in “December we’re hoping to have some of that new art to share– including some concept sketches!” - In Medias Res put out The Deep Ones video and has a merch store at https://inmediasres-3.creator-spring.com - SecretFox has released a mod for Secret World that enables “Photo Mode”, a mod that has a lot of power in changing camera views and local character looks https://github.com/SecretFox/PhotoMode Dune/Metal Hellsinger/Conan Exiles - Dune: Awakening says they “plan to create opportunities for players to test the game and share their feedback with us sometime in 2023” in 15Dec22 tweet. https://twitter.com/DuneAwakening/status/1603382569755631618 - Dune Awakening featured new trailer at Game Awards including in-game footage https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ixq-y_r-lkE&t=3s&ab_channel=Funcom - Dune Spice Wars nominated at Game Awards for Best Sim/Strategy but lost to Mario+Rabbids Sparks of Hope (Ubisoft) https://www.pcgamer.com/the-game-awards-2022-results-all-the-winners/ - Two Feathers were nominated for Best Score and Music for Metal Hellsinger but lost to Bear McCreary’s God of War Ragnarok - Twitch drops active for Conan Exiles until Jan 3rd to earn the lovable festive crested lapdog and other festive decorations https://twitter.com/ConanExiles/status/1603439271754489857 - For the 90th anniversary of Robert E Howard’s Conan first short story, Funcom has a Conan Bundle on Steam w/ Exiles, Unconquered, and Chop Chop at 62% off: $31.47, also Metal Hellsinger is 34% off: $19.79 https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/18190/The_Conan_Bundle/ https://store.steampowered.com/app/1061910/Metal_Hellsinger/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

TTRPG Kickstarter finished up at $154,633 and 1944 backers https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/star-anvil-studios/the-secret-world/posts/3655163 Jimmy Completed ExtraLife 2022 Doing a Marathon Sppedrun of The Secret World https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8O0EP3XokPQ&list=PL_PMRml9T9gs8vr5_gr0-GO1zUoklyo41&ab_channel=JimmyTheRabbit In Medias Res presented Opening Night (starring Vomher and Ocho) and Numbers Station https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQujNC7qg74&ab_channel=InMediasRes Jess @ GrumpyLich Posting Samael & Lilith Chibis https://twitter.com/grumpylich/status/1591744041502507008 https://twitter.com/grumpylich/status/1591744035366264835 Metal Hellsinger and Dune Spice Wars Nominated at The Game Awards Vomher’s Romantic Cake Creation Contest Rewards Distributed https://twitter.com/Vombird/status/1579563783919636481 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Samhain Going Strong in Secret World going on Until Nov 11th Kickstarter TTRPG Going Great, Hits 8th Stretch Goal of More Monsters Jess Artwork of Samael and Lilith https://twitter.com/grumpylich/status/1583884033725173760 Jimmy Sets Sights on Extra Life 2022! https://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=502437 Taking place November 5-6th Conan Exiles Starts Yogtoberfest Building Contest https://forums.funcom.com/t/yogtober-a-building-contest/210654 Dune: Spice Wars Releases Accessibility Update https://steamcommunity.com/games/1605220/announcements/detail/3416569163136327034 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Talking with Scrivnomancer and Brandon from Star Anvil Studios Successful Kickstarter of Secret World TTRPG Vomher Announces Winners to the ROmantic Cake Creation Contest! Samhain Event Starts! Started Today, October 13th! Runs to ??? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

The Envoys of Avalon Have Returned!! Star Anvil Studios Announces Kickstart for Secret World TTRPG Starting October 4th In Medias Res - The Buzzing RP Player in the Secret World Community Astrid/Lucy Passes Away Metal Hellsinger Released September 15th Dune Spice Wars Adds House Carino This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com

Star Anvil Studios Announces Secret World TTRPG Kickstarter to be coming in October In Medias Res - The Host Conan Exiles 3.0 Update Launches Today! Dune: Awakening Announced Metal Hellsinger Concert Rocks Germany’s Gamescom and MH Wins “Most Wanted PC Game” Award This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit zeropointreport.substack.com