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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Rhode Island explores ditching 38 Studios debt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/rhode-island-explores-ditching-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/rhode-island-explores-ditching-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/rhode-island-explores-ditching-38-studios-debt/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rhode Island explores ditching 38 studios debt
To pay back or not to back, that is the question that Rhode Island is exploring after being saddled with $112.6 million in combined debt and interest when 38 Studios went kaput, taking Project Copernicus with it. RI governor Lincoln Chafee still believes that lenders should get their due according to his spokeswoman Christine Hunsinger, but the administration is gathering data to explore the cost of not paying back to get an understanding of "the ramifications of what that decision would be."

Currently the state is planning to pay investors back over the course of 10 years, with a $2.5 million payment the first year and subsequent installments of $12.5 million thereafter.

MassivelyRhode Island explores ditching 38 Studios debt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosChristine-HunsingerdebtGovenor-Lincoln-Chafeeproject-copernicusRhode-IslandThu, 30 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios vs. State of Rhode Island court case begins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/38-studios-vs-state-of-rhode-island-court-case-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/38-studios-vs-state-of-rhode-island-court-case-begins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/38-studios-vs-state-of-rhode-island-court-case-begins/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Whoever wins, this whole thing was a pretty substantial loss.
We'll never see Project Copernicus come to light, and for some people that's the last that needs to be said about 38 Studios. For the state of Rhode Island, however, there's quite a bit more at stake, with the state alleging that 38 Studios tried to hide its financial condition and essentially defrauded the taxpayers of Rhode Island. Opening arguments have been heard today for the case, with the 14 individual defendants seeking to have the case dismissed as completely spurious.

When 38 Studios folded, that left Rhode Island in the hole for a $75 million loan. The lawsuit is seeking restitution from Curt Schilling and 13 other individuals, including former members of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corp that originally supported the loan. According to the EDC's lawyers, substantial evidence exists that this loan was based upon intentional misdirection on the part of upper management, although the defense claims these allegations are ridiculous. At this point, it's up to the courts who's in the right.

Massively38 Studios vs. State of Rhode Island court case begins originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcopernicuscourtcourt-battlecurt-schillinglawslawsuitlegalproject-copernicusrhode-islandWed, 22 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island selling 38 Studios' game assets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-selling-38-studios-game-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-selling-38-studios-game-assets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/rhode-island-selling-38-studios-game-assets/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhode Island selling 38 Studios' IP
Do you have a few million on you and a desire to preserve some gaming history? Then pick up the phone and call Rhode Island, as the state is getting ready to sell 38 Studios' assets, including its games.

The state is looking to recoup some of it $130 million debt that it fell into once 38 Studios went belly-up. One of Rhode Island's lawyers says there "is interest" in the studio's assets, including concept art, design documents, and computer software. The sale of 38 Studios' IP includes the Amalur franchise, which encompassed the Project Copernicus MMO.

The state is also set to begin a lawsuit this week against former 38 Studios execs, including founder Curt Schilling. The suit claims that the executives did not inform the state when they knew that the studio would have a hard time keeping afloat financially. Schilling has asked the judge to dismiss the suit.

MassivelyRhode Island selling 38 Studios' game assets originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamaluramalur-mmo-industryassetsconcept-artcurt-schillinggame-assetsipip-assetskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglawsuitproject-copernicusrhode-islandriedcsaleMon, 20 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-perfect-ten-mmos-that-died-in-development-hell/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Perfect Ten MMOs that died in development hell
If you know me, you probably know that I have a weird fascination with alternate history. You know, the daydreams of historians when they're not rewriting the past to suit the latest trends. "What if?" my mind wonders, especially when it comes to MMOs.

You see, for every game that actually makes it to launch, there are several that die gasping and alone in the bowels of development hell. Sure, many of these are pathetic creatures that didn't really stand a chance anyway, but there are some that could have made an impact on the industry if they had reached release and been halfway decent. We'll never know what a world would look like with these games in them, but we can always muse, "What if?"

Continuing Perfect Ten's recent dark streak, here are 10 MMOs that died in development hell; it's to our eternal loss that we'll never get to play them.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMOs that died in development hell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscheyanne-mountain-entertainmentcodemastersdark-age-of-cameloteafeaturedhalohalo-mmohumorimperator-onlinejagexjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlevel-5microsoftmythicmythicaopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicusra-salvatoreroundupstargate-worldsstellar-dawnthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthqtodd-mcFarlanetop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtrue-fantasy-livetrue-fantasy-live-onlineultima-xultima-x-odysseywar40kwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlineThu, 09 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, it's more 38 Studios drama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Copernicus location we'll never visit
Ah, 38 Studios. What would we do without the dried husk of your long-dead corpse to kick around the sanctified halls of American journalism, both actual and gaming?

The latest drama from Curt Schilling's former studio comes courtesy of the New York Times, which reports on Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chaffee's latest attempt to distance himself from the fiasco surrounding 38's inability to pay back state loans.

"I had so many reservations about this being a bad deal, that I was reluctant to micromanage, to have it be 'Chafee screwing this up,'" he told the Times. "And don't forget, we had our hands full in this state."

MassivelyYep, it's more 38 Studios drama originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studios38-studios-closurecurt-schillingdramafinanceLincoln-Chafeemmo-industrypoliticsMon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt
The AP is reporting that Rhode Island is attempting to default on the debt it owes for 38 Studios' $75 million loan and subsequent bankruptcy. The state has a proposal before lawmakers that would keep it from having to make any payments to bond holders.

Supporters of the move to default say that the insurance company will compensate bond holders, while the EDC, which approved the loan, says that defaulting will hurt future project and bond ratings. One lawmaker and default proponent, Rep. Charlene Lima, said that the 38 Studios fiasco harmed the reputation of the state and constricted its future economic development.

The proposal is being opposed by Governor Lincoln Chafee, who wants to see the debt repaid.

MassivelyRhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptcycurt-schillingdefaultedcgovernorlawlawsuitlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industryproject-copernicuspublic-loanrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationThu, 11 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios may have 'actively masked' its financial hardship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

38 Studios may have 'actively masked' financial hardship
Just when you thought the world might let the wound where 38 Studios and Kingdoms of Amalur were ripped from your heart heal over, along comes some new drama.

Max Wistow, the lawyer for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, filed documents on behalf of the state claiming that 38 Studios needed more than $75 million in loan guarantees before the company ever moved to Rhode Island. He argues that folks at 38 Studios knew that the funds they were receiving from the state would be insufficient. The company netted about $50 million from an EDC bond sale, and Wistow is claiming "crushing evidence" that 38 Studios actively masked its financial shortfall.

Massively38 Studios may have 'actively masked' its financial hardship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38samalurcopernicuscurt-schillingedckingdoms-of-amalurkoaproject-copernicusrhode-islandFri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study finds
In an attempt to answer the question of whether the games industry is dying or not, Twisted Pixel Lead Developer Dan Teasdale conducted research into all of the layoffs of 2012 and believes he has found that, among other things, MMO developers had the highest risk of being fired.

"Looking at the the raw number of people affected, MMO teams laid off more developers than console teams," Teasdale argues. He notes that 38% of video game industry layoffs hit MMO studios, although only 26% of MMO studios did any firing. Layoffs in Boston and Austin, including the closure of 38 Studios, accounted for a third of all industry layoffs, which could look good or bad depending on the total number of studios in those two cities relative to the rest of the industry (info hard to come by and not included in the study).

One upshot of the report was that MMO studios tended to lay off fewer people when firings happened in comparison to social, mobile, and console studios. "While this probably isn't a surprise, it's a clear indication that it's way harder to survive as a social or MMO developer than a console developer," he concludes. However, the analysis does not break down the types of employees laid off, such as designers vs. support, community, and temporary contractors, roles common in the MMO industry.

Continue reading MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims

MassivelyMMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-layoffs38-studiosconsoledan-teasdalefiringgames-industrylayofflayoffsmmo-industrymobilereportstudiostudytwisted-pixelThu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling asks judge to dismiss 38 Studios fraud lawsuit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm surprised that no one, including myself, has made more baseball-related puns about these events.
Let's assume for a moment that you're Curt Schilling, formerly of the Red Sox and formerly of the now-defunct 38 Studios. You're facing a massive lawsuit for fraud regarding a $75 million loan from the state of Rhode Island. What do you do? It appears that Mr. Schilling's first approach is to ask the judge on the case to throw out the case entirely, claiming that the basis of the case is itself fraudulent.

The crux of the lawsuit is the state's claim that Schilling and the 38 Studios board of directors willfully obfuscated the company's status from state lawmakers. Schilling has put forth that 38 Studios fully disclosed its status to the state investors on numerous occasion, providing them with an accurate picture of the company's financial situation. Due to this disclosure the allegations of fraud and obfuscation are simply not possible, hence the request for dismissal. Schilling goes on to claim that the entire suit is politically motivated and that the company's failure is chiefly due to Governor Lincoln Chafee not doing enough to save 38 Studios from bankruptcy.

MassivelyCurt Schilling asks judge to dismiss 38 Studios fraud lawsuit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptcycurt-schillingfraudkingdoms-of-amalurlawsuitlegallegal-storiesnewsproject-copernicusrhode-islandstate-of-rhode-islandMon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Todd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mcfarlane rambles on about copernicus
Spawn creator Todd McFarlane spoke with Kotaku recently and had some things to say about Project Copernicus, 38 Studios' would-have-been Kingdoms of Amalur MMO. He was the project's art director and says he really thought that it "was going to raise the bar." He remains hopeful that, in time, somebody will "be smart enough" to come in, sweep up the pieces of the unfinished MMO, and make something of it.

The way McFarlane described it, Project Copernicus was very nearly a finished thing. "It's only ten yards away from the goal line," he explained. "If I had the extra cash I'd do it myself, because it's that cool."

Skip below the cut to check out the full interview. (Project Copernicus talk begins at about the 5:20 mark.)

Continue reading Todd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus

MassivelyTodd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusinterviewkingdoms-of-amalurkotakuproject-copernicustodd-mcfarlanevideovideosWed, 13 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios debt to be partially repaid with bloody sock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/38-studios-debt-to-be-partially-repaid-with-bloody-sock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/38-studios-debt-to-be-partially-repaid-with-bloody-sock/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/38-studios-debt-to-be-partially-repaid-with-bloody-sock/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ew wtf
In 2004, Curt Schilling ignored his doctor's advice and hobbled to the pitcher's mound with a wounded right ankle to win Game Two of the World Series, clenching the second of four straight victories against the St. Louis Cardinals and proving that the Curse of the Bambino had run its course.

The blood-stained sock worn by Schilling on that day is now stuff of Boston legend and had become quite an icon during the series. It seemed to be a piece of memorabilia that Schilling wouldn't dare part with, but his recent business dealings have forced his hand. And foot.

If you find yourself in need of a used bloody sock to frame in your sports den, you can start the bidding on February 4th. Schilling hopes to raise at least $100,000 through the auction.

Massively38 Studios debt to be partially repaid with bloody sock originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbloody-sockbostoncurse-of-the-bambinocurt-schillingewgrossproject-copernicusred-sockred-soxThu, 17 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What was the MMO screw-up of the year?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/04/the-daily-grind-what-was-the-mmo-screw-up-of-the-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

SWTOR facepalm - because this is the best screenshot of the year by far
I almost miss the carefree days 2011, when the MMO screw-up of the year was such an easy call: the time when a studio deleted an entire MMO from existence by accident and without any backups. Oops!

But 2012? 2012 is trickier. I mean, you've got charging for hotbars, $50 hobby-horses, pandas, NCsoft closing a profitable game, the TERA lawsuit, the implosion of 38 Studios, the clownshoes of The War Z, innumerable banning scandals... we have a lot to choose from. So let's get busy choosing. What do you think was the MMO industry screw-up of 2012?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What was the MMO screw-up of the year? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-screwups38-studiosbrianna-royce-tdgcity-of-heroes-sunsetclownshoesdaily-grindhobby-horsehotbarsm2mists-of-pandariammo-screwup-of-2012opinionpollpollsscrew-upscrew-upsscrewupscrewup-of-the-yeartdgtera-lawsuitthe-daily-grindthe-war-zFri, 04 Jan 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm proud I made it through this entire post without a single baseball pun.
The sun has set on 38 Studios, but there's still a lot of people eager to analyze and dissect the company's rise and sharp decline. As a whole, it's been looked at and analyzed extensively from the gaming side, but the other factors that went into the studio's enormous state loan and subsequent burnout are examined more closely in a new video. This isn't about whether or not Project Copernicus would have been any good; this is about simple business and political pressures that doomed the project from the start.

Curt Schilling started 38 Studios at the end of his baseball career, but it was a well-known fact that his attempts to court venture capitalists were unsuccessful. The video goes into depth regarding the political climate that encouraged Rhode Island legislators to sign the historic and ill-advised loan, as well as the factors leading to the company's ultimate demise. If you're interested in a broader view now that the smoke has cleared, take a look at the full video past the cut.

Continue reading A video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators'

MassivelyA video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinessclosurecurt-schillinggaming-industrymmo-industrypolitical-environmentpoliticsretrospectiverhode-islandshutdownsstate-of-rhode-islandstudio-closurestudio-shutdownsvideovideosThu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten My biggest gaming moments in 2012
I am a complete sucker for three things: novelty soft drink flavors, Tom Servo's singing voice in MST3K, and end-of-the-year lists. Egads, I love the end of the year just for the lists alone. Everyone does them (copycats!), and I like to see how my opinions stack up against them. Plus, often I learn of cool things that happened or came out during the past year that I missed.

So this is my list. My end-of-2012 list. I am devoting the 26th Perfect Ten of 2012 to the top 10 moments in MMO gaming and blogging. It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and looking back, I don't think I could've predicted half of the major events that happened in this industry. That's what I like about this gig: It keeps me on my toes.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosanetarenanetbiowarebuy-to-playcamelotcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1eqmaceverquesteverquest-macintoshf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjohn-smedleylucasartsmst3kmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicuspvprounduprvrsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldtom-servotop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortswThu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/rhode-island-edc-sues-curt-schilling-and-more-over-38-studios-lo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Game title image
Back in May, Project Copernicus developer 38 Studios became embroiled in the controversy of the year when the studio officially shut down and fired all 379 of its employees. The story quickly turned political as the studio had been granted a loan of $75m US by the state of Rhode Island and it became known that the tax-paying public could be hit for an estimated $150.7m US due to the studio's closure.

The story of mishandled taxpayer money has played a big part in the politics of Rhode Island. Today that story developed further as the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC), which granted the original loan and may therefore be responsible for the public debt, filed a lawsuit against the people who created the deal. The defendants named in the case include 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling, CEO Jennifer McLean, former EDC executive director Keith Stokes, Wells Fargo Securities and even Barclays Capital. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee released a public statement about the lawsuit on YouTube.

Continue reading Rhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan

MassivelyRhode Island EDC sues Curt Schilling and more over 38 Studios loan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBarclays-Capitalbreakingcurt-schillingedcgovernorJennifer-McLeanKeith-StokeslawsuitlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industryproject-copernicuspublic-loanrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationstatementsuevideoThu, 01 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE snags Project Copernicus lead dev for Vanguard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/soe-snags-project-copernicus-lead-dev-for-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/soe-snags-project-copernicus-lead-dev-for-vanguard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/29/soe-snags-project-copernicus-lead-dev-for-vanguard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SOE snags Project Copernicus lead dev for Vanguard
Former 38 Studios Lead Developer Steve Danuser is back in SOE's fold, this time working on Vanguard as a Creative Director. Danuser was originally a community manager for EverQuest II, but left SOE in 2006 to work on Project Copernicus. SOE recently announced his return and posted a developer spotlight on his history with MMOs and the company.

Danuser is seemingly delighted with his new post: "I must say it's great to be back. Seeing so many old friends and colleagues again, it feels like coming home!"

He mentions that some of the video game influences in his life that led him to development included Atari 2600 games and the Ultima series. In fact, one of the reasons he states that he enjoys Vanguard is that it captures "the qualities of classic RPGs."

The biggest priority for Danuser and the rest of the Vanguard team is to improve the overall experience across the board, including bug fixes, hardware performance, and to revamp older content.

[Thanks to John for the tip!]

MassivelySOE snags Project Copernicus lead dev for Vanguard originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosdev-spotlightdeveloper-spotlighteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playinterviewproject-copernicussandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmentSteve-Danusertelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgMon, 29 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios auctions recoup $830k of $150.7M owed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auctions-recoup-830k-of-150-7-million-owed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auctions-recoup-830k-of-150-7-million-owed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auctions-recoup-830k-of-150-7-million-owed/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios auctions recoup $830k of $1507 million owed
Earlier this week, 38 Studios' former headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island played host to a public auction that brought in approximately $650,000 through over 1,000 bidders. If you combine this number with last week's auction at the studio's Big Huge Games division, the total recouped through auctions came to $830,000. This is unfortunately only a fraction of the estimated $150.7 million owed in bankruptcy filings, but the best part hasn't been put up on the block yet.

The Kingdoms of Amalur intellectual property is said to be "sold in a negotiated transaction over the next three to six months," according to Joystiq. The total from that sale doesn't expect to cover the entire amount owed, which leaves the remainder up to the Rhode Island taxpayers.

Massively38 Studios auctions recoup $830k of $150.7M owed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosauctionBig-Huge-Gamescurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningproject-copernicusrhode-islandswing-and-a-missFri, 26 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Initial 38 Studios auction brings in $180K]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/initial-38-studios-auction-brings-in-180k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/initial-38-studios-auction-brings-in-180k/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/18/initial-38-studios-auction-brings-in-180k/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Initial 38 Studios auction brings in $180K
Hey look, it's more 38 Studios news, sort of. The Verge reports on the first of three auctions designed to sell off assets of the shuttered development firm, which took place earlier this week in Timonium, Maryland.

Why Maryland? Because up for bid were a bunch of items from former Maryland-based 38 subsidiary Big Huge Games. The highest-value item was an animation suit that fetched $9,500. The second auction is scheduled for next Tuesday at 38's former offices in Rhode Island. The third auction, which will feature the firm's intellectual property, will take place in approximately three months.

MassivelyInitial 38 Studios auction brings in $180K originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-auction38-studiosauctionbig-huge-gamesMiscellaneousmmo-industryThu, 18 Oct 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling might pay back debt by selling baseball memorabilia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Curt Schilling auctions off baseball souvenirs to pay back debt
Curt Schilling is most recently famous for failing spectacularly at using loans from Rhode Island and investors to create a Kingdoms of Amalur MMO. As the founder of the now-bankrupt 38 studios and someone who personally guaranteed some $12 million worth of loans related to the studio, Schilling's lucky that he was famous for other stuff before stepping into game development.

For example, Schilling was one of the best pitchers in American League baseball in 2004 and played for the Boston Red Sox, the only team in MLB history to win a seven-game series after losing the first three games. A bloody sock that he wore during that series is listed (along with World War II-era memorabilia, one of Lou Gehrig's baseball caps, his home, and a stake in a private equity firm) in a collateral filing.

MassivelyCurt Schilling might pay back debt by selling baseball memorabilia originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbostoncollateralcopernicuscurt-schillingdebtkingdoms-of-amalurmmo-industryproject-copernicusred-soxrhode-islandschillingThu, 04 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios will face no federal criminal charges]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/38-studios-escapes-federal-criminal-charges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/38-studios-escapes-federal-criminal-charges/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/38-studios-escapes-federal-criminal-charges/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios escapes federal criminal charges
Bankrupt gamemaker 38 Studios will not face federal criminal charges, according to a report in The Washington Post.

U.S. Attorney spokesman Jim Martin told The Associated Press that his office found that 38 Studios did not break any federal laws. That said, what's left of the company is still subject to an investigation being conducted by Rhode Island police to determine whether state laws were violated.

38 Studios folded last May despite a $75 million state loan guarantee. The bankruptcy left Rhode Island "on the hook for more than $100 million," which includes the bonds and interest.

Massively38 Studios will face no federal criminal charges originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studios38-studios-bankruptcy38-studios-criminal-charges38-studios-federal-chargescurt schillingCurtSchillingSun, 30 Sep 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/captains-log-state-of-star-trek-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

STO Regent Class Header
This week saw the release of a new State of the Game blog from Star Trek Online Executive Producer Daniel Stahl. Much of what he said gave players hope for the future of Star Trek Online, including remarks that the game is "thriving at a time when many MMOs have kicked or are about to kick the bucket." The blog also featured some additional comments about the future of the game and how the company planning for 2013 and beyond.

Join me as I discuss his blog post and the poll results that were generated over the past couple of weeks. I'll also take a look at the future of the game, the expanding STO team, The Foundry, and the Klingon Empire.

Continue reading Captain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online

MassivelyCaptain's Log: The state of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosask-crypticcaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playneverwinteropinionparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpollpwesci-fisotgstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineState-of-the-gamestoMon, 24 Sep 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/21/star-trek-online-producer-says-game-is-kicking-butt/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Star Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt'
Star Trek Online Producer Daniel Stahl isn't beating around the bush about the state of the game. According to him, STO has both purpose and a leg-up on much of the industry.

"When you consider what it takes to run an MMO in today's highly competitive marketplace," Stahl writes, "STO has been kicking some butt. Despite what some may think, we have a deliberate path and long-term goals that we've been tracking quite well against. STO has not only survived, but is thriving at a time when many MMOs have kicked or are about to kick the bucket."

Stahl goes on to rally the troops by citing how much the team has accomplished this year and what its focus is on for November's Season 7 update and beyond. The team's biggest priorities are in enriching the foundry, overhauling PvP, buffing up Klingon content, and a possible Romulan faction.

He also mentioned that Cryptic has hired "great talent" from 38 Studios and Paragon Studios to join the team.

MassivelyStar Trek Online producer says game is 'kicking butt' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfree-to-playkingonsparagonparagon-studiosperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweromulanssci-fiseason-7star-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 21 Sep 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dying of starvation and then being reborn would kind of blow. Especially if you were in the middle of nowhere.
"To be or not to be" is not a question asked in most MMOs. Characters don't die permanently, after all. But Project Copernicus wouldn't have waved that fact off as an irrelevant necessity of game mechanics. No, according to R.A. Salvatore, the game world would have explored the meaning behind a world wherein no one truly dies and everyone is functionally immortal.

Players who enjoyed Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will recall that the game opens with the player character returning from death thanks to the Well of Souls. In Project Copernicus, the Well of Souls would have been active not just for one individual but for everyone in the world. Returning from death would be something that happens not just to players but to every part of the world.

It's not hard to imagine the ways in which a world would seem different if death was no longer something to be feared or avoided. Salvatore laments that the concept is unlikely to see execution now, even with buyers looking to purchase the 38 Studios assets from the state of Rhode Island.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurbackstorycancelled-gamescopernicusdeathdeath-mechanicsdragon-condragon-con-2012kingdoms-of-amalurloreproject-copernicusr.a.-salvatorerhode-islandwhat-could-have-beenwritingWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios loan could impact state elections]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios loan impacts state elections
If you've started to forget about the saga of 38 Studios' collapse, rest assured that Rhode Island politicians certainly have not. With the election coming soon, many in the state are scrambling to offset the blame for the $75 million loan decision and protect their positions. The Associated Press is reporting that it's being seen as a "liability" among candidates.

One candidate, Mark Binder, addressed the continued furor over the issue: "If I don't bring it up, other people bring it up. Everyone is infuriated. There's this game going on in Rhode Island right now called 'pass the blame on 38 Studios.'"

While many of those directly responsible for voting the deal through have since resigned from their positions, the search to pin the fiasco on one of the state's leaders is still underway. Another 2012 candidate, Laura Pisaturo, said that the public is demanding more answers: "People read in the paper about 38 Studios and think 'we elect these people and expect they will lead and ask tough questions.'"

Massively38 Studios loan could impact state elections originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusassetsbusinesscopernicuscourtedcfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustryintellectual-propertyipkingdoms-of-amalurlegalmmo-industryproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Whoops, that was apparently the place I lived. Well, spilled milk.
When I tried Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning for the first time, I fell in love. Not with the story, and not with the art, but with several elements of the actual game itself. The idea of having all of that brought into the MMO space filled me with a lot of excitement, but I had a feeling that we'd never actually see it come to pass.

For those of you who missed out on what happened with 38 Studios, possibly because you read the internet on some bizarre time-lapse system, here's the deal: We're never going to see Project Copernicus come to pass. Oh, sure, we might wind up with something that vaguely resembles that game, but odds are low. More likely the franchise is going to be sold off by the state of Rhode Island for a pittance, and if the game ever resumes production, it'll bear only the faintest traces of its origins -- some art assets and little else.

I'm not shedding tears over the world, though. In fact, I'm not going to shed tears at all because I think there's something to be built upon from the ideas of that single-player game, ideas that could make for an excellent MMO. And like any good gestalt, it reaches out to be something much more than the sum of its parts.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream

MassivelyMMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosarmchair-game-designcancelled-titlesfavorite-mmofeaturedff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-designgame-mechanicsguild-wars-2gw2hypothetical-titleskingdoms-of-amalurkoamechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologyopinionproject-copernicusriftryzomsaga-of-ryzomstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard Would you have played Copernicus
We just love tantalizing ourselves with "what ifs?" in the MMO sphere, don't we? There are so many alternate possibilities for the development and growth of these games, not to mention all of the ones that didn't even make it to launch day.

The most recent of these, of course, is "What if Project Copernicus had actually launched? What if it were as close to completion and as good as they said?" For some, that's just a mild shrug; for others, it's a maddening proposition. Since the collapse of 38 Studios, we've seen several pieces of concept art and videos that will most likely be the closest we'll ever get to Copernicus.

So today's Leaderboard is simple: Given everything you've seen and heard of the game, would you have played it? Did Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning convince you that this world would've made for a great MMO? Did Copernicus look like it had merit, or was it yet another fantasy game that probably couldn't compete for your affections?

Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studioscopernicuskingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmoleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More Project Copernicus videos highlight Jottunhessen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/more-project-copernicus-videos-highlight-jottunhessen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/more-project-copernicus-videos-highlight-jottunhessen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/more-project-copernicus-videos-highlight-jottunhessen/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

More Project Copernicus videos highlight Jottunhessen
Is it harder waiting in anticipation for a game that may never be or mourning a game that could have been but died? Unfortunately, MMO players who were looking forward to the completion of Copernicus have the opportunity to test that question for themselves, and more videos are revealing just what the players will be missing out on.

Yesterday we shared a Copernicus video fly-through highlighting parts of the game. Today, two more videos give viewers a virtual tour of the splendor of the city of Jottunhessen. Check them out after the break.

Continue reading More Project Copernicus videos highlight Jottunhessen

MassivelyMore Project Copernicus videos highlight Jottunhessen originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studioscopernicusflythroughflythrough-videosJottunhessenproject-copernicustourwhat-could-have-beenThu, 23 Aug 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Former 38 Studios dev releases internal Copernicus video
Stop us if you've heard this one before. Former 38 Studios developer shows us how awesome Copernicus the Kingdoms of Amalur massively multiplayer title would have been, and quality-starved MMO players cry into their beer.

In any event, here's another posthumous reveal, this time courtesy of Steve "Moorgard" Danuser's personal blog. Danuser has posted a fly-through video that was originally intended as an in-engine milestone for internal eyes only. Now it's a bit more salt in the wound unless the shuttered MMO's assets ever find their way into the hands of another studio.

Danuser doesn't stop with the video, though. He goes into some detail about aspects of the game's design that would have differentiated it from much of the current MMO landscape.
There's a lot more I'd like to tell you about the game, such as how our fully planned four-year story arc was driven by player participation.

How the theme of choice and consequence permeated our systems, content, and world design. How the choices players made during our chapter-based story arc would cause permanent and lasting changes to each server -- changes that could be different from other servers.

How expansions to the game world had already been mapped out and were tied into that chapter storyline, so the world would grow in a very organic and logical way rather than feeling like expansions were tacked onto the core game by a new team that was bored with the work that had been done before. How our storyline had a real conclusion-because you can't tell a great story without an ending.
Head past the break for the full video.

[Thanks to Syeric for the tip!]

Continue reading Former 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems

MassivelyFormer 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studioscopernicusdead-horseflythroughkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmomoorgardsalt-in-the-woundsteve-danusertrailervideoWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall scoops up dozens of former BioWare and 38 Studios devs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/17/firefall-scoops-up-dozens-of-former-bioware-and-38-studios-devs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Firefall design team scoops up dozens of former Bioware and 38 Studios devs
While some other studios are laying off and downsizing, Red 5 is bucking the trend by recruiting top talent to add to the team working on Firefall. The free-to-play MMOFPS has updated with a massive summer patch that overhauls combat, removes traditional levels, and adds new crafting functionality.

BioWare's and 38 Studios' loss is Red 5's gain; the staff has jumped from 60 to over 100 as recruiters snatch up talent the other companies let go. Although a deluge of layoffs is bad for the gaming industry as a whole, lead class designer Dave Williams said, "The timing of 38 Studios and Star Wars dumping all their staff at the same time is really good for us. We've found some incredibly talented people who are really happy. It's allowed us to build up the team quickly."

Players wishing to participate in Firefall's beta and experience the game can sign up via the official site.

MassivelyFirefall scoops up dozens of former BioWare and 38 Studios devs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosBioWareDave-Williamsexpanding-temaexpanding-while-other-studios-shrinkf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playmmo-shootermmofpsnew-devspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fishooterwarFri, 17 Aug 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Copernicus would have been F2P]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/copernicus-would-have-been-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/copernicus-would-have-been-f2p/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/16/copernicus-would-have-been-f2p/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Copernicus would have been F2P
First things first. We apologize for twisting the Copernicus knife.

With that out of the way, did you know that 38 Studios' shuttered MMO was going to be the first mega-budget title to launch with a free-to-play model? We didn't either until Curt Schilling confessed as much to Boston Magazine.

"We were going to be the first AAA, hundred-million-dollar-plus, free-to-play, microtransaction-based MMO. That was one of our big secrets," Schilling said. "I think when we eventually showed off the game for the first time, the atom bomb was going to be free-to-play. When we announced that at the end, that was gonna be the thing that, I think, shocked the world."

MassivelyCopernicus would have been F2P originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studiosbusiness-modelscopernicuscurt-schillingf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryouchtwisting-the-knifeThu, 16 Aug 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island possesses 38 Studios' games, looks to sell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhode Island possesses 38 Studios assets, puts them up for sale
While 38 Studios is finished, its employees laid off, and its projects canceled, there's really only one thing left to be done: figure out what to do with the leftovers. The court granted the state of Rhode Island all of 38 Studios' assets, including rights to its single-player RPG and the unfinished Project Copernicus.

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corp said that it will attempt to sell these assets to recoup as much of the loan made to the studio as possible.

This may be a slight blessing in disguise for fans of the studio's projects, as the move was made to keep the intellectual property intact instead of having it be lost due to the company's dismantling. The games are being transferred to servers for safe-keeping and constitute a majority of the studio's remaining net worth.

MassivelyRhode Island possesses 38 Studios' games, looks to sell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusassetsbusinesscopernicuscourtfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustryintellectual-propertyipkingdoms-of-amalurlegalmmo-industryproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationThu, 09 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Curt Schilling's management of 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's really no pretty face to be put on any of this.
The dust has more or less settled around the demise of 38 Studios, but much of the information about what happened to lead the company so deep into the hole is fragmented. Some fans admonish the Rhode Island governor, some admonish Curt Schilling, and some admonish the management team that led to several poor decisions. A new piece in Boston Magazine goes into depth about where Schilling's management caused problems and how the culture at the studio slowly deteriorated.

The article paints Schilling as being relentlessly optimistic and dedicated to his employees but at the same time unfamiliar with business and the realities of running a game company. He also wound up with a bloated staff and disregarded information from management, leading to conflicting demands and a general lack of progress on major deadlines for Project Copernicus. If you've got any interest in the game industry, it's a fascinating look at how a game company can start with high hopes and dissolve under financial realities.

MassivelyA look at Curt Schilling's management of 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusbusinesscopernicuscurt-schillingfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustrykingdoms-of-amalurmmo-industryproject-copernicusretrospectiveMon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO subscriber numbers have peaked, says industry analyst]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/mmo-subscriber-numbers-have-peaked-says-industry-analyst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/mmo-subscriber-numbers-have-peaked-says-industry-analyst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/10/mmo-subscriber-numbers-have-peaked-says-industry-analyst/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMO subscriber numbers have peaked, says industry analyst
Whether you love him, hate him, respect him, or ignore him, when Michael Pachter speaks, his voice carries. So it's of note that everyone's favorite videogame analyst is back with a few more controversial remarks concerning the growth -- or lack of it -- in the MMO market.

Speaking at the Evolve Conference, Pachter said, "It looks to me as though the MMO market is as big as it's ever going to be -- as far as subscription MMOs. People willing to play $15 a month, there are six or seven million of them. Period. If Star Wars couldn't expand it, when it's made by BioWare, nothing can do it. That's why Curt Schilling's 38 Studios went out of business, because he couldn't get financing."

In May, Pachter proclaimed that nobody was buying MMOs after Star Wars: The Old Republic's launch.

MassivelyMMO subscriber numbers have peaked, says industry analyst originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosanalystbiowarecopernicuscurt-schillingeaelectronic-artsevolveevolve-conferencelucasartsmarket-analystMichael-Pachteropen-mouth-insert-ignorant-footproject-copernicussci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthese-two-things-do-not-connecttorTue, 10 Jul 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Copernicus announcement trailer released [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Project Copernicus announcement trailer released
For those interested in twisting the 38 Studios knife just a little bit more, Kotaku has posted what would have been Project Copernicus' official announcement trailer had Curt Schilling's development house not imploded dramatically earlier this year.

The clip runs just over two minutes and features a series of stylized vignettes that morph into brief snippets of gameplay footage. All of this is set to a cryptic voiceover repeating something about a circle still turning.

It's an interesting if slightly depressing look at what might have been. Head over to Kotaku for all the drama.

[Update: Steve Danuser, formerly of 38 Studios fame, has published a context-driven explanation of what's shown in the video.]

MassivelyProject Copernicus announcement trailer released [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingdead-horsedramafantasykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmoMon, 09 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The death of AAA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

38 Studios picture
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I think we're all pretty familiar with the tragic story of 38 Studios by now. If not, take some time to familiarize yourself with it. Essentially it is a tale of massive dreams, botched plans, and hundreds of job losses. I'm not yet sure exactly what went wrong, but I have a feeling that the lackluster response to the studio's stand-alone title might be to blame on top of the poor performance in the high-end of the company. Either way, I have seen many comments exclaiming the end of the big-budget title or at least more trepidation from governments that feel the need to get into a game (no pun intended) they were unfamiliar with.

If we could take a poll of the several million "AAA" MMO players in North America, it's my bet that most of them simply go from one title to the other. The RIFT players who are now enjoying Star Wars: The Old Republic came from World of Warcraft, and before that (if they played MMOs before WoW) they might have been City of Heroes fans and EverQuest players before that. For a long time, large studios held all of the players. Then, AAA started rolling down the steep hill to where it is now.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The death of AAA

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The death of AAA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosAnarchy-Onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointBlizzardcity-of-heroeseditorialeverquestfeaturedflyfffree-realmsgemstone-ivglitchillyriadjagexkurt-schillingmabinogiMapleStorymilmominecraftop-edopinionpocket-legendsrantrantsrappelzriftrunescapesecond-lifeSegasoapboxSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspiral-knightsstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-soapboxthree-ringstiny-specktrionvindictuswizard101World-of-Warcraftwowwurm-onlineTue, 26 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Schilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Schilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios
Curt Schilling has spoken to a Boston radio station about the lingering effects of 38 Studios' demise. The former Red Sox pitcher has been vilified by some gamers who assume that he's living the high life while former employees are suffering, but he tells WEEI that that's pretty far from the truth.

"The money I saved and earned playing baseball was probably all gone... life is going to be different," he says.

Rhode Island taxpayers will also be tightening their belts, as they'll pay nearly $12 million annually through the year 2020 to cover 38's $150 million debt, according to Joystiq. Schilling also revealed that 38 Studios was close to signing a deal to produce a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sequel prior to remarks made by Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee that supposedly damaged the negotiation process.

Schilling also expressed remorse at the plight of former 38 Studios employees. "The employees got blindsided," he said. "They have every right to be upset. I always told everybody if something were going to happen, you're going to have a month or two of lead time, and I bombed on that one in epic fashion."

MassivelySchilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-closureBig-Huge-Gamescurt-schillingfinancialkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningschillingschilling-tapped-outFri, 22 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Subpoenas issued over 38 Studios deal, Citizens Bank sues Schilling [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/law-enforcement-issues-subpoenas-over-38-studios-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/law-enforcement-issues-subpoenas-over-38-studios-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/14/law-enforcement-issues-subpoenas-over-38-studios-deal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Law enforcement issues subpoenas over 38 Studios deal
While the fallout from 38 Studios' collapse carries with it a human toll, it also has triggered a legal one as well. State and federal law enforcement agencies have issued subpoenas to both Bank Rhode Island and the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation over the loans that enticed the game studio to the state.

Currently, the RI state police, the state attorney general's office, the FBI, and the US attorney's office are jointly looking into the situation. Police are investigating the specifics of the deals in an attempt to figure out what exactly happened. The subpoenas requested records of the financial contracts and loans.

Both the RIEDC's $75M in taxpayer bonds and Bank Rhode Island's $8.5M loan are unlikely to be repaid following the studio's bankruptcy.

[Update: Massively reader Zaken tipped us off to the fact that Citizens Bank has announced it is suing 38 Studios' Curt Schilling to the tune of $2.4 million "in an attempt to recoup its money from the ex-ballplayer's personal assets."]

MassivelySubpoenas issued over 38 Studios deal, Citizens Bank sues Schilling [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptcycurt-schillingfbilawlaw-enforcementlegalloanpoliceproject-copernicusrhode-islandriedcThu, 14 Jun 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ryan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/ryan-shwayder-revives-mmo-lessons-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/ryan-shwayder-revives-mmo-lessons-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/ryan-shwayder-revives-mmo-lessons-series/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ryan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series
Former 38 Studios designer Ryan Shwayder is using his time off to work on his personal blog and share his perspective as a developer. He's revived a series from years ago called MMO Lessons, adding the 37th and 38th entries over the past two days.

His 37th lesson is to create memorable moments. "It is impossible to make every adventure in your game memorable, exciting, and unique," Shwayder writes. "But you can create incredible moments for your players and purposefully distribute them throughout the experience so players experience highs as they play the game."

Shwayder also defends kill quests but says that they usually need context or a twist to keep them fresh and fun: "Kill quests get a bad rap, but there's nothing inherently wrong with them."

MassivelyRyan Shwayder revives MMO lessons series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosdevdevelopmenteqiieverquest-iikill-questslessonsmemorable-momentsmmo-lessonsnerfbatRyan-ShwaydersoeWed, 13 Jun 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Alleged 38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles after company's closure]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/alleged-38-studios-spouse-outlines-familys-financial-struggles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/alleged-38-studios-spouse-outlines-familys-financial-struggles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/13/alleged-38-studios-spouse-outlines-familys-financial-struggles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles
38 Studios stories continue to circulate through the gaming media this week, with the latest arriving courtesy of Gamasutra. The industry news site has published an anonymous letter from an alleged former employee's wife that details the challenges inherent in supporting a large family that is subject to the whims of the game industry.

The letter outlines the family's financial struggles in great detail, and it serves as a cautionary tale to game industry hopefuls who are thinking of uprooting a family to follow a dream. Though the author is unnamed and could quite literally be anyone, Gamasutra says it has "verified her husband's name and former position at 38 Studios."

MassivelyAlleged 38 Studios spouse outlines family's financial struggles after company's closure originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-closure38-studios-spousebusinesscopernicusculturecurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningMiscellaneousmmo-industryreckoningrumorrumorsWed, 13 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Steve Danuser weighs in on the 38 Studios debacle]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/steve-danuser-weighs-in-on-the-38-studios-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/steve-danuser-weighs-in-on-the-38-studios-debacle/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/12/steve-danuser-weighs-in-on-the-38-studios-debacle/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Concept Art -- Project Copernicus
It's been one hell of a month for the folks at the now-bankrupt 38 Studios, but so far we've heard precious little from anyone directly involved with the Project Copernicus developer. Today, 38 Studios' former Creative Director, Steve Danuser, has broken that silence with a post about the matter on his personal blog.

The post doesn't really do much to shed any light on the events that led to the studio's fall, but it does provide one thing that has been lacking: A look at the people affected by the debacle. Danuser takes the time to talk about the rollercoaster of emotions that he and other 38 Studios employees have been riding for the better part of the last month, stating that "the only people who really understand are the ones who make up this now fractured fraternity that was once a great team." It really is a very personal read, but it adds a fresh, human perspective to a story that has, until now, been addressed only from the angles of finance and industry. To read it all for yourself, head on over to Danuser's blog. Oh, and if you're the emotional sort, it may help to have some tissues handy.

MassivelySteve Danuser weighs in on the 38 Studios debacle originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscultureindustrymmo-culturemmo-industryproject-copernicussteve-danuserTue, 12 Jun 2012 15:30:00 EST