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[Massively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/massively-speaking-195-jokeception/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

SWTOR
Massively Speaking Episode 195 wonders if you were actually fooled by any of the pranks that MMO studios put out there, or barring that, if some of the pranks sounded so cool that you wish they were real. For Massively's part, we brought back One Shots as a joke, and then we brought it back for real just because that was the best laugh of them all.

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 195: Jokeception

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 195: Jokeception originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanetaoapril-foolsapril-fools-2012april-fools-dayarenanetbrantbrianna-royceclassic-mmodark-millenniumdark-millennium-onlinedmoeqoaeverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgods-and-heroesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2heatwaveheatwave-interactivehumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmythologyncsoftopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastssci-fantasysci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmentvigilvigil-gameswar40kwar40k-dmowarhammerwarhammer-40000-dark-millennium-onlinewarhammer-40kwarhammer-40k-dark-millennium-onlineTue, 03 Apr 2012 10:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 195Massively.com Staff55:56podcasts<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes letter brings dire tidings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/gods-and-heroes-letter-brings-dire-tidings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/gods-and-heroes-letter-brings-dire-tidings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/gods-and-heroes-letter-brings-dire-tidings/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rome didn't fall in a day, either.
Is that smoke on the horizon? Goths marching to the gates? Probably not, but for Gods & Heroes, it may very well seem that way. The newest dispatch from the development team has admitted that the game no longer has a development team and hasn't for quite some time. As the letter puts it, it was a choice between keeping the game alive as it stood or letting the team go, and without investors, the latter seemed like the better option.

So what's next for the game? The forum thread on the letter claims that the game's servers will keep running and funding them isn't an issue, but no new development will be taking place until the funding can be found for a free-to-play conversion. As the game hasn't come anywhere close to recovering the cost of bringing it to market, that doesn't bode well for the future. Whatever happens next, this is certainly a dark day for the Roman game, and we can only hope that better news is on the horizon.

[Thanks to Jason for the tip!]

MassivelyGods & Heroes letter brings dire tidings originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfantasyfree-to-playgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivemythologyFri, 30 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes crucifies subs and slashes box prices]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gods-and-heroes-crucifies-subs-and-slashes-box-prices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gods-and-heroes-crucifies-subs-and-slashes-box-prices/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/gods-and-heroes-crucifies-subs-and-slashes-box-prices/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gods & Heroes
Two business models entered Gods & Heroes' colosseum, but only one walked out alive. The crowds cheered their approval, and for a moment their bloodlust was sated. Subscriptions in the game would be no more.

Today, Heatwave Interactive announced that the subscription model wasn't working out for the underperforming Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising (perhaps it did not sell enough fancy helmets) and as of today subs are a thing of the past. Instead, players can enjoy the game without a fee while the team works on creating a true free-to-play plan.

In addition to making gameplay completely free, Heatwave has cleaved the price of the client in twain, reducing the cost to $9.99 for those who have yet to get it. If you've previously purchased the game, whether you were currently subbed to it or not, your account is now flagged for unlimited free play.

MassivelyGods & Heroes crucifies subs and slashes box prices originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelcolosseumdealf2pfree-to-playgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivepromotionsubsubssubscriptiontransitionFri, 13 Jan 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Party with the Gods & Heroes devs in Austin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/party-with-the-gods-and-heroes-devs-in-austin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/party-with-the-gods-and-heroes-devs-in-austin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/13/party-with-the-gods-and-heroes-devs-in-austin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gods & Heroes art
Heatwave Interactive aims to seize the day -- Friday, October 14th, that is -- by offering players of Gods & Heroes a unique opportunity to visit the studio in person. Following the final day of GDC Austin, Heatwave's community team will offer 10 attendees the chance to spend an afternoon and evening touring the offices for "sneak previews" and a Q&A with various panels and team members, including CEO Anthony Castoro, the design team, the art team, the support team, and the community team. Guests will then participate with the devs in hosting a live Ustream chat, after which they'll enjoy the fruits of their labors (or more accurately, the meats) with a BBQ worthy of the gods.

Interested parties can RSVP by email on the official site. Have fun!

MassivelyParty with the Gods & Heroes devs in Austin originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castorobbqcommunity-eventeventgdcgodsgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveheroesmmm-bbqmythologypartyTue, 13 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes entices players with extended trial, lower cost and a new class]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gods-and-heroes-entices-players-with-extended-trial-lower-cost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gods-and-heroes-entices-players-with-extended-trial-lower-cost/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/gods-and-heroes-entices-players-with-extended-trial-lower-cost/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gods and Heroes
Gods & Heroes wants you to play it. Like, really, really bad. So much so, in fact, that the Roman-themed MMO is launching a multi-pronged campaign on potential players in an attempt to rope them into the game.

The first prong of the campaign is an extended free trial. Starting today, players can check out the full game for a week by simply signing up on the site. "By extending the trial period from three to seven days, new players will have a chance to really dig into the heart of the game and we know they'll like what they find," Heatwave's Anthony Castoro said.

The cost of Gods & Heroes is coming down as well, hitting a more reasonable $29.99 for both boxed and digital versions of the game. Castoro hopes that this will help interested parties get past any financial barriers and will widen the playerbase: "The community has spoken and our analytics confirm that players really enjoy Gods & Heroes once they've experienced it."

Finally, Heatwave is adding a chunk of new content to the game, including the ranged Scout class and a free archer minion for loyal subscribers. The undead minion Batillus will be granted to players who subscribed prior to August 1st.

MassivelyGods and Heroes entices players with extended trial, lower cost and a new class originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>7-day-trialAnthony-CastoroarcherBatillusbonuscostdiscountfree-trialgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiverangedranged-classscoutseven-day-trialtrialThu, 01 Sep 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Friends, Romans, noobs, lend me your ear: Gods & Heroes devs answer community questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/friends-romans-noobs-lend-me-your-ear-gods-and-heroes-devs-ans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/friends-romans-noobs-lend-me-your-ear-gods-and-heroes-devs-ans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/24/friends-romans-noobs-lend-me-your-ear-gods-and-heroes-devs-ans/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Heatwave dev team
Sometimes it makes a world of difference to put a name to a face, especially when it comes to the often-mythologized field of MMO development. The Gods & Heroes team recently sat down in front of a camera to not only answer community questions but give you a sense of who the team members are, how they function together, and what they look like.

Topics on hand for the discussion included Heatwave Interactive's favorite memories from Gamescom, fixing problems with the latest patch, the combat range changes, the ongoing production blog that one of the devs is writing, promotions for Steam and other distributors of the game, a "targeted marketing campaign" that's going to launch in the next couple of weeks, and a future update tenatively scheduled for mid-October.

You can watch the full USTREAM recording of the dev chat after the jump!

Continue reading Friends, Romans, noobs, lend me your ear: Gods & Heroes devs answer community questions

MassivelyFriends, Romans, noobs, lend me your ear: Gods & Heroes devs answer community questions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-dev-chatcommunity-q-and-adev-chatgamescomgamescom-2011gods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivepatchpromotionq-and-asteamustreamWed, 24 Aug 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heatwave opens free trials for Gods and Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/heatwave-opens-free-trials-for-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/heatwave-opens-free-trials-for-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/02/heatwave-opens-free-trials-for-gods-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Following fresh on the heels of Gods and Heroes' recent content update, Heatwave Interactive announced today that it is beginning a free trial promotion. The free trial gives three days of access to all of the game's currently available content.

Anthony Castoro, CEO of Heatwave Interactive, states, "The free trial unlocks the Gods & Heroes experience - it's our invitation for anyone passionate about mythology and legend to immerse themselves in this epic adventure of ancient Rome." If that sounds like your cup of tea, then you can access the new trial at the official site.

MassivelyHeatwave opens free trials for Gods and Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-day3-day-trialfree-trialgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemythologyromethree-day-trialtrialTue, 02 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Scout out Gods and Heroes' patch 1.0.38.3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/scout-out-gods-and-heroes-patch-1-0-38-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/scout-out-gods-and-heroes-patch-1-0-38-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/28/scout-out-gods-and-heroes-patch-1-0-38-3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The newest Gods and Heroes patch from Heatwave Interactive is a doozy, so hang on to your galeas, folks. Alongside the variety of bug fixes, quest adjustments, and quality-of-life improvements that players expect, patch 1.0.38.3 brings a surprise: a spankin'-new class.

Players can now jump into Rome as the wily Scout. These followers of Apollo or Diana use survival skills, stealth, and deadly aim with a bow to wreak havoc upon their opponents before they're ever spotted. Their knowledge of the wilderness also grants them the ability to scavenge up food and drink to keep their party nourished and fighting strong.

MassivelyScout out Gods and Heroes' patch 1.0.38.3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classclassesgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivenew-classpatchpatch-1.0.38.3patchesrome-risingscoutThu, 28 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gods-and-heroes-discusses-price-reduction-exclusive-minion-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gods-and-heroes-discusses-price-reduction-exclusive-minion-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gods-and-heroes-discusses-price-reduction-exclusive-minion-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Heatwave Interactive, makers of the new indie MMO Gods and Heroes, has been refreshingly upfront about their business lately. Recently, they talked about the need for even more players, despite having one of the top selling games on Steam for a while. It should be a sign of how payment models or pricing can seemingly make or break a game, especially at launch. Within even just a few years, the mainstream audience has gone from hating on free-to-play, treating it as though it was some sort of oddball political party, to snickering whenever a game actually asks for money upfront.

Will Heatwave's game pay the price for not releasing for free immediately? Well, that is yet to be seen. In a recent interview with Anthony Castoro, Executive Producer and CEO, he was very open and honest about all of these perceived issues, and seemed ready to continue using such open language with his audience.

Click past the cut and let's talk about the upcoming new price, a new class, and a little surprise for all of the players who paid for the game upfront.

Continue reading Gods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes

MassivelyGods and Heroes discusses price reduction, exclusive minion and new classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castoroaventurinebeau-hindmandarkfallfeaturedgods-and-heroesheatwave-interactivemythologyTue, 19 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heatwave CEO talks Gods and Heroes population]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/heatwave-ceo-talks-gods-and-heroes-population/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/heatwave-ceo-talks-gods-and-heroes-population/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/10/heatwave-ceo-talks-gods-and-heroes-population/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Fans of Heatwave Interactive's recently launched Gods and Heroes MMO will be happy to note that the dev team is not sitting idly by now that the game has launched. Heatwave CEO Anthony Castoro has penned an update post on the official forums that features a lot of frank talk about the game and its immediate future, including the need to "begin a promotion that will drive thousands more players to the game and turn Baccus, Mars, and Jupiter into communities bursting at the seams."

Castoro doesn't elaborate on what the promotion might be, but he does say that even though Gods and Heroes doesn't need 500,000 users to turn a profit, "our current growth rate isn't good enough." Finally, Castoro notes that the game has "an awareness issue and our pricing model doesn't seem to be tantalizing enough."

Whether Heatwave is looking at a freemium conversion or simply a price reduction coupled with more advertising, Castoro's post makes clear that the team is in it for the long haul. Check out the blurb on the official forums for a list of Heatwave's immediate priorities.

MassivelyHeatwave CEO talks Gods and Heroes population originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemmo-industrymythologypopulationpromotionsroman-mythologySun, 10 Jul 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising releases new combat trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-releases-new-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-releases-new-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-releases-new-combat-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

There's a new Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising video in town, and it's taking no prisoners. The new one-minute clip is centered on the game's combat mechanics, and there's plenty of whirling, slashing, stomping, and even a nifty hey-get-off-of-my-back move to whet your violent appetites.

Though the clip is short, there's a good sampling of PvE mobs on display, all of them with a distinctly mythological flavor and all of them waiting to meet the business end of your weapon. You'll also get a glimpse of the game's minions (the Gods & Heroes version of the traditional MMORPG pet mechanic) as well as some nice-looking environments. The game has been selling well since its June launch, and you can check out the new trailer after the cut.

Continue reading Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising releases new combat trailer

MassivelyGods & Heroes: Rome Rising releases new combat trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aicombatfantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactiveminionsmobsmythologynpcspetsroman-mythologytrailervideoWed, 06 Jul 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes outsells RIFT on Steam, claims weekend top spot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/gods-and-heroes-outsells-rift-on-steam-claims-weekend-top-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/gods-and-heroes-outsells-rift-on-steam-claims-weekend-top-spot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/gods-and-heroes-outsells-rift-on-steam-claims-weekend-top-spot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Well someone's certainly playing Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, the newly launched fantasy MMORPG from Heatwave Interactive. It's a safe bet that said someones are playing via Steam, as Valve's digital download platform is reporting that the Roman mythology-flavored MMO outsold all challengers over the weekend.

Despite some predictions of a lukewarm reception due to the glut of fantasy MMOs and a hefty box fee (as well as a subscription model), Heatwave's game sold well enough to outpace RIFT as well as Guild Wars, DC Universe, and EVE Online, all of which could be had at or lower than Gods & Heroes' $39.99 price point.

Is it a case of a better-than-expected game or another example of how MMO players will buy anything and everything if it's new and shiny? Let us know what you think in the comments.

MassivelyGods & Heroes outsells RIFT on Steam, claims weekend top spot originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital-distributionfantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivelaunch-weeklaunch-weekendmmo-industrymythologyroman-mythologysalessales-performancesteamvalveTue, 28 Jun 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes sells Centurion helmet on Amazon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/gods-and-heroes-sells-centurion-helmet-on-amazon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/gods-and-heroes-sells-centurion-helmet-on-amazon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/27/gods-and-heroes-sells-centurion-helmet-on-amazon/#commentsFiled under: , ,

If you're anything like the folks here at Massively, it's hard for you to figure out the right outfit to wear for gaming. Sweats? Too pathetic. Suit and tie? Too formal. Boxers or briefs? We don't want to know. Fortunately, Heatwave Interactive has come to the rescue with the definitive gaming accoutrement for Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising players: a $220 replica of a Roman Centurion Helmet.

This "fully wearable" helmet is now available for pre-order on Amazon, although you'll have to be quick and lucky to get one, as there are only 200 available. It's described as having "a pronounced red plume and is made of heavy gauge high carbon steel complete with brass accents and fittings."

No mention is made as to whether this would be useful in a real-life battle or not, so buyer beware if you're purchasing this in the hopes that it will protect you the next time you jump into your time machine and go back to the second century.

Gods & Heroes launched last week, and Massively has you covered on all the details. Except your head. We do not cover your head.

MassivelyGods & Heroes sells Centurion helmet on Amazon originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon.comboxers-or-briefscollectors-helmetgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivehelmetlimited-editionroman-centurian-helmettime-travelwhat-the-whatMon, 27 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes going worldwide on Steam this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is coming to Steam. The mythology-inspired MMORPG, launched yesterday by Heatwave Interactive, is now available on Valve's North American digital distribution platform and will available worldwide later this week (June 24th, to be exact).

Aside from the convenience of avoiding a retail purchase, Steam customers will also receive a traditional platform-exclusive in-game item, in this case a mythical minion called a Gorpal. The Gorpal is a damage-dealing Phorcid pet that "protects players by fighting with claws and a poisonous bite," according to a Heatwave press release.

Check out our Gods & Heroes launch day coverage for more on the game, and don't forget to stop by the official website as well.

MassivelyGods & Heroes going worldwide on Steam this week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-itemsdigital-distributiondistributionfantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risinggorpalheatwaveheatwave-interactivein-game-petpetphorcidretailsteamvalveWed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/21/gods-and-heroes-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's Tuesday, and that means that somewhere in the wild hinterlands of the internet, an MMORPG is probably gearing up to officially open its doors to the public. Today's starlet is Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, and the long-in-development title from Heatwave Interactive is finally ready for its close-up.

Whether you're into Roman mythology, you yearn for traditional class- and quest-based combat, or you're curious about the title's ancestral estate system (that's player housing, if you're wondering), you'll want to partake of our launch-day roundup that recaps our best and most current Gods & Heroes coverage.

We've got screenshot galleries, hands-on impressions, dev chats, and videos galore, not to mention info about the game's payment plans and pre-order details. What are you waiting for? Hop past the cut for details.

Continue reading Gods & Heroes launches today

MassivelyGods & Heroes launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancestral-estatefantasyfeaturedgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivelaunchlaunch-daylaunch-day-roundupLaunch-Roundupmythologyplayer-housingrome-risingroundupTue, 21 Jun 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes releases estate system screens]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gods-and-heroes-releases-estate-system-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gods-and-heroes-releases-estate-system-screens/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/17/gods-and-heroes-releases-estate-system-screens/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Current-gen MMOs that ship with player housing options are seemingly a dying breed. Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising, debuting next week courtesy of Heatwave Interactive, is bucking that trend by launching with something the devs are calling an estate system.

In a nutshell, your Roman hero will inherit his very own ancestral estate. Unfortunately you'll take possession of the place after it's been razed to the ground by the evil machinations of the Telchinist cult. Part of the Gods & Heroes progression experience involves rebuilding your home, which in turn affects the power and quality of your NPC minions as well as other as-yet unnamed benefits.

The rebuilding process takes the form of various quest lines throughout the game, and you'll get a glimpse of what's in store by checking out our new estate system gallery below.

Gallery: Gods and Heroes

MassivelyGods & Heroes releases estate system screens originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancestral-estateestate-systemfantasygalleriesgallerygame-mechanicsgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivehousingpress-releasequestingquestsscreenshotsFri, 17 Jun 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[THQ signs German publishing deal for Gods and Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/thq-signs-german-publishing-deal-for-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/thq-signs-german-publishing-deal-for-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/thq-signs-german-publishing-deal-for-gods-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is only a few days away from release, and THQ Germany has just announced that it will be publishing the Roman mythology MMO in, you guessed it, Germany when the title hits retail on June 24th.

"Gods & Heroes offers an outstanding MMO experience and is the perfect fit for our THQ Partner's distribution portfolio in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. We're very excited to be able to send MMO fans on an unforgettable journey to ancient Rome," said THQ managing director Stefan Krings via press release.

Gods & Heroes was developed by Heatwave Interactive and features personal ancestral estates, 130 unique minions, and traditional MMO combat. You can learn more, as well as pre-order the game, at the official website.

MassivelyTHQ signs German publishing deal for Gods and Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemythologypress-releasepublishingroman-mythologystefan-kringsthqthq-germanyThu, 16 Jun 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Nab your very own Gods & Heroes beta key! [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/nab-your-very-own-gods-and-heroes-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/nab-your-very-own-gods-and-heroes-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/nab-your-very-own-gods-and-heroes-beta-key/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Heatwave Interactive's mythology-driven MMO Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is cresting toward its official launch on June 21st, but there's still time for you to dive in early!

Until June 12th, curious would-be players can sign up on the official Gods & Heroes site for an open beta key, free and clear. During this final open beta phase, testers will romp through the early levels of gameplay, boss their minions, and preview the estate system that impressed even our own Beau Hindman.

If you like what you see, then you'll want to preorder the game to access the Gods & Heroes head-start program, which will allow gamers to sail past the competition and enter the game officially a full week early. Have fun!

[Updated: It's June 12th, so the beta key giveaway has now officially ended. Hope you had a great time!]

MassivelyNab your very own Gods & Heroes beta key! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keyscontestcontestsgahgiveawaygiveawaysgods-and-heroeshead-startheadstartheatwaveheatwave-interactivekeykeysmythologyopen-betapreorderroman-mythologyromeWed, 08 Jun 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes open beta is here]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/gods-and-heroes-open-beta-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/gods-and-heroes-open-beta-is-here/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/06/gods-and-heroes-open-beta-is-here/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Friends, Romans, testers: Lend me your ears. It's open beta time for Heatwave Interactive's mythology-inspired Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising MMORPG. Interested fans can sign up today through June 12th and partake of four character classes, personal estates, a minion system, and the first 14 levels of gameplay.

You can also pre-order Gods & Heroes and get in on the headstart program for a one-week jump on the launch-day competition. The title officially throws open its doors on June 21st and aims to add a unique setting to the crowded fantasy MMO market. Check out the official website to learn more about the game as well as sign up for the beta, check out the new trailer after the break, and don't forget to peruse Massively's first impressions if you're curious about the gameplay.

Continue reading Gods & Heroes open beta is here

MassivelyGods & Heroes open beta is here originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaclassesfantasygods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveminionsmythologyopen-betapersonal-estatespress-releasesubscriptionMon, 06 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First Impressions: Gods & Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/03/first-impressions-gods-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I've seen the gameplay in Gods & Heroes before. I've played games that were built on the same idea with similar lore, and I've definitely tried games that featured the same kind of quests. I've seen a lot, to say the least, so I really like it when a game surprises me a bit. I'll be really honest and say that I don't really even like the ancient Rome setting. It's not fantasy enough for me, sort of like MMOs set in World War II. Or Canada.

Still, I was asked to take a look at Gods & Heroes, and so I did. Up to that point, I had heard a lot about it, but most of it was negative. It's buggy, they said. It's ugly, too. So you can imagine my surprise when I felt surprised when I logged in. Granted, there was plenty of blandness in certain areas of the game, but the estate system and NPC groupmates made me think that this team might just have something.

Click past the cut and I'll tell you more.

Continue reading First Impressions: Gods & Heroes

MassivelyFirst Impressions: Gods & Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-romebeau-hindmanbetacyclopsestateestate-systemestatesfeaturedFirst-Impressionsghgods-and-heroesgreecehands-onheatwaveheatwave-interactivemini-armyminionsromeFri, 03 Jun 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Live chat on Ustream with the Gods & Heroes developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/live-chat-on-ustream-with-the-gods-and-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/live-chat-on-ustream-with-the-gods-and-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/live-chat-on-ustream-with-the-gods-and-heroes-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

One of the big upsides to the communication venues available online is that players of MMOs can connect with developers like never before. Gods & Heroes fans will have a chance to connect with the development team tomorrow via Ustream chat, giving hopeful players a chance to ask almost anything they could want about the decidedly Roman game. Starting at 7:00 p.m. EDT, the chat is open to any players via the development team's regular live streaming channel.

If you can't make the event itself or you just want to try to get a question in early, the team is ready for that as well. Questions may be submitted early via Twitter, Facebook, or the game's official forums; the team is planning to round up the best questions and answer them on the air. If Gods & Heroes is on your radar for future play, you might want to take the time tomorrow night to get involved in the live broadcast.

MassivelyLive chat on Ustream with the Gods & Heroes developers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chatdeveloper-chatdevelopmentfacebookghgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivelive-chatsocial-mediatwitterustreamMon, 23 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heatwave announces Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising subscription plans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/heatwave-announces-gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-subscription-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/heatwave-announces-gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-subscription-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/17/heatwave-announces-gods-and-heroes-rome-rising-subscription-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Launch day is coming for Gods & Heroes, and Heatwave Interactive has just announced its introductory subscription options for the North American market. The game, which debuts June 21st, will feature the standard month of free gameplay along with retail or digital download purchases.

Subscription deals start at $9.99 for a monthly pass and include three-month ($27.99), six-month ($54.99), 12-month ($99.99), and lifetime options ($199.99). Gods & Heroes allows players to take on the role of heroic demigods battling mythical monsters, commanding squads of minions, and customizing their personal estates, all set against a backdrop of classical Roman mythology. You can learn more about the title, as well as check out pre-order bonuses and sign up for the ongoing beta, at the official website.

MassivelyHeatwave announces Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising subscription plans originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 May 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>estatefantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivelaunch-datelifetime-subscriptionmythologypersonal-estatepre-order-bonusespress-releasesubscriptionsubscription-plansTue, 17 May 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes dev chat video details next beta patch, estate system, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/gods-and-heroes-dev-chat-video-details-next-beta-patch-estate-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/gods-and-heroes-dev-chat-video-details-next-beta-patch-estate-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/10/gods-and-heroes-dev-chat-video-details-next-beta-patch-estate-sys/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The newest Gods and Heroes dev chat video is now available for your viewing pleasure. The devs gather 'round a table with beer and pizza -- which is frankly how any dev chat should be done -- and answer their internet audience's questions, which span a great variety of topics. They discuss the upcoming beta patch, which is said to be the biggest patch so far and includes the new quest guide, a full pass on the Mystic class, tweaks on the first 10 levels for each class, and some server-side changes to improve performance.

In addition, the team discusses the mechanics of the fast travel system and the quest guide, which functions similarly to many quest-helper mods for other MMOs. An interesting twist, however, is the fact that if you choose to do the quest without asking for the quest guide's help, you receive a bonus. What this bonus will be hasn't been decided yet, but experience and money were both suggestions tossed around.

The team also goes into detail about the game's estate system, which allows you to take a razed villa and rebuild it from the ground up, populating it with minions and customizing it to your liking.

For the full details on all of this as well as answers to questions such as what the team most regrets not being able to implement at launch, whether the devs play their own games, and whether the game will support addons at launch, visit Ustream to view the recorded chat.

MassivelyGods & Heroes dev chat video details next beta patch, estate system, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 May 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-chatestategahgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactiverome-risingTue, 10 May 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New contest for Gods and Heroes offering a toga getaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/new-contest-for-gods-and-heroes-offering-a-toga-getaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/new-contest-for-gods-and-heroes-offering-a-toga-getaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/03/new-contest-for-gods-and-heroes-offering-a-toga-getaway/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

To look at most of the screenshots for Gods and Heroes, you might think that life in ancient Rome was nothing but gladiators fighting mythical monsters and one another. But if you went to college (or watched Animal House at some point), the first element of Roman culture that springs to mind is the toga. Heatwave Interactive is capitalizing on just that by offering fans a chance to spend a weekend in Las Vegas with all expenses paid -- just for wearing a toga.

Running until June 6th, the contest asks for players to don a toga, upload a photograph to the official site, and then take part in the voting to determine who looks best in a tastefully arranged bedsheet. The full rules are naturally a bit more elaborate than that for legal reasons, but the important point is that you can get a free trip just for dressing up in a ridiculous but appropriate outfit. That's something any Gods and Heroes fan can get behind.

MassivelyNew contest for Gods and Heroes offering a toga getaway originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 May 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>contestcontestsfree-tripghgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivephotophoto-contestpromotiontogatripuser-contestTue, 03 May 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes announces launch date, preorder details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-announces-launch-date-preorder-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-announces-launch-date-preorder-details/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/28/gods-and-heroes-announces-launch-date-preorder-details/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Heatwave International announced the launch date for Gods and Heroes today, so if you're interested in chopping up massive monsters and exploring ancient cities, you can do so on June 21, 2011. Not only that, but players who pre-order the game will have access to the it an entire week early, starting on June 14, 2011. That means that you can get in and reserve the name "Stabby McFeathertop" immediately -- lucky you! You'll also get a cool statue for your character's home and a Tunic of the Gods bonus power for pre-ordering at retail.

There are some pretty cool systems built into the game right away. You can own your own estate that acts as a headquarters for the army of minions who will fight at your side. That estate can be decorated with not only your pre-order statue but also with different buildings that effect those minions. That way, once you go into battle you and your minions will be fit and ready for the action-based combat.

Be ready to conquer ancient Rome come early summer!

MassivelyGods and Heroes announces launch date, preorder details originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmangods-and-heroesheatwave-interactivelaunchromanstabbyThu, 28 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes offers up a new trailer and more closed beta keys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/gods-and-heroes-offers-up-a-new-trailer-and-more-closed-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/gods-and-heroes-offers-up-a-new-trailer-and-more-closed-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/25/gods-and-heroes-offers-up-a-new-trailer-and-more-closed-beta-key/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The newest round of Gods and Heroes closed beta testing has begun, and if you're anxious to see what changes and improvements Heatwave has made, you're in luck!

We've got another batch of closed beta keys for you, so visit our giveaway page and grab one for yourself. Then download Gods and Heroes -- you'll create your account from the launcher itself rather than on the site. Once you've used the "create account" function on the Gods and Heroes launcher, log in on the site, verify your email, and input your beta key as prompted. (If you are asked to choose a payment method, select "Game Time Code." On the following screen, press the cancel button. A payment method is not required for you to play.)

We've even got something for you to do while you're patching! Follow along after the jump for the brand-new Gods and Heroes trailer straight from the Heatwave studios, then enjoy the beta!

GET YOUR KEY

Continue reading Gods and Heroes offers up a new trailer and more closed beta keys

MassivelyGods and Heroes offers up a new trailer and more closed beta keys originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keyclosed-betaclosed-beta-keyclosed-beta-key-giveawaycontestcontestsgiveawaygiveawaysgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveMon, 25 Apr 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Catch the latest Gods & Heroes development team live chat today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/catch-the-latest-gods-and-heroes-development-team-live-chat-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/catch-the-latest-gods-and-heroes-development-team-live-chat-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/catch-the-latest-gods-and-heroes-development-team-live-chat-today/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Friends, Romans, gamers, lend me your USTREAM! In response to your questions, the Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising dev team has plenty of answers to satiate your curiosity.

If you've been following the resurrected Gods & Heroes project, then you'll definitely want to get in on the latest dev chat that's taking place today from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EDT. Simply sign in to USTREAM and head to the Gods & Heroes channel to see what the devs have to say about the latest and greatest developments as the game plows through beta.

Questions for the chat may be submitted via Gods & Heroes' Facebook page, Twitter account or the official forums.

MassivelyCatch the latest Gods & Heroes development team live chat today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-chatfacebookgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveq-and-aquestions-and-answersromanstwitterustreamTue, 12 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Join the next phase of Gods and Heroes testing with our beta key giveaway!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/join-the-next-phase-of-gods-and-heroes-testing-with-our-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/join-the-next-phase-of-gods-and-heroes-testing-with-our-beta-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/28/join-the-next-phase-of-gods-and-heroes-testing-with-our-beta-key/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gods and Heroes is all set to begin its next phase of beta testing tomorrow. This round will last until April 3rd, so participants have just under one week to log in and go bug-hunting.

If you want to be one of those testers, we've got you covered with our latest beta key giveaway. Visit our giveaway page to claim your key, then download Gods and Heroes -- you'll create your account from the launcher itself, rather than on the site. Once you've used the "create account" function on the Gods and Heroes launcher, log in on the site, verify your email, and input your beta key as prompted. (If you are asked to choose a payment method, select "Game Time Code." On the following screen, press the cancel button. A payment method is not required for you to play.)

Once you're done, you're ready to jump into the closed beta of Gods and Heroes!

GET YOUR KEY

MassivelyJoin the next phase of Gods and Heroes testing with our beta key giveaway! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keyclosed-betaclosed-beta-keyclosed-beta-key-giveawaycontestcontestsgiveawaygiveawaysgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveMon, 28 Mar 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[[Updated] Gods & Heroes developers preparing for another live chat!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/gods-and-heroes-developers-preparing-for-another-live-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/gods-and-heroes-developers-preparing-for-another-live-chat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/14/gods-and-heroes-developers-preparing-for-another-live-chat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

[UPDATE: The Heatwave team has learned that the Ustream site is down for maintenance and may not be up in time for the live chat, so it's been postponed until next Tuesday, the 22nd, at 1:00 p.m. EDT]

We've been hearing more from the Gods & Heroes team as development progresses, and now that the NDA has lifted, the devs are feeling chatty.

Massively will be co-hosting a live chat with the developers on their Ustream channel, a chat similar to the one we did back in December. This time they'll have lots more to talk about, but they want to hear from you too! You can submit questions today through the Gods & Heroes Facebook page, through Twitter, or in the game forums, and the team will answer them during the live chat.

Not sure what to ask? The developers will be talking about GDC, expectations for estates, social media features, and much more -- so use those topics to get some ideas and send your questions in today!

The live chat begins tomorrow, the 15th, at 1:00 p.m. EDT on the Gods & Heroes Ustream channel. We'll see you there!

Massively[Updated] Gods & Heroes developers preparing for another live chat! originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developer-chatgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivelive-chatlive-eventustreamMon, 14 Mar 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/04/gods-and-heroes-dev-blog-talks-class-balance/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hot on the heels of its GDC updates, Heatwave Interactive has released a new dev blog detailing further aspects of Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising. The mythological MMORPG boasts four unique character classes (the Priest, the Soldier, the Gladiator, and the Mystic), and today's dev blog offers a look at a few class-specific issues through the eyes of senior content designer Todd Bailey.

Bailey discusses how the Soldier and Gladiator differ despite the fact that both focus on close-range melee combat. He also talks about why the Scout and Nomad classes won't be available at launch. "The honest answer is that the Nomad was completely overpowered as a class and just felt like it was the catch-all for abilities that didn't go anywhere else," Bailey explains. He also says that combat tuning and balancing is an ongoing process, noting that the overall combat feel is much improved even though a few new wrinkles have been introduced during the tweaking process. Head to the official Gods & Heroes website for the full dev diary.

In still other G&H news, Heatwave has officially dropped the game's NDA, so beta players can now freely talk about the title here and elsewhere!

MassivelyGods & Heroes dev blog talks class balance, lifts NDA originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesdev-blogdev-diaryfantasygladiatorgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactivemysticmythologyndanda-droppriestsoldiertodd-bailyFri, 04 Mar 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Gods & Heroes hopes to give its audience something unexpected]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-gods-and-heroes-hopes-to-give-its-audience-something-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-gods-and-heroes-hopes-to-give-its-audience-something-u/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/03/gdc-2011-gods-and-heroes-hopes-to-give-its-audience-something-u/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

The in-game story for Gods and Heroes begins with a Roman general returning home after his time in war only to be thrust into battle again. The history of the game itself mirrors this journey: In October 2006, the original creators of the game, Perpetual Entertainment, shut down. However, in August 2010, independent developer Heatwave Interactive picked up the rights to develop and distribute the game. Our hero's journey started once more. Just as your character in G&H returns home to an estate in ruins and a craving for revenge, Heatwave developers are fighting back the old gods and attacking the game with renewed vigor.

At GDC 2011, our editor-in-chief Shawn Schuster discussed the rise, fall, and rebirth of the game with CEO Anthony Castoro, Lead Designer Tim Schubert, and Community Manager Donna Prior. "I think a lot of people expected us to go free-to-play and microtransact the minions then put it out there. But in early alpha tests and beta tests, people really wanted a full game out of this and expect us to treat it a certain way. We are working really hard to do that," said Castoro, who went on to assure us that he is not just out to make money -- he hopes to deliver a great game too. Follow after the break to find out what is going to make this game victorious in the gladiatorial arena.

Gallery: Gods and Heroes

Continue reading GDC 2011: Gods & Heroes hopes to give its audience something unexpected

MassivelyGDC 2011: Gods & Heroes hopes to give its audience something unexpected originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castoroblood-and-gorecraftingdonna-priorfeaturedgallerygame-developers-conferencegdcgdc-2011gods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactiveinterviewmature-contentminionsmythologypet-classplayer-estateplayer-housingrometim-shuberttrailervideoThu, 03 Mar 2011 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your gladiator on with our Gods & Heroes beta key giveaway]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/get-your-gladiator-on-with-our-gods-and-heroes-beta-key-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/get-your-gladiator-on-with-our-gods-and-heroes-beta-key-giveaway/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/01/get-your-gladiator-on-with-our-gods-and-heroes-beta-key-giveaway/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you've been wanting to check out the godlike powers and classes of Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising but haven't made it into the closed beta as yet, we've got a giveaway you're going to love! Heatwave Interactive has sent over 750 more shiny new closed beta keys for those seeking an adventure in historical-themed lands but who didn't manage to snag a key the last time we gave them away.

All you need to do to snag your very own closed beta key is to pop by our Gods and Heroes: Rome Rising beta code giveaway page and click the button at the bottom of the page. From there, just follow the step-by-step instructions we've tucked behind the break to get your account started and download the game. After that, it's off for adventure in the MMRoman empire!

Continue reading Get your gladiator on with our Gods & Heroes beta key giveaway

MassivelyGet your gladiator on with our Gods & Heroes beta key giveaway originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keyscontestsgiveawaygiveawaysgnhgods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risingheatwaveheatwave-interactiverome-risingTue, 01 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes details classes and releases new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/17/gods-and-heroes-details-classes-and-releases-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The devs at Heatwave Interactive have given Gods & Heroes fans a bit more information to mull over as they wait anxiously for the title's debut. In a press release dated earlier this morning, Heatwave detailed the game's four character classes and released an accompanying batch of screenshots.

While the classes don't stray too far from MMORPG norms, it's nonetheless instructive to see exactly what the game has in store. First up is the Gladiator, who, as you might surmise, exists to do massive melee damage at close range. The Soldier is your basic tank archetype, responsible for juggling aggro and taking a beating for his friends. The Mystic is Gods & Heroes' answer to ranged DPS, while the Priest is, crazily enough, the main healer.

You can get a full rundown on Gladiators, Soldiers, Priests, and Mystics at the game's main website, and don't forget to check out the new screens below.

Gallery: Gods and Heroes

MassivelyGods & Heroes details classes and releases new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classesfantasygallerygladiatorgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivemysticmythologypress-releasepriestscreenshotssoldierThu, 17 Feb 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes looking for a few good volunteers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/gods-and-heroes-looking-for-a-few-good-volunteers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/gods-and-heroes-looking-for-a-few-good-volunteers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/11/gods-and-heroes-looking-for-a-few-good-volunteers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Heatwave Interactive has released an internal Q&A session focused on the Praetorian Guards program surrounding its new Gods & Heroes MMORPG. What, pray tell, is a Praetorian Guard? Well aside from the poor bloke that Russell Crowe's General Maximus unhorsed during the first reel of Ridley Scott's Gladiator, a Praetorian is also an elite Gods & Heroes community member "who volunteers [his] time to role-play, [run] events, and coordinate dungeon runs and quests." Guard members also maintain the game's wiki and collect player feedback pertaining to their assigned roles.

Sound interesting? Head to the official Gods & Heroes dev blog for a full listing of the positions available as well as the perks and membership guidelines.

MassivelyGods & Heroes looking for a few good volunteers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-diaryevent-staffeventsfantasygods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivemaximuspraetorianpraetorian-guardvolunteersFri, 11 Feb 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Film yourself playing Gods & Heroes to be immortalised in a trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/film-yourself-playing-gods-and-heroes-to-be-immortalised-in-a-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/film-yourself-playing-gods-and-heroes-to-be-immortalised-in-a-trai/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/04/film-yourself-playing-gods-and-heroes-to-be-immortalised-in-a-trai/#commentsFiled under: , ,

When Perpetual Entertainment closed its doors in 2008, it seemed all hope of the MMO Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising being released was lost. Thankfully, the game was taken up by Heatwave Interactive early last year, and the studio has been pushing it to completion ever since. The game's closed beta is already underway, and the Gods & Heroes team is now offering beta-testers the chance to be featured in an upcoming official game trailer.

As part of her ongoing "First Friday" event series, Community Manager Donna "Danicia" Prior wants players to break out their webcams and film themselves playing the game. Rather than asking players to capture footage of in-game characters, the Gods & Heroes team wants to see what the player behind the character looks like.

An official in-game meet-up is happening today in Rome at the Forum Romanum from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. CST to help players partner up and come up with ideas. If you don't make it to the event, the devs at Heatwave Interactive still want to see footage of the player behind your character. For full details on how to enter and the required video specifications, head over to the official Gods & Heroes First Friday announcement.

MassivelyFilm yourself playing Gods & Heroes to be immortalised in a trailer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Daniciadonna-prioreventfilmfirst-fridayForum-Romanumgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveRomevideoFri, 04 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes lead designer and art team hosting live community chat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/gods-and-heroes-lead-designer-and-art-team-hosting-live-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/gods-and-heroes-lead-designer-and-art-team-hosting-live-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/25/gods-and-heroes-lead-designer-and-art-team-hosting-live-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Normally, pre-release fan communities are overflowing with questions for a game's developers. Whether they're specifics on combat, crafting, or any of the traditional ingredients that make up our favorite genre, queries and concerns abound during the information void that usually accompanies an MMO's beta stages.

Gods & Heroes is looking to rectify this situation with a live Q&A event featuring the game's lead developer and members of the art team. Heatwave Interactive is hosting a USTREAM chat today at 6:00 p.m. CST, and the devs will be fielding live questions from the streaming audience as well as those submitted prior to the broadcast.

Get in on all the action by visiting the Gods & Heroes USTREAM channel, and don't forget to submit your questions ahead of time via the game's forum, Facebook, and Twitter pages to increase your chances of being heard.

MassivelyGods & Heroes lead designer and art team hosting live community chat originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-chatdeveloper-chatfantasygods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivelive-eventmythologyqaquestion-and-answerroman-mythologyrome-risingustreamTue, 25 Jan 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods and Heroes celebrates its first in-game event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/gods-and-heroes-celebrates-its-first-in-game-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/gods-and-heroes-celebrates-its-first-in-game-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/28/gods-and-heroes-celebrates-its-first-in-game-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Friends, Romans, gamers, lend me your ears; for in the early evening of Friday, December 31, 2010, doth the great Heatwave Interactive strike out with its first in Gods and Heroes in-game event. A new year is nigh, and the creators of the Roman mythological MMO would like to celebrate with the beta testers. If you are one of the lucky ones to have access to the game, you do not want to miss the opportunity to meet and greet the developers in this social event.

The Gods and Heroes Community Manager Dancia (Donna Prior) will also be celebrating her birthday that evening, and she thought the best way to commemorate the day was to throw a party in game. The developers will be hanging out in Roma for a couple of hours starting at 5 p.m. EST. You are welcome to come wish Dancia a happy birthday there, just don't ask how old she is. That's rude.

For more information on the event or to find out how you can join in the beta, be sure to visit the official Gods and Heroes website.

MassivelyGods and Heroes celebrates its first in-game event originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadanciadonna-priorend-of-the-year-2010gods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivein-game-eventTue, 28 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes USTREAM: Your chance to chat with the devs! [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gods-and-heroes-ustream-your-chance-to-chat-with-the-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gods-and-heroes-ustream-your-chance-to-chat-with-the-devs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/gods-and-heroes-ustream-your-chance-to-chat-with-the-devs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Are you curious about the current state of Heatwave's Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising MMO? Are you desperate for a new MMO world devoid of pointy-eared elves and blobby aliens from another dimension? Are you a classical civilizations anthropologist hoping to see your field of study desecrated in a glorious union of hack and slash? Then join Massively tonight from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. EST as we help host Heatwave's USTREAM chat about the game! We'll be moderating live and forwarding your burning questions to the devs... burning questions like, did Heatwave's Anthony Castoro really shave his head last weekend in response to G&H's stress-test turnout?

Log in to the G&H USTREAM page at 7 p.m. EST tonight to find out! And if you have any last-minute questions, add them right here in the comments so we can pass them along!

[Updated: The live chat is over, but you can still watch the show after the cut!]

Continue reading Gods & Heroes USTREAM: Your chance to chat with the devs! [Updated]

MassivelyGods & Heroes USTREAM: Your chance to chat with the devs! [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castorobetadev-chatdeveloper-chatgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivelive-chatlive-eventmythologyroman-mythologyustreamTue, 21 Dec 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Attend Gods & Heroes stress test, shave a CEO's head]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/attend-gods-and-heroes-stress-test-shave-a-ceos-head/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/attend-gods-and-heroes-stress-test-shave-a-ceos-head/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/16/attend-gods-and-heroes-stress-test-shave-a-ceos-head/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

How committed are you to your projects? Will you stay up late at night working? Give up weekends? Shave your head? Well, that's just how dedicated the Gods & Heroes CEO Anthony Castoro is to the upcoming stress test for the mythological MMORPG. The Heatwave Interactive chief offered a challenge to the fans and staff: If they are able to get 3000 concurrent players in the stress test, he would shave his head bald. (An artist's rendering is above -- oh, wait, that's a screenshot, never mind.) The stress test will take place this Saturday, December 18th from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. EST.

This MMO pits Roman warriors against the wicked Telchine gods to gain renown with the gods of Olympus. And if you're looking to get in on the beta action or just like to see people shave their heads, you can rush over to the Gods & Heroes official website to sign up. Email invites to the stress test are still being sent.

Also, don't miss the Massively hosted chat with key member of this development team on Tuesday, December 21st 7 p.m. EST via Ustream.

MassivelyAttend Gods & Heroes stress test, shave a CEO's head originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castorobetagods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactiveshaved-headstress-teststress-testingthis-guy-is-committedThu, 16 Dec 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's hosting a live chat with Gods & Heroes developers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/massivelys-hosting-a-live-chat-with-gods-and-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/massivelys-hosting-a-live-chat-with-gods-and-heroes-developers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/massivelys-hosting-a-live-chat-with-gods-and-heroes-developers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Gods & Heroes is the MMORPG based on Roman mythology being developed by Heatwave Interactive. This exciting MMO pits you against the Telchine gods, who have started a heavenly war with the Olympic gods. While defending Rome against this crushing fallout, you attempt to gain favor with the gods of Olympus.

Highlight Tuesday, December 21st at 7 p.m. EST on your calendar. Massively is helping to host a developers chat on Ustream. Key members of the Gods & Heroes development team will be there to answer your questions. They only have an hour to talk, so we would like to give you an opportunity to submit your question ahead of time. There are a few ways to get your question in early so it is more likely to get answered: post on the forums, send a tweet via Twitter, comment on the G&H Facebook page, or simply comment below.

For more information on the game itself or to sign up for beta testing opportunities, be sure to visit the official website, and we will see you on Tuesday!

MassivelyMassively's hosting a live chat with Gods & Heroes developers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anthony-Castorobetadeveloper-chatgods-and-heroesheatwaveheatwave-interactivelive-chatlive-eventstress-testUstreamWed, 15 Dec 2010 15:00:00 EST