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[Apple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/26/apple-releases-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles-to-the-app/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Star Legends
It's been a long time winding its way through the Apple approving process, but Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles is now available for iOS devices. The game, which is free with optional microtransaction purchases, is a universal app, so it will play on the iPod Touch, iPhone and iPad.

Apple users have had to wait significantly longer to get their hands on Star Legends than Android players, as the Android version was released much earlier this month. Spacetime Studios promises gamers that a "majority" of the content of the game is completely free-to-play, and characters can reach the level cap without having to pay a dime.

If you're interested in our impressions of this sci-fi blastathon, check out our Rise and Shiny Recap of Star Legends!

Gallery: Star Legends

MassivelyApple releases Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles to the app store originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidapp-storeappleapple-storeblackstarf2pfree-to-playiosipadiphoneipod-touchituneslaunchmobilemobile-mmoreleaserise-and-shinyspacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesFri, 26 Aug 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/17/rise-and-shiny-recap-star-legends-the-blackstar-chronicles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Spacetime Studios, makers of the current heavyweight champion of the mobile world Pocket Legends, has expanded its lineup by adding Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. I was more excited about this title than almost any other that was announced this year -- and for good reason. Pocket Legends proved that a real mobile MMO complete with a persistent world, real-time chat and multiplayer interaction is possible. Over this last year the developers have added on a lot of new options and kept the game moving forward. If their new game was going to follow the same patch as Pocket Legends, then more power to Spacetime.

At the same time, would they be able to overcome or improve some of the basic issues that comes with mobile gaming? And what exactly was the goal of making a second mobile MMO if a lot of your core design would remain the same... and a lot of your players would as well?

Click past the cut and I'll tell you what I found this week!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbig-brothers-big-sistersblackstarf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpmobilepocket-legendsrise-and-shinysmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsstar-legends-the-blackstar-chroniclesstar-warsSun, 17 Jul 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/10/e3-2011-spacetime-studios-on-the-legends-franchise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Blackstar has a new name to capitalize on the Legends brand -- it's now known as Star Legends: The Blackstar Chronicles. At this year's E3, we caught up with Spacetime Studios' Fernando Blanco to see how the revived project (as well as the company's hit Pocket Legends) is coming along.

Star Legends is only a month away from launch, and Spacetime hopes that the Pocket Legends fever will spread to its sci-fi brother. The name's been changed to communicate the studio's intent to provide an ongoing story rather than a one-shot experience. The game will launch with the first 20 levels of content, but Spacetime has grand plans to expand this much further.

Blanco gave us some of the backstory to the game: In the far future, humans are exploring the cosmos and have stumbled upon a resource-rich area. Corporations, as they are wont to do, have swooped in to exert their dominance but have come across hostile aliens in the process. War breaks out, invasions start popping up all over the place, and you're called in to clean up the mess -- and make a quick buck in the process.

Hit the jump to hear more about Star Legends' classes and gameplay!

Continue reading E3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise

MassivelyE3 2011: Spacetime Studios on the Legends franchise originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarcherbetablackstarblackstar-mmocommandodark-legendsdroide3e3-2011engineerf2pfeaturedFernando-Blancoflash-mobfree-to-playhorrormagemobile-mmooperativepocket-legendspreviewpreviewspromotionspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendsverizonwarriorwesternFri, 10 Jun 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/02/gdc-2011-spacetime-pontificates-on-pocket-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Although portable MMOs seem like the next logical step in enabling our online gaming addiction, remarkably few titles have graced the field as yet. Of the select few, Spacetime Studio's Pocket Legends heads the pack in style and popularity. It appeals to a wide range of players because the basic game is free; the developer charges players only for expansions and other item shop goodies.

Cinco Barnes took the opportunity to speak at GDC about how Spacetime sorted out the complex issues surrounding portable MMOs, how the studio came up with the payment structure, and what the team learned as it goes forward with its next MMO, Blackstar.

Pocket Legends' roots go back to 2005 when Spacetime Studios took some seed money from NCsoft and began work on a large-space sci-fi MMO for PCs. While the project went bust and NCsoft pulled funding, Spacetime came away with the technology it developed if not the deep pockets to compete in the field. By 2009, the company became enamoured with the iPhone as a gaming device and decided to take the tools it had developed to create a unique game for that platform.

Continue reading GDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs

MassivelyGDC 2011: Spacetime pontificates on pocket MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackstarcash-shopcinco-barnesdesignf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-designgame-developers-conferencegauntletgdcgdc-2011iosipadiphoneipoditem-shopmobile-gamingpocket-legendssmartphonespacetimespacetime-studiosWed, 02 Mar 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios gearing up to release new Blackstar mobile MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/spacetime-studios-gearing-up-to-release-new-blackstar-mobile-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/spacetime-studios-gearing-up-to-release-new-blackstar-mobile-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/spacetime-studios-gearing-up-to-release-new-blackstar-mobile-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Spacetime Studios, makers of the famed Pocket Legends mobile MMORPG, has officially announced the impending release of its long-in-development Blackstar, a story-intensive sci-fi yarn previously set to be published by NCsoft. The game has survived a number of hiccups including developer layoffs and a period of limbo prior to Spacetime's acquisition of the IP, and is now being prepped for a Q2 2011 release on both Android and iOS devices. Blackstar tells the story of a far-future conflict between a coalition of aliens (and their necro-cyborg allies) and the futuristic humans of the United Colonies Defense Force.

The title features a 3D, real-time, persistent MMO world with three character classes, customizable skills and thousands of items to collect and equip. The game is powered by the Spacetime Engine, and looks to bring mobile MMO polish and production design to a new level. "We were able to nurture the IP to its maximum potential through years of development -- a luxury never before seen in mobile gaming. If you ever dreamed of a fully-featured sci-fi MMO that you can take anywhere, look for the first chapter of the Blackstar saga soon," says Spacetime CEO Gary Gattis.

Have a look at the game's official website for more info, and also check out some pre-production video footage after the cut.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios gearing up to release new Blackstar mobile MMO

MassivelySpacetime Studios gearing up to release new Blackstar mobile MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidblackstariOSiPhonemobilemobile-mmonecro-cyborgnew-titlessci-fispacetimespacetime-studiostrailervideoThu, 10 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime's Pocket Legends hits Apple's app store]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/spacetimes-pocket-legends-hits-apples-app-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/spacetimes-pocket-legends-hits-apples-app-store/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/04/spacetimes-pocket-legends-hits-apples-app-store/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

While there have been many attempts at reproducing the MMORPG experience on Apple's incredibly popular iPhone and iTouch devices, the limitations in technology and connection speed have kept these applications from hitting the big time. Spacetime Studios hopes to change all that, as they just revealed a new MMO for the app store: Pocket Legends.

Boasting 3D graphics, three classes and accessibility across iPhone, iTouch and iPad devices, Pocket Legends might be considered an "MMO-lite," but it still contains all the necessary ingredients. Players can choose from one of three anthropomorphic animal classes -- a cat sorceress, a bird archer, and a bear tank -- and head off for a career full of dungeon running, chest looting, and stat leveling. Grouping is also possible (and encouraged!), with thousands of players connecting over a server. Spacetime promises that players can not only play Pocket Legends on almost all of Apple's portable devices (except the first edition of the iPhone), but the game can be accessed via WiFi, 3G and even EDGE networks.

Continue reading Spacetime's Pocket Legends hits Apple's app store

MassivelySpacetime's Pocket Legends hits Apple's app store originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appappleblackstarempire-of-nightf2pgamasutragary-gattisipadiphoneitouchpocket-legendsspacetime-studiostouch-arcadeSun, 04 Apr 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar briefly resurfaces, flaunts more concept art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/12/blackstar-briefly-resurfaces-flaunts-more-concept-art/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


It's been a while since we heard from Spacetime Studios and their science-fantasy epic, Blackstar. Rest assured, however, that the company is still chugging along fruitfully with their game, despite earlier hiccups in the development process.

Their latest blog is short, sweet, and to the point -- Blackstar concept art. Normally we don't all hyped up about a few pieces of concept art, but Blackstar has always been the exception to the rule. Spacetime's concept art team has developed a look to the game that really resonates for simple concept art. While the images that were posted this time around aren't anything high resolution, they still offer that same bold artistic style that all of B* has shown up to this point.

So, all in all, Blackstar is still on track. They're in stealth mode right now and are keeping their game close to their chest, but we can handle stealth mode when they continually produce quality like this.

MassivelyBlackstar briefly resurfaces, flaunts more concept art originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artblackstarconcept-artgraphicsspacetimespacetime-studiosstealth-modeFri, 12 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which sci-fi MMOs are you looking forward to?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/23/the-daily-grind-which-sci-fi-mmos-are-you-looking-forward-to/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Star Wars: The Old Republic, Earthrise, Fallen Earth, Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, Global Agenda, Black Prophecy, the Fallout MMO (maybe), Blackstar, Otherland, StarGate Worlds, and even more. It seems that if you're a hardcore sci-fi fan, now is a really good time to be an MMO player with all the options coming soon in terms of upcoming MMOs. You've got everything from the blended fantasy/sci-fi to favorite movie and gaming IPs to all-new concepts to dig into and enjoy. Of course, with such a large influx coming, this morning we thought we'd ask you what some of your most anticipated sci-fi MMOs are? Which ones are you trying like mad to get into the betas for? Which ones are just kind of "meh" on your radar? If you've got more than one, which one do you think might reign supreme among your choices?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Which sci-fi MMOs are you looking forward to? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyblackstarbpearthrisefallen-earthfalloutfallout-mmofegaglobal-agendajgejumpgate-evolutionmmommofpsmmorpgotherlandsci-fisgwstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicstargate-worldsstoswtorThu, 23 Apr 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009-part/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009-part/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009, part 2

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbiowareblackstarchampions-onlinecity-of-heroescohcrypticdc-universe-onlinedcuofuncomjumpgate-evolutionncsoftnetdevilreal-money-tradingred-5red-5-studiosrmtsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-agencythe-digital-continuumSat, 27 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/27/the-digital-continuum-five-mmos-to-watch-out-for-in-2009/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Out of all the games coming out or possibly being announced in the coming year, which are the ones everyone should train their eye on? What games -- or announcements -- should be watched more closely than others, and why? These are the questions that I'll do my best to answer in this week's The Digital Continuum. Of course, I'll also probably say some crazy things that may or may not come true, as per my usual agenda. So it's a win-win for everyone involved!

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Five MMOs to watch out for in 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sci-fi MMO fans received some bad news when Spacetime Studios recently announced that their Blackstar IP was in jeopardy, due to needing a publisher for the title. Surprisingly, selling a publisher on the IP -- where action occurs both in space and on the ground -- has been a challenge.

While they may be on the ropes, Spacetime Studios is far from throwing in the towel with Blackstar. They've announced that they will be meeting with people at the Austin Game Developers Conference in September, and are inviting business inquiries about the title. While we wait and hope a publisher will step up and make the title a reality for gamers, Spacetime Studios has given us a new video of pre-production footage of Blackstar. Check out the fast-paced video footage below the cut, for a look at what may yet be.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios releases fast-paced Blackstar video

MassivelySpacetime Studios releases fast-paced Blackstar video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-gdcaustin-gdc-2008blackstarconcept-artfootagegdcipmmo-industrypreviewssci-fispacetime-studiosvideoThu, 28 Aug 2008 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar's future in jeopardy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/blackstars-future-in-jeopardy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/blackstars-future-in-jeopardy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/01/blackstars-future-in-jeopardy/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Budget cuts. Layoffs. It seems a fairly common thing in the general news lately, and sadly, the MMO genre appears to be no less susceptible to the current hard times. News came down the wire yesterday that Spacetime Studios have been forced to release half of their staff -- and we imagine that this will cause the development of Blackstar to slow down accordingly. According to the Spacetime Studios blog, "[they] have been shopping Blackstar around but - right now, at least - the concept of a SciFi space/ground IP has proven to be a challenge. Our studio cannot survive at its current burn rate without a publishing deal..."

Considering we've seen quite a few studios hit by either cutbacks or shutdowns in the last year, we're concerned by what this seemingly implies. With the current popularity of World of Warcraft and other MMOs; strong soon-to-be-published titles like Warhammer Online; and news of more and more titles coming out seemingly every other day (especially if you count the Asian market) it is a good time for MMOG players. On the other hand, the heavy market saturation means an extremely competitive market where some good ideas may sadly not find their way off the drawing board.

The hope is that Spacetime Studios can find a publishing deal for Blackstar soon. We are definitely interested in seeing more from their studio, if their concept art and ideas are any indication of what things may come. If you'd like to check out a short clip of Blackstar's alpha, be sure to join us after the break!

Gallery: Star Legends


Continue reading Blackstar's future in jeopardy

MassivelyBlackstar's future in jeopardy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarcutbacklayoffnew-titlespublisherpublishing-dealspacetime-studiosstaff-layoffFri, 01 Aug 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player Consequences: The Need for Speed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/01/player-consequences-the-need-for-speed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Traveling has always been one of the least popular parts of playing a MMO. It doesn't matter if you are marching through the lengthy Connall's Valley in Age of Conan or travelling across the galaxy in EVE Online. It can be tedious no matter what the setting. Nice visuals and guild chat can occupy you part of the time, but you still check the map every other minute. We're lucky that MMO design has come a long way since the early days, where the only option was to hit the road on foot. Most games now give us vehicles, mounts, and in some cases mechanical ostriches to speed up the pace a bit. After all, if it's the journey and not the destination that matters then you definitely want to travel in style.

There is one underlying reason why travel times continue to be prevalent in MMOs today and it's directly related to player expectations of virtual worlds. Developers are very sensitive to the issue of making their games seem like a real world and not a collection of three dimensional video game levels. Any MMO that has too many instances and separate zones often gets complaints for breaking the feel of a seamless world. This can actually turn players away from the game. As a result, the most successful games are often those with an over-world where players don't find themselves constantly having to load data as they zone. Just look at how World of Warcraft, Lord of the Rings Online, and EVE Online handle their world design.

Continue reading Player Consequences: The Need for Speed

MassivelyPlayer Consequences: The Need for Speed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jul 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Spacetime Studios has certainly been hard at work developing their tasty looking sci-fi MMO Blackstar. How do we know this? Well, RPG Vault recently got a look at three pieces of concept art for the game and they all look exquisite. It's just refreshing to see a sci-fi space MMO with such lovingly saturated color. It's a shame that our header images are only so big, otherwise we'd plaster these pieces of art all over the place like a young tween girl obsessed with Disney Channel personalities.

Each of the three images are accompanied by some intriguing descriptions of the harrowing vistas seen. We highly recommend reading them if you're hankering for a digital bite of what will surely be even more amazing in rendered form. Obviously, we here at Massively fully support the design, development and proliferation of non-fantasy MMOs. While do we love our swords n' sorcercy -- as its known to be called by geeks of certain hailings -- there's a powerful cry of joy that spreads from the Massively HQ whenever a sci-fi MMO as promising as Blackstar continues unabated.

MassivelyBlackstar environment art makes our sci-fi hearts melt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarconcept-artdisneydisney-channelfantasyrpg-vaultsci-fispacetime-studiosThu, 19 Jun 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar and the importance of narrative design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/10/blackstar-and-the-importance-of-narrative-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This year's ION Game Conference hosted a great cross-section of the finest minds in gaming, both industry veterans and up-and-coming developers. Among the latter was Spacetime Studios' Brandon Reinhart, Lead Designer for Blackstar, an MMO that's currently on our Droolworthy List.

In Brandon's talk, entitled "Narrative Design for MMOs: Using Storytelling to Craft and Convey Vision", he applied the old maxim "Show, don't tell" to his own lecture and explained not only how to craft engaging narratives in a game, but also why doing so is important. Using his two laws of visionary design, three tools for promoting narrative design, and the Great Law of Conveying Vision, the designer didn't just make his thoughts plain, but also made us even more eager to see what Blackstar will eventually turn out to be.

MassivelyBlackstar and the importance of narrative design originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrandon-reinhartIONion-2008lecturenarrative-designspacetime-studiosTue, 10 Jun 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar exclusive interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/blackstar-exclusive-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


We've spoken previously about the unique-looking space-combat MMO Blackstar, being developed by Spacetime Studios -- how previous publisher NCsoft had chosen to cancel their connection with the title, and how Spacetime recently regained the IP, to continue development on their own. From the look and sound of everything that's been shown to the public so far, this game has the potential to be NCsoft's "one that got away".

Intrigued by the goings-on with the studio, we contacted Spacetime's President and Executive Producer Gary Gattis to see if he could give us a peek behind the curtains -- or photon displacement cascade, as the case may be -- at how development on Blackstar is progressing. Mr. Gattis not only graciously consented to the interview request, but also gave us 4 pieces of concept art to share with our readers; art that has only made us long even more for the game's eventual release. Read the full interview after the jump!

Gallery: Star Legends

Continue reading Blackstar exclusive interview

MassivelyBlackstar exclusive interview originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anthony-sommersblackstarbreakfast-tacoscinco-barnesconcept-artdavid-levydescentfeaturedgary-gattisinterviewjake-rodgersjoystiqfeaturesnarrativencsoftscornspacetime-studioswing-commanderFri, 16 May 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios releases PDF brochure for Blackstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-releases-pdf-brochure-for-blackstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The Blackstar media wagon keeps on chugging as Spacetime Studios releases a 14 page preview PDF brochure of what's inside their upcoming space/action MMO.
The brochure details the two warring factions, the United Colonies Defense Force (UCDF) and the Scorn Empire, some of their spaceships, stations, and classes, and the state of the B* universe when the game opens. More surprisingly, the brochure also covers some of the factions that have broken away from the UCDF and Scorn, as well as some of the threats that players will find in the universe. There's also more inside if you go and check it out for yourself!

The entire PDF file is full of the beautiful concept art that makes Blackstar stand out from the other MMOs on the market, especially EVE Online. From what we've seen here at Massively, that beautiful concept art is already transitioning into a beautiful world, and we're eagerly awaiting more footage of what looks to be a (pun quite intended) stellar MMO, despite their publisher difficulties. Way to keep pushing onwards, guys.

MassivelySpacetime Studios releases PDF brochure for Blackstar originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrochureconcept-artncsoftspacetimespacetime-studiosFri, 09 May 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/09/spacetime-studios-regains-blackstar-rights-from-ncsoft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Earlier this year it was reported that NCsoft had cancelled development on Blackstar, Spacetime Studios' intriguing science fiction MMO. Unwilling to let that deter them, the studio continued to develop the title, hoping that an enterprising (no pun intended) backer would com along to rescue the studio from limbo.

Well, there's even better news: Spacetime has newly acquired the rights to the IP, meaning that complete creative control is in their hands. From the press release: "After two years of development, the Blackstar universe is quite near and dear to our hearts" said Gary Gattis, executive producer and co-founder of Spacetime Studios. "Owning the IP as well as the engine and tool set puts a tremendous amount of potential in our hands. With all the developed components under the Spacetime team's control, the options for the IP are diversified."

Congratulations, Spacetime! Expect an exclusive interview to appear on Massively very soon.

[Thanks, Gary!]

MassivelySpacetime Studios regains Blackstar rights from NCsoft originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstargary-gattisip-rightsncsoftscience-fictionspacetime-studiosFri, 09 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/10/spacetime-studios-reveals-character-development-for-blackstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Blackstar is a science fiction-themed MMO currently in development by Spacetime Studios, and it looks fantastic. The latest missive from their blog gives a look into their character development process -- in this case, a look at creating an identifiable, iconic aesthetic for each character class.

According to the blogpost, by locking down the character type visually, it allows for easier apprehension of the elements of that type by both the development team and publishing partners. This, in turn, solidifies its inclusion into the rest of the game earlier on, which makes further progress that much more effective.

Plus, y'know ... it's prettier. We love concept art at Massively, and a look behind the scenes is always welcome. Check out the rest of the article!

MassivelySpacetime Studios reveals character development for Blackstar originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesblackstarconcept-articonicscience-fictionspacetime-studiosThu, 10 Apr 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar's grayworlding and production art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/10/blackstars-grayworlding-and-production-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Yesterday we looked at the method behind the madness of Blackstar's PvP design process. Today we have more, in the form of a focus on Blackstar's world artists team, the third part of Spacetime Studios' triangle of content development -- as they like to call it. The title of world artist can be a bit misleading, because there isn't as much traditional art as you would imagine. Actually, the big issue with Blackstar's world design is player movement speed and world-scale because of its space-flight and avatar combination.

Continue reading Blackstar's grayworlding and production art

MassivelyBlackstar's grayworlding and production art originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstargrayworldingproduction-artspacetime-studiosworld-artistMon, 10 Mar 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look into Blackstar's PvP design process]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/09/a-look-into-blackstars-pvp-design-process/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If you've ever been the type of person that loves getting a glimpse into how things are put together or created, then let us point you to an interesting write-up over at the official Spacetime Studios website. For those of you who don't feel like reading through the text, which happens to be laden with lots of boring technical terms -- like data-probes and statistics review meetings -- then let us simply tell you that mountains of iteration goes into making PvP fun in our beloved massively multiplayer online games.

Although if you're in any way familiar with game design you know that iteration is incredibly common, but with designing a system where players fight other players there comes the iteration of live play-testing -- something that Spacetime Studios did with NCsoft. So in the future if you're playing some particularly terrible PvP section of a massively game, you can probably chalk it up to a severe lack of play-testing.

MassivelyA look into Blackstar's PvP design process originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstardata-miningncsoftpvpspacetime-studiosstatisticsstatistics-review-meetingsSun, 09 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[First glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/first-glimpse-at-blackstar-developed-by-spacetime-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Imagine being a developer and finding a publisher for your dream MMOG. Now imagine losing that publisher a year later before production was set to ramp up. That's exactly what happened to the guys at Spacetime Studios working on Blackstar, a space based MMOG. NCsoft canned the project last month over reasons unknown to the public. At first glance I have to wonder if I'd rather see Tabula Rasa canceled if I could switch it with this title. I'm not slamming TR with the hate, it's just that I think I'd find Blackstar a more interesting Sci-Fi MMO that appeals to my liking. But there is trouble brewing for NCsoft that may explain why Blackstar may be the victim of a bloated investment gone awry.

I believe monetary policy entered NCsoft's equation to cut-off Blackstar. NCsoft currently isn't in a great position to keep pumping money into their numerous development projects given Tabula Rasa's enormous failure. The numbers from NCsoft's last quarterly annual report are ugly. Tabula Rasa was in development for six long years. To fund it all NCsoft was rumored to have invested over 100 million dollars. Tabula Rasa closed last quarter with disastrous financial results that totaled a mere 5 million in revenue. The news resulted in NCsoft's stock to crash to an all-time-low. The timeline seems to fit and place the pieces together. Now that Blackstar is no longer backed by NCsoft, Spacetime Studios faces a difficult undertaking in finding a new publisher.

[Updated: 2/28/07. This post has been updated to reflect that the 100 million dollar figure was pure speculation and rumor that I acquired from an article by the Korea Times. David Swofford, Director of PR for NCsoft NA, has gone on record to debunk that number, claiming Tabula Rasa's development cost was a mere fraction of that cost .

"It's a fraction of the cost and more in line with what's generally accepted in this industry for a company to spend on a Triple-A MMO project. "

Swofford also went on record to say that Tabula Rasa's financial performance was not the reason behind NCsoft's decision to drop their contract with Spacetime Studios, whom are developing Blackstar.]

Continue reading First glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated]

MassivelyFirst glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarncsoftnew-titlesspacespace-mmogspacetime-studiostabula-rasavideoTue, 19 Feb 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Blackstar's prophecy revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/blackstars-prophecy-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've got to admit, for a game that's relatively new to the scene, Spacetime Studios' Blackstar definitely has serious style. A new update has gone out on the Spacetime Studios' website which adds a good deal of information about Blackstar. We're talking a game summary, new concept art and a bullet point list of several features to expect from the game.

Of course we have to remain skeptical for now, seeing as this is all on paper for the time being. That doesn't mean we can get a bit excited for a new, sexy space combat MMO. Although there is a bit of apprehension at the concept of both space combat and "ground" or "on-ship" combat. It brings to mind Pirates of the Burning Sea and the constant issue of developers' imaginations exceeding their initial grasp. Hopefully a publisher will give these guys a call and make them a good offer, because the more developers competing in the space MMO market, the better for all of us.

MassivelyBlackstar's prophecy revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarpirates-of-the-burning-seasoesony-online-entertainmentspacespacetime-studiosSat, 19 Jan 2008 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: Not all is lost as development on Blackstar (space MMOG) continues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/11/ncsoft-drops-spacetime-studios-not-all-is-lost-as-development-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Earlier this week Spacetime Studios announced NCsoft has cancelled their contract with Blackstar, title revealed today, a space MMOG that has been in development for the past two years. As a result, this currently leaves the game with no publisher, stifling full production for the foreseeable future. In order for development to continue 12 employees were served with walking papers, an unfortunate but understandable circumstance.

In the announcement Spacetime Studios reassures that Blackstar is their current project and they will continue to develop the IP. The infrastructure and all the tools are in place, and the remaining crew is fully committed. According to Brandon Reinhart's blog, STS Lead Designer, NCsoft is continuing to work closely with Spacetime Studios to resolve their separation amicably and make sure that the legalities regarding property rights are not entangled. More information regarding the game itself will be revealed in the days ahead.

Do you want to know more about Blackstar? Check out thee Spacetime Studios website.

MassivelyNCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: Not all is lost as development on Blackstar (space MMOG) continues originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blackstarbrandon-reinhartbreakingncsoftspace-mmogspacetimespacetime-studiosstsFri, 11 Jan 2008 10:30:00 EST