With Rift's launch looming closer by the day, forces are coming into play faster now than ever before. Trion Worlds has announced that it is partnering with Ubisoft to publish Rift in Europe. Ubisoft, which has studios in countries all across the globe, will be tasked with releasing the game in France, Benelux, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and the Nordics. This deal includes multiple years of service starting in 2011.
While Ubisoft has handled smaller MMOs, such as Might and Magic Heroes Kingdom, Rift represents the largest MMO client to date for the company.
Trion Worlds' CEO Lars Buttler sees this as a great move for the game: "To join forces with an industry leader such as Ubisoft on our first title further demonstrates the potential Rift has to be a game-changer in the online gaming space. We are thrilled to be working with Ubisoft, one of world's leading publishers, as we reaffirm our commitment to deliver quality products to gamers around the world."
While Ubisoft is not without its fair share of controversies, no one can deny that the publisher has clout across the market. Rift's closed beta starts later this week, and all signs still point toward an early 2011 release.
Reader Comments (13)
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 11:26AM Solp said
Let us not forget that Ubisoft published Grandia, one of the most fun PS games ever.
(Totally irrelevant, but man, I loved that game.)
(Totally irrelevant, but man, I loved that game.)
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 11:48AM Valdur said
I'm having signal warnings .....DRM :(
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 12:20PM Nyan said
Personally I'm wary of EU publishers, or actually any 3rd party publisher for MMOs. The developers are always treating us like 2nd class. The support is bad, the patches delayed and we have no direct say in the game development. Eventually all western developers find out it's best to run all servers themselves. I don't know why Trion has to repeat the same mistake.
But I'm lucky. Since I don't live in the listed countries of Europe, will I be put on Trion's server by default?
If so, yay!
But I'm lucky. Since I don't live in the listed countries of Europe, will I be put on Trion's server by default?
If so, yay!
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 12:21PM Valdur said
@ Greyhame & Dril
As long as it doesn't prevent my PC from working properly...
As long as it doesn't prevent my PC from working properly...
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 1:11PM Yarr said
With Ubisoft involved, don't be surprised to see some type of Securom built into the client so you'll need to have the install DVD in the drive at all times, as well as being connected online. Maybe they'll want DNA samples and retinal scans as well. :) This will all be in the name of preventing private servers, but really will only be a hassle to legit users, same as all DRM.
The fact Trion has any dealings with Ubisoft at all crosses them off my list, and I'm not even in Europe. :( Sorry, I don't buy products from a company that sells DRM-infested software that won't work just because it doesn't like what brand my optical drive is...
The fact Trion has any dealings with Ubisoft at all crosses them off my list, and I'm not even in Europe. :( Sorry, I don't buy products from a company that sells DRM-infested software that won't work just because it doesn't like what brand my optical drive is...
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 1:24PM Sigma7 said
I hope this does not mean that Europeans can only connect to European Servers. I would sincerely love to be able to play with my non-European Friends again.
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 2:17PM SgtBaker1234556 said
Well at least it wasn't GOA.
I understand it's not always possible for studios to establish themselves globally for one game - but I'm very vary of 3rd party partnering after Warhammer + GOA and LotrO + Codemasters.
I understand it's not always possible for studios to establish themselves globally for one game - but I'm very vary of 3rd party partnering after Warhammer + GOA and LotrO + Codemasters.
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 3:24PM pcgneurotic said
@SgtBaker1234556
While I agree that GOA sucked harder than a toothless old granny in a boiled egg factory, I honestly never had a problem with COG. The F2P delay was a bummer, but not really their fault.
Reply
While I agree that GOA sucked harder than a toothless old granny in a boiled egg factory, I honestly never had a problem with COG. The F2P delay was a bummer, but not really their fault.
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 2:51PM Henthor said
I was waiting so long for a game like this, well ... I'll have to play other titles, this is a really sad day for me.
this -Yarr
"Maybe they'll want DNA samples and retinal scans as well. :) ...
The fact Trion has any dealings with Ubisoft at all crosses them off my list, and I'm not even in Europe. :( Sorry, I don't buy products from a company that sells DRM-infested software that won't work just because it doesn't like what brand my optical drive is..."
this -Yarr
"Maybe they'll want DNA samples and retinal scans as well. :) ...
The fact Trion has any dealings with Ubisoft at all crosses them off my list, and I'm not even in Europe. :( Sorry, I don't buy products from a company that sells DRM-infested software that won't work just because it doesn't like what brand my optical drive is..."
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 2:57PM CosmicBoy said
Im with Yarr on this one. Nothing good can come out from colaboration with a company which treats it's clients like trash.
Posted: Dec 1st 2010 2:59PM eLdritchZ said
I don't like this.... delayed patches, payment issues... and I don't get it either.... even frackin Hi Rez managed to market Global Agenda globally all by themselves... it might have taken a while for the boxes to be sold in Europe but they did the smart thing and sold it via Steam...
I really don't like this European Publisher crap... haven't had any good experiences with it yet.... GOA for DAoC and WAR, Codemasters for LotRO, those italian guys for Horizons.... all horrible
I really don't like this European Publisher crap... haven't had any good experiences with it yet.... GOA for DAoC and WAR, Codemasters for LotRO, those italian guys for Horizons.... all horrible








