Defiance Reporter – MMO Reporter

Defiance  the game going Free-to-Play tomorrow and Ben was lucky enough to interview Trick Dempsey and Evan Berman to talk about the change! Also discussed: Von Bach's big comeback, crossover frequency, rich lore, free weekly content, and more ways to immerse into the world of Defiance. Listen after the break. Listen now: Trick Questions from Defiance Reporter Quick introduction of Trick Dempsey and his role as Creative Lead, as well as Community Manager Eric Berman.   Conversion questions What's it like behind the scenes during a f2p conversion We all knew it was coming just by the way the game was designed to facilitate an easy switch, but what finally triggered the conversion to F2P? What about this change excites you the most? Will this move to F2P change the way we get major content updates? With 3 new 2-week crossover events already under our belt this new season, how much crossover content will we see with Season 2 compared to last? Can you briefly describe to me the Patron Pass, what it includes, and why I want to subscribe to it. Future Plans for the Defiance World  When will we see a significant and permanent update to the main storyline, ripe with missions and cut scenes (and/or does this directly relate to the upcoming area expansion)? Speaking of the new area, will it include a host of new challenges like those we currently have all over the bay area? Will they be similar to the timed trials, shooting galleries, and minigun meyhem, or will we be seeing some new types of challenges? Will there be new large scale event types added  (much like the introduction of sieges and incursions to the already existing arkfalls), or will we have an opportunity to experience something grander in scale than a major arkfall? Something "ground breaking?" Will we be seeing challenge events like the dodge racing challenges again, where we participate in a weekend challenge and a special vendor specific to the challenge appears for a limited time, whether or not its sponsored? With the return of Season 2 and hopefully the added story of Von Bach, will we get to hear more from or learn more about our current cast of characters Jon Cooper, AraShondu, Eren and Rosa, and even Cass? Will we ever be able to drive the Ceberus outside the multiplayer side of the game? (I only ask because I tend to stay out of the matchmaking if I can help it) Will the Warmaster ever escape the confines of his cryostasis BEFORE arkhunters release him, causing it to rampage across the bay area? I don’t know if that would be a type of incursion or not, but its just wishful thinking. :)   In-game Store Will there be additional content to purchase besides outfits, boosts and lock boxes? And will we see new kinds of vehicles for sale? (still hoping for dirt bikes). I assume with the F2P conversion we will see things like character slots and loadout unlocks for sale? How about the addition of new races. Will we be seeing any new races join Defiance Game, either for free or as a purchase in the store? Sensoths maybe? Are there plans to introduce gifting in the store. With the different forms of "currency" in game like scrip, keys, salvage, cores, etc, and even with the ability to spend some of these currencies just to gain others, do you fear there may be too many different methods of payment? Do you see a lot of confusion from players in this regard? Will there be a way to earn or convert in-game currency into real world bits to purchase store items, similar to the system used in Guild Wars 2?   Miscellaneous LORE QUESTION I'm fascinated by the Gulanee, mostly because they are the least populous of the votans in either game or show. The only Gulanee we know is Dy'Dekuso and he is no small fry. My question is a two parter. Why is Dy'Dekuso the only gulanee we meet (twice now) in game? And what the heck did he do to Varus that causes such vehemence from the little Liberata?

Defiance is making a big push in marketing with more YouTube videos, cute children's books, and now the announcement of Defiance the game going Free-to-Play! Also up for discussion is the cast appearance at Chicago's premiere pop culture expo C2E3 with...

  This episode's title says it all! Join Ben and Michelle as they discuss Alak's hot, chiseled abs, the addition of badass Linda Hamilton to the show, and the newest changes to the Defiance Game that make it so much more like the frontier. Have a listen after the break! Listen now: DRAMA IN DEFIANCE Relive Defiance Finale! Best scenes of the episode So many great scenes in this episode, so why don’t they actually add up to a good episode? Datak and Stahma - why, oh why, would she have let that “new trick” slip? But, this led to a great scene of Stahma in the voting booth after Datak finds out - still one of her best scenes all season Last scene with Amanda and Kenya - so many regrets Amanda will have as she looks back on that in season two   Tweets from the fans: But now #ReliveDefiance is over, what do we do till then!? :o @defiancepodcast @womenofdefiance @HellbugsInLove — Daz Watford (@ThatsWhatUGets) April 11, 2014 So if Alak has to at least be the figurehead of the Tarr empire, who takes over as chief hipster of the town next season? #ReliveDefiance — Angeleeta (@MFAngeleeta) April 1, 2014   So what questions are we left with that need to be wrapped up? I’m still really fuzzy on what happened to Irisa… and how Nolan figures out that he needs to simply “find her”... Datak - did he try to get away? How far did he get before he was caught? How does Stahma break the news to Alak? Does he find out what his father did? When does the babymaking start? (wheres the honeymoon?) What happens to Doc Yewll? How does Pilar find her way back? And why now?   Segue into Season 2 with Defiance The Lost Ones! Last time on Defiance Reporter, we tore apart and analyzed the first minisode of The Lost Ones and speculated about Nolan’s predicament, so lets begin there. Who was behind the barrel of the shotgun pointed at the back of Nolan’s head? YAY SNAKE CULT ISN’T COMPLETELY GONE! Brother in Arms in the New Frontier code? Betray your brother for a bit of scrip, hang back to watch him die or have a change of heart, and when everything turns out ok, all is forgiven? I’m torn with this being a true Nolan move. I wouldve thought he would have slugged Lenny, THEN forgiven him. Yeah, you really just can’t rely on people in New Earth Nolan’s parenting skills are quite intriguing - the relationship development between the two of them is very good (knives as a form of combatting PTSD) Chicago? Are we going to see the downfall of the Snake Cult in the first episode or two before we move on to the inevitable taking back Defiance plot? I really hope so. I hope this is all settled within a couple of episodes and we get back to the other plotlines - that snake cult is one scary group We really will see so many new areas in season two, which is really exciting: Chicago, Los Angeles Love the minisodes - wish we could have gotten more with various characters, but this is a great start to the season   Other Season 2 News Check out the Defiance Season 2 Extended Trailer! http://youtu.be/uoIHzO2sGsw   'Defiance' first season 2 trailer, Linda Hamilton to guest star - EW EXCLUSIVE http://insidetv.ew.com/2014/04/08/defiance-season-2-trailer/ New cast members include James Murray as Niles Pottinger (the new mayor), William Atherton as Viceroy Mercado (an Earth Republic official), and Anna Hopkins as Berlin (an Earth Republic soldier). Plus, we can reveal Linda Hamilton will guest star on the show as Pilar McCawley, Rafe’s (Graham Greene) estranged wife. “Her character will simultaneously make you cry and scare the crap out of you,” Kevin Murphy teased of Hamilton’s character. While co-star Julie Benz said, “I think my response was … ‘Holy s–t. How the f–k did we get her’?”   Linda Hamilton Tapped for Season Two of Syfy’s ‘Defiance’ - Variety http://variety.com/2014/tv/news/linda-hamilton-tapped-for-season-two-of-syfys-defiance-1201155639/

Did we just get THREE major announcements? Yes, I believe we did. Defiance has a premiere date, Defiance Minisodes are being released, and the 5th and final DLC has been announced! Ben and Michelle discuss all this news and more past the break.   L...

Reliving Defiance with Michelle (@WomenofDefiance) and Jules (@Hellbugsinlove) has brought with it new insights and analysis upon re-watching Defiance, which lends an appreciation to its writing, creation, and its portrayal on screen. Join Michelle and Ben as they share their appreciations of the latest #ReliveDefiance episodes as well as details of the new Gunslinger Trials DLC due to launch today! Listen after the break.   Listen now: DRAMA IN DEFIANCE Relive Defiance Ep 7 and 8 recap “Goodbye Blue Sky” This re-watch night also coincided with Jesse Rath live tweeting Being Human, so it was quite a task to keep up with both (he’s the hardest working actor on Syfy). This episode can be summed up with one tweet from Daz Watford: Daz Watford ‏@ThatsWhatUGets  Feb 25 Zombie Sukar! :D #ReliveDefiance I always think of this as the gaylien episode, but re-watching it definitely reminds me that this episode is totally owned by Sukar - and I like that it doesn't actually end on a paranormal note. It may be spiritual on some level, but the actual actions and what takes place are all explained by mechanics. If there was ever going to be a spinoff of Defiance, or if I ever wanted to read novels about the series, I would want one of the main characters to be Sukar. I can’t tell if it’s Noah Danby or the character, but something about him just sticks. This episode is one of the finest ensemble episodes of the season. It doesn’t feel clunky as it goes from story to story like some episodes and it still fuels the larger plot lines for the season. Watching Cougar Nicky lurk around the McCawley household was very entertaining. The whole pillow rouse was amazingly well done, which just shows that she is quite weasly in getting the information she wants (why do they kill off the best characters? and how did she cover up her Votan disguise all the way through an affair with Rafe?). We can only imagine how things may have turned out if Nicky stayed a Votan and ended up teaming up with Stahma. Look out, world. And speaking of Stahma, fans may not like me for saying this, but her whole opening up to Kenya and showing up at the NeedWant at exactly the same time that she knew a razor rain storm was coming just hints even more at her Machiavelian character, doesn’t it? She had this sort of interaction up her sleeve the whole time? Or didn’t she? Or, does it not matter at all, because according to the Casti saying, “seeming is being”... so intentions actually don’t count for much. And a few tweets from some re-watchers (which, if you haven’t noticed, most of our re-watch tweets come from the same dedicated fans each week): Bunny ‏@bunny_summers  Feb 25 Little Wolf and Big Zombie's Grand Day Out. Defiance spin off coming soon.... #ReliveDefiance “I Just Wasn't Made for These Times” Hands down one of my favorite episodes. The world-building in this one is exquisite with back story, factoids, and just all kinds of things that give you some insight into the post-post apocalyptic world (this is especially good for those that don’t play the game - does this episode have the same feel for those who do play the game?) I love Gale Harold, but Connor Lang is just a testament to the idea that Amanda is a little vanilla - she dated a bureaucrat, they were both going to rise up together, etc. Thank goodness she’s getting some new action in season two. One concerning point is that when I first watched this episode, I was incredibly surprised by Jamie Murray’s attire (or lack thereof). Upon the re-watch, though, I didn't blink an eye - which means I have built up a tolerance to the nudity on Defiance, and will need for it to now be broadcast on HBO or Showtime. ;) Exactly how did they program McClintock to go after Rosewater? He was programmed to go after Mayors, but how does the robot identify them? Especially seeing as Amanda was just elected? Do Mayors put out a sudden, automatic pheromone once they’re sworn in?

Greetings once again Arkhunters! Join Michelle and Ben as they share what must be some frontier truth; Sukar, Indogene Spirit Rider and MUPPET SLAYER! To hear all about this and more information on the 7th Legion speculation, have a listen passed the break!   Listen now: DRAMA IN DEFIANCE Relive Defiance Ep 2 and 3 recap Down In the Ground Where Dead Men Go A Castithan willingly undergoes torture to compensate for his cowardice in the defense of the town, but Irisa stops the ritual. A traitor who destroyed the town's field generator flees to a series of underground caverns in the ruins of Old St. Louis and attempts to force a nuclear reactor to explode, destroying the town above. The Relive Defiance Twitter party has been pretty spectacular on both sides of the pond. Both US fans and European fans have been cracking me up on Twitter. Even a member of the cast has noticed the upsurge in Defiance tweets: @karlyko @womenofdefiance @HellbugsInLove Sounds like fun! ;) Enjoy the show!! x — Nicole Munoz (@NicoleMunoz94) January 21, 2014 This episode is particularly fun to rewatch because it’s the first time we really get a taste of the cultural differences among the races. It really tests the liberalism theory, which is a theme Grant Bowler continuously brings up in interviews. Where do you draw the line regarding what may be offensive to one culture or another? Clearly, bathing alone is offensive to Datak, and yet stretching a man to death for desertion is perfectly acceptable. They also bring up the backstory around Irathients and vaccines, which is alluded to later in the season during the plague. Speaking of cultural differences, one of the big ones is again revealed in a bath scene: annnnnnd awkward naked mom hug :o #ReliveDefiance #CastiBathTime — Daz Watford (@ThatsWhatUGets) January 21, 2014 In the clip shown at Comic Con, with Rafe and Stahma in the bath, Stahma explains why Casti women wear beads to bathe. It’s because only men are “allowed to be naked as Rayetsu made them,” and yet it certainly feels as if Stahma is always so much more naked than Datak, right? Not that I’m complaining about the bath scenes, but wow, Stahma is in a lot of bath scenes. I’m only saying this for feminism, but maybe we can see her in some different settings in season two. We also get to know another character in this episode: Rafe. Who knew he was a photographer? And wouldn’t we like to see some of the bikini photgraphy he did back in the day? I want to meet the young photographer Rafe McCawley #ReliveDefiance — Karly (@karlyko) January 21, 2014 Rafe = As much a loose cannon as Nolan. #BestiesForever #ReliveDefiance — Bo-Tan-O-File (@thebotanophile) January 21, 2014 Not only do we get to know more about actual characters in this episode, we also get to know a little more about the town, specifically Old St. Louis (which always makes me want to sing The Trolley Song by Judy Garland). Only the men head down into the old city, but something tells us Amanda could’ve held her own: Think Amanda knows a thing out two about abandoned shafts #ReliveDefiance — Hellbugs (@HellbugsInLove) January 21, 2014 Oooo, tough reference to Connor Lang, which we love. Stahma never disappoints in any episode, and this one she really starts to reveal how creepy she can be. The way she chats Christie up in the cafe not only shows her skill at manipulation, it also shows that she may (or may not) have been a murderer on her home planet - there was some discussion as to who exactly was to fault for her betrothed being sucked out of an airlock, but one thing is definitely for sure - BSG reference!: Death by airlock? They totally watched BSG on Casti. #reliveDefiance — Jenn Russi (@jrussi) January 21, 2014 Judging by the way Stahma always has to spell things out for Datak, I think she’s definitely the one who pushed that unlucky betrothee out of the airlock - but some in the fandom think it was Datak,

Welcome to Defiance Reporter's 27th episode and FIRST episode for 2014! With the new year comes a new season of Defiance, new DLC for the Defiance game, a new web series, and some new blood to Defiance Reporter! Tune in to find out about all the NEW SHINIES past the break!   Listen now: DRAMA IN DEFIANCE Defiance Teaser http://www.defiance.com/en/series/video/2707538 (no link at youtube for international listeners but you can view the french ad here: http://youtu.be/_qffFEoncl0) It was a big week for Defiance fans due to the season two promo that was wisely included in the Helix premiere. Granted, I thought we were going to get something a bit longer than the thirty second blitz, but it still got the job done: I am officially excited about season two. First glimpses of LA (for those not playing the game, this is entirely new territory) - what is LA like in the game? Amanda now shooting anti-drug PSAs Stahma having some rough fun in the bath Alak in danger Irzu / Irisa   #ReliveDefiance Defiance Rewatch Event We’re gushing all over everyone’s Twitter feeds for the next few weeks while we rewatch the show. We want to give US and European fans a chance to get in on the fun, so we’re rewatching Monday nights at 9:00pm EST and Tuesday afternoons at 4:00pm EST. @Hellbugs mentioned that Nolan had a sister in the last flashback scene in the Pilot, and sure enough, there was a small child there. These are the things you notice during a rewatch. Also have a new favorite Sukar moment. In the closing montage of the Pilot, he throws back a shot of everyone’s favorite blue drink at the NeedWant, and the grin on his face is absolutely fantastic. Monday, January 20 we’ll be rewatching Down in the Ground Where Dead Men Go (Episode 3) Who do you watch Defiance with in real life? Does your partner, or roommate, or friend watch it? Ben: I am lucky enough to have a wife who enjoys science fiction as much as I do so she will watch it with me most of the time. Michelle: I basically watch it solely with the online fandom, which is why live tweeting and Twitter. Almost a year after the Defiance debut, I’m still impressed with the online community.   Defiance Demographics I took a look back at some rating and demographic info because after live tweeting with the fandom, I was curious as to the audience breakdown Big hit with that key demographic (18-49 and 25-54) with the premiere being the strongest at about 2.7 million (towards the end of the season it averaged around 1.5 million) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/tv-ratings-syfys-pricey-defiance-440421 http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/tag/defiance-ratings/ Much better than Helix numbers Need to keep that up in season two - and the best way to do that is to get people hooked now by binge watching the show - and staying relevant, which can be hard to do over the course of an entire year, even if there is a video game to keep people interested I do wonder what the crossover demographic is between the game and television? A small slice of viewership or a large part of it?   Rewatch All of Season 1 ONLINE NOW If you want to join in on the #ReliveDefiance fun, you can now view the entirety of Season 1 on Syfy Now on the web or on your mobile devices (Android and iOS only). This is only available in the US and requires you to have a subscription to a premium tv service like cable or satellite to sign up. http://www.syfy.com/now/show/Defiance   NEWS FROM THE BAY AREA Defiance’s Next DLC the 7th Legion http://community.defiance.com/en/2014/01/06/introducing-defiances-next-dlc-the-7th-legion/ When the world fell apart, one group kept their courage. Guided by the teachings of the Code of Bushido, the soldiers of the 7th Legion marched across Canada gathering survivors as they went. From one outpost to another they marched until finally they found a city which did not fall: Manhattan. There,

Season 1 of Defiance hit 2013 with a bang and Defiance the game has two DLC under its belt, but what will 2014 bring to the Defiance Universe? Chris and Ben discuss some of their predictions for the new year and what it might or might not offer fans and arkhunters in 2014. Listen past the break! Listen now: Predictions for Season 2 of Defiance Chris’ Predictions The Earth Republic - Turns out, the townsfolk of Defiance LOVE the Earth Republic and what they’re doing for the town. They’re putting on a great front for their evil, nefarious plans for the town and no one is noticing. Anyone who says anything along those lines is told to be quiet, and not ruin the good thing that Defiance has going for it at the moment. Stahma - With Kenya gone, Stahma needs a new companion to help her relax after all her scheming. Who does she turn to? I’m betting new character. Arkfalls and Aliens - A large Arkfall will be the catalyst for a major storyline of the year, and will uncover something from Defiance’s past that the Earth Republic is looking for.   Ben’s Predictions Nolan and Irisa - No matter how Nolan feels about Defiance, he is destined to go back. If not because there’s a giant ancient Votan ship below old St. Louis, then because he wont give up on Amanda. Amanda without Kenya - I don’t think Amanda will ever really find out who killed her sister (she may never even find her body and just assume she is dead), but that doesn’t mean she can’t spend the rest of her days trying to find answers. Amanda is going to become one badass arkhunter and gun for hire. The Tarrs and McCawleys - While Datak is out on the lam, surviving on his own in a savage landscape far from Casti in comfort, Stahma is heading up the family racket and establishing a power hold strong enough to get the ERep to respect her family. Not to mention the little Vot-man bundle of joy Christi is bringing to this world. It will surely create a loyal following among the Castithan population as devoted as any cult, cementing the family’s power with the Votans. Doc Yewll - Doc Yewll has an interesting position for ambiguity in the new town of Defiance. E-Rep will surely need her skills and intelligence for a time (especially if they know her background during the Pale Wars) but I’m sure she will only be required to be loyal to the Earth Republic without having to don the blue insignia and black slacks. Mostly left to her own devices, Yewll will have ample time to do her own research on the big ship in the ground. Webseries - It has been mentioned by Papa Bowler that Syfy is bringing us Defiance Webisodes to stave off the bitter wait of Season 2. I predict these webisodes will be Jessica “Berlin” Rai’s E-Rep propaganda and recruitment videos. We’ll probably see a glimpse of what Defiance has become since the Earth Republic forceful occupancy, with clips of Viceroy Mercado enjoying the camera time to reminisce over some old Earth memories, or candids of Major Pottinger swinging and missing against former Mayor Rosewater.   Predictions for Defiance the Game Ben’s Predictions Trion will try to differentiate between Season 1 and Season 2 by creating a world(game) altering event that will make Season 2 different. Maybe a large invasion from the debris belt around Earth, turning the world more violent than it currently is. There will be a large push to release the rest of the DLC before June, with the final DLC being the big catalyst, the game changer to segue into Season 2. Whether that push is a result of that framework to make future updates easier that Trick Dempsey has touted about or a rushed buggy mess will remain to be seen, but I sure hope its the former. Season 2 will give us a new Main Storyline (FINALLY) and will bring back Von Bach to the Bay Area, and hopefully the show. It will also introduce us to a host of new shady characters (a la Varus Soleptor), a larger presence of Earth Republic around the Bay,

Season 1 of Defiance ended 5 months  ago and there are nearly 7 months to go before we get Season 2, so Chris and Ben had a rewatch week and discuss some of their favorite moments in the season with special guest Michelle of Women of Defiance. Also, ARKBREAKER!   Listen now: DRAMA IN DEFIANCE So Chris and I both bought Season 1 of Defiance on Bluray and had a rewatch marathon to re-live what we felt while watching it live back in April. Its been nearly 5 MONTHS since we last watched Defiance and its time to revisit old thoughts with what we know. Favorite moments in the show Michelle Last scene with Kenya and Amanda (sidenote: vibro scene, because reasons) Scene with McClintock, Rafe, Nolan and Amanda - reminiscing and shooting the shtako about how life used to be - great exposition here, and fun to watch (also, the chemistry between Nolan and Amanda is just so easy) Chris When Nolan shoots Pol Madis When Doc Yewll helps Irisa escape in the final episode. Ben The face-off between Nikki and Rafe after Quentin kills Birch. Really anything with Nicki Riordan resulted in shock and surprise for me, whether it be her willingness to blow the town, her relationship with Rafe and knowledge of Pilar, to being an indogene and dying by Doc Yewll’s hand. And because I’m a typical guy who likes things to be resolved in a guy way, the street fight between Nolan and Datak was a long time coming. I REALLY hope we get a rematch in Season 2. Best scene in all of Defiance Season 1 Ben Even after watching the whole season. I always go back to the Pilot opening with Nolan and Irisa singing along with Johnny Cash and June Carter. The season (or the series in a few years for that matter) can and should end with that very scene. It really embodies the complex relationship between Nolan and Irisa. The quiet anger and gradual acceptance out of love and the idiotic, yet charming persistence of a father looking for acceptance of an apology. It says to me that the firm bond between father and daughter will never be broken, no matter the circumstance. Michelle Stahma and Datak in the voting booth - all season long, we've seen Stahma exercise a quiet form of power, and this is the first moment that we see her completely unravel Chris Kenya and Stahma at the end. Best Episode of Season 1, according to our listeners:   @defiancepodcast @DefianceWorld Serpent's Egg, because we saw Irisa's past and Tommy and Irisa became a thing and I almost died of squee — Syfy Fangirl (@Lonely_Nerdette) November 18, 2013 @defiancepodcast @DefianceWorld I like the one where sukar saved #Defiance , that was an emotionally charged episode — Ron Sullenger (@rsull02_ron) November 18, 2013 @defiancepodcast @DefianceWorld Bride Wore Black. #Defiance had spun on minor cliches before, but this one turned everything on it's head :D — Daz Watford (@ThatsWhatUGets) November 18, 2013 @defiancepodcast @DefianceWorld "Brothers in Arms" for capturing the honor of self-sacrifice and reminiscence of my military days #SemperFi — Vyshun (@Vyshun) November 18, 2013 All of them, because aliens. MT @defiancepodcast: #Defiance poll: Which episode of season 1 was THE best episode and why? — Defiance World (@DefianceWorld) November 19, 2013   Most confusing plot point Chris Is Stahma taking advantage of the situations around her, or causing them. Both one of my favourite and most frustrating parts of the show (in the best way possible). Michelle Sukar and Irzu plot line - should be revealed as we go along, but right now not sure what to make of it (for instance, the razor rain episode was the first moment I was genuinely confused - nanites…) Character point: Amanda generally does what is smart, even when it isn't right (Kevin Murphy’s words), but in Past Is Prologue she totally stood by Nolan even when she had to know that it just may cost her the election (“chup the election”).

This week, Chris and Ben gush over a leaked clip from NYCC, talk about the newly announced DLC 2 scarce on details, and give their thoughts on a hot-button topic circulating the Defiance forums right now. Tune in to get the scoop!   Listen now: ...

We have another special surprise for the Defiance Community this week; Defiance Creative Lead Trick Dempsey stops by! Tune in has we discuss the State of the Game, DLCs, working with Syfy, Lore, and more! Listen now:  OFF THE SET New Cast Members Join Defiance for Season 2 http://www.defiance.com/en/series/news/two-new-cast-members-for-season-two William Atherton and Anna Hopkins have joined the show as regulars as the town of Defiance suffers through an occupation by the Earth Republic. William Atherton (of Ghostbusters, Die Hard, and Real Genius fame) signs on to portray the jaded, high-ranking Earth Republic official Viceroy Mercado. the commanding officer of James Murray's Maj. Pottinger -- who will also be the new mayor of Defiance. a ruthless, quick-tongued and sarcastic, fond of peppering his sentences with obscure old Earth cultural references and mocking younger subordinates for being too young to understand. Mercado will not be blind to how manipulative Pottinger is, but looks the other way because he gets results. The character is also said to have a secret that "would shock his colleagues and the townspeople of Defiance." Hopkins joins the cast as the sexy, tough and fearless Jessica "Berlin" Rai, an Earth Republic soldier and documentarian who makes propaganda films that shine a positive light on the Earth Republic occupation of Defiance. She grew up during the Pale Wars, and sees the government as one that protects and unites by any means necessary. She will also become the center of a love triangle. (But with who!?!??!) I don’t know how true this is but IMDB lists Samuel Earle (K.C. on Degrassi) as playing Hyatt Mirch in the first episode of Season 2 as well.   Speaking of New Cast Members... MEET ALETHIA (Contest Winner) http://www.defiance.com/en/series/news/and-the-game-character-coming-onto-season-2-is Race: Irathient Gender: Female Age: 62 Occupation: Veteran Ark Hunter Alethia was a warrior on her home planet long before she came to Earth She fought undefeated in the combat trials that determined who got to go aboard the Ark, only to turn around and give up her seat to the Spirit Leader of her tribe. On Earth, Alethea served as a border guard in the Omec Colony of Mexico and made friends with the local humans, though that didn’t stop her from performing her duty of serving in the war when it came. Alethea was stationed in the Everglades when the Arks came down. Due to stockpiles of chemical weapons, the whole state became irradiated, spawning a host of mutants which ravaged the land. A rescue mission for her and the survivors bunkered in the middle of irradiated Florida was out of the question, so Alethia led the survivors out herself, folding in some abandoned EMC soldiers she found along the way. Following the war, the survivors stuck together, becoming a successful Ark Hunter clan known as "Divided Allegiance."   Emmy Nomination for OUTSTANDING SPECIAL VISUAL EFFECTS 2013 (Pilot Episode) http://www.emmys.com/awards/nominees-winners/2013/special-visual-effects-series Looks like our Emmy nomination will remain just a nomination. It was a tough category this year and Game of Thrones went home with the Emmy in this category. Went up against: Battlestar Galactica: Blood & Chrome Falling Skies - Worlds Apart Game Of Thrones - Valar Dohaeris Hemlock Grove - Children Of The Night Last Resort - Captain   NYCC PANEL http://youtu.be/kHp_bw6NWLw Co-Producer Michael Nankin (http://michaelnankin.com/credits/), Stephanie Leonidas, Jamie Murray, Julie Benz, and Grant Bowler First I have to say, @WomenofDefiance AND HellbugsInLove got mentioned at the panel? Really? Wow! Even @MenofDefiance and @StahmasBathBeads were mentioned.. How has the diversity of the cast lent itself to the show? Julie responded with “It’s a lot sexier,

We have another special surprise for the Defiance Community this week; Defiance Creative Lead Trick Dempsey stops by! Tune in has we discuss the State of the Game, DLCs, working with Syfy, Lore, and more! Listen now:   NEWS FROM THE BAY AREA Q&A with Creative Lead Trick Dempsey What does it mean to be the Creative Lead? What does your job entail. State of the Game Address http://community.defiance.com/en/2013/09/13/state-of-the-game-update/ What is the first and foremost issue you hope to tackle? You said that “higher rarity weapons will always be accompanied with celebration and never disappointment.” Could you expand upon what sort of changes may lead to this being the norm in Defiance? “Games are the most fun when there’s more than one ‘right’ strategy” We couldn’t agree more. Do you feel like the game has ever made it probable for players to find themselves stuck in a wrong strategy? Voice and Text chat aren’t just unreliable, they’re practically useless when the majority of players are sparse and spread out. Will we see a central hub for players to gather and hang out in to make general communication easier? Inventory and Loadout fixes. Will we be seeing a change in the layout, the amount of slots, or a bank implementation for the inventory? Will loadouts finally have a keybinding for quick swapping? UI changes for contracts was mentioned in the address and some overall UI changes were seen in some DLC2 gameplay footage, will we be seeing UI changes across all three platforms or will PC users get an interface befitting a keyboard and mouse input? Will we eventually see some higher graphics options for PC users? What kind of incentive are planned to lure players to certain events and to complete pursuits, etc? And how do you plan to attract new players to join? Now that Trion Worlds is trying to be more transparent with the plans and updates for Defiance, do you think that the community will be more patient and receptive towards the game? Castithan Charge Pack DLC and the 2nd DLC Pack Was there a lot of content cut from the first DLC release? What were the other things that you wanted to implement, but couldn’t for whatever reasons? Now that we have a bit of a Castithan based side story going, will we ever get to see one for Irathients? Will there be more Castithan based NPCs helping us in story missions fighting along side players? Will we ever be playing as liberata, indogene, or sensoth? The Volge. What are they after and why are they so numerous? During the Volge sieges, I notice that when a new stage begins, they airdrop from the sky and it drives me crazy. Where are they falling from and why aren't they coming from underground as implied by the intel videos? How frequently (compared to all the others) will the Dark Matter Arkfalls appear in game and is it based on the population of the server? With the changes made in the Castithan DLC (great job by the way, we love the honeycomb feature on the map and having more fast travel points), we noticed ark salvage is being utilised more, with the implementation of the breakdown button and the turrets during sieges requiring salvage for upgrades. Will we be seeing an increase in purchases using salvage (or some kind of crafting soon)? What kinds of difficulties do you come across pushing out a DLC across 3 different platforms? Can we expect future DLC content to be as much (or more) as the Castithan Charge DLC? Will DLC content be pushing the story of Defiance further during the off-season or will that be handled with regular updates? How much influence did syfy have during the production of the game? Can you briefly explain how the collaboration between Syfy and Trion works? Spike and Stims. Will these be drops, purchasable from vendor carts, or bought from the Defiance Store?

The Irathient Flu has struck down our hosts this week, so they reach out for some outside help in the form of @WomenOfDefiance's Michelle and @HellbugsInLove's Jules! Listen as we discuss Dragon Con and Cosplay! Then Chris and Ben talk DLC2 Alpha gamep...

Last week Defiance Reporter had the pleasure of discussing everything Defiance the show with @WomenofDefiance's Michelle. This week, Chris and Ben discuss Defiance the Game and the massive update that is the Castithan Charge Pack DLC content. Listen after the jump for all the details.   Listen now: [What we did in game] Ben DLC, DLC, and more DLC. I can’t tell you how many sieges I've participated in and have YET to get to complete a Stage 10 event. Chris DLC - Focused on Arenas. Can’t get past the third one, but it took me 6 on each of the other two to progress, so I’ll keep trying. Motherfucking arenas.   CASTITHAN CHARGE PACK HAS LANDED on PC, Xbox 360, and PlayStation 3! Play as a Castithan (you can even convert your current character if you’d like!) Battle against the Volge in massive Siege battles Access new Battle Arenas and earn a Castithan Blade reward Duel other players in best-of-three matches Drive the Raptor Truck, Defiance’s first 4-player vehicle Fight with the new charge weapons, including pistols, shotguns, and sniper rifles Plus: new pursuits, new storylines, and more   NEWS FROM THE BAY AREA Features of the Castithan Charge Pack DLC: Castithan Character Creation and voice pack options You can create a new Castithan character or just change your current character Once out of the character creation and tutorial area, each new character is awarded: a PSR-7 Cyclone Charged Sniper Rifle a Surge Nano Fragger Charged Shotgun a Particle Ultimag a Red and Black Raptor 4 player vehicle the Zwazhe Warrior outfit Visual changes in game New tips now show on loading screens. Gameplay loading screen tips will now display approximately 4 times as often as lore-based tips. Changes to the Map Fast travel points on the map now have hexagonal icons around them to make them easier to select and to see what’s near them. Quick travel points added to Last Chance, Diablo Lighthouse, and the E-rep Commando Camp in Frisco. Echelon mercenaries have been added throughout the world and are now recruiting for Shadow War, Competitive Maps and Co-op Maps! Sieges are back! Capture points around the Bay Area and defend them from the Volge threat as well as the plague threat at Kenn Farms. Dark Matter arkfalls are here! Battle Dark Matter forces to take control of arkfalls Sausalito, San Francisco, Marin and Madera! New Military Academy competitive map has been added! Fight head-to-head in this all new 16 on 16 capture and hold map! New and much improved (but still not quite right) chat window! Charge Weapons Added all new charge weapons, which includes three shotguns, three pistols and three sniper rifles. When you create your first character, you will get a PSR-7 Cyclone Charged Sniper Rifle a Surge Nano Fragger Charged Shotgun and a Particle Ultimag pistol Castithan charge blades have also been added with customizable blade color mods. New Vehicles New Raptor four player vehicle added! Man this thing drives like a tank! And not in the good way where you run over everything in your way. Elizabeth Tobey did confirm that the vehicle was meant to haul a 4 player party across the map and it was not designed for elegance and speed. Additional Challenger variants added. Vendors are available during the Dodge Challenger Race events to sell special Challengers. Vehicle Shields will now begin recharging faster (5 seconds, down from 20) and upped recharge rate from 10% to 20% per second. New Pursuits and Storyline There is now a new Episodic pursuit group called the Volge Incursion that deals heavily with, you guessed it, the Volge. Volge Violence Complete 10 Volge Sieges Complete each of the Volge Siege types at least one time North Point Mine The Bathhouse Kinship Plaza Towers Quarry Mutant District Earn a score of 15,

Chris and Greg Laabs have a chat at PAX about how he came to be in the gaming industry and his first memories of gaming. Audio Version: