If you haven’t heard, there’s big news on TestLive servers.  They now have the DX10 version running on both the PvE and PvP servers.  Of course, you have to keep in mind that this IS a test environment, but live release of 1.04 isn’t too far away.  Those of you who bought those Series 8 cards back at the beginning of the year will finally get to see what you invested in.  TenTonHammer had an article showing some of the changes several months ago in case you want to see what is coming.

If you are interested in checking it out before it hits live, you can always join in on the TestLive servers.  Information about the duplicator tool is available to all active accounts via the testlive forums.

Remember that you can also duplicate your live character via the registration site.  Log in and go to View My Subscription where you will find the Copy My Character to TestLive button.

As of December 18th all active accounts have been given a never before seen virtual item: The Kosalan talisman of clarity. In addition to both boosting both the stamina and mana reserves of its wearer, the talisman also features strong regeneration of both these values. Although better items are found deeper inside the game, this item is great for any new characters.

This talisman is available to all your characters, both existing and future. To retrieve your holiday gift in-game, type “/claim” and it’s all yours!

Check out the stats over at my favorite new AoC fansite, Ask Kalanthes

The Snow Mammoth is available to all new purchases of the game as of December.  If you have never bought the game and want to give it a whirl, make sure you head over to the official site to see how to order.  Remember, they now have digital download purchases available.

Funcom made an announcement on their site confirming the recent layoffs of several employees from the US office.  Personally, I understand that cuts had to occur but I’m disappointed at some of the choices they made.  Here’s their marketing response:

Funcom has cut some of its staff. The reasons being cost efficiency and reorganization of certain teams and departments. This also includes hiring new people for opening positions in the organization. Such changes due to efficiency and performance initiatives are vital to any business and is to make sure that Funcom as a business stays on course. So this process was to re-adjust our cost base in some areas while increasing investment in others. This is a natural part of adjusting to the changing markets.