Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Free for All: How I'm preparing for the release of Wakfu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/free-for-all-how-im-preparing-for-the-release-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/free-for-all-how-im-preparing-for-the-release-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/free-for-all-how-im-preparing-for-the-release-of-wakfu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wakfu screenshot
I'm not your typical fanboy. I get excited about an upcoming game, but generally I will not believe in its greatness until I play it. Usually I can get my hands on the game before it comes out so I can see what the fuss is about, but I never find myself that ramped up until release day. Then, and only then, will I really pay attention.

Wakfu is one of those games I know is going to at least be different from its rivals. I have already played a bit in all of the betas and now know that it is far from your typical MMO. The classes are different and fun; the lore and artwork is amazing. It runs on almost any PC. The game doesn't insult the player with hand-holding and non-stop popups. It really does walk that fine line between a sandbox and a more linear game.

So how am I preparing for the release of this unique game?

Continue reading Free for All: How I'm preparing for the release of Wakfu

MassivelyFree for All: How I'm preparing for the release of Wakfu originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceankamaankama-gamesbeau-hindmanbetaf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpIsometriclaunchlaunchesSquare-EnixSquareEnixTurn-basedwakfuWed, 29 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Wakfu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-wakfu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Wakfu screenshot
In June, I drove down to Austin, Texas, to once again participate in GDC Online. I do it every year if I can, and I love it. It's a smaller event when compared to the larger E3s and other conventions, but it is more personal and up-close. My favorite speaker at this last event had to be David Calvo from Ankama Games. When he first came out barefoot, I was honestly worried that the chat would be all about goofy, "deep" design techniques that had no real use in practice. In the end, his talk was deep but was really just asking developers to have fun and try new things. Yes, I know: new things. Crazy, huh?

If Wakfu is any proof, those design theories are put to practice every day at Ankama. Wakfu, for me, is a breath of fresh air in so many ways. Even though I am somewhat used to the design and art style, thanks in large part to playing the previous title Dofus, I still find myself loving how simply complex much of Wakfu is.

There are issues that come with complexity, however.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Wakfu

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Wakfu originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesbeau-hindmandavid-calvoDofusf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpglitchjagexLiveStreampreviewrise-and-shinyrunescapeRyzomsoeSony-Online-EntertainmentSquare-Enixstreamingthe-chronicles-of-spellbornthirst-of-nighttwitch-tvVanguard-Saga-of-HeroesvideowakfuSun, 15 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/new-wakfu-dev-diary-highlights-player-freedom-sandbox-features/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

WAKFU gameplay screenshot
If it's true that MMORPGs have become more linear as the genre has grown, it's also true that Ankama is setting out to do something different with WAKFU. The French development firm has released a new video dev diary titled Power to the Player, and it outlines how the free-to-play game is tackling some of the challenges inherent in sandbox design.

"We really wanted to make WAKFU a game based on freedom, a game which puts the player in control," says Ankama designer Azael. "Most current MMOs create a game and then insert the player. With WAKFU we aimed to create the game around the players."

WAKFU features very few NPCs (and no traditional vendor NPCs at all), and it also boasts mobs that don't drop money. Players create the game's currency themselves by harvesting ores and making use of minting machines, and players are also responsible for seeding the world with monsters since they don't respawn on their own. You can learn more about WAKFU by viewing the video after the break.

Continue reading New WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features

MassivelyNew WAKFU dev diary highlights player freedom, sandbox features originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesazaelcraftingcurrencydesigndev-diaryf2pfantasyfree-to-playgame-mechanicsin-game-currencyminting-machinesmobsmoneysandboxsandparksquare-enixvideowakfuFri, 13 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wakfu unveils release date trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/wakfu-unveils-release-date-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/wakfu-unveils-release-date-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/wakfu-unveils-release-date-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Wakfu
Wakfu, Ankama Games' upcoming tactical MMORPG, has been in beta for quite some time now, and people were beginning to wonder if it would ever get a release date. Well, wonder no more. Ankama has released a rather stylish trailer in order to announce the game's prospective launch window.

You can find the trailer after the cut, but just in case you're terribly impatient, the game is slated to release in February, 2012. Now what are you waiting for? Go watch the trailer. It's adorable.

Continue reading Wakfu unveils release date trailer

MassivelyWakfu unveils release date trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gameslaunchlaunch-datesquare-enixsquenixtrailertrailersvideovideoswakfuThu, 27 Oct 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Wakfu unveils the nation of Sufokia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/wakfu-unveils-the-nation-of-sufokia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/wakfu-unveils-the-nation-of-sufokia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/13/wakfu-unveils-the-nation-of-sufokia/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Wakfu
Players of the upcoming tactical MMORPG Wakfu will be able to visit all sorts of interesting, exotic places. One such location is the freshly announced Sufokia. The paradisiacal archipelago is not all sunshine and shining seas; it holds its fair share of dangers, like the irritable Albatrocious and the deadly Zordfish.

Sufokia will be available for players to experience in the next beta patch. If you're not in the closed beta and would like to jump in and see what the big deal about this uniquely strategic MMO is, just head on over to the official site and register for an account.

[Source: Ankama Games press release]

MassivelyWakfu unveils the nation of Sufokia originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesclosed-betaf2pfree-to-playsquare-enixsquenixsufokiatacticaltactical-mmorpgtactical-rpgtactical-strategywakfuThu, 13 Oct 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix to host Wakfu panel at Anime Expo 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/square-enix-to-host-wakfu-panel-at-anime-expo-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/square-enix-to-host-wakfu-panel-at-anime-expo-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/28/square-enix-to-host-wakfu-panel-at-anime-expo-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Do you like a little tactical strategy in your MMORPG? Are you planning on attending Anime Expo 2011 in Los Angeles? Then boy howdy do we ever have an announcement for you.

Square Enix, publisher of the upcoming turn-based tactical MMO Wakfu, is slated to host a panel at the massive California anime convention. Producer Franko Fonseca will be present at the panel to discuss the upcoming title and reveal new information on the game's development. To top it off, panel attendees will have a chance to win some adorable Wakfu plushies. So if you're looking to attend Anime Expo 2011, be sure to swing by the panel and let us know how it goes (and win us a plushie while you're at it!).

MassivelySquare Enix to host Wakfu panel at Anime Expo 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anime-expoanime-expo-2011ankamaankama-gamesf2pfranko-fonsecafree-to-playplushiessquaresquare-enixsquenixtactical-strategyturn-basedturn-based-combatwakfuTue, 28 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's first impressions of Wakfu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/14/massivelys-first-impressions-of-wakfu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

If you are a fan of Dofus, you might be familiar with my current mania. I was asked to take an early look at Wakfu, the game that could be called "Dofus 2.0," and I was given permission to talk about it. That's right, if it were a horrible menace to my free time, I would be able to tell you. If it didn't run, or if it were nothing but a mess of bugs, I could tell you that as well. Of course, I wasn't forbidden from telling you how much I might have liked it or how confident I was that the game truly felt like a "2.0," so I might just do some of that.

Remember, this is a closed beta I am about to talk about. Let's keep that in mind. OK, OK, I just have to say that -- sort of like an article disclaimer to do away with any responsibility I might have for my opinion. Now, I don't want to give you any spoilers, and I want you to promise to read to the end of the article, but let's just say that, closed beta or not, this game is really tight.

But let's go ahead and click past the cut, mkay? I want to tell you more.

Gallery: Wakfu beta screens


Continue reading Massively's first impressions of Wakfu

MassivelyMassively's first impressions of Wakfu originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesbeau-hindmanclosed-betacraftingDofusenvironmentalfeaturedFirst-Impressionsgalleryhands-onmabinogipreviewRyzomscreenshotsSquare-EnixTurn-basedwakfuweatherweather-systemsMon, 14 Feb 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Dofus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/rise-and-shiny-recap-dofus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/rise-and-shiny-recap-dofus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/02/rise-and-shiny-recap-dofus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Years ago I had to find a job in my new home state of Texas. Luckily for me, my wife hooked me up with a friend who helped me get hired at Starbucks. At first, I hung my head in shame. Later, though, I enjoyed dealing with customers and the free coffee. I had a co-worker, a real chin-scratching, coffee house wanna-be intellectual who would often spend more time dreaming about some game than about getting people on their breaks. He even brought his Macbook to work to sneak in time in the game.

I glanced over his shoulder one day and was delighted to see an odd-looking, cartoony, turn-based game on his screen. It turned out that the game was Dofus. I tried it immediately and fell in love with it, but that was years ago. I still found time to revisit the game, but once I started working at Massively, most of my time became dedicated to every other game in the world.

Well, it's time to visit it again. During the first part of this week, though, I thought this was going to be a disaster. I stayed strong and battled my way through bot after bot, spam message after spam message, and eventually found the great game I remember. Click past the cut to see exactly what I found!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Dofus

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Dofus originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesbeau-hindmanbotsDofusdofus-2.0f2pfeaturedflash-basedflash-based-mmofree-to-playftpgames-workshopgold-spamgold-spammerminiaturesmobilenetbooknotebookrise-and-shinyspamspam-botstable-toptable-top-gameswar40kWarhammer-40KSun, 02 Jan 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/22/free-for-all-four-games-im-dying-to-play-in-2011/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The year 2010 was a great year in gaming. If anyone tells you any different, look him in the eye -- you've just met a madman. In fact, 2010 did so much for me, personally, that it might be hard to top it for a while. I actually started getting paid to write my blog entries this year, discovered so many wonderful new developers this year, and played more hours than in all of the previous years combined.

As luck would have it, there are already several new games being announced that are making 2011 look like an even bigger year for me. Browser-based technology is only growing more robust and rich, indie gaming is finally starting to get a lot of the respect it deserves, and I now have the ability to contact almost any developer I want for use in my columns. All of this adds up to some exciting times ahead, for sure. All thanks to Massively, of course.

There are four games in particular that I am very excited about. More will come, I'm positive, but these four have already cast huge spells on me. Click past the cut to see what you should be excited about, too!

Continue reading Free for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011

MassivelyFree for All: Four games I'm dying to play in 2011 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landankamaankama-gamesbattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-basedbsg-onlineDofusdofus-2.0end-of-the-year-2010featuredfree-for-allfree-to-playftpglitchIndieindie-gamesmobile-gamingSquare-Enixunityunity-enginewakfuWed, 22 Dec 2010 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOFUS brings the holidays to players, then blows them up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dofus-brings-the-holidays-to-players-then-blows-it-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dofus-brings-the-holidays-to-players-then-blows-it-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/15/dofus-brings-the-holidays-to-players-then-blows-it-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The colorful world of DOFUS seems well-suited to a holiday celebration, especially with the amount of character embedded in the game's graphics. And one is taking place on Kwismas Island, beyond a shadow of a doubt. But there's still something else for players to look for, something that's far less merry than the dungeons of the island (whose merriness is already a rather dubious quality). It's the newest class of the game, the Rogue, a class focused on guns, explosives, and the use of both in tandem.

Capable of summoning a variety of elemental bombs as well as making elementally charged pistol attacks, Rogues are the 13th class in the game, available as a premium feature now. All DOFUS players can enjoy Kwismas Island, however, previewed in our gallery just below. Take a look at the Rogue teaser video past the cut, and consider the possible combination of holiday dungeons and heavy explosives. (It beats fruitcake and caroling.)

Gallery: DOFUS Kwismas Island gallery

Continue reading DOFUS brings the holidays to players, then blows them up

MassivelyDOFUS brings the holidays to players, then blows them up originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesclassclassesdofusexplosionsf2pfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryholiday-eventin-game-eventnew-classroguerogue-classteaservideovideoswinter-holiday-2010Wed, 15 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chill out in Frigost with a DOFUS beta key from Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/chill-out-in-frigost-with-a-dofus-beta-key-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/chill-out-in-frigost-with-a-dofus-beta-key-from-massively/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/06/18/chill-out-in-frigost-with-a-dofus-beta-key-from-massively/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ankama Games has just updated their DOFUS servers, and are introducing an all new area, Frigost, for players to check out. This chilly area is for those adventurers who have attained level 100 or higher, and offers lots of new challenges in the form of frozen lake dungeons and icy fields of enemies to battle through. There's also shiny new equipment, all new quests, and a new ice DOFUS (or dragon egg for those not familiar) for players to be found among the riches of this new land.

For those readers who have been playing DOFUS for some time, or are just looking for a fun new free-to-play game to check out, we've managed to snag 200 beta keys to get you into the frosty lands of Frigost early. All you have to do to snag one is to head over to our beta code giveaway page, grab a key, then follow the directions there to get signed up!

MassivelyChill out in Frigost with a DOFUS beta key from Massively originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jun 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Dofus is a game that's been around for a while now, first in its 1.0 form, and now as Dofus 2.0. It's a tactics-based game (many players have pointed out that it has a Final Fantasy feel about it), and while it's not as flashy as many of the graphics-heavy games on the market today, it's got a fair amount of substance to it. Dofus 2.0 offers a nice variety of combat areas, diverse and specialized classes, even crafting if that's your thing. Recently we were lucky enough to take a tour of Dofus 2.0 with Ankama's own Elissa Dukes. Follow along after the jump to see what we found.

Continue reading Massively's tour of Dofus 2.0

MassivelyMassively's tour of Dofus 2.0 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesdev-tourdeveloper-tourDofusdofus-2.0elissa-dukesfeaturedfinal-fantasytourThu, 04 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dofus opens their new version, Dofus 2.0, to simultaneous praise and worry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dofus-opens-their-new-version-dofus-2-0-to-simultaneous-praise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dofus-opens-their-new-version-dofus-2-0-to-simultaneous-praise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/dofus-opens-their-new-version-dofus-2-0-to-simultaneous-praise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

If you're a gamer looking for a tactical approach to MMOs, then you're pretty much going to want to play Dofus. Dofus is the MMO that takes a real-time strategy approach to combat, letting characters move in cells and conduct attacks in turns, very similar to the classic combat system of Final Fantasy Tactics.

Recently, the Dofus team has ripped open the packaging on Dofus 2.0, a huge update that gives the game improved graphics, new areas, gameplay, and much more. However, the update hasn't been released without a fair share of criticism. Ankama Games had made the decision to launch Dofus 2.0 while simultaneously keeping Dofus 1.26, the prior version, online on separate servers.

Continue reading Dofus opens their new version, Dofus 2.0, to simultaneous praise and worry

MassivelyDofus opens their new version, Dofus 2.0, to simultaneous praise and worry originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesbreakingdofusdofus-2.0final-fantasy-tacticsgraphics-updatemmortsreal-time-strategyMon, 14 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Move over BlizzCon, here comes AnkamaCon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/move-over-blizzcon-here-comes-ankamacon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/move-over-blizzcon-here-comes-ankamacon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/move-over-blizzcon-here-comes-ankamacon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If you thought Blizzard had the only MMO convention in town, think again. Ankama Games, the creators of Dofus and Wakfu, have announced their 4th annual convention -- AnkamaCon!

This year AnkamaCon will be in Paris and the theme is Gobbowl, a crazy sport introduced in Wakfu the animated series. Convention goers can expect to enjoy rooms that will be screening the Wakfu series, playable demonstrations of Ankama's games, a first look at Dofus-pocket for mobile phones, a chance to play the Wakfu trading card game before it releases, and much much more.

AnkamaCon will be June 27th and 28th, with weekend passes going for 29 euros in advance or 35 euros at the door. Families also have the option of family passes, which are 37 euros in advance or 45 at the door.

MassivelyMove over BlizzCon, here comes AnkamaCon originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankama-gamesankamaconconventiondofusdofus-2.0dofus-arenadofus-pocketpariswakfuwakfu-tcgwakfu-the-tv-seriesThu, 04 Jun 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Microsoft partners with Ankama Games to bring Wakfu to Xbox Live Arcade]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/microsoft-partners-with-ankama-games-to-bring-wakfu-to-xbox-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/microsoft-partners-with-ankama-games-to-bring-wakfu-to-xbox-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/microsoft-partners-with-ankama-games-to-bring-wakfu-to-xbox-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


If you have heard of Dofus or Wakfu, then you've heard of Ankama Games, the people Microsoft has just turned to for a new Xbox MMO-esque game. In their partnership announced today, Ankama will be bringing a new title, Islands of Wakfu, to Xbox Live Arcade late next year. Islands of Wakfu will keep the current cartoon style of Dofus and Wakfu, but utilize a more adventure/beat-'em-up style instead of the top down tactical style. Also, it's going to be more of a team play game, where two players work cooperatively together, rather than a full on MMO. The game promises to be set in the same universe as Ankama's other games and reveal new information about the world itself.

So it's not a full on MMO, but the offer certainly does open the doors of hope. Having a known MMO developer working on Xbox Live Arcade titles with their unique IP may herald other game developers to do the same. Who knows, we might end up with a Wakfu MMO on the arcade anyway!

[via TenTonHammer]

MassivelyMicrosoft partners with Ankama Games to bring Wakfu to Xbox Live Arcade originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesarcadebreakingdofusf2pfree-to-playislands-of-wakfumicrosoftnew-titleswakfuxbox-360xbox-livexbox-live-arcadexbox-mmoxbox360Thu, 18 Dec 2008 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Wakfu trailer spotlights cross-media push]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-wakfu-trailer-spotlights-cross-media-push/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-wakfu-trailer-spotlights-cross-media-push/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/21/new-wakfu-trailer-spotlights-cross-media-push/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


For those of us not fortunate enough to be part of the Wakfu closed beta, the game has remained something of a mystery. A beautiful, sexily-rendered 2D turn-based mystery, but a mystery nonetheless. We've seen a few screenshots, we know its release is going to be accompanied by an animated series, and we know the game is going to be in the same general vein as sister series Dofus, but beyond that it's still a little vague.

The marketing team over at French developer Ankama Games has passed a trailer our way that really highlights the synergy between the animated series and the game proper. It also puts the game engine into motion, giving us a better idea of what the gameplay might be like, including some glimpses of player-to-player interaction, albeit in French. Check out the video after the jump if this sounds like it might possibly be your cup of tea.

Continue reading New Wakfu trailer spotlights cross-media push

MassivelyNew Wakfu trailer spotlights cross-media push originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Danimated-seriesankama-gamesdofustrailerturn-basedvideowakfuMon, 21 Jul 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[First North American Dofus server opens Tuesday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/first-north-american-dofus-server-opens-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/first-north-american-dofus-server-opens-tuesday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/22/first-north-american-dofus-server-opens-tuesday/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Ankama Games' Dofus is something of a cult hit. Since its release in 2005, it has spawned two spin-offs. It's done things a bit differently than other MMOs, with turn-based combat and even hardcore permadeath servers. But the French company behind it is about to journey into a new frontier.

No, we're not talking about Wakfu. It turns out that the first North American Dofus server will be opening Tuesday the 24th of June. It'll be called "SOLAR," and new players on the server will get all sorts of bonus perks for the first week, including daily events, double experience points, and a few in-game gifts. The top ranked players at the end of the week will get even more gifts.

The new server is open only to subscribers, so if you're only playing in a free-to-play capacity, you're out of luck. Oh well. There's so little free content in Dofus now, we've come to think of it as pay-to-play anyway.

MassivelyFirst North American Dofus server opens Tuesday originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankama-gamesdofuseventgiftsnorth-americaserversolarwakfuSun, 22 Jun 2008 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare for Dofus 2.0!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/prepare-for-dofus-2-0/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ankama Games has announced the development of Dofus 2.0, an upgrade to their popular 2D MMO. Far from letting their first game go to seed in favor of the upcoming Wakfu, Ankama has rewritten the Flash-based game in Action Script 3, promising faster, better responsiveness to player commands.

Additionally, over 2,000 animations and 10,000 maps are being entirely redrawn, leading to what will feel like a revitalization of the same-old, same-old haunts you've known for so long. We can't wait to see what it will all look like once the dust has settled, with a beta planned for September.

[Thanks, Sergio!]

MassivelyPrepare for Dofus 2.0! originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2daction-script-3ankama-gamesdofusflashupgradewakfuFri, 09 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/dofus-arenas-cedric-gerard-takes-his-turn-at-an-interview/#commentsFiled under: , ,

DOFUS Arena poses a problem to us here at Massively because of it's name. On one hand we're completely into a massively game in the vein of turn-based strategy RPGs like Disgaea or Final Fantasy Tactics. While on the other hand, the name of this game makes us want to burn our eyeballs and then bury them. So when we saw this interview with Ankama Game's Cédric Gérard, it was a difficult call to make; burn and bury our eyes or write about the interview?

Continue reading DOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview

MassivelyDOFUS Arena's Cedric Gerard takes his turn at an interview originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankama-gamescedric-gerarddofusdofus-arenaflashjavaThu, 13 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dofus' Wakfu - the TV series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/dofus-wakfu-the-tv-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/dofus-wakfu-the-tv-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/dofus-wakfu-the-tv-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

As stated, Dofus is an MMO with an outstanding and appealing aesthetic; one that I've often wished were available to just watch, like a cartoon. Well, apparently Ankama Games and I were on the same wavelength, because sure enough, there's an animated show being produced as we speak!

Wakfu - the TV series follows the adventures of Yugo, a young boy with a strong sense of justice, and his four adventurous friends, each one of them a different warrior type from the world of Dofus. Take a gander at the trailer -- it's a fantastic mix of European and Asian animation styles and perfectly captures the sometimes alien, sometimes whimsical World of Twelve. No release date has been offered, but I'm keeping all channels open for the announcement!

MassivelyDofus' Wakfu - the TV series originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animatedanimationankama-gamesdofustrailertv-seriesvideowakfuworld-of-twelveyugoWed, 27 Feb 2008 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dofus opens test servers in America and Canada]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dofus-opens-test-servers-in-america-and-canada/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dofus-opens-test-servers-in-america-and-canada/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/dofus-opens-test-servers-in-america-and-canada/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As of yesterday, and continuing for the next month, Ankama Games' Dofus MMO will offer 5x the earned experience for all players playing on the new American test server. You can download the client software at the community site right away.

Dofus is an MMO I signed up for a long time ago and immediately fell in love with its art style. It's completely 2D, but the adorable design and animations are well worth the download -- and it's free! You can check out previous Massively entries on Dofus to help you decide if you want in or not, but don't wait too long ... 5x experience won't be around forever!

MassivelyDofus opens test servers in America and Canada originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2d5x-experienceamerican-serverankama-gamesdofustest-serverTue, 26 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dofus embraces permadeath with new hardcore servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dofus-embraces-permadeath-with-new-hardcore-server-type/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dofus-embraces-permadeath-with-new-hardcore-server-type/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/15/dofus-embraces-permadeath-with-new-hardcore-server-type/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Richard Bartle once said, "Do you want permadeath or pedophilia? Both seem equally attractive to most players." In other words, permanent death in MMORPGs is pretty much unheard of, and most people who hear the idea are horrified that it should even be suggested. A few MUDs have it, but in the graphical world, there's almost no such thing. The original Lord of the Rings MMO that was developed by Sierra and eventually canceled was going to have it. That's the closest we've gotten to mainstream MMO permadeath.

The developers of Dofus, then, are either completely insane or just very daring. They've announced plans to open up "hardcore" servers in December. On hardcore servers, player characters will receive significantly more experience and gain new items and abilities much faster than on normal servers. But when they die, that's it. They've passed on. They are no more. They have ceased to be. Bereft of life, they rest in peace. They've joined the bleeding choir invisible. They are, in their entireties, ex-Dofus toons.

At various stages in an age-old debate, proponents have suggested that if executed in the right way in a certain kind of game, permadeath could enrich the online gaming experience. Battles would be more intense and PvP would be more meaningful, for example. Will you play on Dofus' hardcore servers, or is permadeath an affront to everything you believe in?

MassivelyDofus embraces permadeath with new hardcore servers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2007 20:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaankama-gamesdeathdofusgame-mechanicshardcoremechanicsmiddle-earth-onlinemudmudspermadeathpermanent-deathrichard-bartleserverssierraThu, 15 Nov 2007 20:01:00 EST