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 2015 AOL, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The World of Magic aims to take over for the Harry Potter MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/the-world-of-magic-aims-to-take-over-for-the-harry-potter-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/the-world-of-magic-aims-to-take-over-for-the-harry-potter-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/10/the-world-of-magic-aims-to-take-over-for-the-harry-potter-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The World of Magic
Last week, we heard news that the Harry Potter MMO was put on hold by Warner Bros. while they decided "if the production would be a good investment or not." But the development team at Bio-Hazard Entertainment decided to show WB what they're made of with a side project named The World of Magic.

TWoM doesn't look to be a direct Harry Potter game, but instead an MMO inspired by the IP. "We think that this MMO will be exactly what you guys wanted and more!" a dev blog states. "Our new site is will soon give you more info, images, videos, and options that will allow you to see how similar it will be to HP. It has broken our hearts that HP is on hold but maybe this gives us the opportunity to show WB that our new company can do it and not matter what obstacles get in our way, we can overcome them!"

While further details aren't available at this time, the project's new website already has 600 members and plenty of gallery images to get any Harry Potter fan excited.

[Thanks to Viturino for the tip!]

MassivelyThe World of Magic aims to take over for the Harry Potter MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bio-hazard-entertainmentharry-potterharry-potter-onlinehpthe-world-of-magicwarner-broswbMon, 10 Mar 2014 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Harry Potter Online project appears to be on hold]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/harry-potter-online-project-on-hold-indefinitely/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/harry-potter-online-project-on-hold-indefinitely/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/07/harry-potter-online-project-on-hold-indefinitely/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Harry Potter Online
Well, that was fast, if inevitable. A tipster named Mike let us know that according to an email blast just sent out to fans, developer Bio-Hazard Entertainment is putting the unauthorized-but-hopeful Harry Potter Online MMO on hold indefinitely. Statements on the official site seem to confirm the halt to the project, albeit obliquely:
It hurts us all:( our hearts are broken and torn. Bio-Hazard Entertainment and all its team love every single one of you loyal wizards and thank you for everything you have done. Sometimes people just like to ruin things for others. As loyal HP fans we all stand strong and united! Please remember here at BHE we love you all and you are the greatest fans we could have asked for! BHE site coming soon so you can join us in all our productions!

[...]

The team is discussing using what they have made and making their own MMO based off of what you guys have suggested, except not HP related. But lets all unite together and show WB that this is needed! WIZARDS UNITE!
[Thanks, Mike!]

MassivelyThe Harry Potter Online project appears to be on hold originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2014 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bhebio-hazardbio-hazard-entertainmentharry-potterharry-potter-mmoharry-potter-onlineFri, 07 Mar 2014 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Harry Potter Online in limited production]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/harry-potter-online-in-limited-production/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/harry-potter-online-in-limited-production/http://massively.joystiq.com/2014/03/02/harry-potter-online-in-limited-production/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Harry Potter
With a hot IP, a devoted fan-base, and a fantastical world begging to be explored further, a Harry Potter MMO has been on many gamers' "most wanted" lists for years now. We just got word that Harry Potter Online is indeed in production, although this comes with a serious caveat.

The production website for Harry Potter Online is up and running with forums, a gallery, and some basic information about the game. However, it looks as though developer Bio-Hazard Entertainment has yet to receive the full go-ahead from Warner Bros.: "Seeing that it could be a really great business plan, a license was given that would allow the company to begin production on the MMO up until beta. Once beta was hit it would then be decided [by Warner Bros.] if the production would be a good investment or not."

The proposed Harry Potter Online would allow players to choose to attend one of three schools of magic, take on roles like Aurors and Lamorians, and become masters of various professions such as potions and herbalism. And yes, if you were wondering, there will be Quidditch.

The developers said that a promotional video, trailer, and live interview will be coming soon. You can see some of the game's concept art and hear the devs talking about the game in a video after the break.

[Thanks to Cherie for the tip!]

Continue reading Harry Potter Online in limited production

MassivelyHarry Potter Online in limited production originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryenginefantasyharry-potterharry-potter-mmoharry-potter-onlinehogwartsjk-rowlingnew-gamenew-titlepotterquidditchvideoSun, 02 Mar 2014 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima Worlds Online: Origin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-worlds-online-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-worlds-online-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-what-ifs-ultima-worlds-online-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Two months ago, we heard a rumor (which has since gone quiet) that a new Ultima Online sequel might be in the oven in Electronic Art's kitchen. As with any rumor, it was important to take it with a grain of disbelief, although a pinch of hope seems appropriate in this case as well. After all, Ultima Online's been begging for a sequel ever since the hit MMO started facing stiff competition in the form of 3-D worlds like EverQuest and Asheron's Call.

For some of us gamers, word of a UO sequel feels like deja vu, and rightly so. This wouldn't be the first time that EA embarked on a project to make a more modern Ultima Online, nor would it be the second time. Indeed, the saga of Ultima Online's canceled sequels is as torrid as it is steamy and lusty. Ignore the words in the previous sentence, as those are just to up the hits on search engines.

In our continuing series on the "what ifs?" of axed MMOs, we're going to head into a two-parter full of savage truth, dangerous decisions, and full-frontal nerdery. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you the saga of Ultima Online 2.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima Worlds Online: Origin

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Ultima Worlds Online: Origin originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callcataclysmdavid-swofforddeja-vudueleaelectronic-artseqeverquestfeaturedfull-frontal-nerderygamespotharry-potter-onlinehistoryjukalineagemeerpkpkingplayer-killingpvprichard-garriottsequelsequelssteampunkthe-game-archaeologisttrailerultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-worlds-onlineultima-worlds-online-originuouo2uwouwoovideowing-commander-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftTue, 28 Jun 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is the world of Harry Potter Turbine's next MMO project?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/is-the-world-of-harry-potter-turbines-next-mmo-project/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/is-the-world-of-harry-potter-turbines-next-mmo-project/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/08/is-the-world-of-harry-potter-turbines-next-mmo-project/#commentsFiled under: ,


There has been a good deal of press lately about the $40 million in funding Turbine recently received. But what didn't get looked into deeply was who gave them that cash and why. If you follow the money, we think you'll find all roads lead to Hogwarts.

Turbine is a privately held gaming company that specializes in launching and maintaining games from well-known brands, Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online, specifically. Time Warner is one of the new investment partners in this latest round of financing for Turbine. They also own Warner Bros. Studios which owns not only the film rights to The Lord of the Rings (and upcoming Hobbit prequel), but also holds the video game publishing rights to the Harry Potter franchise which also just happens to be the biggest movie franchise in box office history.

Continue reading Is the world of Harry Potter Turbine's next MMO project?

MassivelyIs the world of Harry Potter Turbine's next MMO project? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingharry-potterharry-potter-mmoharry-potter-mmogharry-potter-mmorpgharry-potter-onlinehobbit-moviehogwarts-onlinej.k.-rowlingsnitch-seekertime-warnerturbinetweet-thiswarner-brosSun, 08 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST