Just.One.More.Click.

Can't wait to play your Steam copy of Civilization 5?

EDIT: I get a lot of hits to this entry when any Steam game is released in the states, but not in Europe.

To clarify, this method will work with any Steam game that you've got preloaded, but not released yet - as long as it's released in the states.

Also, I've discovered from using this method many times, that you don't need to do anything to the VPN/Steam once in game. What happens is, the VPN will disconnect, and steam will automatically reconnect using your real IP address - hence you can just keep on playing :) Unfortunately, you'll still need to do the VPN trick each time you run the game. Until it's released officially, that is ;)

Well you've come to the right place!

Follow these simple instructions, and get your Civ Crack fix TODAY!

1\ Make sure you've preloaded Civ V, and that Steam is OFF

2\ Download this file (it's a free demo from VPN company usaip.eu)

3\ Double click the file. You will see a window like this:

4\ Choose any USA PPTP connection (I chose California), and click Connect

5\ For the username and password, use "demo" (without quotations)

6\ Once connected, run Steam and decrypt the game!

Important
The proxy isn't the fastest, be patient.

Once the game is running, the VPN isn't needed any more. This demo VPN autodisconnects after 7 minutes. Put Steam in offline mode, or alt-tab to disconnect the VPN manually.

Unfortunately, each time you want to play the game you have to connect to the VPN then run Steam, as it seems that it keeps checking your IP each time it runs. If you don't do this, you'll be greeted with the "this game is preloaded and ready to play when released" message.

Enjoy.

Attention to detail

We're back to playing Left4Dead 2. It's a game I've always enjoyed, but after finishing all the campaigns on realism, we didn't really get back to it much.

But now there's a whole bunch of fresh blood on the scene (read: new L4D2 players) so am back to playing it, and I'm glad I am. It really is a fun game, very well designed and the zombies/effects are great. Also, like Bad Company 2, the sound design is just superb.

Anyway, today we were trying (and failing) to get through The Passing, when I noticed this bruise on Rochelle's arm. It looked just........ right. Exactly as a bruise should look, this attention to detail (that probably won't be seen most of the time) is exactly what makes this game so immersive.

Brilliant stuff.

Light painting with the iPad

Don't ask, just watch.

Making Future Magic: iPad light painting from Dentsu London on Vimeo.

Eid Mubarak!

Yes, yes, Happy Eid to you all! It's time to start eating lots all day, instead of just eating lots in the evening.

Today's breakfast, courtesy of Kelly (and my day off) was a typical Arab affair: Basturma and eggs; cheese, tomatoes, cucumber, and mint; Rashi (Tahini if you like) and Dibis (Date syrup if you must). With LOTS of hot bread. Mmmmmmm.

Have a good, and most importantly safe, one!