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[MMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/12/mmo-future-shock-video-presents-some-interesting-statistics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Obvious statement time here, but anyone who reads Massively with anything approaching regularity knows that the MMO industry is big business. Top-notch titles like World of Warcraft and so many other MMOs take millions tens of millions craploads of money to bring to market under the current Western develop-until-largely-finished model.

If you've ever been curious about the MMO industry, and how some of the numbers break down, then you'll want to check out MMO Future Shock. It's created by the guys at Gamers Film, and includes quite a number of interesting statistics, such as a tidbit about how people are spending an average of $1,200 per second in online games. Along with that, there's some great interview footage with people like Brett Close and Curt Schilling from 38 Studios; Joe Rush, Director of Operations at GamersFirst; and various other industry players.

We've embedded the video behind the break for you hungry number-fiends. With any luck they'll publish some more episodes shortly so we can see more interviews with folks in the MMO know.

Continue reading MMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics

MassivelyMMO Future Shock video presents some interesting statistics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Brett Close has left the building, folks. The former 38 Studios CEO has recently resigned, being replaced by Jennifer MacLean, who until now had been senior vice president of business development. "I've had the privilege of building 38 Studios to become an established force of IP creation and entertainment," said Mr. Close, "I leave with confidence in the future success of the company and have no doubt its products will excite gamers worldwide." Of course, he's talking about Copernicus, which we're still in the dark on since the developer hasn't been keen to reveal it to the public.

Most noted for its founder and former MLB right-handed pitcher Curt Schilling, 38 Studios has been somewhat quiet for a while now. We're hopeful that their upcoming title encounters smooth sailing, but this industry certainly has its ways of tossing out a typhoon or two. If you're looking for some official word on the matter, then look no further,

Massively38 Studios plays CEO hot potato originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbreakingbrett-closeceocurt-schillingjennifer-macleanmlbFri, 21 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Joystiq's fearless leader Chris Grant recently caught up with 38 Studios CEO Brett Close to discuss their recent acquisition of Big Huge Games, and what this might mean for the "Copernicus" MMO. Massively has mentioned Copernicus at a few points in the past, but unfortunately in terms more vague than we'd like. We know it's a fantasy MMO project that draws upon notables like R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, but Joystiq turned up some more info about Copernicus.

Close stresses that Copernicus is an IP that will exist in several channels; there will be books, graphic novels, and of course an MMO that draws upon these elements. "Rather than drilling into details about why this is going to give people something they have never experienced before... what I will tell you is that it's simply based on that talent [R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane] and based on our approach and our experience in building these products. There's nothing like it out there right now. And I don't believe there's anybody working on anything like this right now."

Continue reading 38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP

Massively38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesbrett-closebusiness-modelschris-grantcopernicusfantasyinterviewsjoystiqmercury-enginemmo-industrynew-titlesr.a.-salvatorethe-mercury-enginetodd-mcfarlaneSun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios hires two more industry heavyweights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/38-studios-hires-two-more-industry-heavyweights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/38-studios-hires-two-more-industry-heavyweights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/05/38-studios-hires-two-more-industry-heavyweights/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The long list of exceptional talent at 38 Studios continues to grow as Curt Schilling's masterpiece comes together. The two most recent additions include Director of Audio Aubrey Hodges and Senior UI Designer Irena Pereira.

Hodges is best known for his work on King's Quest and is credited as among the first to use MIDI in a video game and the first to use sound effects in an online game. Pereira comes from Blizzard, where she mainly worked on the interface design and development for WoW's The Burning Crusade and Wrath of the Lich King. 38 Studios President and CEO, Brett Close, comments on the acquisition, "38 Studios has been able to attract phenomenal talent, and these hires continue that trend. Smart interface design and rich audio are key components of the 38 Studios product vision, and Irena and Aubrey have extensive records of exceptional success in these areas."

Massively38 Studios hires two more industry heavyweights originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Nov 2008 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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38 Studios, the Boston-based MMO development company started by Curt Schilling, is working on a brand new, highly-publicized MMO project, code-named Copernicus. What does this have to do with World of Warcraft and the Azeroth Advisor newsletter? That's what we're trying to figure out.

In a recent interview with WoW Insider, the company's CEO, Brett Close, discussed the reasoning behind 38 Studios' purchase of the Azeroth Advisor and how they plan to use it in the future. According to Close, it's not an elaborate scheme to close down their competition by buying out their fansites and tools, but instead, they realize that in order to let the genre thrive, they need to work together. WoW's success ultimately means 38 Studios' success, and the success of other MMO developers. Plus, they plan to use the proprietary technology behind the Azeroth Advisor for other unnamed future projects.

Massively38 Studios' CEO explains the Azeroth Advisor purchase originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Massively's big-sister site Joystiq.com was down in Austin for AGDC last week as well, and they made great use of their time. Kevin Kelly sat down with the CEO of 38 Studios, Brett Close, for a one-on-one chat about the MMO industry and 38's future plans. With the unveil of the R.A. Salvatore IP still a number of months away, their discussion focuses primarily on Copernicus in generalities.

Join Kelly and Close for an in-depth appraisal of how 38 Studios works, Curt Schilling's involvement in the day-to-day workings in the company, and how the other two 'big names' at the company fit into their master scheme.

Gallery: 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO

MassivelyAGDC08: Joystiq goes one-on-one with 38 Studios CEO Brett Close originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosagdc-2008brett-closecopernicusjoystiqMon, 22 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios using BigWorld to make its big world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What do you get when you get when you combine a major league baseball player (Curt Schilling), a famed fantasy author (R.A. Salvatore), and a great comic book guru (Todd McFarlane)? You get 38 Studios, and 38 Studios is working on a new MMO codenamed "Copernicus."

Now the studio has licensed the BigWorld engine for Copernicus. Since the game is at a very early stage of development, we know very little about it at this point, except that its prestigious managers are optimistic about its future. Reps from both 38 Studios and BigWorld made nondescript statements saying things like, "BigWorld provides the most proven, robust, and technically solid game engine available," and "we are thrilled to be working with such a professional and talented group of game developers." Good for them!

Brett Close described the rationale behind the choice in greater detail in an interview with Ten Ton Hammer. Excellent server-side tech and tools that will help the team get the game to market as fast as possible were the given reasons.

Massively38 Studios using BigWorld to make its big world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Warcry Network reported this morning that 38 Studios has brought aboard yet another video game veteran in the form of Michael Kosenski, who will be assuming the role of Vice President of Product Development.

Kosenski was the former Senior Development Director at Electronic Arts, Los Angeles, where he worked on the Medal of Honor franchise, Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (for the Xbox 360), and Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth 2.

38 Studios just keeps on making news and adding to their stable of gaming industry vets as Kosenski is just the latest to join the team. As reported just a few short weeks ago, Jon Laff (former lead engineer at Electronic Arts) was recently hired as the company's CTO.

Obviously the triumvirate of Schilling, Mcfarlane and Salvatore know where their talents are and where they aren't. Those three are truly talented, but probably don't know the ins and outs of the gaming industry. Thus, they are surrounding themselves with people who do. What does that mean? They're dead serious about delivering the gaming goods.

Massively38 Studios hires another industry vet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbrett-closecurt-schillingjon-laffmichael-kosenskisalvatorescott-cuthbertsontodd-mcfarlaneTue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST