What better way to start the New Year with some Player vs Player slaughtering? We have started to work out a PvP Tournament system and it should be here soon! The tournament games will be different from PvP games. Because rewards can be won the contest must be one of pure skill, not who is the highest level, has the best units or the biggest deploy capacity.

<b>Fair Battles</b>
For that reason the deploy capacity and a unit pool will be predetermined when the Tournament is set up. You can put together your army from this unit pool, but you cannot use your own units. You can still determine your own personal strategy with your personal army build. There will be varying pools available for different tournaments. Heroes are excluded from the tournaments, to ensure higher level players don’t get an unfair advantage.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/Screenshot_4.jpg">

<b>Rewards and Prizes</b>
To enter the tournament there will be a fee, to ensure players are serious. Of course, there will be a lot of rewards as well! Each round will have a reward for the players that made it to that round (by winning the previous round). As you reach higher tiers in the tournament, the rewards become better and better. Of course there will be some grand prizes for the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place! But wait, there is more! Those who participate in the PVP tournament will also be earning PvP points, which add to your overall PvP score on the leaderboard. The scores will be a lot higher than regular PvP matches!

<b>Resolving Cheats and Exploits</b>
We are working to resolve issues, such as closing the battle window and various bugs. Any cheating will result in being removed from the tournament with no refund. We will be monitoring the events closely.

So you better start practicing your PvP skills!

Your avatar is not just the face of yourself as captain; it’s an extension of yourself in the game! That’s why of course you want to look your best. Wouldn’t it be great to have more new avatar items to match your style and find a unique look that suits you? We are going to expand the avatar wardrobe tremendously!

<b>How to obtain new Avatar Items?</b>
You may be receiving avatar items in your Mystery Packs and as a reward for leveling up (some avatar items would only be available later in the game). Some quests could provide new avatar items as well. Of course, several unique items could be available in the Black Market as well. Even more items to hunt for!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/dresses.jpg">

<b>The Perfect Look</b>
To finish off with the final touches we aim to provide more themed avatar items, just like the Halloween and Christmas items you might have seen already. The themed avatar items are only available for a very limited time, which makes them even fancier! Afterwards, the items are still available to equip for the players that purchased them, but no longer purchasable by the ones who haven’t.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/helmets1.jpg">

<b>The Crème-de-la-crème</b>
Some avatar items may even boost game stats!

So what will it be for you? How do you want your avatar to look? Let us know in the comments: and if you have really awesome avatar concepts, we will reward you with 1 gem if we love your idea!

The new patch is here! Behold the new features:

<b>PVP Medals</b>
After fighting Player vs. Player battles, there’s nothing better than being rewarded for your wins. For this PvP Medals are introduced, which can be earned by fighting different players and winning ten or more battles.

<b>Alliance</b>
Many players have already embraced the new Alliance Creator and have been recruiting players to join their ranks. Players can make their own Alliance with a unique name and flag to stand out from the crowd. Additionally, the Alliance possesses a private chat board that can only be used by members. By donating gold, the Alliance membership can be expanded and extra radio tapes can be purchased to improve the private chat.

The rank is based on the current standings on the leaderboard of all the members combined. The basics of the Alliance are well thought through and provide a broad variety options for expansion in the near future, so let your imagination run free!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IGM_Alliance1.png" alt="" width="520" height="362" />

<b>Factions</b>
Before the latest build the only opponent you could fight was militia. With the latest Player vs. Player (PVP) expansion a whole new dimension was added to the game, allowing players to fight against each other. In this build there are more opponents introduced to fight against in the known raids, smuggle missions and Boss attacks. In addition to the Militia you can now fight the Mortt Queen with her first introduced in the quests. This time she will be tougher, slimier and more surprising than before.

Another new faction to fight against is the Baron faction. You may have met some of these units recently during the Trader quests. In this build we expand the complete faction with multiple new Baron units such as the Baron Barrage Cannon, the Baron Artillery Walker, the Baron Rocket Tank and many others that are hard to defeat.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2891" title="baron_bazooka" src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/baron_bazooka.png" alt="" width="520" height="411" />

<b>New Units</b>
Besides the new units for the new opponent factions, there are also new units to use in your own army. The long-awaited and feared Ironclad Walker shall make its debut, and could cause a whole new tactical upgrade in your private army. Next to the Iron Clad Walker some existing units are available at higher levels, allowing for more researchable units and providing more advanced strategies to be used during your battles.

<b>Friend invite</b>
The friend invite feature is a subtle addition to the game, whereby you can invite your friends to play with little effort. Send an email from your profile page and ask your friends to play Iron Grip: Marauders. As a reward, the player who sends the invitation gains extra resources. Open an Alliance together, team up against Bosses and defeat all the different factions.

You can find more details of this patch in the Changelog after the maintenance is complete.

Happy Marauderin’
The ISOTX Team

Although the dark winter nights are thick with snowy mists, we have something to brighten your days! From December 19th 2011 until January 2nd 2012 we have several shiny Sales you can enjoy for several of our games.

<b>Iron Grip: Warlord Sale</b>
Due to the popularity of our last sale, Iron Grip: Warlord will be on offer with a 75% discount again, available on Steam!

Since it is Christmas, why don’t you send Iron Grip: Warlord to your friends as well? With the Iron Grip: Warlord Four Pack, also on sale for a 75% discount, you can buy the game and send three copies to your friends on Steam.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/warlordDiscount.jpg">

For those of you who love indie games, what about getting the Indie Bundle which offers 9 great indie games, including Iron Grip: Warlord, for only $19.95? This Bundle is available on Steam.

The Indie Bundle will contain: IG: Warlord, Rochard, Atom Zombie Smasher, Avadon, Demolition, Inc., Sanctum, Runespell: Overture, Everyday Shooter, Sequence and Zombie Driver!

<b>Iron Grip: Marauders Sale</b>
And especially for Iron Grip: Marauders, all Gem packages will be available for a 20% discount! The discount is available for all our players, whether they play on Steam or through their browser!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas_beer.jpg">

If you didn’t treat yourself to one of the packages yet, now is the time! Then you can spice up your Avatar with our brand new Christmas Avatar decorations! These will be available until the beginning of January. Get your beer wenches before the end of the year and they will keep you warm through the winter!

All our discounts are available from December 19th 2011 until January 2nd 2012.

Merry Christmas!

The ISOTX Team

With the upcoming Alliance Creator players can come together under a single banner. Here’s what you will be able to do:

If you want to create an alliance, you go to the brand new Alliances tab next to the chat boxes. It will cost 10 gems to set up. You can only be in one alliance at a time, yes just one you scumbag!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IGM_alliance0.jpg">

<b>What can the leader do?</b>
As leader you can set the name of your alliance and create a flag with 7 different sections of decorations to add to your flag. The flag will remain changeable. As leader you can invite players to become members.

<b>I want to join, what do I do?!</b>
You can take a look at which alliances are available and pick one to join. To join an alliance, a request must be sent and approved by the leader. To leave an alliance you can simply choose to leave. But be aware, the leader can also kick you out like a dirty rat.

If you want to join an alliance of one of your friends, you can use the search function to find an alliance or to find a player to see which alliance they belong to.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/IGM_Alliance1.png">

<b>How many people can join an alliance?</b>
To add more than the initial 8 members, donate gold to Expand Command! Any member can donate!

<b>What does an alliance do?</b>
Your alliance is visible on your profile, and when you go into battle, your alliance is listed under your name as well. More benefits to alliances will come soon!

So if you will create an alliance, what will you call it?

We have recently released the new PVP battle system and it’s been ON ever since! Because PVP doesn’t require any energy, you can play PVP battles all day long. So what do you get for winning your battles, besides leaderboard rankings?

That’s right, medals! *shiny!*

After a hard day’s work blowing up your opponent’s armies, you probably want to see how well you did. Take a look at the medals you will soon be earning:

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/medals.jpg">

<b>Psycho Killer - total number of kills</b>
Level 1 - 10 PK (Player Kills)
Level 2 - 100 PK
Level 3 - 500 PK

<b>Serial Killer - total kills of different players in 1 day</b>
Level 1 - 3PK
Level 2 - 7PK
Level 3 - 15PK

This is just the beginning! There are several more PVP medals in the making. And in case you’re wondering: yes, all your existing battles count towards earning these medals!

And if you haven’t played enough PVP yet, then join the <a href="http://igmarauders.isotx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3561" target="_blank">PVP Screenshot Competition</a>!

See you on the battlefield, captains!

It wouldn’t be Christmas without decorations and ornaments! All those smuggling trucks you have been defending lately were loaded with special decorations. I’m afraid the reindeer didn’t quite make it, though…

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas_reindeer.jpg">

<b>Let it snow, let it snow!</b>

As the weather drops below freezing in Kathos, the snow falls thickly on the pines, and even the Walker Boneyard has become eerily quiet, with the exception of metal creaking as the temperatures change between day and night. Where is everyone?

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas_snow.jpg">

Exactly where they should be, in our Tavern enjoying a beer or two, or maybe more if you ask the girls nicely!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/christmas_beer.jpg">

Have fun arranging your <a href="http://igmarauders.isotx.com/game.php?/avatar" target="_blank">Christmas Avatar</a>!

You are all invited to participate in the brand new PVP Screenshot Competition! Place your funniest PVP picture in this thread in order to be nominated for great prizes! You are allowed to place several screenshots and even add comments or captions!

<b>Duration:</b>
The PVP Screenshot Competition runs from December 2nd 2011 to December 31st 2011.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/PvP_Screenshot1.jpg">

<b>Prizes:</b>
Submit your crazy, fun, or remarkable PVP Screenshots to win one of these great prizes!

<b>First Prize:</b> Black Skull Wrecker + 20 gems + Iron Grip: Marauders Poster
<b>Second Prize:</b> Demoralizer MK2 + 5000 Gold
<b>Third Prize:</b> Terror Walker LvL 2 + 2000 Gold

Post your PVP Screenshot submission in the <a href="http://igmarauders.isotx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3561" target="_blank">Competition Thread</a>!

The Boneyard Arena patch has been live for some time now, and generally people have been very happy with it! Of course, we’re hard at work dealing with the bugs and other problems that tend to occur when you release a big chunk of new content. Here’s a rundown of some of the most important issues:


** Mysterious Stranger Quest 10 Bug – Do not attempt to play this mission at the moment, you will get stuck in the 3D battle and have to retreat! The problem has been fixed, but needs a little more testing before a hotfix can be released (to make sure the ‘fix’ doesn’t end up breaking other things). In the meantime, all players who were stuck in this quest have had their energy refunded. You can check <a title="Mysterious Stranger Quest 10" href="http://igmarauders.isotx.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3489" target="_blank">this thread</a> for more information.

** Units disappearing after choosing them for PvP battles – This is now fixed, you can play PvP without fear of unexpectedly losing units!

** Black Market – There were a few problems with the Black Market which should be fixed now.

** Energy is fixed and regenerating normally again.

** Advent Packs are now available, but Steam players may need to press the ‘log out’ button below your profile and log back in to get their Advent Pack.

** Heroes do still receive a boost to their levels if you are higher level than the recommended level for their quest. However, they have been rebalanced (including deployment costs) and are now intended to appear at level 1 if you get them at the recommended level.

** Some Line of Sight issues have been dealt with, but not all of them. We’re working hard on this!

We are also aware that quite a few players are curious about how the new Leaderboard works, and we hope to be able to provide you all with a more detailed explanation soon.

<img class="alignnone size-full wp-image-2820" title="boss01" src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/boss01.jpg" alt="" width="520" height="313" />

Other than that, how are you all finding the patch? Who has defeated a Siege Behemoth in battle yet?

This is the moment you’ve all been waiting for! Today the Boneyard Arena Expansion will go live in Iron Grip: Marauders.

This means there will be some downtime for maintenance. You will be notified about this in-game. In the meantime take a look at what you can expect:

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/embed/rs7a0O9NdJI" target="_blank">YouTube Video</a>


<b>The Walker Boneyard</b>

The new region, the Walker Boneyard, is accessible for players who have completed the Mysterious Stranger quest line, which is around level 15. The region can then be accessed through the World Map.

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/walkerfinal.png">

When you’ve landed in the Walker Boneyard, there are several options. There is a new bar (Joaquin’s Bar) with new raids and smuggles, and these battles have new maps for you to discover!

In the Walker Boneyard you may run into a fellow called Vilhem Gernott, an old Trucker who is always looking for some bold marauder captains interested in dangerous adventure for excellent rewards. You may even be able to add another hero to your team!

Of course a new region wouldn’t be complete without brand new units! The Walker Boneyard will offer completely new units, both researchable and licensed and even collectable Black Skull units. There will be a separate Black Market for these new items in the Boneyard.



<b>The PVP Arena</b>

We are bringing back PVP! Players can now match their armies against each other in 3D battles with other players in the game! You can choose which map you want to fight over, and then select units in conflicts ranging from 400 up to 1000 deployment points.

And check this out: you don’t need to spend energy to play PVP!

<img src="http://www.isotx.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/pvp-pj11.jpg">


So what if you lose a battle? No harm done! Units which are destroyed in PVP battles are never permanently lost! After the battle, they are safe and sound in your storage. Your wins and losses are visible on your profile in a separate counter, so you can always check out your opponent before starting!



<b>Other Changes and Fixes:</b>

- Re-bribing in the Bars can be done with Gold instead of Gems
- Many changes to Line of Sight
- Losing units when clicking ‘start’ on smuggling missions fixed
- Players getting stuck during loading screen, or during battle is fixed
- Avatar upgrades are improved, it’s now much easier to change your looks
- New Hero starting levels are adjusted
- Leaderboard changed, Gold is no longer part of the calculations
- Several new sounds in the game, including a change to the Ambulance heal sound

Happy marauderin’!