Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/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/<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore: Project Copernicus would "blow you away"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- Project Copernicus
The future isn't looking particularly bright for 38 Studios and its in-development MMO Project Copernicus, but the game's writer, esteemed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, took to the comments on a post on Daily Kos to tell everyone how great the game would have been.

Salvatore claims that the game is "much further along than is being reported," and that he wishes he could show us some of it (though sadly, he cannot). He goes on to state that the developers behind Copernicus were "an amazing team of [developers]... pushing the envelope in their respective fields," and that "the environments, the animations, and the game-play would blow you away." Unfortunately, it's looking like we'll never get to judge the veracity of Salvatore's words for ourselves, but the statements do help to shed a bit of light on what might have been.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore: Project Copernicus would "blow you away" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusindustrymmo-industryproject-copernicusra-salvatoreFri, 25 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Curt Schilling getting tattooed
The closure of 38 Studios and Big Huge Games yesterday sparked a series of interesting events that make me both sad and proud to be a part of the greater gamer community. Job offers were overflowing from current game companies looking to snatch up some of 38's talented designers and a Twitter hash tag was even created to spread the word and get new jobs for those affected by the layoffs. I am proud of the outreach and camaraderie of the game development community, but the hate being thrown at Curt Schilling isn't going to solve anything.

The most important thing we can do at this point is to tape off the crime scene, look at the evidence, and figure out what went wrong.

Continue reading Editorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster

MassivelyEditorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamescurt-schillingeditorialopinionr-a-salvatoretodd-mcFarlanetravis-mcgeathyFri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios lays off entire staff, sells Big Huge Games [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/rumor-38-studios-lays-off-entire-staff-sells-big-huge-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios / Big Huge Games
The 38 Studios disaster continues to unfold today, as the troubled studio laid off its entire staff and may be selling off its Big Huge Games division in Boston. Boston's Fox 25 News speculates that the studio may close by this weekend.

38 Studios CM Charles Dane confirmed being laid off on Twitter: "Now on the market. I had an awesome run with 38 Studios, but this dream is now ending."

Word is that the company is also selling its subsidiary, Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games is the maker of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios' single-player prequel to its Copernicus MMO. This would not be the first time that Big Huge Games was sold by its parent company, as the studio experienced the same event back in 2009.

Oh his Facebook page, Curt Schilling stressed that Reckoning did quite well in sales. "I wanted to clear up some misinformation around 38 Studios' first product, Reckoning. Sales of Reckoning outperformed EA's expectations and sold more than 1.2 million units in the game's first 90 days in the market."

[Update]: Developer Ryan Shwayder has also confirmed the layoffs via his personal blog.

Massively38 Studios lays off entire staff, sells Big Huge Games [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesblack-thursdaycharles-danecloseclosurecopernicuscurt-schillingeafinancialkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffslegalproject-copernicusreckoningsoldThu, 24 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Copernicus 'racial' screens leak from 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/fan-site-leaks-project-copernicus-racial-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Copernicus
While 38 Studios remains in dire straits, fans are getting a bittersweet treat of Project Copernicus reveals. It's sweet because we've been dying to see more information on this game, but bitter because its fate is still up in the air.

Today fan site 38 Watch posted a trio of official-looking screens straight from Copernicus' world. In the screens, three races are revealed: the human-looking Almain, the dwarven Dverga, and the orcish Jottun. The game's art style and lush color palette are on full display, opting for more of a stylized than realistic approach.

We recently heard that Project Copernicus has a possible June 2013 launch window and got our first look at the game in a flyby video. You can scope out the new screens in the gallery below.

Gallery: Project Copernicus

MassivelyProject Copernicus 'racial' screens leak from 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-watchAlmainamalurcopernicusDvergafantasygalleryJottunleakleaked-screenshotsleaksproject-copernicusracialracial-revealscreeniesscreensscreenshotsThu, 24 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios appears to be getting no new help]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Curt Schilling
The bad news continues to accumulate for Rhode Island developer 38 Studios. According to Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee, the company has received a grand total of no outside investment. It also has not received any of the tax credits that it requested, leaving the studio still deep in the hole. Chafee has stated that he is doing everything in his power to prevent the studio's closure.

Staff members are also leaving the company at an alarming rate, with CEO Jen MacLean and senior VP of product development John Blakely both confirming their departures from the company. The hiring of both individuals was trumpeted as a mark of success as recently as March of this year, and Blakely was still employed by 38 Studios as recently as Monday evening. There's even talk of the company's health insurance running out. None of this news suggests that Curt Schilling's company will make a quick turnaround -- if indeed it makes a turnaround at all.

Massively38 Studios appears to be getting no new help originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustryindustry-turnoverjen-macleanjohn-blakelylayoffslegalmmo-industrynewspotential-shutdownproject-copernicusupdatesWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - landscape screenshot
If you were vying for one of the 50 jobs Turbine put up for grabs at last night's job fair, well, get in line. The Providence Journal reports that 300-odd people showed up at the event, a turnout that the paper says was "higher than expected."

How many of the 300 were 38 Studios refugees? That's hard to say since neither Turbine nor the job-seekers who came down wearing 38-branded jackets and sweatshirts would offer a comment. Turbine's Adam Mersky said the timing and the location of the meet-and-greet was no accident, as Turbine set up shop in a hotel mere blocks away from 38 Studios headquarters. "It's no coincidence that we're down here looking for talent," Mersky told the Journal.

MassivelyTurbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-layoffsadam-merskyhiringmiscellaneousmmo-industryturbineTurbine-Entertainmentturbine-hiringWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/massively-speaking-episode-202-rubbernecking-at-the-scene-of-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online
Massively Speaking Episode 202 is hot at the scene of the 38 Studios disaster, and without hyperbole we can say that this is more tragic than Pompeii, the Titanic, and Showgirls combined. Will Curt Schilling's dream team survive this financial crisis? We brought expert analyst Eliot Lefebvre on the podcast to give us his opinion.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 202: Rubbernecking at the scene of an MMO accident originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpganetarenanetbattlenetbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopcopernicuscurt-schillingd3daggerfalldiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiielder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinef2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasyguild-wars-2gw2humorjustin-olivettikid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentmassively-speakingmorrowindmultiplayerncsoftobliviononline-multiplayeropinionpirate101please-dont-suckpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicuspvproguelikerpgsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpwizard101zenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosTue, 22 May 2012 15:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 202Massively.com Staff01:04:42podcasts<![CDATA[Layoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schilling with reporters
If last week's Project Copernicus flythrough had been a hopeful note, the latest news out of 38 Studios is another downturn. Following a meeting today, the Rhode Island EDC board decided to take no action to help the ailing company at this time. Governor Lincoln Chafee said following the meeting that the financial situation of the studio remains unchanged from last week, but did note that the company has seen some layoffs and underwent unspecified internal shifts.

Founder Curt Schilling did not directly respond to press inquiries, stating that he would answer questions when he is able to do so. He did, however, state that he was not taking further taxpayer money. Whether or not there will be a company there to take any money in the near future is still very much in doubt, however, and while Chafee has been a bit more diplomatic about aiding the studio, he has stressed that any assistance would be far on the conservative side.

MassivelyLayoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinancesfinancialfinancial-troubleslayofflayoffsmmo-industrynewsproject-copernicusrhode-islandstate-of-rhode-islandMon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New flythrough video previews Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/new-flythrough-video-previews-project-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

A pair of scales might be more apropos. Or dice.
In the wake of the Rhode Island governor's release announcement, all eyes are on 38 Studios and Project Copernicus. Up until now the title has been talked about only in hushed tones, but today we've gotten a little something more: a flythrough of some areas of the game, showing off what we can expect from the environments. And suddenly that announced release date seems just a touch more plausible because the environments certainly look gorgeous.

Players of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will no doubt recognize some of the environmental looks if not the exact locations, but everyone can appreciate the design that's gone into each region. Of course, it's a long road between showing a pretty place and making a playable game, and 38 Studios is still struggling to keep its head above water. But the MMO the studio has promised seems a bit more plausible now, and hopefully there's a light at the end of this particular tunnel.

[Thanks to all the tipsters who sent this in!]

Continue reading New flythrough video previews Project Copernicus

MassivelyNew flythrough video previews Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbreakingcopernicusearly-previewflythroughpreviewsproject-copernicustrailertrailersvideovideoszone-previewFri, 18 May 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

38 Studios' Curt Schilling
It is not every day that a U.S. governor is the one to announce the launch window for an MMO, so savor the weirdness while you can: Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee announced at a press conference that 38 Studios will be releasing code-name Project Copernicus next summer. "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13," Chafee said. He also stated that he thought the financial deal was a "risky enterprise" from the start.

38 Studios Founder and Chairman Curt Schilling said on Facebook that rumors of his using the state funds to repay his personal investment in the company was "not true." In a separate post, Schilling attempted to set an optimistic tone: "We will find a way, and the strength, to endure."

We have been following the financial turmoil that 38 Studios is in following its default on paying back Rhode Island for its $75 million loan. The studio and state are looking for options, but in the meanwhile, 38 Studios has been struggling to make payments by holding back employee paychecks and seeking additional capital from private investors.

Massively38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfacebookfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglaunchlaunch-windowlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industrypress-conferenceproject-copernicusreleaserelease-windowrepaymentrhode-islandrumorrumorsFri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schilling getting a tattoo
If you're familiar with the phrase "robbing Peter to pay Paul," you'll understand the latest episode in the ongoing 38 Studios financial crisis. Except replace "Paul" with "the state of Rhode Island" and "Peter" with "the company's employees." Yes, in order to make the most recent payment to the state that sparked this whole crisis, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has been informed that Curt Schilling's company is paying the state but not paying any of the company's employees. According to anonymous sources, all temporary employees and contractors have also been terminated.

While this measure might help forestall immediate action, the company is still on the hook for a $75 million loan, and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has made it clear that the company is looking for more assistance from the state in order to remain viable. 38 Studios continues to make no public statements at this time. We'll no doubt have more on this story in the coming days as it continues to develop.

Massively38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglegalloanmmo-industryproject-copernicusrepaymentrhode-islandThu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gov Lincoln
Generally, when your company defaults on a major loan, you might expect an emergency meeting about the loan and the company's future would produce some results. But apparently today's meeting between 38 Studios owner Curt Schilling and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee resulted in... absolutely nothing. Specifically, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to prevent the studio from going under, with Chafee on record as asking, "How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?"

It's a loaded question if you consider that the failure of 38 Studios would put the state's taxpayers on the hook for more than $112 million. Schilling has declined to elaborate on the company's state in interviews, and he has not made public how much more funding the company is seeking. It's bad news for the studio, bad news for the state, and bad news for any fans still looking forward to the possibility of Project Copernicus in the future.

[Update: Joystiq reports that "it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral," meaning that if the studio defaults, the state of Rhode Island will own all of its game assets. We've tucked some of the ensuing news coverage in the video behind the break.]

Continue reading No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]

MassivelyNo relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinessbusiness-updatescurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustrylegalloansmmo-industrymoneyproject-copernicusWed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios goes under, Rhode Island taxpayers will be footing the bill [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Who doesn't love a good bar graph?
Project Copernicus and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning developer 38 Studios is in some hot water, but it looks like that may be the least of your worries if you're a Rhode Island resident. Rhode Island's WPRI reports that if the studio founders and can't pay back the bonds given to it by the state, then the onus of doing so will fall upon Rhode Island taxpayers.

How much moolah are we talking about? Something to the tune of $112.6 million US. According to Joystiq, "If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders," which means that Rhode Island taxpayers will be responsible for footing the bill by 2020. For now, though, both the studio and the Rhode Island government are tight-lipped on the studio's future, and by association, the future of Project Copernicus, so we'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

[Update: Our sister site Joystiq reports that 38 Studios "missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting [on] its $75 million loan." Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the situation.]

MassivelyIf 38 Studios goes under, Rhode Island taxpayers will be footing the bill [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuseconomyfinancefinancesgames-industryindustrykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmmo-industryproject-copernicusTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 38 Studios may be having financial trouble]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In fairness, the MMO was always about 50-50 on happening.
38 Studios is one of many developers whose first big game (Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning) was rumored to lead into an MMO further on down the line. It looks like there may be storm clouds on the horizon before that project even gets moving, however, as the company may be facing financial issues. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has apparently been meeting with owner Curt Schilling to work on "different issues," with Chafee noting that his administration has always tried to ensure that Rhode Island companies remain financially solvent.

If you consider that Rhode Island invested about $75 million in the company, it's obvious that the government has an interest in making the company remain viable over the long term. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was a moderate hit, but that might not be enough for the company as it develops. We'll have more on this story as it develops, hopefully with better news.

MassivelyRumor: 38 Studios may be having financial trouble originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurbusinesscurt-schillingfinancialindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmmo-industrymoneyrhode-islandrumorMon, 14 May 2012 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 193 asks this question: If we had $25 million to spend on an MMO, how sarcastic would we make its quests? And would there be a special skill called "Fire One Shots!"? And would your character die if he or she were downvoted in a group raid? And would we ever look as happy as the guy in the picture above?

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpgactivisionamalurbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaikaigothic-fantasyhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmists-of-pandariamultiplayeronline-multiplayeropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicusroguelikerpgsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttodd-mcfarlanewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 193Massively.com Staff01:06:26podcasts<![CDATA[Todd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Concept Art -- Project Copernicus
Gamers got their first look at the Kingdoms of Amalur universe in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning earlier this year, but we here at Massively are still anxiously awaiting more details on 38 Studios' MMO branch of the setting, Project Copernicus. Thankfully, it looks like we won't have to wait too much longer.

In an interview with START, comic artist extraordinaire Todd McFarlane, who is providing art design for Copernicus, nonchalantly dropped news that the studio is aiming to release Project Copernicus "later in the year." He doesn't expound any further on when exactly we can expect to get our hands on the game, but with any luck we'll be getting some more details before long, so stay tuned folks. Oh, and the full interview is embedded past the cut in case you'd like to watch the full thing. The relevant quote hits at about the 11:50 mark, but the full interview is definitely worth a watch.

[Thanks to John for the tip!]

Continue reading Todd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year

MassivelyTodd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusinterviewinterviewsmcfarlaneproject-copernicusrelease-daterelease-windowtodd-mcfarlanevideovideosFri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reckoning
Fresh off the launch of its single player game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios has announced the addition of two new members to their team. John Blakely, who has worked for SOE and Zynga, will become their senior vice president of development, while Mark Hansen has come from LEGO Systems Inc. to take on the role of senior vice president of business operations. They both took the time to speak with Massively about their experience in the industry as well as their upcoming roles with 38 Studios. Read on for highlights from the interview!

Continue reading 38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team

Massively38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingfeaturedjohn-blakelyken-rolstonmark-hansenr.a.-salvatoretodd-macfarlaneThu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reckoning
As MMO fans, we're keeping a close eye on 38 Studios for its development of Project Copernicus, the MMO that will serve as the follow-up to next month's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The risk factor of not only developing two major intertwined projects in parallel but to have the additional task of creating a brand-new IP in which to put them must be a pressing one, which is why CVG sat down with Reckoning Lead Designer Ian Frazier to talk about challenges the studio has been tackling.

Frazier outlines the balance the studio's struck between its three big-name creators -- Todd McFarlane (art), R.A. Salvatore (story), and Ken Rolston (design) -- not to mention the ideas that pour in from founder Curt Schilling. Fortunately, Frazier says that these larger-than-life personalities mesh well together: "The nice thing that's worked out is, I think if we'd got three famous game designers, it would have been a disaster: big egos, they're all on the same plane, it wouldn't have worked out. What makes this work is they're all different."

Even though Rolston previously worked on The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, Frazier said the designer wanted to try his hand at something fresh with a better combat system. "They're all great games," Frazier said of the Elder Scrolls series, "and I think they're progressively better, but they're all the same game. It's not like they're radically changing with time."

Frazier said Reckoning has been compared to a "single-player WoW" as well as Dragon Age and Fable, but he insists that the world and ideas the team's been creating will take it far past those basic comparisons.

You can take your first peek into the world of Amalur with the Reckoning demo -- and let us know what you think in the comments!

MassivelyCreating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusCurt-Schillingcvgdragon-ageegoegoselder-scrollsfableIan-FrazierinterviewKen-Rolstonkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningoblivionR.A.-Salvatorera-SalvatorereckoningTodd-McFarlaneworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The world (wide web) of Amalur grows as 38 Studios works on its MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-world-wide-web-of-amalur-grows-as-38-studios-works-on-its/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-world-wide-web-of-amalur-grows-as-38-studios-works-on-its/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/the-world-wide-web-of-amalur-grows-as-38-studios-works-on-its/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gnomes
With Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning just around the corner and Project Copernicus waiting in the wings, 38 Studios is fattening its golden website for the upcoming feast. The studio has expanded the site devoted to the world that both of these games inhabit, and those looking for hints and portents of the studio's upcoming MMO would do well to seek lore within its pages.

Describing the website expansion as a "treasure trove" of new info, 38 Studios has added new landing pages, navigation features, and information about one of the game's races: the Gnomes. The Gnomes are described as "an enigmatic people. They bestow wondrous gifts of knowledge, medicine, and magic to befriend the other kingdoms, yet seldom reveal their plans or intentions to outsiders." It's interesting to note that the Gnomes are divided up into three casts, which does tempt the mind into thinking the word "classes."

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is the single-player RPG that's meant to fill the role of a prologue -- in both real-world and in-game time -- to the much larger Copernicus MMO.

[Thanks to Sketchit for the tip!]

MassivelyThe world (wide web) of Amalur grows as 38 Studios works on its MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamaluramalur.comclassescopernicuscopernicus-mmognomegnomesKingdoms-of-Amalur-Reckoningloreproject-copernicusreckoningThu, 19 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
While I'm on board the Star Wars: The Old Republic train (at least until SOE's Star Wars: The New Republic comes out in 2014 and forces SWTOR to shut down), I can certainly sympathize with the frustration that non-fans are feeling right about now. There are few things more annoying than not being into the latest craze -- or hating it outright -- and yet being unable to escape it.

So I'm here to say to you today that, like World of Warcraft, SWTOR isn't the be-all, end-all of the MMO field. It's a part of it, but just one part, and there are many, many others in the works as we speak. Mama always told me never to put all your eggs in one basket anyway, so I'm spreading my eggcitement across many cyber-nests.

This is the bone I'm throwing to all of you this week: a list of 10 Midichlorian-free MMOs that have me -- and should have you -- extremely buzzed about their development. In putting together this list, I realized that there are so many promising prospects that I divided them into two groups. This week I'm presenting the strongest contenders that should make it to launch with a solid product, while next time I'll list promising prospects that may be more of a long shot. I'm 47% confident that I will not forget your most-anticipated title.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosarcheagearenanetbetacarbine-studiosccpchampions-onlinecopernicuscurt-schillingdark-millennium-onlinedc-universe-onlinedust-514eve-onlineeverquest-nextfeaturedfuncomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2jake-songlistmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinencsoftperfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorera-salvatoreRagnar-Tørnquistragnar-tornquistsandboxsandparkterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldthqtodd-mcFarlanetswultima-onlineupcoming-mmoswarhammer-40kwildstarxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios opens a website portal to Project Copernicus' world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amalur
While 38 Studios' top-secret Project Copernicus MMO lacks a proper title or most of its details, at least we can now visit the world that it and its single-player RPG brother, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, inhabits.

The studio launched a pair of websites devoted to the game world and its first game today. Over on Amalur, 38 Studios has unleashed its loremasters to share with you the stories, features, histories, and settings of this fantasy landscape. And while Reckoning is just a prequel to the eventual MMO, its website contains quite a few lore snippets as well as a world map to pour over while you're planning your future conquests.

As part of the twin projects, R.A. Salvatore has created over 10,000 years of fictional history for the world of Amalur, stretching from The Deep Gloam to the Age of Heroes. Reckoning takes place during the Age of Arcana, with Copernicus happening some time thereafter.

Massively38 Studios opens a website portal to Project Copernicus' world originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcopernicushistorykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningloremapmapsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorer.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningsalvatorestorywebsitewebsite-launchwebsitesTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios opens Reckoning/Project Copernicus forums]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Forum lurkers rejoice! There's a brand-new board for you to haunt, and it's kinda sorta related to an upcoming fantasy MMORPG. Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has just published its community portal for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, and while the title isn't massively (or particularly multiplayer), it is affiliated with 38's secretive Copernicus MMO.

When we say affiliated, we mean that the two titles share the same fictional world, so lore junkies will want to bookmark the new boards and set about discussing histories, race lore, and anything else pertaining to the realm of Amalur.

There's also the requisite community chat section in case you feel like a bit of the ol' ultraviolence with your fellow Amalurian forumites, so head to the official Reckoning site and register right away!

Massively38 Studios opens Reckoning/Project Copernicus forums originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcopernicuscurt-schillingdiscussion-boardsfantasyforumskingdoms-of-amalurnew-forumso-boardsofficial-boardsThu, 30 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/the-guild-counsel-an-interview-with-the-syndicates-sean-stalze/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As you pack your bags for that trip to the beach (or that annual fan gathering) and you toss in that bottle of sunblock (or aspirin), you might want to make some space in your bags for some summer reading as well. Fortunately, there is a growing number of titles, such as Adam Trzonkowski's Guild Leader's Companion, that examine the methods and lessons of running guilds and online communities. To that list we can add Sean "Dragons" Stalzer's sequel, The Syndicate: Beyond the Legend, which is now available at Lulu and soon to be sold at Amazon.

In the book, guild leader Sean Stalzer picks up from where his first book left off and gives us even more insight into the MMO industry and his guild leadership philosophy. The book is divided into three parts. The first covers The Syndicate's recent history and continued relationship with several MMO studios as well its job writing guides for Prima Games. In the second part, Sean explains his time-tested philosophy for running a guild, dubbed S.U.C.C.E.S.S. And the last section of the book looks at where MMOs are headed and what's needed down the road.

Sean took the time to talk to Massively about his new book, and there was so much to discuss that this interview is split into two parts. In this week's Guild Counsel, Sean talks about the lessons he's learned from his work with MMO studios. He looks back at how it's influenced his leadership approach, and he gives a glimpse of why he's excited about his current work with 38 Studios. Read on for the interview!

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: An interview with The Syndicate's Sean Stalzer on his new book originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gamescodemasterscopernicuscurt-schillingfeaturedguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsreckoningsean-stalzersoeSony-Online-Entertainmentthe-syndicateUltima-OnlineWorld-of-WarcraftThu, 16 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/17/pax-east-2011-the-future-of-mmos-from-the-mouths-of-the-develop/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The PAX East panel that almost made me late for the Star Wars: The Old Republic Meet 'n' Greet was a panel hosted by MMORPG.com and featuring some of the heavy hitters in MMO development for this year. I am certainly glad I did not skip this one. This was the chance for the fans to hear what the future of MMOs will bring from the people who are making them.

Let me give you a rundown of the panel members -- and tell me you don't just stand in awe of these guys: (from left to right) Curt Schilling, the founder of 38 Studios; Craig Alexander, the VP of Product Development for Turbine; Jeremy Gaffney, Executive Producer at Carbine Studios; Scott Hartsman, Executive Producer for Trion Worlds; Brian Knox, Senior Producer for En Masse Entertainment; James Ohlen, Creative Director for BioWare; and Colin Johanson, Lead Content Designer for ArenaNet.

The opening question really set the stage for the panel. It let us know where the minds of these producers and executives are. The question was simple: Where do you see online games going in the next 10 years? Follow after the cut to find out their thought provoking answers.

Continue reading PAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers

MassivelyPAX East 2011: The future of MMOs from the mouths of the developers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosArenaNetBioWareBrian-KnoxCarbine-StudiosColin-JohansonCraig-AlexanderCurt-Schillingdungeons-and-dragons-onlineEn-Masse-Entertainmentfeaturedfuture-of-mmosGuild-Wars-2James-OhlenJeremy-Gaffneylord-of-the-rings-onlinePaxpax-2011pax-eastpax-east-2011RIFTScott-Hartsmanstar-wars-the-old-republicTERATrion-WorldsTurbineThu, 17 Mar 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Curt Schilling talks about free-to-play, or not]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/curt-schilling-talks-about-free-to-play-or-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/curt-schilling-talks-about-free-to-play-or-not/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/curt-schilling-talks-about-free-to-play-or-not/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Things are pretty quiet on the 38 Studios front. That's rarely stopped Curt Schilling from talking in the past, though, and he recently sat down with the lads at Joystiq during this year's GDC to give everyone an update on the big Rhode Island move.

"The team is incredibly excited. It's our building! We have all six floors -- it's our studio and we're alone. It's our space," Schilling enthused. Joystiq also queried the former World Series MVP about whether or not 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO project might opt for a free-to-play business model in order to compete in what has become an extremely crowded game market.

"We have an open mind about everything, except the game," Schilling said. "We look at what we're creating and we say, 'What is the best possible guest experience we can create with this product?' And that'll answer your business model questions and your goals and objectives for the game." Sooo, is that a yes-we're-considering-free-to-play or a not-in-a-million-years? It's anyone's guess at this point, but one thing's for sure: With Schilling at the controls, the trip is bound to be eventful (and full of juicy quotes).

MassivelyGDC 2011: Curt Schilling talks about free-to-play, or not originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011interviewsrhode-island-moveThu, 03 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios is looking for a few good men -- and women, too, of course!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios has kept its Project Copernicus MMO under tight security for a while now; however, we do know that the studio has some big names in its pocket. Comic book giant Todd McFarlane, award-winning author R.A. Salvatore, and baseball great Curt Schilling have already added their talents to the roster. Even the government of the state of Rhode Island is excited about what this team is doing, given the guaranteed loans 38 Studios was offered if it moved to the state.

Today, Lead Community Manager Charles Dane tweeted that the team is LFM. He posted, "38 Studios is looking for top tier talent. This is a great opportunity to join an awesome team!" A buzz over to the jobs page for the studio shows that it is looking for an abundance of people. QA, engineering, art, and even finance are on the list of departments needing minions. Who knows? Maybe you are the top-tier talent the studio is looking for.

Massively38 Studios is looking for a few good men -- and women, too, of course! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscharles-danecopernicuscurt-schillingindustryjobsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorerhode-islandtodd-mcFarlanetwitterTue, 15 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios Rhode Island deal still up in the air]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/38-studios-rhode-island-deal-still-up-in-the-air/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/38-studios-rhode-island-deal-still-up-in-the-air/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/02/38-studios-rhode-island-deal-still-up-in-the-air/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Just when we thought 38 Studios' epic quest to move its guild headquarters to Rhode Island was nearing its conclusion, a posting on the blog of a local television news outlet casts a bit of doubt on the successful outcome of the proceedings. Reporter Ted Nesi writes that the state's Economic Development Commission is itching to close the $75 million loan it's taken out for 38 Studios.

However, if Lincoln Chafee wins the governorship in today's election, it could trigger a showdown, given the candidate's outspoken criticism of the deal. The other leading candidate, Frank Caprio, has said that if elected, he will "march down to EDC headquarters on Wednesday to do something unspecified about 38 Studios."

In other 38 Studios news, Amazon has recently published the official box art of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, the first official game to come out of Curt Schilling's company (currently slated for a September 2011 release). Check out the details, as well as a new screenshot, at 38gamers.

Massively38 Studios Rhode Island deal still up in the air originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studios38-studios-copernicuscurt-schillingdevelopment-dealloanreckoningrelocationrhode-islandTue, 02 Nov 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Copernicus' Curt Schilling talks business models and target audiences]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/copernicus-curt-schilling-talks-business-models-and-target-audi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/copernicus-curt-schilling-talks-business-models-and-target-audi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/22/copernicus-curt-schilling-talks-business-models-and-target-audi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Curt Schilling, former World Series MVP and one of baseball's noted clutch performers, is now firing fastballs at the MMO industry. In addition to forming 38 Studios and spearheading work on the company's cryptic Copernicus MMORPG, Schilling clearly loves games. He also loves to talk about them (and occasionally talk smack) as a new interview at Ugo illustrates.

"We're not making a game for everybody either because when you make a game for everybody, you end up making it for no one. I know what we love, I know what we want, and the game that I'm playing is growing into being what we set out to make," Schilling enthuses. When he says "we," he's talking about the all-star roster assembled at 38 studios, including everyone from R.A. Salvatore, to Todd McFarlane, to veteran developers that "have been on every major MMO from Ultima Online."

All this talent doesn't come cheaply of course, but Schilling is adamant about making a traditional (albeit well-polished) MMORPG despite the current free-to-play craze sweeping the industry. "We won't launch free-to-play. That makes no sense. [...] Given the feedback that we've gotten and in a lot of focus testing that we've done, people will pay a subscription if they believe that they're getting their money's worth," he says, while also noting that the Copernicus budget is somewhere in the neighborhood of $100 million.

MassivelyCopernicus' Curt Schilling talks business models and target audiences originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusiness-modelscopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingfree-to-playinterviewsubscriptionugoFri, 22 Oct 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kingdoms of Amalur is a familiar name to gamers who are looking forward to Project Copernicus, the mysteriously code-named MMO under development by 38 Studios.

If you're finding it hard to wait for more news on this project, 38 Studios has just the thing to distract you. The world of Amalur, created by R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, is going to begin showing up in the real world soon in the form of comics, toys, novels, and even a few more games. Not a surprise there, amirite?

Speaking of other games set in Amalur, you'll see more from Reckoning soon. The single-player game is set to launch fall of 2011, and the game's online newsletter will launch in October.

Will all of this activity surrounding Amalur include new information on Copernicus? It seems likely and it's fun to speculate, so here's hoping!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Massively38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscomic-bookscopernicuscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmerchandisingnovelsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorereckoningtodd-mcfarlaneTue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios announces official Rhode Island relocation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/38-studios-announces-official-rhode-island-relocation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/38-studios-announces-official-rhode-island-relocation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/23/38-studios-announces-official-rhode-island-relocation/#commentsFiled under: ,

The lengthy saga of 38 Studios' relocation looks to be drawing to an end, as the fledgling game company has published a press release touting the impending lease of an office building in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. Originally headquartered in Massachusetts, the developers behind the eternally cryptic MMORPG code-named Copernicus were offered a loot bag full of $75 million in loan guarantees by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

The relocation will generate 450 high-paying tech jobs, and state governor Donald Carcieri lauds it as a move that will "provide job opportunities for our college graduates in a fast growing industry, and will attract other interactive and entertainment companies to Rhode Island."

Massively38 Studios announces official Rhode Island relocation originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicus38-studios-investment38-studios-project-mercury75-million-load-guaranteecopernicusrelocationrhode-islandThu, 23 Sep 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios relocation loan in jeopardy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/38-studios-relocation-loan-in-jeopardy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/38-studios-relocation-loan-in-jeopardy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/03/38-studios-relocation-loan-in-jeopardy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Democratic Rhode Island gubernatorial candidate Frank Caprio has flip-flopped in his stance towards a $75 million loan from the state's Economic Development Corporation to fledgling game maker 38 Studios. The development house, founded in 2006 by former Major League Baseball pitcher Curt Schilling, is hard at work on the top-secret Copernicus MMORPG and was offered the lucrative deal in exchange for moving the company's headquarters from Massachusetts to Rhode Island (and bringing a proposed 450 high-paying jobs to the state's economy).

Caprio, who currently serves as Rhode Island's general treasurer, is one of several political candidates condemning the deal, a marked change from his views in past weeks, notes the Boston Globe.

"I am not going to stand by and watch us gamble taxpayer dollars on a bad deal when there are thousands of small businesses in need of more access to capital," Caprio said in a press release dated August 31st.

Massively38 Studios relocation loan in jeopardy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicuscopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingfrank-caprioloanpoliticsrelocationrhode-islandyour-taxdollars-at-workFri, 03 Sep 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One thing is for certain: When you are sitting in the crosshairs of Curt Schilling and R.A. Salvatore during an interview, it's easy to become bowled over by their collective intensity and passion, especially when it comes to their interest in games and fantasy worlds.

While GenCon Indy lacked its usual MMORPG presence this year, Massively was able to grab a few minutes of face time with 38 Studios' founder and lead writer as they passed through the convention. It was a bit of an odd interview, however, as two of the biggest topics -- 38 Studios' move to Rhode Island and any solid details about their top-secret MMO -- were off the table for discussion. Do not fret, as that certainly didn't stop us from trying to pry for a few hints along the way. Schilling and Salvatore were obviously eager to spill the beans about Copernicus, but they are still biding their time until the right moment.

Happily, the duo didn't mind us fencing with them for facts, and were quite open about their single-player RPG lead-up to Copernicus, their general philosophy of designing the MMO, and why they've waited so long to unveil it to the public. Read on, gentle gamers, for a few ripostes, parries and lunges with two of the biggest figures in the industry right now.

Continue reading GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios

MassivelyGenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurart-stylecopernicuscurt-schillingeqeq2everquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedforgotten-realmsgencongencon-10gencon-2010gencon-indygencon-indy-10guildsiconsjustin-is-a-hobbitjuttenken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmass-effectmother-earthoblivionr.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningscopethe-elder-scrolls-iv-obliviontodd-mcFarlaneuiultima-onlinewarcraft-3world-buildingworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios moves next door to Rhode Island for 75 million smackers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/38-studios-moves-next-door-to-rhode-island-for-75-million-smacke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/38-studios-moves-next-door-to-rhode-island-for-75-million-smacke/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/38-studios-moves-next-door-to-rhode-island-for-75-million-smacke/#commentsFiled under:

Two weeks ago we reported that Rhode Island was attempting to woo 38 Studios away from Massachusetts with a tempting $75 million loan guarantee. Today we've gotten word that Curt Schilling's company has indeed taken the bait, and will be relocating to The Ocean State due to this sweet incentive.

While there's no definite timetable on the move, Mass High Tech reports that this loan guarantee comes with a few strings attached: 38 Studios will receive partial loan payments only upon meeting certain milestones, and the company has to put all of its assets up for collateral. The loan comes from a special $125 million program to create high-tech jobs in Rhode Island, and the state hopes that 38 Studios will account for up to 450 new jobs once it arrives.

Curt Schilling promised to "protect the loan guarantee that's been given by the state with the same passion and interest that I'm protecting my own investment in this company." 38 Studios recently announced that its single-player RPG, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, will be published by EA next year, with its MMO -- code-named "Copernicus" -- to follow.

Massively38 Studios moves next door to Rhode Island for 75 million smackers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios75-million-load-guaranteecopernicuscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningMassachusettsrhode-islandthe-green-monsters-mouth-is-a-gateway-to-hellthe-ocean-stateTue, 27 Jul 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island pitches a $75M loan offer to 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/rhode-island-pitches-a-75-m-loan-offer-to-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/rhode-island-pitches-a-75-m-loan-offer-to-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/13/rhode-island-pitches-a-75-m-loan-offer-to-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

States are always highly competitive when it comes to luring industries to their neck of the woods to bolster the local economy. From movie shoots to auto plants to hospitals, states tend to be shameless in offering incentives and tax breaks to benefit from an economic injection by these companies. It's interesting to see that MMO studios are being courted as well.

Worlds in Motion is reporting that Rhode Island is enticing Curt Schillings' 38 Studios to relocate from Massachusetts in exchange for a $75,000,000 guaranteed loan under relief provisions for high-tech companies -- a provision that Massachusetts does not offer. The loan would represent a significant investment for the company, but Massachusetts is attempting to provide reasons for 38 Studios to stay put, including citing that it has better access to talent in the state.

As the MMO genre expands and more studios pop up, will we see an increase in states fighting over these companies in an effort to help their economies? In any event, Copernicus' developer now has a difficult decision to make, especially for this ex-Boston Red Sox pitcher.

MassivelyRhode Island pitches a $75M loan offer to 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosboston-red-soxcopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingi-would-relocate-for-75-millionloanmassachusettsred-soxrhode-islandtax-breakstax-incentivesworlds-in-motionTue, 13 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Schilling teases possible Copernicus concept art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/schilling-teases-possible-copernicus-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/schilling-teases-possible-copernicus-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/08/schilling-teases-possible-copernicus-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Details have been sketchy regarding Copernicus, the code-name of the forthcoming MMORPG from Curt Schilling's 38 Studios. Other than the fact that the storyline is being written by noted fantasy author R. A. Salvatore, we haven't heard any concrete information on the game since GDC2010.

Now, Schilling has unleashed a cryptic tweet challenging fans to find the Copernicus concept art among the images attached to a new interview with 38 Studios Senior Environment Artist Joe Mirabello. Schilling (under the Twitter handle of gehrig38) drops no hints as to which of the images might be the Copernicus art, but it's probably a safe assumption that it is one of the landscape pieces, given Mirabello's job title.

Check out the interview as well as Schilling's tweet.

[Thanks Karen!]

MassivelySchilling teases possible Copernicus concept art originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosconcept-artcopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingjoe-mirabellora-salvatoretweettwitterThu, 08 Jul 2010 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore talks Copernicus, building believable worlds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/r-a-salvatore-talks-copernicus-building-believable-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/r-a-salvatore-talks-copernicus-building-believable-worlds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/26/r-a-salvatore-talks-copernicus-building-believable-worlds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

When it comes to stories of engaging fantasy worlds, one of the premier names that comes to the minds of many gamers is R.A. Salvatore. His Forgotten Realms books chronicling the adventures of Drizzt Do'Urden are fan favorites, and many are curious as to just what he's doing on 38 Studios' upcoming MMO, codenamed Copernicus. Thankfully, Salvatore took some time to sit down with Gamasutra and discuss plans for the MMO, as well as their lore-related single-player game, codenamed Mercury.

In this interview, Salvatore talks both on his gaming past, and whether or not his varied experiences in gaming have affected his writing on this project. He also touches on how important he feels immersion is in terms of getting people engaged -- suspending their disbelief, and jumping into the fantastic worlds he weaves. Another interesting tidbit is how he feels that characters are most important in terms of telling a story -- a tenet that has served him extremely well, if sales of his books are any indication!

If you're looking for more illumination into the mind of the man shaping the overall stories for 38 Studios, then you'll definitely want to pop over to Gamasutra and check out this latest interview. Of course, we also happen to have a pretty sweet interview of our own with Salvatore about Copernicus that you'll want to check out if you missed it the first time around.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore talks Copernicus, building believable worlds originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscopernicus-mmogamingimmersioninterviewmercuryr-a-salvatorestory-writingMon, 26 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Obvious statement time here, but anyone who reads Massively with anything approaching regularity knows that the MMO industry is big business. Top-notch titles like World of Warcraft and so many other MMOs take millions tens of millions craploads of money to bring to market under the current Western develop-until-largely-finished model.

If you've ever been curious about the MMO industry, and how some of the numbers break down, then you'll want to check out MMO Future Shock. It's created by the guys at Gamers Film, and includes quite a number of interesting statistics, such as a tidbit about how people are spending an average of $1,200 per second in online games. Along with that, there's some great interview footage with people like Brett Close and Curt Schilling from 38 Studios; Joe Rush, Director of Operations at GamersFirst; and various other industry players.

We've embedded the video behind the break for you hungry number-fiends. With any luck they'll publish some more episodes shortly so we can see more interviews with folks in the MMO know.

Continue reading MMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics

MassivelyMMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbrett-closecurt-schillinggamers-filmgamersfirstjoe-rushmmo-future-shockmmo-industrystatisticsvideoMon, 12 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling says majority of savings spent on 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,

Retired Red Sox player Curt Schilling has approached the development of 38 Studios with the same drive and enthusiasm as he did his baseball career, a fact that comes as no surprise to those who know what an avid MMO gamer he is. A recent article on Gamasutra took a closer look at the development of 38 Studios.

Schilling felt confident in his endeavor from the very beginning, making an initial investment of $5 million and hiring a lineup of very familiar names including R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane, and several others. Once the project was underway, he increased the investment in a big way: "I have put the majority of the money I've earned in my life on the table. If I make another financial investment, I will have crossed the point of no return from a personal investment and company standpoint."

The financial and personal commitments have been significant, as with any large business venture, but Schilling remains very confident in the project: "I have no doubt I am on the cusp of creating a multi-million dollar company[...]"

Take a look at the full story on Gamasutra.

MassivelyCurt Schilling says majority of savings spent on 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-investmentcurt-schillingfinancialGamasutraInvestmentr.a.-salvatoretodd-mcFarlaneTue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX East?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-daily-grind-what-are-you-most-excited-about-seeing-at-pax-e/#commentsFiled under: , ,


2010 marks the first year that the Penny Arcade Expo -- PAX -- has traveled to the far east (read: Boston) to hold their gamer-friendly, geektastic convention. As you might expect, an elite squad of specially-trained Massively reporters will be on hand to extract as much crucial information as we can -- as much as possible under the limits of the Geneva Convention, of course.

But before you hear our first reports from the scene of this exciting convention, we want to know: what are you most excited about seeing or hearing from PAX East? Is it the keynote speech by Star Trek: The Next Generation's Wil Wheaton? The hardcore, nailbiting Omegathon? Or perhaps -- just perhaps -- breaking news and revelations about some of your favorite MMORPGs from developers like Turbine, NCSoft, 38 Studios, EA and others? Take a gander through the official schedule and tell us what's got your attention!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What are you most excited about seeing at PAX East? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioseageneva-conventionncsoftomegathonpaxpax-eastpax-east-2010penny-arcadeturbinewil-wheatonFri, 26 Mar 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC10: Vivox's Monty Sharma interviewed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-vivoxs-monty-sharma-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-vivoxs-monty-sharma-interviewed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/12/gdc10-vivoxs-monty-sharma-interviewed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

While often overlooked among gamers due to the prevalence of Ventrilo and Teamspeak, integrated MMORPG voice chat is a service that is steadily gathering steam, and leading the charge is Vivox, Inc. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Vivox has pioneered integrated voice technology in games as diverse as EVE Online, EverQuest II, and Second Life.

We sat down with Monty Sharma, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at this week's Game Developer's Conference to talk about the company's past, present and future.

Hit the jump for the full interview.

Continue reading GDC10: Vivox's Monty Sharma interviewed

MassivelyGDC10: Vivox's Monty Sharma interviewed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBigpointfeaturedgdc-2010global-agendainterviewmmo-voice-chatmonty-sharmavivoxvivox-voice-chatvoice-chatFri, 12 Mar 2010 13:30:00 EST