Massively

Fantasia enters Korean closed beta ... on cell phone

William Dobson — Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New titles, News items

This might just be the beginning of the end for MMO fanatics. Sure, it's possible to whip out a laptop to play your favorite online game on the move, but with the upcoming Korean MMO Fantasia, it will be as simple as pulling your cell phone out of your pocket. Imagine your most boring work meeting, school lecture, or family gathering, then think about how much better it would be to discreetly farm for items under the table or desk -- just don't include the resulting termination/expulsion/disowning in your little fantasy.

Fantasia has just entered the closed beta phase of its testing in Korea, and developer Lemon Co. hopes to release it in the second half of 2009. Whether this will be limited to the Korean market or not is up in the air at this point. The game is said to feature detailed 2D graphics, a large world map, item trading, a mail system, and even an arena for PvP. On top of this, Lemon is working on cell phone specific features, like a system that sends a text message when an item you're looking for shows up, even if you're not logged in. The bar has been set -- now we wait and see if Lemon can deliver a quality product, and also, if other developers are keen to enter the mix.

Fantasia enters Korean closed beta ... on cell phone originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Jan 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Worlds in Motion online atlas explores Moshi Monsters

Michael Zenke — Sat, 10 May 2008 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Free-to-play, Mobile, Moshi Monsters

The excellent Worlds in Motion site has an ongoing series of articles called "Online World Atlases", each detailing a virtual world off the beaten path. Past atlas entries have covered Club Penguin, Maple Story, Sherwood Dungeon, Puzzle Pirates, and Dungeon Runners. Last week editor Eric Caoili targetted the quirky Moshi Monsters title for another chapter in the atlas. The first of the three-post entries describes the outline of the game, a Flash-based mobile/web-based title.

The second post describes the game's jumping-off point, adopting your monster and getting your gameplay started in the world of Moshi. The final conclusionary post clarifies the gameplay experience you'll encounter in-game. The game's quirky art and short-session playstyle marks it out as one of the more well-developed kid MMOs. Caoili ends his analysis this way: "Although it's currently in beta, Moshi Monsters is a world which is artistically fully realized, and is therefore very attractive to new players. Sadly, many players will find themselves waiting for the designers to catch up with the artists to gain full enjoyment from it, but as a daily timewaster I can think of few worlds which can compare."

The Worlds in Motion online atlas explores Moshi Monsters originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 May 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DofusPOCKET to take over cellphones in June

William Dobson — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Dofus, Launches, MMO industry, News items

DOFUS is set to jump into the MMO-wherever-you-go trend, with a recent press release from developer Ankama stating that a cellphone version of the game can be expected in June this year. Called DOFUSPocket, this edition of the game is being tested by a small group of players at the moment, but all DOFUS users should get a chance to try it out before the release.

The CEO of Ankama, Emmanuel Darras, has promised brand new content and features for DOFUSPocket, saying, "We do not wish to simply make a shorter version of DOFUS for mobiles." Some possibilities mentioned in the press release include "user to user" applications between cellphones, and text message alerts for in-game events.

[Via Ten Ton Hammer]

DofusPOCKET to take over cellphones in June originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo content developer offers a mobile future for MMOs

Michael Zenke — Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Culture, Events, real-world, MMO industry, Mobile

Gamasutra just recently put up notes from a unique lecture given at this year's Game Developer's Conference. David Collier, president of the Japanese group Pikkle KK, offered up a Tokyo-focused vision of the future of MMOs. For millions of players in Asia, a series of casual flash games played mutliplayer via cellphones are all the MMO they need or want. Collier explained the sheer appeal of these titles, which cross age- and gender-boundaries; some 40% of male teens are playing one of these titles, called Mobile Game Town.

The Flash Lite format is part of the reason behind these services' success. Quick, simple downloads allow for instant action, and the portability of the Flash experience ensures there is minimal need to tweak titles for specific platforms. These games are also very lucrative, offering easy access to customers for advertisers. Collier's comments on the future of the medium are fascinating, as bigger players and high-profile developers step into the ring.

Continue reading Tokyo content developer offers a mobile future for MMOs

Tokyo content developer offers a mobile future for MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Apr 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Mobile EVE Skill Planner is now mobile

William Dobson — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-fi, EVE Online, Leveling, News items, Mobile

Accessing EVE skills while away from the computer is a dream for many players out there, and with some recent developments, this dream is a little bit closer to being realized. The "Eve Mobile Skill Planner" by Jaabaa has been updated and now runs on phones, provided that they support MIDP 2.0 and CLDC 1.1.

The embedded video was made in July last year, but gives an idea of what to expect from EMSP. While this program doesn't give you the ability to alter your skills, it's a good way to keep an eye on how everything is going -- and we can only hope that its functionality can be increased in the future, with co-operation from CCP.

[Via CrazyKinux]

Mobile EVE Skill Planner is now mobile originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Apr 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aeria devolves with Stone Age 2

Akela Talamasca — Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Historical, Screenshots, Game mechanics, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Stone Age 2

Aeria Games, providers of popular free-to-play MMOs Dream of Mirror Online, Last Chaos, Shaiya, and Twelve Sky, among others, continues its wild growth with a new game set in a fictional prehistoric time: Stone Age 2. A 2D, isometric view, similar to Dofus, is the milieu for this title, which will be released in North America at an unspecified date.

There are a couple of intriguing game mechanics for this new MMO, including a deeper Pet system than exists in most games, allowing players the ability to train their pets (which is the heart of gameplay), and receive updates on pet status via email sent directly to their cellphones. There is even mention of being able to access video of in-game events by way of fixed cameras, while you're unable to drop into the game itself.

Could this type of game-to-real world interaction be the precursor to a new wave of always-on content? Get screenshots of this new title at its website.

[Via WorthPlaying]

Aeria devolves with Stone Age 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: Do MMOs belong on cellphones?

Akela Talamasca — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Game mechanics, Raiding, Opinion, The Daily Grind, Mobile

Author Michael Crichton's entire body of work can be summed up in the phrase 'Just because you can, doesn't mean you should'. Similarly, it might be possible to create an MMO that will operate on cellphones and be an interesting enough game to justify the cost of producing it, but why bother? Sure, Japan is famous for their cellphone usage, which includes all manner of non-call related diversions, but can you imagine trying to grind levels between home and work?

Actually, depending on the length and duration of your commute, you might find that prospect intriguing. But if the scenario of having your call suddenly drop after wandering outside of the range of a tower, just as you're trying to take down a boss as part of a 10-player raid doesn't frighten you -- then you must work for John Carmack. Cellphone MMOs: need it, or pass it by?

The Daily Grind: Do MMOs belong on cellphones? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Apr 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Blizzard founder talks about WoW mobile

Michael Zenke — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Business models, Economy, Guilds, News items, Mobile

The MTV Multiplayer site is a very reliable source for original games news reporting. Those MTV guys and gals are well connected, and last week they had the chance to chat with Blizzard co-founder Frank Pearce in the waning moments of the DICE event. Pearce delved into his pocket, pulled out his Blackberry, and began dreaming of a day when World of Warcraft players would be able to chat with their guild from external sources.

There's no guarantee it is going to happen anytime soon, but (essentially confirming earlier rumors) Pearce expressed a lot of admiration for the possibilities of mobile applications. Another application they'd love to give players would be one that allows buying and selling of items via their faction Auction House remotely - again, probably from a cell phone. Mr. Pearce went on to expound on other subjects like the timeless quality of WoW graphics, and the benefits of the title's beautiful music and sound effects. Most interestingly, the Blizzard honcho was very excited about the possibility of a new version of World of Warcraft that could be streamed to players and have them in-game within 10 minutes or so.

MTV's interview offers a number of fascinating looks into the future of the biggest show in town. Joystiq has a discussion going on this subject as well; What would you want in your WoW mobile app?

Blizzard founder talks about WoW mobile originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Armada: Kingdoms, an MMMORPG

Akela Talamasca — Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Game mechanics, New titles, Crafting, Opinion, Player Housing, Mobile

Is the world ready for an MMMORPG -- a Mobile Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game? Bloomsix, out of Amsterdam, is betting that it is. Coming in the second quarter of 2008, Armada: Kingdoms is an MMO to be played on your Java-enabled cellphone. According to their website, Bloomsix says the game is as much about building a community as it is about combat. While they mention that maintaining one's town can take a mere 10 minutes a day, deeper involvement is encouraged.

Even better, Bloomsix will be leveraging the connective features of the cellphone to enable players to contact one another even when they're not logged in to the game. But is this something people will find engaging, or ultimately annoying? The hardcore players out there will likely appreciate being kept up to date on every last event, whether it requires their personal attention or not, but if you're like me, when it's time to quit, I shut the program down and walk away. I don't want to have to worry about it when I'm no longer in-world -- that would just be obtrusive.

However, the concept alone is intriguing. No word yet on whether this will be free-to-play (unlikely, considering the cost of airtime) or require a subscription. We'll keep our eyes on this and see if we can't figure what it's all about when it's released in Q2.

[Thanks, Joris!]

Armada: Kingdoms, an MMMORPG originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 Jan 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Rumor: Blizzard working on a cell application for World of Warcraft?

Michael Zenke — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Fantasy, Business models, MMO industry, News items, Opinion, Mobile, Rumors

Now that would be cool. It's just a rumour, but Pocket Gamer is reporting that Blizzard Entertainment may be working on a cellphone application for World of Warcraft players. They received this information from word on the ground at the Mobile Games Forum event this week, where several people seemed to think this was the real deal. Directly from Vivendi Games Mobile boss Paul Maglione also comes the quote "Mobile aspects will become part of all MMOs."

The article runs down a few possibilities of what could be involved in that mobile application - whether it's a whole new gaming experience, a standalone experience in the WoW lore, or some sort of small way to hook into the larger world of Azeroth.

Cameron at Random Battle has a few thoughts on this subject, seeing the 'hook into Azeroth as the most likely option Blizz/Activision will explore. I tend to agree, as this is something we've seen other Massive developers talk about exploring. CCP has threatened to offer us a way to set skills in Eve Online for some time now, in fact.

What option do you thing Blizzard's mobile app (if it's real) will follow? Would you craft or chat with your guildies from your cell if you had the opportunity?

Rumor: Blizzard working on a cell application for World of Warcraft? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Vodafone makes it easier to contact Second Life from the outside

Akela Talamasca — Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Game mechanics, Previews, News items, Second Life, Free-to-play

Moo Money covered this story initially, and from Rivers Run Red comes the news that the beta for this service is being extended to March 31st, 2008. This means that you can still sign up for free, and experience what it's like to receive messages from your Second Life friends on your cellphone.

Until we get the ability to IM someone in SL, this seems like the next best thing, though frankly, if I'm mobile, I'm probably not going to be texting people in general. I'm not one of those with my thumbs callused from frequent texting, but this could be useful for people on the go who have events to manage. Has anyone tried this? How well does it work? You can get more specific information from Vodaphone's site.

Incidentally, I really like their commercial, which you can see on the site. Cute!

[Thanks, Margaret!]

Vodafone makes it easier to contact Second Life from the outside originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Dec 2007 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Japanese media company launches mobile MMOG

Michael Zenke — Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, Culture, MMO industry, New titles, Free-to-play

Via Raph Koster's website, news of the launch of a most unusual virtual world: Chipuya Town. Developed by the Media Groove company, it's an online space aimed at Japanese teenagers addicted to their cell phones.

Users create a custom avatar, then step into a cute-ified version of Tokyo's Shibuya shopping district that's accurate right down to the advertising overload. (Companies pay up to $4,000 a month for ads on in-world billboards.) Players socialize with other avatars and rack up currency - called Grooves - by recruiting friends, going on treasure hunts, and attending sponsored events.

The launch comes after a summer-long beta period, which was as much about attracting advertisers as it was users. The mobile site Infinita has a better look at the minimal gameplay on offer in the product, as well as its positioning in the marketplace. The site believes that Media Groove is positioning the VW as a direct competitor to the mobagetown offering.

While Chipuya Town doesn't feature mobile games (as opposed to mobagetown), it does seem to have a more advanced virtual economy, and to be taking a cross-platform approach: In an Second Life-inspired take, users can use a free PC-based Flash application to actually create avatar items such as clothes and avatar home accessories themselves, that they can then use for own their own avatars or sell to others.

Japanese media company launches mobile MMOG originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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