Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Blackstar briefly resurfaces, flaunts more concept art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's been a while since we heard from Spacetime Studios and their science-fantasy epic, Blackstar. Rest assured, however, that the company is still chugging along fruitfully with their game, despite earlier hiccups in the development process.

Their latest blog is short, sweet, and to the point -- Blackstar concept art. Normally we don't all hyped up about a few pieces of concept art, but Blackstar has always been the exception to the rule. Spacetime's concept art team has developed a look to the game that really resonates for simple concept art. While the images that were posted this time around aren't anything high resolution, they still offer that same bold artistic style that all of B* has shown up to this point.

So, all in all, Blackstar is still on track. They're in stealth mode right now and are keeping their game close to their chest, but we can handle stealth mode when they continually produce quality like this.

MassivelyBlackstar briefly resurfaces, flaunts more concept art originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artblackstarconcept-artgraphicsspacetimespacetime-studiosstealth-modeFri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios releases fast-paced Blackstar video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/spacetime-studios-releases-fast-paced-blackstar-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/spacetime-studios-releases-fast-paced-blackstar-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/28/spacetime-studios-releases-fast-paced-blackstar-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Sci-fi MMO fans received some bad news when Spacetime Studios recently announced that their Blackstar IP was in jeopardy, due to needing a publisher for the title. Surprisingly, selling a publisher on the IP -- where action occurs both in space and on the ground -- has been a challenge.

While they may be on the ropes, Spacetime Studios is far from throwing in the towel with Blackstar. They've announced that they will be meeting with people at the Austin Game Developers Conference in September, and are inviting business inquiries about the title. While we wait and hope a publisher will step up and make the title a reality for gamers, Spacetime Studios has given us a new video of pre-production footage of Blackstar. Check out the fast-paced video footage below the cut, for a look at what may yet be.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios releases fast-paced Blackstar video

MassivelySpacetime Studios releases fast-paced Blackstar video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-gdcaustin-gdc-2008blackstarconcept-artfootagegdcipmmo-industrypreviewssci-fispacetime-studiosvideoThu, 28 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Player Consequences: The Need for Speed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Traveling has always been one of the least popular parts of playing a MMO. It doesn't matter if you are marching through the lengthy Connall's Valley in Age of Conan or travelling across the galaxy in EVE Online. It can be tedious no matter what the setting. Nice visuals and guild chat can occupy you part of the time, but you still check the map every other minute. We're lucky that MMO design has come a long way since the early days, where the only option was to hit the road on foot. Most games now give us vehicles, mounts, and in some cases mechanical ostriches to speed up the pace a bit. After all, if it's the journey and not the destination that matters then you definitely want to travel in style.

There is one underlying reason why travel times continue to be prevalent in MMOs today and it's directly related to player expectations of virtual worlds. Developers are very sensitive to the issue of making their games seem like a real world and not a collection of three dimensional video game levels. Any MMO that has too many instances and separate zones often gets complaints for breaking the feel of a seamless world. This can actually turn players away from the game. As a result, the most successful games are often those with an over-world where players don't find themselves constantly having to load data as they zone. Just look at how World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, and EVE Online handle their world design.

Continue reading Player Consequences: The Need for Speed

MassivelyPlayer Consequences: The Need for Speed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanauto-assaultblackstareve-onlinefeaturedjoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionlord-of-the-rings-onlinepirates-of-the-burning-seaplayer-consequencesworld-of-warcraftTue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar environment art makes our sci-fi hearts melt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/blackstar-environment-art-makes-our-sci-fi-hearts-melt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/blackstar-environment-art-makes-our-sci-fi-hearts-melt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/blackstar-environment-art-makes-our-sci-fi-hearts-melt/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Spacetime Studios has certainly been hard at work developing their tasty looking sci-fi MMO Blackstar. How do we know this? Well, RPG Vault recently got a look at three pieces of concept art for the game and they all look exquisite. It's just refreshing to see a sci-fi space MMO with such lovingly saturated color. It's a shame that our header images are only so big, otherwise we'd plaster these pieces of art all over the place like a young tween girl obsessed with Disney Channel personalities.

Each of the three images are accompanied by some intriguing descriptions of the harrowing vistas seen. We highly recommend reading them if you're hankering for a digital bite of what will surely be even more amazing in rendered form. Obviously, we here at Massively fully support the design, development and proliferation of non-fantasy MMOs. While do we love our swords n' sorcercy -- as its known to be called by geeks of certain hailings -- there's a powerful cry of joy that spreads from the Massively HQ whenever a sci-fi MMO as promising as Blackstar continues unabated.

MassivelyBlackstar environment art makes our sci-fi hearts melt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarconcept-artdisneydisney-channelfantasyrpg-vaultsci-fispacetime-studiosThu, 19 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar and the importance of narrative design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This year's ION Game Conference hosted a great cross-section of the finest minds in gaming, both industry veterans and up-and-coming developers. Among the latter was Spacetime Studios' Brandon Reinhart, Lead Designer for Blackstar, an MMO that's currently on our Droolworthy List.

In Brandon's talk, entitled "Narrative Design for MMOs: Using Storytelling to Craft and Convey Vision", he applied the old maxim "Show, don't tell" to his own lecture and explained not only how to craft engaging narratives in a game, but also why doing so is important. Using his two laws of visionary design, three tools for promoting narrative design, and the Great Law of Conveying Vision, the designer didn't just make his thoughts plain, but also made us even more eager to see what Blackstar will eventually turn out to be.

MassivelyBlackstar and the importance of narrative design originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrandon-reinhartIONion-2008lecturenarrative-designspacetime-studiosTue, 10 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar exclusive interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


We've spoken previously about the unique-looking space-combat MMO Blackstar, being developed by Spacetime Studios -- how previous publisher NCsoft had chosen to cancel their connection with the title, and how Spacetime recently regained the IP, to continue development on their own. From the look and sound of everything that's been shown to the public so far, this game has the potential to be NCsoft's "one that got away".

Intrigued by the goings-on with the studio, we contacted Spacetime's President and Executive Producer Gary Gattis to see if he could give us a peek behind the curtains -- or photon displacement cascade, as the case may be -- at how development on Blackstar is progressing. Mr. Gattis not only graciously consented to the interview request, but also gave us 4 pieces of concept art to share with our readers; art that has only made us long even more for the game's eventual release. Read the full interview after the jump!

Gallery: Star Legends

Continue reading Blackstar exclusive interview

MassivelyBlackstar exclusive interview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony-sommersblackstarbreakfast-tacoscinco-barnesconcept-artdavid-levydescentfeaturedgary-gattisinterviewjake-rodgersjoystiqfeaturesnarrativencsoftscornspacetime-studioswing-commanderFri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios releases PDF brochure for Blackstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Blackstar media wagon keeps on chugging as Spacetime Studios releases a 14 page preview PDF brochure of what's inside their upcoming space/action MMO.
The brochure details the two warring factions, the United Colonies Defense Force (UCDF) and the Scorn Empire, some of their spaceships, stations, and classes, and the state of the B* universe when the game opens. More surprisingly, the brochure also covers some of the factions that have broken away from the UCDF and Scorn, as well as some of the threats that players will find in the universe. There's also more inside if you go and check it out for yourself!

The entire PDF file is full of the beautiful concept art that makes Blackstar stand out from the other MMOs on the market, especially EVE Online. From what we've seen here at Massively, that beautiful concept art is already transitioning into a beautiful world, and we're eagerly awaiting more footage of what looks to be a (pun quite intended) stellar MMO, despite their publisher difficulties. Way to keep pushing onwards, guys.

MassivelySpacetime Studios releases PDF brochure for Blackstar originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrochureconcept-artncsoftspacetimespacetime-studiosFri, 09 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Earlier this year it was reported that NCsoft had cancelled development on Blackstar, Spacetime Studios' intriguing science fiction MMO. Unwilling to let that deter them, the studio continued to develop the title, hoping that an enterprising (no pun intended) backer would com along to rescue the studio from limbo.

Well, there's even better news: Spacetime has newly acquired the rights to the IP, meaning that complete creative control is in their hands. From the press release: "After two years of development, the Blackstar universe is quite near and dear to our hearts" said Gary Gattis, executive producer and co-founder of Spacetime Studios. "Owning the IP as well as the engine and tool set puts a tremendous amount of potential in our hands. With all the developed components under the Spacetime team's control, the options for the IP are diversified."

Congratulations, Spacetime! Expect an exclusive interview to appear on Massively very soon.

[Thanks, Gary!]

MassivelySpacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstargary-gattisip-rightsncsoftscience-fictionspacetime-studiosFri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blackstar is a science fiction-themed MMO currently in development by Spacetime Studios, and it looks fantastic. The latest missive from their blog gives a look into their character development process -- in this case, a look at creating an identifiable, iconic aesthetic for each character class.

According to the blogpost, by locking down the character type visually, it allows for easier apprehension of the elements of that type by both the development team and publishing partners. This, in turn, solidifies its inclusion into the rest of the game earlier on, which makes further progress that much more effective.

Plus, y'know ... it's prettier. We love concept art at Massively, and a look behind the scenes is always welcome. Check out the rest of the article!

MassivelySpacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesblackstarconcept-articonicscience-fictionspacetime-studiosThu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar's grayworlding and production art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday we looked at the method behind the madness of Blackstar's PvP design process. Today we have more, in the form of a focus on Blackstar's world artists team, the third part of Spacetime Studios' triangle of content development -- as they like to call it. The title of world artist can be a bit misleading, because there isn't as much traditional art as you would imagine. Actually, the big issue with Blackstar's world design is player movement speed and world-scale because of its space-flight and avatar combination.

Continue reading Blackstar's grayworlding and production art

MassivelyBlackstar's grayworlding and production art originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstargrayworldingproduction-artspacetime-studiosworld-artistMon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look into Blackstar's PvP design process]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've ever been the type of person that loves getting a glimpse into how things are put together or created, then let us point you to an interesting write-up over at the official Spacetime Studios website. For those of you who don't feel like reading through the text, which happens to be laden with lots of boring technical terms -- like data-probes and statistics review meetings -- then let us simply tell you that mountains of iteration goes into making PvP fun in our beloved massively multiplayer online games.

Although if you're in any way familiar with game design you know that iteration is incredibly common, but with designing a system where players fight other players there comes the iteration of live play-testing -- something that Spacetime Studios did with NCsoft. So in the future if you're playing some particularly terrible PvP section of a massively game, you can probably chalk it up to a severe lack of play-testing.

MassivelyA look into Blackstar's PvP design process originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstardata-miningncsoftpvpspacetime-studiosstatisticsstatistics-review-meetingsSun, 09 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Imagine being a developer and finding a publisher for your dream MMOG. Now imagine losing that publisher a year later before production was set to ramp up. That's exactly what happened to the guys at Spacetime Studios working on Blackstar, a space based MMOG. NCsoft canned the project last month over reasons unknown to the public. At first glance I have to wonder if I'd rather see Tabula Rasa canceled if I could switch it with this title. I'm not slamming TR with the hate, it's just that I think I'd find Blackstar a more interesting Sci-Fi MMO that appeals to my liking. But there is trouble brewing for NCsoft that may explain why Blackstar may be the victim of a bloated investment gone awry.

I believe monetary policy entered NCsoft's equation to cut-off Blackstar. NCsoft currently isn't in a great position to keep pumping money into their numerous development projects given Tabula Rasa's enormous failure. The numbers from NCsoft's last quarterly annual report are ugly. Tabula Rasa was in development for six long years. To fund it all NCsoft was rumored to have invested over 100 million dollars. Tabula Rasa closed last quarter with disastrous financial results that totaled a mere 5 million in revenue. The news resulted in NCsoft's stock to crash to an all-time-low. The timeline seems to fit and place the pieces together. Now that Blackstar is no longer backed by NCsoft, Spacetime Studios faces a difficult undertaking in finding a new publisher.

[Updated: 2/28/07. This post has been updated to reflect that the 100 million dollar figure was pure speculation and rumor that I acquired from an article by the Korea Times. David Swofford, Director of PR for NCsoft NA, has gone on record to debunk that number, claiming Tabula Rasa's development cost was a mere fraction of that cost .

"It's a fraction of the cost and more in line with what's generally accepted in this industry for a company to spend on a Triple-A MMO project. "

Swofford also went on record to say that Tabula Rasa's financial performance was not the reason behind NCsoft's decision to drop their contract with Spacetime Studios, whom are developing Blackstar.]

Continue reading First glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated]

MassivelyFirst glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarncsoftnew-titlesspacespace-mmogspacetime-studiostabula-rasavideoTue, 19 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar's prophecy revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've got to admit, for a game that's relatively new to the scene, Spacetime Studios' Blackstar definitely has serious style. A new update has gone out on the Spacetime Studios' website which adds a good deal of information about Blackstar. We're talking a game summary, new concept art and a bullet point list of several features to expect from the game.

Of course we have to remain skeptical for now, seeing as this is all on paper for the time being. That doesn't mean we can get a bit excited for a new, sexy space combat MMO. Although there is a bit of apprehension at the concept of both space combat and "ground" or "on-ship" combat. It brings to mind Pirates of the Burning Sea and the constant issue of developers' imaginations exceeding their initial grasp. Hopefully a publisher will give these guys a call and make them a good offer, because the more developers competing in the space MMO market, the better for all of us.

MassivelyBlackstar's prophecy revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarpirates-of-the-burning-seasoesony-online-entertainmentspacespacetime-studiosSat, 19 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: Not all is lost as development on Blackstar (space MMOG) continues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Earlier this week Spacetime Studios announced NCsoft has cancelled their contract with Blackstar, title revealed today, a space MMOG that has been in development for the past two years. As a result, this currently leaves the game with no publisher, stifling full production for the foreseeable future. In order for development to continue 12 employees were served with walking papers, an unfortunate but understandable circumstance.

In the announcement Spacetime Studios reassures that Blackstar is their current project and they will continue to develop the IP. The infrastructure and all the tools are in place, and the remaining crew is fully committed. According to Brandon Reinhart's blog, STS Lead Designer, NCsoft is continuing to work closely with Spacetime Studios to resolve their separation amicably and make sure that the legalities regarding property rights are not entangled. More information regarding the game itself will be revealed in the days ahead.

Do you want to know more about Blackstar? Check out thee Spacetime Studios website.

MassivelyNCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: Not all is lost as development on Blackstar (space MMOG) continues originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrandon-reinhartbreakingncsoftspace-mmogspacetimespacetime-studiosstsFri, 11 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST