Massively Speaking

MindArk giving away Entropia Universe land deeds

Jef Reahard — Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Business models, Game mechanics, Free-to-play, Promotions

MindArk has given new meaning to the term phat lewt with its latest update for Entropia Universe. Players may now acquire one of a thousand Planet Calypso land deeds simply by hunting, mining, or crafting while in game.

Each land deed carries a real-world value of $100 (and deeds are often sold for much more on the open market), according to a MindArk press release. The deeds also provide revenue sharing through the game's citizenship program. Deeds began dropping yesterday, and MindArk says that they will continue to do so throughout 2012.

Planet Calypso is the oldest planetary playfield in Entropia Universe. The game boasts more than one million registered accounts and over $400 million in annual user-to-user transactions.

[Source: MindArk press release]

MindArk giving away Entropia Universe land deeds originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entropia Universe brings recruiting app to Facebook

Jef Reahard — Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

Entropia Universe has always skirted the line between game and advertising scheme, and the latest evidence of this is a new social media program developed by MindArk and Socialtype that aims to reward existing players for recruiting new ones.

MMO recruitment drives are nothing new, but the kicker here is that the potential recruits can experience a slice of Entropia via their Facebook accounts. MindArk is using a software app called Bamboo to connect the MMO and Facebook portions of Entropia. Bamboo "turns your players into a highly-motivated marketing army," according to the app's website. "Bamboo users become ambassadors. They earn points for promoting your game through their social network. Every action is incentivized."

MindArk says that the Entropia atmosphere has been ported to the Facebook app via its UI, graphics, and lore. New users can also add to said lore via their own unique plots.

[Source: MindArk press release]

Entropia Universe brings recruiting app to Facebook originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entropia Universe player drops $2.5 million on virtual land deeds

Jef Reahard — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Business models, Economy, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play

Entropia Universe is in the news again, and yes, it's because of a huge real-money transaction initiated by one of the game's players. MindArk says that a single investor bought $2.5 million US worth of land lot deeds on Calypso, which is one of the game's oldest planetary zones. Entropia's citizenship system originally launched last December with almost 60,000 land deeds up for grabs. The mechanic allows for revenue sharing among citizens; the annual return on investments is hovering around 27%.

In a nutshell, the system allows players to amass weekly profits directly from the game after an initial investment of $100 for a single land deed. Investment opportunities are open to anyone with an Entropia avatar, and MinkArk also reports that the game features over one million registered accounts and over $400 million in annual user-to-user transactions.

[Source: MinkArk press release]

Entropia Universe player drops $2.5 million on virtual land deeds originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Total Recall IP snagged by MMO studio SEE Virtual Worlds

Matt Daniel — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Entropia Universe, MMO industry, News items, Planet Calypso

Planet Michael creator SEE Virtual Worlds has announced that it is now the proud owner of even more well-known intellectual properties. The studio now owns the rights to Men in Black 3, Total Recall (the remake, bleh), Asterix, War of the Worlds, and Waterworld.

Whether the studio will turn these properties into MMOs as well, however, remains to be seen. CEO Martin Ballas said only, "These properties are tied to memorable moments and incredible characters that players are going to interact with in future SEE-created digital and online interactive video games." SEE Virtual Worlds, however, has purchased Planet Calypso for a staggering $6 million, which could hint at a possible Total Recall-themed online destination. Before long, you just may be able to hop online and shout at your party, "Get your ass to Mars!"

Total Recall IP snagged by MMO studio SEE Virtual Worlds originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SEE buys Planet Calypso for $6 million, talks with Massively for an encore

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Interviews, MMO industry, Legal, Planet Calypso, Miscellaneous

For $6 million you could buy a heck of a lot of tacos -- or one virtual planet. Wisely, SEE Virtual Worlds went the latter route, snapping up Planet Calypso from MindArk and saving itself massive heartburn. The sci-fi-themed Planet Calypso operates under the umbrella of Entropia Universe and boasts 950,000 registered accounts since coming online in 2003.

As part of the deal, SEE Virtual Worlds also acquired all of the assets of First Planet Company, a former subsidiary of MindArk, which has been transformed into SEE Digital Studios. Under this reorganization, SEE Digital Studios is now responsible for developing and operating Planet Calypso, Planet Michael and Universal Monsters. The company is expected to hire on additional team members for these projects.

Fresh from the champagne celebration, SEE Virtual Worlds President Corey Redmond sat down with us to discuss this deal and the future of these three titles. Hit the jump to boogie with Michael Jackson, scream in terror at the Wolfman, and navigate the economy of virtual worlds.

Continue reading SEE buys Planet Calypso for $6 million, talks with Massively for an encore

SEE buys Planet Calypso for $6 million, talks with Massively for an encore originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Drivers wanted on Planet Calypso

Eliot Lefebvre — Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, Planet Calypso

Planet Calypso is an odd sort of virtual world, a free-to-play game that allows players to exchange in-game money for real cash. It's gearing up for the auction of the new Medusa's Head islands, which contain a variety of services and species for the enterprising landowner. And in anticipation of just that, a new update has offered the perfect vehicles for running through an unspoiled tropical paradise -- high-powered combat tanks, helicopters, and warboats bristling with deadly armaments.

Along with three new Nordic-named vessels -- the Megingjord tank, the Naglfar boat, and the Gungnir helicopter -- the update brings with it a variety of updates to the use of vehicles. Commissioning has been removed, and a weapon mounting system has been added to help facilitate the addition of aforementioned deadly armaments. Even if they're not planning on bidding on the brand-new islands, Planet Calypso players should be able to enjoy the environment in their vehicles of choice.

Drivers wanted on Planet Calypso originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Planet Calypso's new content takes players on a wild ride

Rubi Bayer — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Entropia Universe, Events, in-game, Hands-on, Virtual worlds, Planet Calypso

Planet Calypso is one of the more unusual games that we cover here at Massively, mostly thanks to its real cash economy. Massively's Beau Hindman spent some time in the game recently for Rise and Shiny, giving his experience as a new player.

Our newest peek at the game is a bit more advanced and a lot of fun. Planet Calypso is in the middle of the Harbinger event, an ongoing new challenge that introduces players to new areas, new enemies, and some formidable new foes. The Planet Calypso team was kind enough to invite me on a tour of the event, so follow along after the jump for a closer look!

Continue reading Planet Calypso's new content takes players on a wild ride

Planet Calypso's new content takes players on a wild ride originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entropia's Club NEVERDIE sets new record for most expensive virtual item sale

Jef Reahard — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Culture, MMO industry, News items

If you're a frequenter of Entropia Universe, chances are you've heard of Club NEVERDIE, the virtual night spot purchased by John "NeverDie" Jacobs in 2005 for the tidy sum of US $100,000. The club, located on a giant asteroid orbiting the planet Calypso, was history's most expensive virtual item for a number of years until it was surpassed by the purchase of the Crystal Palace Space Station in 2009 (a US $330,000 sale).

Now, an Entropia Universe fansite is reporting that the remaining portions of Club NEVERDIE have been sold to a gamer named John Foma Kalun in a transaction valued at US $335,000. Jacobs had previously sold zones of the asteroid, known as Biodomes in game terms, for US $300,000. Read all about it at EntropiaPlanets.com.

[Thanks to Peter for the tip.]

Entropia's Club NEVERDIE sets new record for most expensive virtual item sale originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Entropia Universe expands with treasure hunting on Planet Arkadia

Eliot Lefebvre — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Business models, News items, Free-to-play, Virtual worlds

Planet Calypso is one of the more interesting concepts in the free-to-play arena, as it's a game in which you can theoretically make real money from playing the game. It looks like the concept is expanding a bit with the announcement of Planet Arkadia, an environment for virtual treasure hunters. Part of the same overarching concept and universe as Planet Calypso, the game will be a chance for players to enjoy the thrill of treasure hunting without the actual logistical issues of stealing things and then selling them.

The game is going to bear another similarity to its predecessor, however, in that the treasures being unearthed will potentially be worth real-world currency. That should provide players of the game with a little added incentive, along with concept art by Feng Zhu and the promise of an immersive virtual world. Tentatively set for release in early 2011, Planet Arkadia already boasts a site with preview images and more information on the game environment. So if you've always wanted a chance for your virtual treasure to translate into real money, your dream might be closer to fruition than you think.

Entropia Universe expands with treasure hunting on Planet Arkadia originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This week on the MMO Report

Jef Reahard — Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, News items, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Humor, Champions Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, The MMO Report, TERA

The MMO Report returns to its familiar studio digs this week, and host Casey Schreiner has a lot of ground to cover in the segment. In between shots at the Tea Party and senator-elect Rand Paul, he even manages to discuss a few MMOs. First up is the new user generated content tool in Star Trek Online, called the Foundry and currently undergoing beta testing.

BioWare's new The Old Republic Imperial Agent video also makes an appearance, along with a brief discussion of Entropia Universe's new Van Helsing monster planet. Finally, Casey reveals his soft spot for TERA via the newly released Slayer video, and also talks a bit about Cryptic's decision to go F2P with Champions Online.

As always, you can find The MMO Report after the cut, and on display every week at G4TV.

Continue reading This week on the MMO Report

This week on the MMO Report originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Nov 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Wheee! splat

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screenshots, Entropia Universe, One Shots, Virtual worlds

Falling damage probably isn't something many of us stop to think about, unless we play Monks, Rogues, or other classes that have the ability to level up a safe-fall type of ability. But for people who have been inhabiting Entropia Universe, falling damage is something new and shiny -- an option that was only recently put in. Today's One Shots from Razormat features the silliness that arose after falling damage was added: players tossing their avatars off the top of the tallest structures they could find! Razormat writes in to explain: "In this picture you can see the avatars in mid-air after they jumped off the Port Atlantis Tower. Recently fall damage was introduced in Entropia Universe, and the players are always looking for new ways to have fun."

Do you take part in a world we don't see often? Want to show off a silly moment from your MMO day? We're always interested in what you're up to. If you'd like to take part, then send your images to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit for sending it in.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Wheee! *splat* originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The robots are rising on Planet Calypso

Eliot Lefebvre — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Events, in-game, News items, Free-to-play, Virtual worlds, Planet Calypso

It's not one of the largest games out there, so most people might not know what you're talking about if you mention Planet Calypso. Those who do might well only think of the highly publicized auctions and trades, in which players have spent large amounts of real-world money to purchase land and facilities (which bring in plenty of real-world money themselves, for the record). But beyond that there is an actual game world, complete with an ongoing storyline. As spotlighted in the newest game newsletter, that storyline is being turned up by a new event -- an ominous approach by robots.

The last major assault by the robots left the previous capital city a smoking ruin, and not coincidentally coincided with the game's graphical update to CryEngine 2. This time, the colonists have begun decoding messages sent by the robots, and defenses are gathering to ensure that a repeat of the last event doesn't take place -- even as the robots field a new technology known as "Hydra." Several helpful links for information may be found within the newsletter, which promises plenty of enjoyment for the players in Planet Calypso.

The robots are rising on Planet Calypso originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Aug 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One Shots: Gimme

Krystalle Voecks — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Screenshots, Entropia Universe, One Shots, Virtual worlds

While Entropia Universe tends to only make major headlines when players buy or sell something that can translate into a bunch of real-world cash, we still like to keep up with what's going on in this interesting virtual world. For example, we noted that vehicles were coming to Entropia Universe recently -- and that freebies would be given out. Today, we have a screenshot from reader Vivian K., who was there, and tells us more about the giveaways:

"Entropia was a madhouse as scores of players dashed from teleporter to teleporter today searching for Emma, who was handing out vehicles to a few lucky players. I caught up with her a few times - and in this shot she's buried under a crowd of rowdy Entropians and I'm just about to crash. I never did get a vehicle but it was fun haring after her, even though, as one player said, the amount of sheer begging was somewhat sickening. I've got other screenshots, including players making offerings and the cars themselves, but this sums up the day's event nicely."

One Shots needs you! While we try to cover as many worlds as we can, we don't always get to see the interesting events. That's why we love to hear from readers who can give us the insider scoop! If you'd like to tell us more about your favorite MMO or something interesting that's happened there, then email your screenshot to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit.

Gallery: One Shots: Gallery II

One Shots: Gimme originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jun 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Planet Calypso and Entropia Universe unveiling vehicles

Jef Reahard — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Patches, News items

Entropia Universe, the long-running virtual world from MindArk, has announced the introduction of in-game vehicles in their 11.2 patch which is tentatively scheduled for today. Ground-based vehicles are the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as MindArk has plans to implement boats, aircraft, and spacecraft in the near future.

"With this new system, the whole community now has the opportunity to build vehicles. The features included in today's release are just the beginning of the vehicle system content. The development teams are already working with upcoming features [including] boats. It will soon be possible to cruise the lakes and oceans on the planets of Entropia Universe. Several different types of boats will be available," MindArk said in a press release.

Check out the news posting over on the official Entropia Universe website.

Planet Calypso and Entropia Universe unveiling vehicles originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Virtual Whirl: Questions from the virtual mailbag

Tateru Nino — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Entropia Universe, Business models, Economy, MMO industry, There, Opinion, Second Life, Blue Mars, Virtual worlds, HiPiHi, The Virtual Whirl

This week, in The Virtual Whirl, we're going to take a selection of reader questions that we've received in comments and in the virtual mailbag and do our best to offer up some useful answers. Join us as we whirl through the mail. Not surprisingly, the two most frequently asked questions involve the demise of virtual environment, There.com.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: Questions from the virtual mailbag

The Virtual Whirl: Questions from the virtual mailbag originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Planet Calypso welcomes their new community manager while looking to the future

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Game mechanics, MMO industry, News items

The team over at First Planet Company, the minds behind the MMO/Second Life hybrid Planet Calypso, have recently welcomed a brand new community manager onto their staff -- Hanne Einan Gulbrandsen. Gulbrandsen is the game's first dedicated community manager, bringing the virtual world in line with the company practices of other MMO companies.

But, while Gulbrandsen settles into his new office and title, First Planet Company has also detailed their development roadmap for this year -- going over future additions such as vehicles, a new questing/mission system, and the addition of fish to the world (as shown above.) The mission system will finally give Calypso MMO style storyline quests, offering players a new way to play the game and experience the planet's lore. How these new quests will impact the game's real money-based economy will be interesting, especially if doing them offers in-game rewards.

Continue reading Planet Calypso welcomes their new community manager while looking to the future

Planet Calypso welcomes their new community manager while looking to the future originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Feb 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Crystal Palace Space Station auction tops 330,000 US dollars

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Culture, Events, in-game, News items, Virtual worlds

Remember a while back when we mentioned that the Crystal Palace Space Station went up for sale in Planet Calypso, marking the start of another insane bidfest to claim what could be a very real source of income? Well, the auction is over and the winner has been declared -- Buzz "Erik" Lightyear has taken control of Crystal Palace for the very, very hefty sum of 3,300,000 PED. For those of you who want to know the real world value, you're looking at a cool 330,000 dollars.

While this seems insane (and it probably is, to some degree), Mr. Lightyear will be looking at revenue coming in from the hunting conducted on the space station, plus the purchases made there. In short, this space station is a walking money generator, especially as it's the only place to find alien body parts used to make high-end armor. All Buzz has to do is let the station run, set a decent tax rate, keep it stocked with things to hunt, and he can take all the PED he earns and translate it into cold, hard cash.

For all of the bidding insanity, check out the full coverage of the auction over at Entropia Planets.

Crystal Palace Space Station auction tops 330,000 US dollars originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Patch 10.6 for Planet Calypso brings item enhancements and a new critter

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Game mechanics, Patches, News items, Virtual worlds

The hybrid virtual world / MMORPG Planet Calypso has recently leveled up to version 10.6 and has introduced the brand new system of item enhancement to the game as well as the winner of a community contest.

Item enhancement is very much like it sounds -- a way to upgrade and customize your weapons and armors -- but it works more like an item leveling system than a crafting component. As players use items, they will now rank up into tiers. Tiers upgrade the item itself, but they also unlock spaces on the weapon called sockets. Players can add connectors onto the sockets to further customize the item's statistics, but be careful! Connectors can break during the use of an item, but they can be stacked to minimize damage.

Also, the large Proteron has made an appearance on the planet! The creature is the result of the community "Create-A-Critter" contest, so congratulations are in order for Apsara Sofia Rozenkreutz! Congratulations!

For all of the patch note goodness, check it out on the main site.

Patch 10.6 for Planet Calypso brings item enhancements and a new critter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Who wants to buy a virtual spacestation?

Seraphina Brennan — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Culture, Economy, Events, in-game, News items

You sir! Can I interest you in this pristine virtual space station? No? Ma'am! Over here ma'am! How would you like to live amongst the stars in a brand new virtual space station?

If you think this post is a silly post, then think again. Planet Calypso (formerly Entropia Universe) really is auctioning off one of their virtual space stations to their players, making this the third time that a major piece of Calypso property has been auctioned off to a private party. This time it's the Crystal Palace Space Station that's up for auction, one of Calypso's long time prime off-world hunting grounds.

What makes this auction so newsworthy is the fact that it will be conducted through Planet Calypso's auction systems using PED (Project Entropia Dollar), which basically makes the virtual space station worth real money, as the PED needs to be purchased by the player with real world currency.

Continue reading Who wants to buy a virtual spacestation?

Who wants to buy a virtual spacestation? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Go out and steal oil in Planet Calypso's 10.1 update

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: At a glance, Sci-fi, Entropia Universe, Economy, Game mechanics, Patches, PvP

In a move to make our virtual lives eerily more like our real ones, the First Planet Company has re-opened the oil pumping station on Planet Calypso with patch 10.1, offering all players the chance to make a quick profit by grabbing oil from the pump -- if you can make it out alive, of course.

The pumping station is not only in the middle of the wasteland, but it's also surrounded by angry NPCs (the wastelanders) and it's right in the middle of an open PvP area. Sure, you can make a tidy profit by grabbing oil from the station, but you have to be efficient and sneaky about it. Otherwise, you'll just end up with a bullet in your back and your blood mixed with the oil.

Continue reading Go out and steal oil in Planet Calypso's 10.1 update

Go out and steal oil in Planet Calypso's 10.1 update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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