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[Spacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/spacetime-announces-industry-first-cross-platform-implementation/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Pocket Legends wallpaper
If you've ever wondered about the feasibility of cross-platform MMOs, Spacetime Studios is here to tell you that it's a reality. The company announced an industry first earlier today when it removed the barriers between players who use different devices and operating systems.

The company's Pocket Legends and Star Legends mobile MMOs share a single global server, and access to said server is now open to users of desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets.

"There have always been technical walls between players on different platforms," said CEO Gary Gattis. "Now, people are free to play on the device they choose with anyone, anywhere, anytime, whether they are at home or on-the-go."

[Source: Spacetime press release]

MassivelySpacetime announces industry-first cross-platform implementation originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformcross-platform-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playgary-gattismobilepocket-legendssci-fisingle-serversmart-phonesspacetimespacetime-studiosstar-legendstabletsThu, 08 Dec 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Burning Dog announces cross-platform plans for Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/01/burning-dog-announces-cross-platform-plans-for-origins-of-malu/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Origins of Malu - landscape screenshot
We've got some more Origins of Malu news today courtesy of the team at Burning Dog Media. A new press release on the sandbox MMORPG's official website is touting a partnership with Dell and Alienware that will generate awareness of the sci-fi title as it heads into its beta phase and eyes a 2012 launch. The release also mentions cross-platform functionality, and though it doesn't elaborate, we contacted lead developer Michael Dunham for clarification.

As it turns out, the Origins team is aiming for both PC and Mac clients, and some sort of mobile/tablet functionality is in the works as well.

We'll keep you up to date on that as we learn more, and in the meantime you can head to the Origins website to read up on the game. Before you go, be sure and check out Massively's exclusive interview with the dev team.

MassivelyBurning Dog announces cross-platform plans for Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alienwareburning-dogburning-dog-mediacross-platformcross-platform-functionalitydellmacmac-clientmarketingmobileoriginsorigins-of-malupartnershippress-releasesandboxsci-fitabletsTue, 01 Nov 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What existing game would you like to see on a console?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/the-daily-grind-what-existing-game-would-you-like-to-see-on-a-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/the-daily-grind-what-existing-game-would-you-like-to-see-on-a-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/07/the-daily-grind-what-existing-game-would-you-like-to-see-on-a-c/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Console MMOs have always been a limited breed, due in no small part to the limited lifespan of consoles versus PCs. That hasn't stopped developers from trying, but somehow the games that are set to be ported to consoles later never quite make the transition -- Age of Conan and Champions Online both stand out as games that promised a console adaptation and then later reversed that promise. Most developers don't even promise that a game will eventually be on a console, either from lack of desire or lack of resources.

Despite this, there are no shortage of games that prompt the thought of playing on a console. Action MMOs in particular frequently focus on a control scheme that would feel natural on a gamepad, even if the game isn't intended for play on your television. So today we ask you -- what currently-active MMO would you like to see available on consoles as well, even if the odds of that happening are somewhere around nil?

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: What existing game would you like to see on a console? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>console-gamingconsole-mmosconsole-playconsole-versionsconsolescross-platformopinionplatformstdgthe-daily-grindSun, 07 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2011: Trion Worlds talks Defiance]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-trion-worlds-talks-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-trion-worlds-talks-defiance/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/08/e3-2011-trion-worlds-talks-defiance/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Straight from E3, we have some brand-new information on the upcoming project Defiance from Trion Worlds and Syfy. Three members of Trion Worlds got up on stage to demo the game and answer questions from the audience (which included our own Rubi Bayer), and there's a wealth of new information to cover, so let's dive in, shall we? Follow on past the cut for all the Defiance goodness you could ask for.

Continue reading E3 2011: Trion Worlds talks Defiance

MassivelyE3 2011: Trion Worlds talks Defiance originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformdefiancee3e3-2011featuredmmo-shootermmofpsmulti-platformqashootershooterssyfytriontrion-worldsWed, 08 Jun 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gamigo opens the news floodgates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/03/10/gamigo-opens-the-news-floodgates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

"Cry havoc, and unleash the titles of war" might as well be gamigo's cry, as today it has seen fit to give us what can only be termed as a new title news explosion. Aside from offering up an interesting tidbit on its upcoming space dogfighter, Black Prophecy, the company has released information on a handful of other new titles that should pique the interest of gamers who are looking for something beyond the standard free-to-play MMO fare. Better still, some of these titles will be available in-browser, helping to open up more "jump in and game" free-to-play options.

Grimlands offers something for players who have been waiting for a post-apocalyptic title that promises the ability to evolve their own playstyles -- and cities. UFO Online: Fight for Earth features a tactics-heavy browser-based MMO environment where players will battle against each other and enemy NPCs in a world overrun with gobsmackingly enormous amounts of aliens. Magic Campus offers adventure in a turn-based world where players build a powerful cadre of pets and mentor others in the ways of magic -- all in their browsers.

Sound intriguing? Join us behind the break for a first look at screenshots and video from these upcoming gamigo titles!

Continue reading Gamigo opens the news floodgates

MassivelyGamigo opens the news floodgates originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementsbetablack-prophecybrowser-basedconcept-artcross-platformf2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playgallerygamigoGrimlandsjrpgmacmagic-campusmmommofpsmmoomgmmorpgmmortsnew-titlespcpost-apocalypticpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsteaser-trailertrailerufo-onlineufo-online-fight-for-earthunityunity-enginevideoThu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth gets a Mac client]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/fallen-earth-gets-a-mac-client/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Perhaps you've watched Shawn's recent Fallen Earth exploits in Choose My Adventure, or heard all about the post-apocalyptic fun on Massively Speaking. Well, the team at Icarus Studios have heard the call from the Apple-loving contingent for a client of their own -- and have just announced that they have a beta Mac-compatible client ready for you to download and try out!

The new client is made possible thanks to the open-source project, Wine, which helps to create cross-compatibility for different platforms. The Fallen Earth Mac beta client works on Intel Macs, and is optimized for systems running under OS X 10.5 Leopard or later that have dedicated graphics hardware. No word on a Linux client at this time, but a connection with Wine is certainly a very positive first step if they do choose to open up further cross-compatibility to Linux users in the future.

"The Mac OS X compatibility project is something we've been excited to see implemented for quite a while," said Brad Lineberger, Chief Technical Officer of Icarus Studios. "Our goal for the project is to allow Mac users to run all of our existing and future games in their native OS." All you have to do if you'd like to get in on the Mac beta is to head over to the Fallen Earth site and check out their beta FAQ page. Of course, you have to have an active Fallen Earth account, or sign up for a 10-day trial first, but for post-apocalyptic loving Mac fans, this is certainly some great news.

MassivelyFallen Earth gets a Mac client originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 14:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appleapple-mmobrad-linebergerbreakingcross-platformfallen-earthfallen-earth-llcfallen-earth-macfeaturedicarus-studiosleopardmacmac-mmomacintoshopen-sourceos-xwineWed, 10 Mar 2010 14:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Infiltrating SOE to get a sneak peek of The Agency]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/infiltrating-soe-to-get-a-sneak-peak-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/infiltrating-soe-to-get-a-sneak-peak-of-the-agency/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/25/infiltrating-soe-to-get-a-sneak-peak-of-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Eurogamer's Oli Welsh had a chance to visit SOE headquarters and chat with Hal Milton, Lead Designer of The Agency. We think it's fair to say this is the most we've heard about the spy-MMO in a long time and it has us excited about what we might find out at E3 2009.

We have known for a while that SOE was aiming to release The Agency on both the PC and PS3, but we weren't sure if they could pull it off. Apparently, development for the console is going well because Oli got a chance to watch two developers play a mission together on both platforms and says it looked pretty good. When asked about whether or not the game would use the subscription or F2P/RMT model, Hal responded by saying that they are aiming for the lowest barrier of entry for PS3 players, which probably lends itself to the latter.

The interview uncovers many details on planned methods of progression, including a mashup of reputation, influence, skill/item usage (à la Darkfall?), operatives, and XP unlocks. Operatives are one of the more difficult concepts to understand and the author explains them in an interesting way: "...operatives are loot, and hopelessly irresistible loot at at that. Pursuing and sorting an ideal roster will be akin to assembling a perfect gear set in an RPG - if your gear argued with itself, made more gear for you while you were offline, and you could equip 100 pieces at once at max level."

To learn more about the game including their plans for missions, the environment, PvP, and even gambling mini-games, check out the monster three-page interview.

MassivelyInfiltrating SOE to get a sneak peek of The Agency originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 May 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformdarkfalleurogamerhal-miltoninterviewoli-welshps3soespythe-agencyMon, 25 May 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/26/gdc09-gaikai-digital-gaming-service-to-stream-mmos-to-web-brows/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the more interesting announcements to come out of GDC 2009 is OnLive, which will allow low-end PCs to play high-end games via streaming technology, piping in a game experience where all the heavy (graphics) lifting is done on the company's servers. It's a significant step forward in gaming provided it lives up to expectations, and the fact that it's fully cross-platform means that Mac users will be able to play PC titles never ported for the OS. OnLive isn't alone in wanting to make games more accessible though, particularly when it comes to MMOs.

Acclaim CEO David Perry told GameDaily, "We have already filed a patent on what OnLive is doing. I'm working with a team called Gaikai... we have World of Warcraft and EVE Online running." Since Gaikai's "Streaming Worlds" technology involves servers which remotely do the graphics crunching required of most modern games and streams the game to a web browser, all one needs is a machine with a good internet connection. No game client downloads are required. "You can play World of Warcraft anytime, on any browser," said Perry. The OnLive and Gaikai services are still in development and beta testing for both may begin this Winter, if not sooner.

MassivelyGDC09: Gaikai digital gaming service to stream MMOs to web browsers originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilityacclaimbrowsercross-platformdavid-perrtyeve-onlineflashgaikaigdcgdc-2009mmo-industryonlivestreamingstreaming-worldsworld-of-warcraftThu, 26 Mar 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivox to offer cross-platform browser plugin for game VOIP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/20/look-out-vent-and-teamspeak-vivox-to-offer-cross-platform-brows/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Vivox, already firmly entrenched as the in-game voice over IP option for EVE Online, several of SOE's games, and Second Life, is now upping the ante by announcing that they intend to take their service cross-platform - and potentially cross-game, if the developers allow it. If they manage to do that, it means you could play EverQuest II and still hang out and talk smack with your friends flying through space in EVE Online, or checking out the latest in Second Life. Not only are those options interesting, but in releasing it as a browser plugin, they open up the option for guilds to potentially use it on their own sites; allowing people not logged in to still talk to those playing. Depending on cost and scalability, this could potentially take a bite out of the market Ventrilo and TeamSpeak are in, as we'd bet 99.9% of gamers already have browsers on their machines, and many run them while gaming anyway.

Add to that Vivox's plan to allow users to eventually call in to the chat from cell phones (late to the raid - call ahead) and you can see where this is definitely an interesting development to those playing MMOs. They'll be discussing the specifics at GDC, so hopefully we'll get more details on just how this will happen, if players will have to (or be able to) host their own servers, and the potential roll-out dates for this new service.

MassivelyVivox to offer cross-platform browser plugin for game VOIP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browsercross-platformpluginteamspeakventrilovivoxvoice-over-ipvoipFri, 20 Mar 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO interview details cross-platform play and rumored release dates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dcuo-interview-details-cross-platform-play-and-rumored-release-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dcuo-interview-details-cross-platform-play-and-rumored-release-d/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/04/dcuo-interview-details-cross-platform-play-and-rumored-release-d/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Our sister site Joystiq had the opportunity to sit down the DC Universe Online's Senior Producer Wes Yanagi at the New York Comic-con, and cleared up some of our current curiosities about the game. Firstly, Yanagi took the opportunity to debunk any rumors of a later 2009 or early 2010 release date for the game and stated, "I would say that we don't have a date right now. There's really no date." That sounds pretty cut and dry to us, and it makes sense considering SOE hasn't even moved the game out of alpha testing yet.

Additionally, Yanagi also commented on cross-platform play between PC and PS3 versions, stating that it's not in the game as of right now. However, it's something SOE would like to do, but simply can't confirm. Since there apparently aren't any advantages between PS3 controllers and keyboard/mouse combos, we'd like to see cross-platform play make it into the game.

There's much more great stuff in the interview, so check it out if you're looking forward to DC Universe Online as much as we are!
Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!

MassivelyDCUO interview details cross-platform play and rumored release dates originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformdc-comicsdc-universe-onlinedcuojoystiqpcplaystation-3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentwes-yanagiWed, 04 Feb 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on video footage of superhero MMO Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/hands-on-video-footage-of-superhero-mmo-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/hands-on-video-footage-of-superhero-mmo-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/06/hands-on-video-footage-of-superhero-mmo-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Gamers in that sweet spot where massively multiplayer online games and comic books intersect have long enjoyed playing City of Heroes, and are likely to well into the future... but clearly there's more room in the superhero game genre. Some MMO players are looking forward to a superhero-themed game with a different take on the genre than what's been done before. For them, the upcoming game Champions Online has some appeal. G4tv's X-Play recently took notice of this and interviewed Bill Roper, the Cryptic Studios Design Director, about what Champions Online has to offer gamers.

The video interview, "Hands On: Champions Online", is in two parts. First Roper speaks with Adam Sessler, introducing the game concept, its setting, and creating your own personal nemesis in Champions Online as you progress. Afterwards Morgan Webb delves a bit more into the core game mechanics of Champions Online, such as how loot will augment your avatar, and the incentives to play in groups with other people -- one of the key reasons gamers jump into MMOs in the first place. Roper goes on to address the possibilities of gameplay on both PC and consoles. In fact, the gameplay shown throughout the videos is done with an Xbox 360 controller. Roper also reiterates the Champions Online release date, which he says is still slated for Spring 2009. If you'd like to see what all the fuss about this new superhero MMO is about, we've got both videos embedded for you below the cut.

Continue reading Hands on video footage of superhero MMO Champions Online

MassivelyHands on video footage of superhero MMO Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-sesslerbill-roperchampions-onlineconsolecross-platformcryptic-studiosg4g4tvgame-mechanicsloremorgan-webbsuper-herovideox-playxbox-360Sat, 06 Dec 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Patches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/patches-pose-a-problem-for-DC-universe-online-cross-platform-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DC Universe Online Creative Director Chris Cao told MTV's Multiplayer blog that SOE hopes to support cross-platform play between PlayStation 3 and PC DCUO players, but isn't ready to commit to it just yet.

Cao said that cross-platform play is still high on the priority list, but no definite promise has been made because delivering game updates to PS3 users is a very different process than delivering them to PC users. SOE is still trying to figure out how to do simultaneous updates on both platforms.

We've heard about this problem before, of course. Funcom is facing something similar as it works to port Age of Conan to the Xbox 360. SOE is in a good position to deal with it though, since it is actually a part of the company that's responsible for the PlayStation Network authentication process. "I think if anybody is going to do it and make it simultaneously seamless for people it's going to be us," said Cao. "It's just that we haven't done it yet, so we don't like to promise what we haven't delivered yet."

MassivelyPatches pose a problem for DC Universe Online cross-platform play originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-caoconsoleconsolescross-platformdc-universe-onlinedcudcuointerviewmtv-multiplayerpatchespcplaystation-3playstation-networkpsnsoethe-agencyupdatesTue, 30 Sep 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Console MMOs from a reverse perspective: Can they succeed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/console-mmos-from-a-reverse-perspective-can-they-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/console-mmos-from-a-reverse-perspective-can-they-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/22/console-mmos-from-a-reverse-perspective-can-they-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In the first of a promised series of articles concerning MMOs on a console platform, Jim Pwnage of Xboxoz360gamer.com gives us a discussion on the importance of communications to a cross-platform MMO. He starts off by making a general introduction to MMOs, seemingly directed at console gamers. If this is the future of the genre, we might as well get used to it.

This first installment discusses how voice communication is essential to a console MMO. No one wants to be typing out their commands or guild chat on a console, and voice chat among 100+ people would be chaotic to say the least. So his solution is a way to join and leave smaller conversations more easily. Wouldn't that defeat the purpose of massively multiplayer though? It's an interesting thought, and we look forward to the next part of this series.

MassivelyConsole MMOs from a reverse perspective: Can they succeed? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communicationsconsole-mmocross-platformjim-pwnagevoice-chatxbox-360Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE talks about the challenges of cross-platform gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/soe-talks-about-the-challenges-of-cross-platform-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


In a recent article over at Gamasutra, Sony Online Entertainment's Executive Producer Matt Wilson explains some of the challenges they face with getting an MMO truly cross-platform. With the upcoming spy MMO The Agency being released on the PC and Playstation 3, they've run across some obstacles during development, but they're probably not the ones you'd expect.

Wilson explains that it's not so much a technological problem between the two platforms, it's more an issue of regular updates. On the open platform PC, developers can release immediate updates and patches to correct problems, balance game mechanics or introduce new content. On the closed platform console, they would need to go through a certification process first. This could cause quite a problem for a genre of gaming that lives and breathes by its regular, immediate updates.

MassivelySOE talks about the challenges of cross-platform gaming originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformmatt-wilsonplaystation-3soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 11 Sep 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine licenses cross-platform Havok engine for new MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/turbine-licenses-cross-platform-havok-engine-for-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/turbine-licenses-cross-platform-havok-engine-for-new-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/26/turbine-licenses-cross-platform-havok-engine-for-new-mmo/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lord of the Rings Online developer Turbine has just announced their official licensing of Havok Physics, Havok Animation and Havok Behavior 6 for their yet-unnamed MMO project. As you may remember, Turbine stated intent for creating their next MMO on PC and consoles, which would fall in line with this Havok engine which includes support for multiple platforms including the Playstation 3, Xbox 360 and Nintendo Wii.

The Havok 6.0 suite is a collection of development tools made specifically for programmers and artists to build "interactive character performances" that are said to respond to their physical environment in the game. With this advanced set of tools and the recent venture capital in hand, Turbine may indeed be on their way to making the first truly cross-platform MMO.

MassivelyTurbine licenses cross-platform Havok engine for new MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolecross-platformhavokhavok-6lotroturbineTue, 26 Aug 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Podcast interviews two Star Trek Online guys, gets lots of new info]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/podcast-interviews-two-star-trek-online-guys-gets-lots-of-new-i/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Star Trek gaming podcast Hailing Frequency interviewed Cryptic Studios Chief Creative Officer Jack Emmert in the wake of the big Las Vegas unveiling of Star Trek Online. The two part interview is available in both audio and video, and it's one of the best sources of details beyond the unveiling video itself at this point.

There are a lot of reveals and hints in the interview. Some examples of interview topics: post-launch plans for user-generated content, an economy without a monetary currency, and details about starship combat. Emmert speculates that cross-platform play and non-region-specific servers are possible, but that no final determinations have been made. Listen to the interview for more!

Hailing Frequency also spoke with STO's new community manager, JR Sutich, who is better known to folks in the MMO community as Razor. He was a regular writer at WarCry before he started with Cryptic. That interview, also available in both audio and video, deals exclusively with the game's community and forums.

MassivelyPodcast interviews two Star Trek Online guys, gets lots of new info originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiocombatcommunity-managercross-platformcrypticcryptic-studioscurrencyeconomyforumshailing-frequencyinterviewjack-emmertjr-sutichlas-vegaspodcastrazorrazorwireregionregionsstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestotrekuser-generated-contentvideowarcryTue, 12 Aug 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom: "maze of challenges" ahead for cross-platform Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/funcom-maze-of-challenges-ahead-for-cross-platform-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/funcom-maze-of-challenges-ahead-for-cross-platform-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/28/funcom-maze-of-challenges-ahead-for-cross-platform-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Age of Conan is not the first MMO to release on consoles as well as the PC. Phantasy Star Universe and Final Fantasy XI were among the vanguards there. Unfortunately, the existing precedents haven't made it look easy. There are a lot of issues to consider. Will Xbox Live (or the PlayStation Network, if the game ever lands on Sony's shores) download regulations prevent prompt bug patching? Will PC users be forced to use voice chat, or will 360 users be forced to buy keyboards? How does one design a user interface that will be equally effective with a console controller and a keyboard/mouse combo?

According to Funcom Project Manager Jorgen Theraldsen, these and other questions have been at the forefront of the development team's thoughts since the beginning. In an interview with MMORPG, he revealed that AoC's combat system has gone through nine iterations throughout Funcom's quest to make it appealing to console users. He admitted that the team still faces "a maze of challenges." At the same time, he assured PC users that the game will not be simplified or held back to make things easier for 360 players. A fine balance, that.

Choosing between the two platforms is probably easy, but many potential players only have one or the other. Funcom will have to keep them all happy if this is going to work. That won't be an easy task.

MassivelyFuncom: "maze of challenges" ahead for cross-platform Conan originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 May 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>360age-of-conanaocconsolescontrolscross-platformdevelopmentfuncominterviewjorgen-theraldsenmmorpgpcplaystation-3portps3xbox-360Wed, 28 May 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The problem with cross-platform MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/the-problem-with-cross-platform-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/the-problem-with-cross-platform-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/06/the-problem-with-cross-platform-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Darren over at The Common Sense Gamer has brought up an interesting reason for cross-platform MMOs to never happen. The reason is that patching and updating on PCs is an easier-going process than on a console, because consoles are closed platforms with certification processes for any new incoming software updates. This is a headache for developers to figure out and possibly for the players too, since many may have to wait for the console certification before a PC version patch can go up.

Continue reading The problem with cross-platform MMOs

MassivelyThe problem with cross-platform MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccross-platformcrossplayffxifinal-fantasy-xifuncomsoesony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixthe-agencythe-common-sense-gamerxbox-360Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:00:00 EST