Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/camelot-unchained-secures-an-additional-3-million-in-funding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained Kickstarter logo
Last night, Camelot Unchained surpassed its $2 million Kickstarter goal, but if you've been following the Kickstarter for the last month, you know that reaching $2 million means a lot more than reaching $2 million. As originally promised when the Kickstarter launched, the game will now receive an additional $3 million in funding, $2 million of which comes from City State co-founder and MMO industry veteran Mark Jacobs. The remainder comes courtesy of unnamed investors.

"The last 30 days have been an incredible journey," Jacobs said via press release. "We believed there's an audience for a highly focused game like ours, which has now been proven. What we didn't expect was how our community would come together so quickly and avidly. Not only is our average pledge off the chart, our backers have been just as intensely supportive in other ways, from providing immense amounts of helpful feedback to translating information into four languages (German, French, Japanese and Korean), and more."

Camelot Unchained will use a proprietary engine optimized for large-scale battles and already battle-tested to the tune of 200-plus frames per second while displaying 1,000 simultaneous characters rendered with 12,000 polygons. The three-faction PvP-focused fantasy MMO also boasts a building-block crafting system that will allow players to construct individual cells and larger segments before assembling them "in nearly limitless ways."

[Source: City State press release]

[Update: We've clarified that the additional funding was promised as a Kickstarter goal from the start.]

MassivelyCamelot Unchained secures an additional $3 million in funding [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-craftingcamelot-unchained-fundingcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingcsefundingkickstartermark-jacobspvprvrThu, 02 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/camelot-unchained-meets-kickstarter-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal
Oh ye of little faith. Of course Camelot Unchained got funded. Niche MMOs with die-hard fanbases never say die, even when they're up against an 11th hour Kickstarter goal that looked mighty challenging just yesterday.

And that's pretty much all we have to tell you at the moment. Other than the fact that Massively's Kickstarter watchers can officially get back to work. We'll bring you more details about the newly greenlit project as soon as they become available.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained meets Kickstarter goal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobspvprvrWed, 01 May 2013 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/massively-exclusive-jacobs-on-camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained concept art
Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter odyssey is almost complete, and as of press time there's a little over a day remaining. City State's fantasy RvR sandbox stands at just over $1.82 million out of its $2 million goal, so Mark Jacobs has penned a dev diary designed to push the game's funding over the top.

He outlines the many challenges inherent in managing both a Kickstarter campaign and an ambitious MMORPG project, and he hits the highlights of the former which include three faction RvR, Minecraft-style building options, and a custom engine that has easily handled hundreds of simultaneous players at well over 200 frames per second. Finally, Jacobs thanks CU's current backers, whom he says have given unprecedented support to the tune of a $160 average pledge.

Jacobs' full diary is readable after the cut.

Continue reading Massively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch

MassivelyMassively exclusive: Jacobs on Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter home stretch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-kickstartercamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-kickstartercity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsecucu-kickstarterexclusivekickstartermark-jacobspvprvrWed, 01 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amazon's payment systems go kaput, taking Kickstarter with it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/amazons-payment-systems-go-kaput-taking-kickstarter-with-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/amazons-payment-systems-go-kaput-taking-kickstarter-with-it/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/amazons-payment-systems-go-kaput-taking-kickstarter-with-it/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Well, darn.
Were you planning to be the brave soul to bring Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter project to its goal? You might have missed your chance. Amazon Payments, the system which Kickstarter uses to accept pledges from browsers, started having trouble earlier today, meaning that several Kickstarter projects have run into trouble attracting more pledges or processing pledges for otherwise successful funding. That's bad news for anyone looking to make the last few dollars on a project before the project ticks over the last deadline.

There's currently no ETA on service restoration; quite notably, the payment service is currently the only Amazon service listed as having difficulties. Camelot Unchained is put into a particular pickle with this development, as the project is still more than $200,000 away from its goal with less than two days remaining. Hopefully the service errors will be cleared up before several projects start to feel the sting.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyAmazon's payment systems go kaput, taking Kickstarter with it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonamazon-paymentsbusiness-modelscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcrowdfundingcrowdsourcingcsefundingkickstartermark-jacobsnewsoutagespayment-systemspaymentspvprvrservice-outageTue, 30 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained unveils new video, Mark Jacobs visits Reddit for AMA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/camelot-unchained-unveils-new-video-mark-jacobs-visits-reddit-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/camelot-unchained-unveils-new-video-mark-jacobs-visits-reddit-f/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/camelot-unchained-unveils-new-video-mark-jacobs-visits-reddit-f/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

City State Entertainment's Mark Jacobs
The Camelot Unchained information deluge continues with the release of a new video and a Reddit AMA by Mark Jacobs himself. The video is a half-hour-long affair in which Jacobs provides fans (and prospective Kickstarter pledgers) with an in-depth look at the lore of Camelot Unchained and the myriad features that the game is bringing to the table. Also, as it happens, you can check it out after the cut.

Meanwhile, on Reddit, Jacobs stopped by /r/IAmA to answer questions from the communit. Suffice it to say, questions range from the standard, "tell us about the progression system" to details on server structure, maximum player population, and much much more. Surprisingly, however, horse-sized ducks don't appear to be mentioned even once. To check the full Q&A session out for yourself, head on through the source link below.

Continue reading Camelot Unchained unveils new video, Mark Jacobs visits Reddit for AMA

MassivelyCamelot Unchained unveils new video, Mark Jacobs visits Reddit for AMA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amacamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvpredditrvrvideovideosMon, 29 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained explains stealth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/camelot-unchained-explains-stealth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained explains stealth
There are five days left for Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter program, and it's less than $600,000 away from its lofty $2,000,000 goal. The developers figured that this was a fine time to explain not only how stealth will work in CU but also how stealth failed in past games.

Mark Jacobs explained in the latest update blog that being killed by a stealther generates the most rage and angry email from players. But with Jacob's "bat-s**t crazy" idea regarding stealth, most of the frustration should be alleviated.

The idea revolves around the concept of the Veil, which in simple terms is another dimension that exists alongside our own. Players can become VeilWalkers, moving in and out of the Veil and traversing over and through objects undetected by most players. But VeilWalking comes with consequences of its own in the form of VeilStalkers, players who cannot enter the Veil but can pull Walkers out of it by using skills and placing traps.

Jacobs explained, "The Veil holds mysteries and power, but it comes with a price." What do you think? Is he bat-s**t crazy?

MassivelyCamelot Unchained explains stealth originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentclassescsedev-blogmark-jacobspvprvrstealthveilveilstalkerveilwalkerFri, 26 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained reveals building system demo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/camelot-unchained-reveals-building-system-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained reveals building system demo
With just a little over one week and $600k left in the Kickstarter campaign, City State Entertainment's Camelot Unchained is consistently pumping out the updates for all fans of the project.

Today's update goes into detail on the game's building system, including a video demo with programmer Tim Mills showing a quick prototype of what you can expect in the game. Mark Jacobs also teases tomorrow's tonight's update where he'll reveal the main lore of Camelot Unchained, including some early concept art and another video.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained reveals building system demo originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buildingbuilding-systemcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvprvrWed, 24 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[More details revealed for Camelot Unchained's world-building systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/more-details-revealed-for-camelot-unchaineds-world-building-sys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

More details revealed for Camelot Unchained's worldbuilding systems
Talking about building the world in Camelot Unchained is not something that can be done in just one sitting, so Mark Jacobs broke it into two. In the first update, Jacobs described the building blocks, mining, and the cooperative nature of construction. The conclusion of this two-part series focused on explaining blueprints and how RvR is intertwined in the world-building system.

Blueprints, which can be traded, are a way to speed up the building process -- or rebuilding, if enemies have destroyed your structure in RvR. Players with the appropriate skills can create blueprints of an already finished structure or through the architect's interface as a plan for a future structure. Through RvR, players can claim buildings built by others, either by deconstructing the entire thing or just capturing it; those structures can then be repaired or rebuilt by the new owners.

Want even more information on building a fortress in Camelot Unchained? Then check out Massively's interview with Mark Jacobs.

MassivelyMore details revealed for Camelot Unchained's world-building systems originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentconstructioncraftingcsedecontructionmark-jacobspvprvrworld-buildingTue, 23 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/building-the-perfect-fortress-in-camelot-unchained/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's housing, building, and mining revealed
The Camelot Unchained team has just released a new video dev blog for Kickstarter backers outlining some fairly ambitious plans for mining and construction in the upcoming PvE-free sandbox. The system will involve combinations of custom and prefab cells in which players so inclined can build up the empires and trading posts and fortifications of their dreams. And in a nod to games like Minecraft, the construction mechanics are built on a foundation of supplies procured through co-op mining gameplay.

Ahead of the reveal, we asked City State Entertainment's Mark Jacobs a few questions about the systems he's proposing, from the influence of Mojang's popular sandbox to whether mining will become my new part-time job. Read on for the complete interview!

[Update: As of Monday, CSE has also released the document form of the housing plans.]

Continue reading Building the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated]

MassivelyBuilding the perfect fortress in Camelot Unchained [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueprintsbuildersbuildingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcellscity-statecity-state-entertainmentconstructioncsefeaturedgriefinghousinginterviewinterviewsmaintenancemark-jacobsmineminecraftminesminingprefabpvprentrvrscuttlingstructuresupkeepSat, 20 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/camelot-unchained-makes-11-promises-to-consumers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers
City State Entertainment President Mark Jacobs has a few promises to make to players -- 11 of them, to be exact. He's put together an updated list of subscriber promises that he and his team will follow when developing and running Camelot Unchained.

The promises include being responsive to players, fighting gold sellers, having the team play the game regularly, eliminating the need for copy protection, protecting player privacy, rewarding players for finding bugs, and never lying to consumers. Most interestingly, Jacobs vows that if Camelot Unchained is ever shut down, then the studio will release the compiled server code to the gamers.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained makes 11 promises to consumers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspromisespvprvrsource-codesubscriber-promisesTue, 16 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/mark-jacobs-on-the-coming-f2p-apocalypse/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse
Mark Jacobs isn't jumping on the free-to-play bandwagon like most of his MMO-making contemporaries. The Camelot Unchained developer and former Dark Age of Camelot head honcho predicted a F2P "apocalypse" in a recent interview with VG247.
You know, free-to-play is just another model, and just like every other model in the industry, it will hold its special little place for a while but then there will be consequences. Those consequences in a few years will be a bit of an apocalypse.

You're going to see a lot of developers shutting down, and you're going to see a lot of publishers going, oh yeah maybe spending $20 million on a free-to-play game wasn't the best idea ever. That's part of the reason, but the other reason is equally as important, that if you go free-to-play, you really have to compete with every other free-to-play game out there.
Camelot Unchained, which recently passed the halfway point of its $2 million Kickstarter goal, will be a "niche subscription game," which Jacobs says will allow his studio to focus on creating content for a more desirable audience.

The subscription model "allows us to focus our game on the people who want to pay for it, and are willing to pay for it," Jacobs explains. "I'll take a smaller subscription base that is dedicated, is energized and is excited to play our game, and to work with our game, than ten times that base where I have to deal with a lot of people who really don't care."

MassivelyMark Jacobs on the coming F2P apocalypse originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcommon-sensecseeconomicsf2p-apocalypsefree-to-play-apocalypsemark-jacobsmark-jacobs-f2ppvprvrsubscriptionSat, 13 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/camelot-unchained-update-outlines-rvr-dungeon-stretch-goal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal
It's time for another Camelot Unchained Kickstarter update. There's so much to discuss that Mark Jacobs has broken today's video blurb into two parts. You can see the meat of the gameplay discussion in part two, where Jacobs outlines various project stretch goals. The first goal entails three new races and classes, one for each of the game's realms.

The second stretch goal involves a potential RvR dungeon that hearkens back to Darkness Falls from Jacobs' Dark Age of Camelot. But wait, hasn't Camelot Unchained been sold thus far as PvE-free experience? Yes, yes it has, and if you want to know how Jacobs and company plan to keep that promise while integrating a dungeon into the game, hit the jump and watch the video.

Continue reading Camelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal

MassivelyCamelot Unchained update outlines RvR dungeon stretch goal originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-depthscamelot-unchained-pvecity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedarkness-fallsmark-jacobspvprvrrvr-dungeonvideoFri, 12 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs: Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/mark-jacobs-camelot-unchained-can-succeed-with-just-50k-subs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Mark Jacobs Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs
In a recent interview, Mark Jacobs stated that unlike some other big titles, Camelot Unchained will be financially successful with fewer paid subscribers. "We don't need one million subs to make money," he said. "If we get 50K paying subscribers a month it will justify the $5 million development budget." Of course, he admitted that they'd certainly be happy with more.

Jacobs also touched on other topics, including crafting and the absence of PvE. Players who want to both fight and craft extensively will need to rely on alts. as fighters will have limited crafting options. And don't think the world will be empty just because there will be no traditional PvE; Jacobs assured that there will be NPCs, noting "You can skin them, get materials off them, salvage their weapons, armor, etc. but you cannot level your RvR skills by doing that."

[Thanks to Mikkel for the tip!]

MassivelyMark Jacobs: Camelot Unchained can succeed with just 50K subs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingcseinterviewmark-jacobsNPCsonly-50k-subspvprvrFri, 12 Apr 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained video shows 1,000 players on-screen]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/camelot-unchained-video-shows-1-000-players-on-screen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

camelot unchained vid, ks update
City State has updated Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter page with a new video and a technology roadmap. Lead programmer Andrew Meggs is both our guide to the two-minute clip and the author of the textual accompaniment that talks up everything from the demo's level of detail to various goings-on with the CU engine.

Meggs says that the 1,000 characters glimpsed on-screen are only "hitting around six percent CPU load," which gives the team a lot of wiggle room for all of the "prediction, decoding, and lag compensation" tasks it's currently working on. Read the full entry and catch the video at CU's official Kickstarter site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained video shows 1,000 players on-screen originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-meggscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstartermark-jacobspvprvrThu, 11 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained Kickstarter update offers a look at the Tuatha De Danann]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/camelot-unchained-kickstarter-update-offers-a-look-at-the-tuatha/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

camelot unchained ks update and new art
Camelot Unchained finally threw its hat into the Kickstarter ring three days ago, garnering a quick outpouring of support from the community in the form of $411K in just four hours. Two days later the amount pledged nearly doubled, jumping to over $815K of a $2 million goal. Last night, Mark Jacobs posted an update that included additional concept art for the Tuatha De Danann race, or TDD. Also included is a short video where lead artist Scott Trolam discussed that early art and demonstrated a 3D version. Check out the art in the gallery below, and head to the official Kickstarter page for a look at the video.

Gallery: Camelot Unchained

MassivelyCamelot Unchained Kickstarter update offers a look at the Tuatha De Danann originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentconcept-artcrowdfundingcsegalleryKickstartermark-jacobsnew-concept-artpvpracesrvrScott-TrolamTDDTuatha-De-DanannFri, 05 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained discusses the trouble with rendering engines]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/camelot-unchained-discusses-the-trouble-with-rendering-engines/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

THEY'RE COMING FOR YOU.
It's been said multiple times by the Camelot Unchained team that this game is meant to be large. The focus is on large-scale sieges, not a couple of guys banging on the front door of a castle. That means the game needs to be able to handle a huge number of players on the screen at any one time. How do you find an engine that can handle that? According to the latest update on Kickstarter, you build one.

While the engine isn't built entirely from scratch, it isn't based off of an established engine, simply because it's being custom-built to handle the game's specific needs. The attached video allows you to see the engine in action, scaling from a handful of characters up to the moving mob pictured in the header. If you want to know more about what makes the game pretty to look at, this will be very relevant to your interests.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained discusses the trouble with rendering engines originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcrowdfundingcrowdsourcingcseenginegame-enginegraphics-enginekickstarterkickstarter-updatemark-jacobsnewspreviewpvprenderingrvrWed, 03 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/camelot-unchaineds-kickstarter-is-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live
It seems sorta funny to be announcing Camelot Unchained's Kickstarter project when we've been reading, writing, and talking about it for several weeks now. But today is the first official day of crowdfunding for City State's ambitious RvR effort, so there you go.

The goal is $2 million, and there are 29 days remaining.

City State founder Mark Jacobs has uploaded a wall o' text to the project page, along with some new concept art images, which you can see in our gallery below.

[Update: This afternoon, Mark Jacobs conveyed this note to the Massively team: "Wow, what a day and it's not even over yet! I have over 3K messages in my mailbox, we're at 411K (dollars) after 4 hours, and the outpouring of support and affection from the community has been overwhelming. No matter what the outcome of our Kickstarter, I will be forever grateful for the team at CSE and our supporters for making this day happen."]

Gallery: Camelot Unchained

MassivelyCamelot Unchained's Kickstarter is live [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-kickstartercity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsegallerymark-jacobspvprvrTue, 02 Apr 2013 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained reveals final Kickstarter reward tiers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/camelot-unchained-reveals-final-kickstarter-reward-tiers/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Artwork -- Camelot Unchained
Have you ever heard of Poe's law? It originally applied to parodies of fundamentalist behavior, stating that it's impossible to create a parody of fundamentalism that someone won't mistake for the real thing. Sometimes, though, the law finds applications elsewhere, such as in Camelot Unchained's suspiciously timed unveiling of its final Kickstarter reward tiers. We're pretty certain that these are legitimate; after all, there's plenty of room for absurdity in rewards that only a small fraction of people will ever pay for. But some of these are so out there that we wouldn't be at all surprised if Mark Jacobs popped out of our computer screens and yelled, "April Fools!"

Many of the rewards seem innocent enough, sure: Up to 50 particularly spendy players can drop a thousand bucks in exchange for the opportunity to work with the dev team to design their own custom-built house, for instance. But that same thousand bucks could also be used for the ability to "name a liquid substance" in Camelot Unchained, which is probably one of the more bizarre rewards we've seen in recent times, especially considering the exorbitant amount of money required. And if you're the CEO of a Fortune 500 company or some kind of oil sheikh, pledging a whopping $10,000 (yes, ten thousand bucks) will net you a three-day visit to the studios of City State Entertainment, on the final day of which you'll "get to say the magical words 'AOT DEKCUS' (protip: read that backwards) and throw your choice of fruit pies at Mark Jacobs." If that's not sufficiently surreal for you, then you might be living in an Dali painting. Either way, the full list of rewards can be found on the official Camelot Unchained site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained reveals final Kickstarter reward tiers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsekickstarterkickstarter-rewardsmark-jacobspvprvrMon, 01 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained talks physics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/camelot-unchained-talks-physics-releases-final-teaser-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/camelot-unchained-talks-physics-releases-final-teaser-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/camelot-unchained-talks-physics-releases-final-teaser-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

camelot unchained dev blog
It's time to learn about Camelot Unchained's 13th foundational principle. That might sound awfully far down on the list, but the foundational principles -- this one happens to be physics -- are as important as you make them.

In Camelot Unchained, physics supports an overarching goal of unique player experiences. The dev team wants things to happen to players that may have never happened to any other player. That comes from chaos, but the problem with chaos is that it leads to players feeling like they're at the mercy of a cruel and whimsical higher power, rather than existing within a set of defined and understandable rules. That's where things like physics come into the picture. Camelot Unchained's physics system will create predictable actions (like bits of walls falling to pieces when they're bombarded), give them consequences (like those bits falling on the ground and potentially on players who are between the bits and the ground), and set them loose in the world to interact with other predictable systems. The result? A set of interconnected systems that make your game experience way cooler without torturing players with invisible dice rolls.

Head over to the dev blog to get the full read.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained talks physics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobsphysicspvprvrtrailertrailersvideoThu, 28 Mar 2013 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Jacobs: 'I don't want F2P/B2P items in Camelot Unchained']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jacobs-i-dont-want-f2p-b2p-items-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jacobs-i-dont-want-f2p-b2p-items-in-camelot-unchained/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/jacobs-i-dont-want-f2p-b2p-items-in-camelot-unchained/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive - Jacobs answers more Camelot Unchained questions
Mark Jacobs is a busy man these days, but thankfully he's not too busy to take a few moments to answer our questions about Camelot Unchained.

After yesterday's two-pronged Kickstarter tiers announcement, we wanted to clarify a few things including whether or not CU's crowdfunding drive will accommodate entry-level price points as well as the status of the game itself. Jacobs also pulls no punches about his desire to keep XP boosts and other F2P/B2P items out of the game. "I just don't want to see those types of items in our game," he tells us, "even if we could make some additional money by including them."

Head past the break for all that and more.

Continue reading Jacobs: 'I don't want F2P/B2P items in Camelot Unchained'

MassivelyJacobs: 'I don't want F2P/B2P items in Camelot Unchained' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcseexclusiveinterviewmark-jacobsmark-jacobs-interviewpvprvrTue, 26 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Camelot Unchained unveils pledge tiers, seeks feedback [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/massively-exclusive-camelot-unchained-unveils-pledge-tiers-see/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/massively-exclusive-camelot-unchained-unveils-pledge-tiers-see/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/massively-exclusive-camelot-unchained-unveils-pledge-tiers-see/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

City State releases intial Camelot Unchained pledge tiers, seeks feedback
If you're following Camelot Unchained with bated breath, you'll want to click past the cut to read our exclusive dev diary from City State founder Mark Jacobs. In it, he outlines the thought process behind CU's Kickstarter pledge tiers and associated rewards. Those rewards include miniatures hand-painted by the City State dev team, in-game items, and the opportunity for backers to contribute voice-over work to the game.

Those are just the tip of the iceberg, too. Jacobs says the tiers and rewards may change based on player feedback, so be sure and leave your comments and questions after you've had a look-see.

[Update: Jacobs has posted a new dev blog on the official site to clear up some of the questions folks have had about the double dose of tier announcements today.]

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Camelot Unchained unveils pledge tiers, seeks feedback [Updated]

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Camelot Unchained unveils pledge tiers, seeks feedback [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bsc-editioncamelotcamelot-unchainedcamelot-unchained-kickstartercamelot-unchained-pledge-tierscity-statecity-state-entertainmentcrowdfundingcseexclusivemark-jacobsmassively-exclusivepvprvrMon, 25 Mar 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained's team puts gameplay over graphics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/camelot-unchaineds-team-puts-gameplay-over-graphics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/camelot-unchaineds-team-puts-gameplay-over-graphics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/camelot-unchaineds-team-puts-gameplay-over-graphics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Camelot Unchained's team puts gameplay over graphics
City State Entertainment co-founder Andrew Meggs shares a tough question that any smaller MMO team has to answer from time to time: What happens when you have to choose between graphics, gameplay, and performance in developing an MMO? In a new blog post, Meggs says that for Camelot Unchained, graphics are the first to go on the backburner.

"When it comes down to the sheer number of [polygons], any time we have to choose between that and delivering on our core gameplay, we're going to choose the gameplay," Meggs writes. "That requires certain sacrifices."

Even so, Meggs said that the team is adept at putting a lot of personality and flair into the graphics it creates, it's just that the focus is creating a game that lasts: "We know that we're building a world for characters to live in, not a theme park for tourists to visit."

MassivelyCamelot Unchained's team puts gameplay over graphics originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-meggscamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsefoundational-principlegameplaygraphicsmark-jacobsperformancepvprvrTue, 19 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dig through the sand(box) in the latest Camelot Unchained devblog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/dig-through-the-sand-box-in-the-latest-camelot-unchained-devblo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/dig-through-the-sand-box-in-the-latest-camelot-unchained-devblo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/dig-through-the-sand-box-in-the-latest-camelot-unchained-devblo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Artwork -- Camelot Unchained
Camelot Unchained continues its foundational principles series of dev blogs with entry number 11, in which Mark Jacobs talks about what exactly constitutes a sandbox game and the philosophy behind the sandbox elements in Camelot Unchained. He starts off with a clarification that "CU is not a true sandbox MMORPG" because "a true sandbox MMORPG would allow the player to build out his stats, skills, alter the world, etc. without most of the fixed conventions and limitations that are found in CU and most other RPGs." Regardless, Jacobs believes that his studio "can learn from and adapt the concept of [sandbox games]."

Jacobs goes on to talk about how and where he decided to implement traditionally sandboxy elements into Camelot Unchained and where he decided it was best to go a different route altogether. For instance, he argues that "in a true SBRPG a player's actions within the game would dictate evolution and progression." Jacobs claims that while CU earns some "sandbox points" because of its relatively unrestrictive class system, it loses some simply because it utilizes a class system. He spends the rest of the post running through the game's list of features and explaining the rationale behind the sandbox elements (or lack thereof) in each one, so if you want to get into the nitty-gritty of Camelot Unchained's sandboxiness (which is now a word), settle in and read the full post at the game's official site.

MassivelyDig through the sand(box) in the latest Camelot Unchained devblog originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedesigndesign-philosophydesign-theorydev-blogdev-diarymark-jacobspvprvrsandboxsandbox-designsandboxesWed, 13 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained is all about pride]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/camelot-unchained-is-all-about-pride/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/camelot-unchained-is-all-about-pride/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/camelot-unchained-is-all-about-pride/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

U2. And now the song is stuck in your head, too.
When you play Camelot Unchained, Mark Jacobs wants you to be proud. Not just about your decision to play his game, but about every individual choice you made in playing that game. He wants you to have pride about your race, pride about your server, pride about your guild, possibly even pride about your choice of keyboard. That's the entire point of the latest development blog post: pride and the elements that build up to player pride.

Jacobs argues that there are two sides to making every part of a character a source of pride. In many cases, such as with races and factions, it's important that the lore be appealing and resonant with players. In other cases, such as classes, it's more important that each feels powerful and unique while still feeling as if it needs something more. The entry goes into detail on several points about pride, ranging from factions to servers, and if you're eyeing the game in anticipation, it's worth looking through the points of pride.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained is all about pride originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentclassescsefactionsguildsidentificationidentification-pridemark-jacobsplayer-pridepridepvpracesrvrserversThu, 07 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained on building community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/camelot-unchained-on-building-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/camelot-unchained-on-building-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/camelot-unchained-on-building-community/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Camelot Unchained strives to encourage socialization
Creating an atmosphere and incentives for players to rely on and help each other out is paramount to building a strong community, says Mark Jacobs in his latest Camelot Unchained dev blog.

"Part of our job as the designers and developers of CU is to put systems in place to create interdependency that encourages players to work together so that they not only have the most fun but also enjoy the quickest ways to success within the game," Jacobs writes.

His post explains how the team is using both crafting and housing as ways to bind players together organically rather than force them to group due to sheer necessity. Even if players don't want to engage in these systems, Jacobs envisions a connection between such straight-up warriors and the crafters/builders as all can benefit from helping each other out.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained on building community originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabuildingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcommunitycraftingcsedev-diaryforced-socializationmark-jacobspvprvrsocializationThu, 28 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained plans to bring random back]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/camelot-unchained-plans-to-bring-random-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/camelot-unchained-plans-to-bring-random-back/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/camelot-unchained-plans-to-bring-random-back/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Also swords. Swords will figure prominently.
Mark Jacobs knows the problem with your games: They're too predictable. What MMOs need are some good old-fashioned chaos. What happened to the days when you would turn in a quest for which the reward could be endgame armor or it could be a piece of moldy cheese? Let's bring that back into style!

All right, not that far. The latest Camelot Unchained development blog is all about randomness, however, with Jacobs laying out another design principle centering around the need for a strong random element in play. Jacobs sees a need for unpredictable outcomes as one of the core elements of a game, something to keep you playing because the game cannot be expected to run a specific course every time.

This extends to both the combat system and the state of the world in general, with the former embracing more factors than simple levels and the latter being a bit more dynamic and unpredictable. If you're interested in reading more on this point, take a look at the full rundown at the official site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained plans to bring random back originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedesigndevelopmentdevelopment-diaryfoundational-principlegame-mechanicsmark-jacobsnewsphilosophypreviewpvprandomrvrTue, 26 Feb 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained dev diary details crafting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/camelot-unchained-dev-diary-details-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/camelot-unchained-dev-diary-details-crafting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/camelot-unchained-dev-diary-details-crafting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Artwork -- Camelot UnchainedCamelot Unchained's series of dev diaries on the game's "foundational principles" continues today with a post on principle number seven: "Crafting should be fun, useful and not induce Carpal Tunnel Syndrome." Well, that does sound like a reasonable principle, but how is the team going to go about implementing that principle in practice?

For starters, crafting will be "the only reliable way to get armor, weapons, and most items" within the game. The post emphasizes that there are no "rare drops" and that "the whole 'Oh look, I just killed a nightingale and it dropped a full suit of purple armor' is so last decade." Players will also be able to create a "'crafting-class' character with separate crafting-based... leveling tracks." The CU devs also hope to ensure that crafters are able to build a reputation on their servers through the "naming/signature (hopefully visual as well as textual) of items, rewards from their server's ruler, etc." The full piece goes into much more depth than we have the space for here, though, so if you want all the details on Camelot Unchained's crafting philosophy, head on over to the game's official site.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained dev diary details crafting originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingcsedev-blogdev-blogsdev-diariesdev-diarymark-jacobspvprvrFri, 22 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should gender and race matter in MMO character creation?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/the-daily-grind-should-gender-and-race-matter-in-mmo-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/the-daily-grind-should-gender-and-race-matter-in-mmo-character/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/the-daily-grind-should-gender-and-race-matter-in-mmo-character/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Camelot
Camelot Unchained, Mark Jacobs' upcoming RvR-based MMO, is dipping into the old-school well in more ways than one. One design feature that caught my eye is the promise that racial and gender choices will influence character stats. MMO players are pretty used to the ancient RPG idea that some races or species are going to be better at magic or archery or punching people in the face or pressing Will of the Forsaken than others, but non-cosmetic gender differences are something that very few MMOs embrace. Even accidental gender imbalances send players into a tizzy.

The implication in CU is that these initial starting stats will be changeable based on what characters actually do, such that an Elf woman who does nothing but swing hammers will bulk up or Viking thug who practices his poetry will see that reflected in his charisma skill (I am making these examples up). But the idea that my character might start at a stereotypical disadvantage still bugs me and makes me wonder how many min-maxers out there will just play to those stereotypes because they feel they must, thereby homogenizing the character makeup of the whole game.

What about you guys? Do you think that gender and race/species should matter in MMO character creation as it matters in certain other RPGs?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should gender and race matter in MMO character creation? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgcamelotcamelot-unchainedcharacter-creationcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedaily-grindgendermark-jacobsopinionpvpracervrspeciesstatisticstatstdgthe-daily-grindFri, 22 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 237: Mark Jacobs interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/massively-speaking-episode-237-mark-jacobs-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/massively-speaking-episode-237-mark-jacobs-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/massively-speaking-episode-237-mark-jacobs-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 237 Mark Jacobs interview
It's realm vs. realm vs. realm on this week's Massively Speaking: Bree Royce vs. Justin Olivetti vs. Mark Jacobs! Jacobs is continuing his pre-Kickstarter world tour for Camelot Unchained, and he's certainly not shy in talking up its various aspects on the podcast. See how an experienced game dev approaches a new title with plenty of old lessons under his belt.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 237: Mark Jacobs interview

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 237: Mark Jacobs interview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brantbrianna-roycecamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsefeaturedhumorinterviewjustin-olivettimark-jacobsmassively-speakingopinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvprvrTue, 19 Feb 2013 08:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 237Massively.com Staff01:19:05podcast<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained: Balanced classes out, rock-paper-scissors in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/camelot-unchained-balanced-classes-out-rock-paper-scissors-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/camelot-unchained-balanced-classes-out-rock-paper-scissors-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/18/camelot-unchained-balanced-classes-out-rock-paper-scissors-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained Balanced classes out, rockpaperscissors in
In his latest lecture series on Camelot Unchained game design, Mark Jacobs discusses his team's approach to class design for the title and how it won't go with the flow of most MMOs. In fact, he says that the effort to carefully balance classes has proved a detriment to the industry, and as such, Camelot Unchained will pursue a rock-paper-scissors structure.

Why is Jacobs going down this route? In short, it just doesn't fit an RvR-focused game. "[Rock-paper-scissors] lends an element of unpredictability and it gives us so much more freedom to explore different classes/abilities without worrying about having everything equally balanced 100% all the time," he wrote.

Jacobs finishes his lecture by saying that the studio is adapting CCP's development model: "Start small, iterate and then build, baby, build."

MassivelyCamelot Unchained: Balanced classes out, rock-paper-scissors in originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancecamelotcamelot-unchainedchoicescity-statecity-state-entertainmentclassclass-balanceclassesdev-blogdev-diarymark-jacobspvprock-paper-scissorsrvrMon, 18 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained aims to be unattractive to gold sellers and farmers [Update]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/camelot-unchained-aims-to-be-unattractive-to-gold-sellers-and-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/camelot-unchained-aims-to-be-unattractive-to-gold-sellers-and-fa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/camelot-unchained-aims-to-be-unattractive-to-gold-sellers-and-fa/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Mark Jacobs still hates gold sellers
Mark Jacobs has never been a fan of gold farmers and gold sellers, famously going on a warpath against them in his previous titles. He renewed his vows against such practices today, saying that he will do everything he can to make sure that such behavior doesn't prosper in Camelot Unchained.

"While it certainly would be nice to have those extra subs the gold sellers/farmers bring to the table," Jacobs wrote, "I will not compromise the integrity of the game or the enjoyment for the vast majority of the players by making it easy for them in Camelot Unchained even if it leaves some money on the table."

The team is planning on countering gold selling and farming by creating tools to battle it and making the game more difficult to generate a profit. "As an RvR-focused game, CU will be less attractive to them from the onset since earning currency in CU not be as easy as earning currency in a PvE game," he said.

[Update: Jacobs is a busy little bee today. He's just posted a second dev blog discussing how leveling will work in a PvP-centric game.]

MassivelyCamelot Unchained aims to be unattractive to gold sellers and farmers [Update] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedchoiceschoices-mattercity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedev-blogdev-diarygoldgold-farmergold-farmersgold-farminggold-sellergold-sellersgold-sellingmark-jacobspvprvrFri, 15 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: The sweet sorrow of choosing a new sandbox]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/some-assembly-required-the-sweet-sorrow-of-choosing-a-new-sandb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/some-assembly-required-the-sweet-sorrow-of-choosing-a-new-sandb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/15/some-assembly-required-the-sweet-sorrow-of-choosing-a-new-sandb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required The sweet sorrow of choosing a new sandbox
Late last year I penned a piece that looked ahead to 2013's most promising sandbox titles. Recent developments have necessitated that I add to that list, which is simultaneously staggering and somewhat stressful. My new MMO home is lurking in one of these games, but I must choose, and choose wisely! Help me out after the cut.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: The sweet sorrow of choosing a new sandbox

MassivelySome Assembly Required: The sweet sorrow of choosing a new sandbox originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2013-sandbox2013-sandboxesaaaction-mmoarche-agearcheagecamelotcamelot-unchainedcarbinecarbine-studioschoicechoice-paralysischoosing-a-sandboxcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcrypticcryptic-studioscsedndf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsmark-jacobsncsoftneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvppwervrsandboxsandparksarsci-fantasysci-fisome-assembly-requiredthe-problem-of-choicewildstarwsxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 15 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained dev blog: 'Choices matter']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/camelot-unchained-dev-blog-choices-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/camelot-unchained-dev-blog-choices-matter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/camelot-unchained-dev-blog-choices-matter/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Art -- Camelot Unchained
City State Entertainment has put up a new Camelot Unchained dev diary that continues the Foundational Principles series of posts. Today's devblog is about foundational principle number four, which is that "choice matters." Well of course it does, but how are the Camelot Unchained devs going to provide choices to their players? The post provides a few examples of the way players' choices will affect their long-term gameplay.

For starters, Camelot Unchained will feature "a full stat allocation system" that will allow players to completely customize their characters' attributes. Race and gender will also matter: different races will have different stat maximums/minimums, and of course, various racial proficiencies and deficiencies. However, it's not mentioned exactly what effect a character's gender will have. The post also mentions players being able to take various advantages and disadvantages for their character such as in a number of pen-and-paper games, which will allow players to further tailor their characters as they see fit. For the full post, which also includes an example of what might happen if a mage decked out in metal armor decides to cast a lightning spell, head on over to the official site and check it out.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained dev blog: 'Choices matter' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedchoiceschoices-mattercity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedev-blogdev-diarymark-jacobspvprvrWed, 13 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest Camelot Unchained dev diary touts 'no risk, no reward' philosophy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/latest-camelot-unchained-dev-diary-touts-no-risk-no-reward-ph/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/latest-camelot-unchained-dev-diary-touts-no-risk-no-reward-ph/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/latest-camelot-unchained-dev-diary-touts-no-risk-no-reward-ph/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Latest Camelot Unchained dev diary touts 'no risk, no reward' philosophyMark Jacobs does not want to hold your hand in Camelot Unchained. Or spoon-feed you. In fact, he doesn't want to make the upcoming RvR-centric unduly easy -- he wants you to make mistakes. In his most recent dev diary, Jacobs ruminates on Camelot Unchained's third foundational principle of no risk, no reward.

How will this philosophy be put into practice? The diary gives three examples. For one, there will be no magical glowing lines to lead players to quest areas or NPCs and maps will be very simplistic. Players will have to explore and learn the terrain on their own to be able to navigate the world. Next, the auction house is abolished; while a commodities market might be introduced for gathered resources, crafted good will be sold via player-controlled shops or in specific areas of town. The third example involves class respecs: To allow for flexibility in the class-based system but to help prevent flavor-of-the-month switches, limited respecs will be available to players, though difficult to acquire.

MassivelyLatest Camelot Unchained dev diary touts 'no risk, no reward' philosophy originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcsedev-diarydeveloper-diaryfoundational-principle-3mark-jacobsno-risk-no-rewardpvprvrMon, 11 Feb 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City State talks Camelot Unchained skills, progression, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/city-state-talks-camelot-unchained-skills-progression-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/city-state-talks-camelot-unchained-skills-progression-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/08/city-state-talks-camelot-unchained-skills-progression-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained emblemReady for round two of the foundational principles behind Mark Jacobs' Camelot Unchained? Good, because City State is back with an RvR-centric blog entry designed to whet your appetite for the upcoming PvP title.

The piece starts off with an example of how crafters will serve an important purpose in the game's "TriRealm" dynamic. "As an RvR-focused game, hummingbirds won't be dropping rare and unique items; well, unless you consider bird poop rare and unique," the dev blog explains. "You will get rewards for killing other players, other players' helpers, and some stuff in the world, but it won't be gear and we will also not offer tokens."

Skill progression is also on today's menu, and City State says that Camelot Unchained will reward you based "on the activities that you are participating in directly." The dev blog also hints at "you are what you do" gameplay and says that the team favors classes for this particular MMO.

There's a lot more to today's post, including bits about zerging, crowd-control, housing, and crafting, so head to the City State site for all the details.

MassivelyCity State talks Camelot Unchained skills, progression, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentcraftingmark-jacobspvprealm-vs-realmrvrFri, 08 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Camelot Unchained's Jacobs: 'This is the wrong time to be safe']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/camelot-unchaineds-jacobs-this-is-the-wrong-time-to-be-safe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/camelot-unchaineds-jacobs-this-is-the-wrong-time-to-be-safe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/07/camelot-unchaineds-jacobs-this-is-the-wrong-time-to-be-safe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Camelot Unchained dragon conceptIt's been a big week for fans of three-faction PvP, RvR, and Mark Jacobs. Development on Camelot Unchained is in full swing, and City State Entertainment has released a new dev blog that touches on one of the game's foundational principles.

Jacobs is pretty blunt in his assessment of the current MMORPG landscape and his desire to see Camelot Unchained move away from it. "I don't really care if MMORPGs have been evolving in a certain direction whether over the last five years or fifteen years," Jacobs writes. "All I and the team care about is what will make this game great, and that will mean taking chances with the game's design and again, being willing to piss some people off."

In terms of specifics, Jacobs says he's not opposed to putting in "some features that some people might not consider fun (like true day/night cycle, slower and different leveling systems, extremely limited fast travel, no PvE leveling/gear grind) because I believe that will make this a better game for our niche." He also says that he'll go into further detail regarding Unchained's risks and potential rewards over the next few weeks.

MassivelyCamelot Unchained's Jacobs: 'This is the wrong time to be safe' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>camelotcamelot-unchainedcity-statecity-state-entertainmentdev-blogmark-jacobsmark-jacobs-dev-blogpvprvrThu, 07 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/05/rvr-unchained-mark-jacobs-returns-to-camelot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RvR Unchained Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot
It was no coincidence that Mark Jacobs was open to talking about his Warhammer Online experiences with us recently. If you deduced that it was the prelude to his MMO comeback attempt, you were right.

Jacobs' City State Entertainment announced today that it's working on a new MMO under the working title of Camelot Unchained. And yes, it will be RvR-focused with three realms duking it out: Arthurian, Tuatha Dé Danann, and Viking. Camelot Unchained will tie RvR conflict into player housing and a dynamic economy as well.

Because this tightly focused concept may prove to be too difficult to draw publisher support, the 13-person studio is turning to a future Kickstarter campaign for support. Obviously, we have no shortages of questions about this project, but we contained ourselves to the 10 most burning queries that we presented to Jacobs. Read about the future of Camelot after the jump!

Continue reading RvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot

MassivelyRvR Unchained: Mark Jacobs returns to Camelot originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 05 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aradatharthurarthurian-legendbreakingcamelotcamelot-unchainedcity-state-entertainmentdaocdark-age-of-camelotfeaturedinterviewinterviewsking-arthurmark-jacobsmudnew-titlepreviewpreviewspvprealm-vs-realmrvrthree-factionwarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 05 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Reminiscing about Warhammer Online with Mark Jacobs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/reminiscing-about-warhammer-online-with-mark-jacobs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/reminiscing-about-warhammer-online-with-mark-jacobs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/reminiscing-about-warhammer-online-with-mark-jacobs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Reminiscing about Warhammer Online with Mark Jacobs
When it comes to the 2008 phenomenon of Warhammer Online and the story of its rise and fall, there's one obvious source for the full dish: Mark Jacobs. The former big kahuna of Mythic Entertainment is now CEO of City State Entertainment, and while Jacobs is no longer in the WAR business, he's still passionate about making games and talking about his past experiences.

We sat down with Jacobs to look at WAR and what he thought went right and wrong with the title. Even today, many gamers are passionately divided on the game's build-up to release and design decisions. Some lay the blame at Jacobs' doorstep, while others admire the passion and vision of this MMO creator. So what does Jacobs have to say when put to the question about WAR's outcome? Find out in this exclusive interview!

Continue reading Reminiscing about Warhammer Online with Mark Jacobs

MassivelyReminiscing about Warhammer Online with Mark Jacobs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-state-entertainmentclimaxclimax-onlinedaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedimperatorimperator-onlineinterviewinterviewsliving-citiesliving-guildsmark-jacobsmythicmythic-entertainmentpublic-questspvprvrstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 23 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City State Entertainment releases another teaser trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/city-state-entertainment-releases-another-teaser-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/city-state-entertainment-releases-another-teaser-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/16/city-state-entertainment-releases-another-teaser-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , ,

City State Entertainment releases another teaser trailer
City State Entertainment released a mysterious teaser not too long ago, and now it's time for round two. Every bit as cryptic as the first, this trailer has some ominous music and some peculiar references to times long-lost, veils, and souls. The same trinity motif that intrigued us before is still present.

What do you think Mark Jacobs and all the fine folks at CSE have in store for us? All we can really do for now is wait for the third and final teaser.

Continue reading City State Entertainment releases another teaser trailer

MassivelyCity State Entertainment releases another teaser trailer originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-state-entertainmentcsemark-jacobsMYSTERIOUSteaserteaser-trailerthree-factiontrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 16 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mark Jacobs' City State Entertainment releases some sort of teaser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/mark-jacobs-city-state-entertainment-releases-some-sort-of-teas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/mark-jacobs-city-state-entertainment-releases-some-sort-of-teas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/23/mark-jacobs-city-state-entertainment-releases-some-sort-of-teas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

City State trailer logo thing
What's Mark Jacobs been up to lately? Conspiring with fellow devs at City State Entertainment, that's what. The team is made up of ex-staffers from Mythic (which Jacobs co-founded) and Troika, and they've just released an extremely brief teaser clip to whet our appetites for... whatever it is they're making.

About the only thing we can say regarding the teaser is that it features a trinity motif, which might follow along from the three-faction PvP from Jacobs' celebrated Dark Age of Camelot MMO. See for yourself after the cut.

[Thanks to Heath and Matthew for the tips!]

Continue reading Mark Jacobs' City State Entertainment releases some sort of teaser

MassivelyMark Jacobs' City State Entertainment releases some sort of teaser originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 23 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-statecity-state-entertainmentdaocdark-age-of-camelotmark-jacobstrailertroikavideoSun, 23 Dec 2012 14:00:00 EST