GameSpy: So you're dividing the existing three factions -- the TEC, the Advent, and the Vasari -- into a Loyalist and a Rebel faction each. How is playing as a Rebel faction going to differ from playing as a Loyalist faction?

Brian Clair: Well, it depends on which race you play. The TEC Loyalists are very defensive. If you're a gamer who likes to turtle, they're probably the best suited for you. They've been designed with that in mind. The TEC Rebels are very aggressive, so if you're a player who likes to go out, doesn't turtle at all, moves very quickly from one target to the next, they would fit you the best.

GameSpy: What are some of the abilities that the TEC Loyalists have that make them more defensive?

Brian Clair: One of the things that defines each faction is their Titan, which is a super capital ship, for lack of a better way to put it. Their Titan is very defensively oriented, in terms of giving defensive buffs to surrounding fleets so they survive longer. The TEC Loyalists' research gives them bonuses when they're in their own territory. Basically, the player is rewarded for slowly progressing and not rampaging, destroying everything in sight.

Wow, what a week right? It has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride around here. First all funding gets cut and it feels like the end of an era, then you all show up and reminded us of exactly why we love VE - the best damn community I've found on these big 'ol internets. So a sincere thank you to all of you who voiced your support, and who come here to read our often goofy musings every day. You've definitely bolstered our spirits a bit, and personally give me a reason to fight to keep this community alive one way or another.

One thing I must mention that's been bothering me. Why does the Demon Hunter's Evasive Shot skill sound like a 12 gauge shotgun going off? Come on Blizzard, I know you want to make all of the skills interesting and exciting to play with, but don't Michael Bay a crossbow on us now.

Alright enough whining and complaining! How about some Thursday morning humor? I'm sure some of you have seen this very rare footage already, it is of Jube (with a fresh haircut) at a traffic stop in her native hometown in Canada. I for one am glad she found the wax for her mustache and has sobered up enough to not have gained a life sentence yet. I'm not sure who the other's are in the video, I assume they are her dogs and or niece and nephew. Enjoy.

• Experience the Riders of Rohan – Join with the Rohirrim and ride across the sprawling Plains of Rohan; witness the breaking of the Fellowship at Amon Hen; forge alliances with the Ents of Fangorn; and aid Éomer, adopted son of Théoden, as he seeks to protect his homeland from the growing Shadow.

• Introducing Mounted Combat – Ride into Combat atop your loyal War-steed as you defend the people of Rohan from the forces of Isengard and Mordor. Customize your War-steed’s armor and level its skills over time to aid you in mounted defense of King Theoden’s lands. Mount your steed and gather your fellows to fight against Warbands, contingents of roving warg riders that have been scouted all over the Plains of Rohan! It falls to you to head off and defeat this new threat before they over take the land.

• Advance to level 85 – Continue your legend in the next chapter of The Lord of the Rings Online. Experience new adventures in the epic story, and gain new skills and deeds as you face new challenges on your journey to 85!

The source also suggests that Microsoft's next console will be in stores as soon as October 2013, assuming the world doesn't end in 2012.