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[RuneScape coming to tablets this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape coming to tablets this year
RuneScape 3 is an ambitious project, especially for an MMO series as old as RuneScape's, but Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard told IGN in a recent interview that they're ready to take the wildly popular MMO to the next level. This not only means the previously announced change from a Java-based platform to HTML5, but it also means that the game will be coming to tablets by Q4 of this year.

Gerhard also added that the possibility of a smartphone connection is there as well, but only as an addition to the overall game experience. Where else can Jagex go from here? Smart TVs? Consoles? Both are possibilities, according to Gerhard.

MassivelyRuneScape coming to tablets this year originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiomark-gerhardmobilersrunescapesandboxtabletsThu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape 3 to offer all-new experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

RuneScape 3 to offer allnew experience
With twelve years already under its belt, and a good chunk of those years providing weekly updates, it's understandable if new players might consider RuneScape literally too big to get into. So how do you circumvent this and continue to expand the population base? Why, you throw in a major update and rename the game to RuneScape 3, of course!

In a recent interview, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard talked to Gamasutra about how this exact approach gives the game an all-new feel that is more likely to draw in new players who might otherwise overlook it. He stated, "We could have called it RuneScape Next Age if we wanted to, and part of my thinking was, for people who haven't played this game in a year, it's going to be night and day. It's not a completely new game, but it's certainly a new experience." RuneScape 3 will have a more powerful audio engine, boosted visuals and a better draw distance, and upgrades to the UI, among other things.

Just like back with RuneScape 2, the plan is to maintain the RuneScape 3 moniker for a while, then drop the numeral and return to the original name again.

MassivelyRuneScape 3 to offer all-new experience originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studioluring-new-playersMark-GerhardrsrunescapeRuneScape-3sandboxupdateFri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Old-school RuneScape early access starts today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/old-school-runescape-early-access-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/old-school-runescape-early-access-starts-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/old-school-runescape-early-access-starts-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Old-school RuneScape early access starts today
Those old-school RuneScape servers we told you about earlier this week are launching an early access period today. The shards will revisit the title as it was in late 2007, a window that Jagex says is "heralded as one of the defining periods of the game by its players."

The firm is opening up a voting period through which players will decide how much developer investment should be devoted to old-school RuneScape going forward. The options range from a basic service with critical maintenance to a full dev team that will iterate based on player input.

Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard notes that this isn't the first time his company has left major decisions in the hands of its users. In 2011, RuneScape's Free Trade and Wilderness mechanics were reintroduced to the game following a player poll. "Our players' dedication, passion, feedback, and enthusiasm all provide the compass, energy, and satisfaction that powers Jagex," he said. Jagex says that over 250,000 votes were cast in the old-school poll.

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyOld-school RuneScape early access starts today originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiomark-gerhardold-schoolrsrunescaperunescape-old-schoolsandboxFri, 22 Feb 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex announces new account security for RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/jagex-announces-new-account-security-for-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/jagex-announces-new-account-security-for-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/jagex-announces-new-account-security-for-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jagex announces new account security for Runescape
Account security is a pretty big deal. Because it's a pretty big deal, Jagex has created the Jagex Account Guardian (J.A.G.) to help RuneScape players to better manage and defend their own security. Players can use the J.A.G. to connect specific trusted devices with their accounts for an extra line of defense. After the J.A.G. has been enabled on an account, any attempts to play from an untrusted device will require the user to go through additional steps of verification.

Mark Gerhard, CEO of Jagex, says that "Ensuring the integrity and security of our valued community's information has always been a top priority," and adds that Jagex is taking the responsibility of protecting players' investments very seriously.

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyJagex announces new account security for RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-securitybrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playj-a-gjagexjagex-account-guardianjagex-games-studiomark-gerhardrsrunescapesandboxTue, 11 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape throwing the Queen a royal celebration on June 2nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/runescape-throwing-the-queen-a-royal-celebration-on-june-2nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/runescape-throwing-the-queen-a-royal-celebration-on-june-2nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/runescape-throwing-the-queen-a-royal-celebration-on-june-2nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape
Royalty is coming to RuneScape on June 2nd, as Jagex is celebrating the Queen of England's Diamond Jubilee (that's 60 years on the throne, if you're wondering). Players in the game will be invited to join in a massive block party that will include sampling British cuisine, solving clues, petting the Queen's Corgis, and collecting numerous treasures scattered throughout the Royal city of Varrock. There's even a giant Queen Black Dragon to be defeated, but be warned: She's one of the toughest mobs in the game.

This celebration is partially in response to the honor (honour) that the Queen gave the studio in April of this year, as Jagex was granted the Queen's Award for Innovation in Enterprise.

"We thought it was only appropriate to return our appreciation and admiration by immortalising the Queen's monumental 60-year achievement by providing an online platform for hundreds of millions of people around the world to come together," said CEO Mark Gerhard. "Friends and family will share in the fun and celebrations of this very special day celebrating her Diamond Jubilee, by hosting what may be the first, but certainly will be the world's largest, virtual street party."

If you're wondering if the Queen will be there, well, Jagex did extend an invitation. You can watch the Jubilee Celebration trailer after the jump.

[Source: Jagex press release]

Continue reading RuneScape throwing the Queen a royal celebration on June 2nd

MassivelyRuneScape throwing the Queen a royal celebration on June 2nd originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 May 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>block-partybrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoclue-huntcorgidiamond-jubileef2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventjagexjagex-games-studiojubilee-celebrationMark-Gerhardpartyqueenqueen-black-dragonqueen-of-englandrsrunescapesandboxtrailervideoThu, 31 May 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex pauses Stellar Dawn's development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/jagex-pauses-stellar-dawns-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/jagex-pauses-stellar-dawns-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/jagex-pauses-stellar-dawns-development/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Stellar Dawn
Word to the wise: Don't put "dawn" into any part of your MMO's name, or else it will get hit by the curse of breaking dawn. Just ask Dawntide, DAWN, and now, Stellar Dawn.

Yes, unfortunately it's true. Jagex announced that it's suspending development on Stellar Dawn to make sure the company is in the best position possible by concentrating on Transformers Universe and RuneScape. While the studio was able to shuffle most of Stellar Dawn's team around to new positions, the decision still resulted in the loss of 12 jobs.

In a prepared statement, CEO Mark Gerhard was highly complimentary of Stellar Dawn's team and progress. "Jagex has always been committed to developing the highest quality games and services. This is not a decision we have taken lightly; the Stellar Dawn team has achieved a great deal developing the game and should rightly be proud of their achievements so far."

Stellar Dawn fans might find hope in the language being used by the team in the forum announcement, as the title's development is described as being "paused" and a "temporary move" instead of being outright cancelled.

MassivelyJagex pauses Stellar Dawn's development originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arrested-developmentarrested-development-was-an-awesome-showbreaking-dawncancelcurse-of-breaking-dawndawndawntidefreeze-developmentjagexkillkill-developmentmark-gerhardrunescapestellar-dawnsuspend-developmenttransformers-universeFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex CEO predicts the imminent demise of physical game retailers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/jagex-ceo-predicts-the-imminent-demise-of-physical-game-retailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/jagex-ceo-predicts-the-imminent-demise-of-physical-game-retailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/21/jagex-ceo-predicts-the-imminent-demise-of-physical-game-retailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Mark Gerhard
Brick-and-mortar outlets, be warned: your days are numbered. Or so says Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard, who told an audience at BAFTA Question Time that physical retailers were living on borrowed time -- and that before long, such stores would be "museum pieces."

Gerhard says that these retailers, such as UK's GAME, will be gone within a decade. "The writing has been on the wall for quite some time," he said. "I think, 10 years out from now, we'll be talking about [physical] retail nostalgically, as a museum piece."

He sees this as a positive development for the industry, saying that retailers take a slice of profits away from studios and make it hard for indie games to succeed. "People are still playing games. They're still doing business; they're just doing it in a different place. If you don't adapt you die. It's as simple as that," he said.

MassivelyJagex CEO predicts the imminent demise of physical game retailers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>baftabafta-question-timebrick-and-mortargameindie-gamesjagexjagex-game-studiosMark-Gerhardphysical-retailersq-and-aretailersukTue, 21 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex wins court case against RuneScape botters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/jagex-wins-court-case-against-runescape-botters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape - dragon food
Jagex Games Studio is trumpeting its legal victory against Mark and Eric Snellman. The brothers formed a company called Impulse Software, which now owes Jagex unspecified damages following a two-year legal battle concerning macro and botting tools for the company's RuneScape MMO.

The brothers have been muzzled as a result of an injunction, and they are forbidden from discussing Jagex, RuneScape, or the lawsuit. Additionally, the pair must relinquish "all websites, domains, source code and customer details to Jagex along with all the details of all those individuals who have developed scripts for iBOT and sold or re-sold those scripts," according to a company press release.

Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard vowed to protect RuneScape users from similar threats in the future. "We have spared no expense fighting this case, as demonstrated by the seven figure bill this action has cost, but the point of this and other cases of its kind is that we will continue bring to justice those who set out to harm the game or our beloved community. We are delighted to say that we have convincingly neutered them after a very long battle," he said.

Jagex also says that its "Bot Nuke" operation, which began in October and includes a suite of code obfuscation tools, has rendered 98% of RuneScape bots obsolete.

[Source: Jagex press release]

MassivelyJagex wins court case against RuneScape botters originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bot-nukebottersbottingbrowser-basederic-snellmanf2pfantasyfree-to-playibotimpulse-softwarejagexjagex-games-studiolegalmark-gerhardmark-snellmanrunescapesnellman-brothersMon, 23 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Staunchly British' Jagex sets the record straight about its new ownership]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/staunchly-british-jagex-sets-the-record-straight-about-its-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/staunchly-british-jagex-sets-the-record-straight-about-its-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/12/staunchly-british-jagex-sets-the-record-straight-about-its-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Jagex studios
Jagex doesn't take kindly to being called an American company these days, it appears. In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, CEO Mark Gerhard set the record straight about the recently reported deal that put the British game studio under the purview of an American investment firm.

Because the deal was made earlier last year, Gerhard sees this as old news and stressed that the company was trucking on much the same as it ever was. "The insinuation that this is a company that somehow now is run by bankers in the US again couldn't be further from the truth," he said. "Sure we therefore have some American shareholders, but the management and the culture and the ethos and everything else is the same people, in the same hands, and staunchly British."

He also clarified why the studio's profits were reported to be down: "If you look at our company's house filings, revenues are up but profits are down, and those aren't because we're doing a crap job, that's because we're consciously taking those profits and ploughing them back into the business."

Gerhard said that the company was "very, very selective" when it came to investors, and that it feels completely comfortable with the current board of directors. He said that the new investors were not interfering with the day-to-day development and operations of Jagex's ever-expanding library of titles: "I'm very excited for the year ahead and everyone in the studio is very focused on, not just making RuneScape and 8Realms a financial success, but our work on Stellar Dawn and even Transformers coming together to make truly great games for this year."

Massively'Staunchly British' Jagex sets the record straight about its new ownership originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8realmsboard-of-directorsbritishdealinsight-venture-partnersinterviewjagexMark-Gerhardpip-pip-cheerioprofitprofitsrevenuerunescapeshareholdersstellar-dawntransformers-universeThu, 12 Jan 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/02/free-for-all-the-real-damage-of-botting-in-the-words-of-a-botter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape screenshot
I received an interesting email from someone the other day, someone who wanted to let me in on the lifestyle of a botter. Frankly I was a little embarrassed for the guy since he seemed to believe me to be naive about the entire process. The truth is that I have met plenty of shady characters and heard stories that would make your eyes bug out of your head. I've heard these stories from the developers and players themselves. There truly is some nasty stuff going on in MMO gaming.

The saddest thing is that cheaters honestly think that what they do cannot possibly result in much harm for the game they are botting in, cheating at, or hacking up. It's sad because the truth is that a cheater, as one person, might not have much of an impact on the game. Add up several thousands of these scam artists and the results are mindboggling. Drive by your local dump to see just how much trash can pile up, one person at a time.

I want to shine some light on just how damaging botting can be. Click past the cut.

Continue reading Free for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter

MassivelyFree for All: The real damage of botting, in the words of a botter originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbotbotsbottersbottingf2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-allfree-to-playftpgold-farminggreedhackershackingjagexmark-gerhardrunescapeWed, 02 Nov 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape dev panel highlights incredible success of bot bans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/runescape-dev-panel-highlights-incredible-success-of-bot-bans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/runescape-dev-panel-highlights-incredible-success-of-bot-bans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/30/runescape-dev-panel-highlights-incredible-success-of-bot-bans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape title image
Over the past few weeks, we've heard a great deal about browser MMO RuneScape's struggle against botting and RMT. The bot problem has become progressively worse over the past year, with bot makers countering every change developers made to stop their bots from working. This week developer Jagex celebrated bot-nuking day as it deployed a massive update designed to permanently stop all of the popular reflection and injection bots from working.

At this year's annual RuneFest event, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard presented a fantastic insider panel on the facts and figures behind bot-nuking day. Mark explained the company's position -- that normal players botting to speed up gameplay was counter to the goals of RuneScape. "We don't want your computer to play with our computer," he told attendees, "we want you to have fun with our community." Before delving into facts and figures, Mark reminded attendees of the element of unfairness that bots create. "I want to know that if I'm putting in 30 minutes this evening, that that 30 minutes is equal to everyone else's 30 minutes."

Want to know how many million accounts were banned since bot-nuking day? Read on for a summary of the facts and figures from the talk and to watch the full video in HD.

Continue reading RuneScape dev panel highlights incredible success of bot bans

MassivelyRuneScape dev panel highlights incredible success of bot bans originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>banbanningbansbot-nuking-daybotsbottingcluster-fluttererdev-diarydev-paneleventeventsevents-real-lifemark-gerhardnewsrunefestrunefest-2011videoSun, 30 Oct 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex CEO hints at why RuneScape hasn't come to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/jagex-ceo-hints-at-why-runescape-hasnt-come-to-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape - concept art
Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard is one of the more quotable head honchos in the gaming business, and he didn't disappoint at the recent Edinburgh Interactive conference. Gerhard spoke in no uncertain terms about the difficulties inherent in bringing Jagex's long-running RuneScape browser MMO to game consoles like the Xbox 360 and the PlayStation 3.

The problem according to Gerhard?

Microsoft and Sony. "They said 'we cannot let the Microsoft community play with the Sony community,''' he explained, before offering his response and an explanation as to why RuneScape has yet to appear on a console. "We're not going to frame our community into boxes just for a few million more customers. Of course I'd love a few million more customers, but I just wouldn't do it [...] you almost become the disease you're trying to solve."

MassivelyJagex CEO hints at why RuneScape hasn't come to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-mmoconferencesconsolesjagexmark-gerhardmicrosoftmmo-industryplaystation-3real-world-eventsrunescapesonyxbox-360Fri, 26 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex offering fans a chance to shape the future of RuneScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/jagex-offering-fans-a-chance-to-shape-the-future-of-runescape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Outspoken fans of RuneScape (and more specifically, the game's former Wilderness implementation) are being given a unique opportunity to shape the future of the title. Jagex has just announced a public vote to determine whether the old mechanics will be restored.

"We have released a host of new content which provides a comparable PvP experience to the old Wilderness, and mechanics to allow increased trade limits with long term friends but we are still regularly told by players that they want more. We want to find out whether the passionate voices we hear on this topic are truly representative of entire community or just a vocal minority. If the vast majority of our players support the campaign then we will restore these features to the game as quickly as possible," says Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard in a press released dated yesterday.

So, whether you want to score one for virtual worlds with consequences or you'd prefer your online games (or at least RuneScape) be safe havens and relatively free of risk, Jagex is offering you the chance to shape an MMO that is quite rare, if not unprecedented.

MassivelyJagex offering fans a chance to shape the future of RuneScape originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>choiceconsequencesf2pfree-to-playfree-tradejagexjagex-game-studiosjagex-games-studiojagex-ltdmark-gerhardpvprunescapetradewildernessWed, 22 Dec 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex pregnant with its third MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/29/jagex-pregnant-with-its-third-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Look who's expecting: Jagex, the maker of RuneScape, not only has one bun in the oven (Stellar Dawn) but another MMO cooking as well. In an interview with Eurogamer, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard announced that the company is working on a new fantasy title.

"A lot of what we've done to push the boundary for Stellar Dawn will benefit RuneScape and another MMO we're working on," Gerhard said. "We've got the advantage in that we share the same MMO tech platform. From there it's really down to the studios to decide how its [sic] used."

While he was reluctant to share the name of the baby, er, new game, Gerhard said that it was not a sequel to RuneScape. This follows their recent announcement of Stellar Dawn, the company's "biggest MMO to date." You can read the full article at Eurogamer.

MassivelyJagex pregnant with its third MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingceoeurogamerhes-having-a-babyjagexmark-gerhardnew-mmonew-titlerunescapestellar-dawnThu, 29 Jul 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Runescape's Mark Gerhard talks self-publishing success]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/runescapes-mark-gerhard-talks-self-publishing-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/runescapes-mark-gerhard-talks-self-publishing-success/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/16/runescapes-mark-gerhard-talks-self-publishing-success/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Jagex, makers of the successful browser-based MMORPG Runescape, went through a who's who listing of game publishers before ultimately deciding to fly solo and self-publish their free-to-play fantasy title. Company CEO Mark Gerhard minced few words when speaking about the trials and tribulations of securing a publishing deal during a talk at this week's Develop Conference.

"We went to publishers like Activision and EA and said we've got an awesome browser game, and they said **** off. We went back and said we've got a million users and they said bull****. The necessity forced us to become a publisher," Gerhard said.

Ultimately, Jagex was able to parlay their success into an investment deal with Sony, and is also releasing multiple additional titles including War of Legends, an iPhone game called Bouncedown, and numerous casual titles via the FunOrb gaming portal. Check out the original article at Game Politics for more details.

MassivelyRunescape's Mark Gerhard talks self-publishing success originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bouncedownbrowser-basedf2pfree-to-playfunorbiphonejagexmark-gerhardpublisherspublishingrunescapeself-publishwar-of-legendsFri, 16 Jul 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex announces Stellar Dawn: "biggest release to date"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/jagex-announces-stellar-dawn-biggest-release-to-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/jagex-announces-stellar-dawn-biggest-release-to-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/14/jagex-announces-stellar-dawn-biggest-release-to-date/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The newest MMO to come from Jagex is an ambitious one. CEO Mark Gerhard calls Stellar Dawn the studio's "biggest release to date," adding that the team is extremely excited about the project.

The team is keeping the majority of details quiet for the time being, but we do know that the game is sci-fi, free-to-play, and set for launch in 2011. The first round of screenshots gives us a look at the world of Stellar Dawn through environmental scenery, and Mark created a short video to introduce the game.

Want to know more? You might have a chance to, because Jagex is currently accepting signups for the first round of (as yet undated) closed beta testing. Check out the art and video below, and visit Stellar Dawn's main page to apply for the beta.

Gallery: Stellar Dawn

Continue reading Jagex announces Stellar Dawn: "biggest release to date"

MassivelyJagex announces Stellar Dawn: "biggest release to date" originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playftpjagexmark-gerhardsci-fistellar-dawnWed, 14 Jul 2010 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex cancels MechScape at significant cost, restarts anew]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jagex-cancels-mechscape-at-significant-cost-restarts-anew/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jagex-cancels-mechscape-at-significant-cost-restarts-anew/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/jagex-cancels-mechscape-at-significant-cost-restarts-anew/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard has indeed confirmed the cancellation of MechScape, although you wouldn't quite know it from his comments, which seem excited to be working on a different title with a new direction. This isn't the first time an in-development MMO has been rebooted in favor of a completely new direction, although Tabula Rasa at least kept its original name.

Why the sudden decision? According to Gerhard, MechScape wasn't able to avoid the same pitfalls of RuneScape. Of course, making such a move is going to cost Jagex millions, but their current financial success will be shouldering the weight. The new game -- known as Stellar Dawn -- should be coming in 2010 and will be based on the MechScape graphics engine.

The big changes planned for Stellar Dawn are content and combat focused, although no specifics were given by Gerhard. It's a bold move, no doubt, and sometimes this industry favors such decisions -- other times it punishes them significantly. Whether you look at this as stalled (Tabula Rasa) or prolonged (everything Blizzard) development, you have to admit it creates a notable amount of interest in Jagex's 2010 game.

MassivelyJagex cancels MechScape at significant cost, restarts anew originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010blizzardbreakingcancelcancelledeurogamerjagexmark-gerhardmechscaperunescapestellar-dawntabula-rasaThu, 29 Oct 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New details surface about MechScape]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/new-details-surface-about-mechscape/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Ever since Massively first learned of Jagex's sci-fi follow up to RuneScape at GDC 2009, a project codenamed "MechScape" -- and that it will be more than "RuneScape in space" -- we've wondered what to expect from the game. Jagex has given us a few hints though: four distinct species; choice of alliances which affect player adventures; and the potential for cloning, player-built vehicles, perhaps even spaceship construction.

There's now more info out there about MechScape through a Eurogamer interview with the game's Chief Designer Henrique Olifiers. Eurogamer's Rob Purchese learned just how different a spin on MMOs MechScape might be. Olifiers said, "From the beginning we didn't want to make another RuneScape: it can't be another fantasy game, so no more elves... no more orcs, no more dragons." This sci-fi game will not share some of the standard MMO game mechanics we've come to expect.

Continue reading New details surface about MechScape

MassivelyNew details surface about MechScape originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chief-designereurogamergame-mechanicsgdc-2009henrique-olifiersinterviewsjagexmark-gerhardmechscapemmo-industrynew-titlesrob-purcheserunescapesci-fiMon, 31 Aug 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard discusses future of free-to-play on consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jagex-ceo-mark-gerhard-discusses-future-of-free-to-play-on-conso/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jagex-ceo-mark-gerhard-discusses-future-of-free-to-play-on-conso/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/jagex-ceo-mark-gerhard-discusses-future-of-free-to-play-on-conso/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The free-to-play MMO business model as it presently stands in North America and Europe is still strides behind what exists in Asia, but F2P is clearly making inroads in the West. What's less clear is how the free-to-play business model will evolve in the coming years. We've come across an interview with Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard conducted by Rob Crossley for Develop, which points to a few directions that free-to-play may take.

It's safe to say Gerhard knows a fair amount about the state of free-to-play games; RuneScape boasts millions of players and is a major success story with this business model. Gerhard specifically highlights his views on bringing free-to-play MMOs to consoles. Technological hurdles aside, Gerhard focuses on the business model applied to consoles and the industry's resistance to the concept of truly free-to-play titles appearing on Wii, Xbox 360 and PS3. You can read up about F2P meeting console MMOs in the Develop interview with Jagex's Mark Gerhard.

MassivelyJagex CEO Mark Gerhard discusses future of free-to-play on consoles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 May 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconsole-mmosconsolesdevelopf2pfantasyfree-to-playinterviewsjagexmark-gerhardmmo-industryrob-crossleyrunescapeTue, 26 May 2009 19:00:00 EST