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[Star Vault partners with OnLegends for Mortal Online distribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/star-vault-partners-with-onlegends-for-mortal-online-distributio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/star-vault-partners-with-onlegends-for-mortal-online-distributio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/star-vault-partners-with-onlegends-for-mortal-online-distributio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mortal Online elf girl
OnLegends, a Berlin-based "licensing and internationalization specialist" firm, has entered into a partnership with Star Vault, developers of Mortal Online. A new press release states that OnLegends beat out "many major publishers [...] to secure the global exclusive licensing rights" to the indie sandbox MMORPG, and is now in the process of preparing the title for worldwide distribution.

The release also states that Mortal has attracted over 170,000 players thus far despite the lack of any marketing presence, and OnLegends seems enthusiastic about Mortal's place in the expanding MMORPG pantheon. "We strongly believe that Mortal Online can play an important future role on both PC and console MMO markets and we expect Mortal to be one of the trendsetting next-gen titles," said OnLegends vice president Julian Migura.

MassivelyStar Vault partners with OnLegends for Mortal Online distribution originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionfantasyjulian-migurammo-industrymortalmortal-onlinenaveonlegendspress-releasesandboxstar-vaultstarvaultTue, 09 Aug 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB shoots down rumors of retail releases]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/apb-shoots-down-rumors-of-retail-releases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/apb-shoots-down-rumors-of-retail-releases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/apb-shoots-down-rumors-of-retail-releases/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

APB has not had an easy ride, launching and shutting down in record time. But the relaunch at the hands of GamersFirst has proven quite successful for the game, which gives rise to certain rumors. Case in point, the rumor that had swirled earlier today about the game seeing a retail re-release at the hands of IGS. It was certainly a nice rumor, but according to Rahul Sandil, it's nothing more than that.

In a statement released earlier today by Mr. Sandil, GamersFirst has been approached by a number of potential retail partners due to the runaway success of APB Reloaded. However, the company is still evaluating its options, and as a result they are not yet ready to announce any partnerships. Mr. Sandil also stressed that any retail partnership would not change the fact that the company is committed to free-to-play as a business model, which is doubtlessly good news for fans now enjoying the urban shooter free-for-all.

MassivelyAPB shoots down rumors of retail releases originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-gameapb-eaapb-gamebusinessdistributionea-all-points-bulletinea-apbea-gameselectronic-artselectronic-arts-all-points-bulletinf2pfree-to-playgamersfirstigsrumorsshooterThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Outspark announces Flint publishing platform]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/outspark-announces-flint-publishing-platform/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/outspark-announces-flint-publishing-platform/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/outspark-announces-flint-publishing-platform/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Outspark -- makers of popular free-to-play MMOs Fiesta, Luvinia, and more -- announced today the release of its new publishing platform, Outspark Flint. It's a logical addition, considering the company's recent move to publishing third-party titles.

Outspark believes that Flint will bring new MMO titles into the reach of the more than 200 million players that Outspark commands. The first game on the Flint platform is Lord of Ages, an MMORTS which went live last week. Outspark claims that "the platform is enabling Lord of Ages to reach an even larger audience." The platform itself is an "open API that provides third-party developers and operators with all of the tools necessary for distribution, user acquisition, analytics, monetization, marketing and operations." Whether this new platform indeed helps Outspark reach its goals or not, we'll have to wait and see.

MassivelyOutspark announces Flint publishing platform originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributionf2pflintfree-to-playlord-of-agesoutsparkoutspark-flintplatformpublishingthird-partythird-party-publishingThu, 07 Jul 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Gods & Heroes going worldwide on Steam this week]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/gods-and-heroes-going-worldwide-on-steam-this-week/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Gods & Heroes: Rome Rising is coming to Steam. The mythology-inspired MMORPG, launched yesterday by Heatwave Interactive, is now available on Valve's North American digital distribution platform and will available worldwide later this week (June 24th, to be exact).

Aside from the convenience of avoiding a retail purchase, Steam customers will also receive a traditional platform-exclusive in-game item, in this case a mythical minion called a Gorpal. The Gorpal is a damage-dealing Phorcid pet that "protects players by fighting with claws and a poisonous bite," according to a Heatwave press release.

Check out our Gods & Heroes launch day coverage for more on the game, and don't forget to stop by the official website as well.

MassivelyGods & Heroes going worldwide on Steam this week originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonus-itemsdigital-distributiondistributionfantasygods-and-heroesgods-and-heroes-rome-risinggorpalheatwaveheatwave-interactivein-game-petpetphorcidretailsteamvalveWed, 22 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Want a box with that?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/the-daily-grind-want-a-box-with-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/the-daily-grind-want-a-box-with-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/24/the-daily-grind-want-a-box-with-that/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With the proliferation of digital-download gaming going on these days, it's getting progressively harder for those of us that care about box copies, collectors editions, cheesy cloth maps, and cheaply produced pewter figurines to get our fix. It's obvious why developers and publishers love digital delivery, as it saves them a lot of distribution money, but does it really benefit the consumer aside from scratching our instant gratification itch?
As I look over at the MMO box museum cluttering the shelves of my game room, I take no small amount of comfort in the fact that I got something tangible for my fifty bucks, even though in most cases the games themselves were incapable of sustaining my interest past the free month. In fact, I've only purchased a digital download twice: Fallen Earth (and I later obtained a box just because) and Darkfall (still hunting for a box).
Subscription-based MMOs are inherently more about renting than owning but -- for now at least -- you can still get a physical copy of your favorite virtual world and, if you're lucky, an outdated manual and a map. Today we ask you, dear readers, do you want a box, or are you OK with leaving your games on a remote server?
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: Want a box with that? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxcheesy-cloth-mapcollectors-editiondigital-distributiondigital-downloaddistributiondownloaddrmfantasymmo-industryopinionphysical-mediaretailsci-fithe-daily-grindSun, 24 Oct 2010 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth announces partnership with Interactive Gaming Software]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/fallen-earth-announces-partnership-with-interactive-gaming-softw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/fallen-earth-announces-partnership-with-interactive-gaming-softw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/fallen-earth-announces-partnership-with-interactive-gaming-softw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The changes at Fallen Earth just keep coming. Today brings us news that Fallen Earth has formed a distribution partnership with publisher and distributor Interactive Gaming Software.

So what does this mean for Fallen Earth? In short, it means onward and upward: "As Fallen Earth grows, the need to make the game easily accessible both nationally as well as internationally has become essential," says Marketing Manager Jessica Orr. From the sound of things we're going to see the game made available to a wider audience, beginning its addition to "several new digital and retail outlets in late Q2."

Speculation regarding any connection between this partnership and the recent layoffs is only natural, but all involved parties seem very optimistic about the direction things are going for the game. Making Fallen Earth available to a wider market brings the potential for many more subscriptions, so we'll be watching the population of Sector 1 with interest.

MassivelyFallen Earth announces partnership with Interactive Gaming Software originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>distributiondistribution-partnershipfallen-earthicarusicarus-studiosIGSinteractive-gaming-softwarejessica-orrTue, 04 May 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Europe to get boxed retail copies of Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/europe-to-get-boxed-retail-copies-of-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/europe-to-get-boxed-retail-copies-of-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/europe-to-get-boxed-retail-copies-of-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Digital distribution is the in thing these days. Steam, in particular, has turned PC games into something that's almost easier to buy at home rather than in the store, with a ridiculously wide selection and the promise of never worrying about lost discs. The biggest drawbacks are the download times and potentially losing your login, and what MMO player doesn't plan for those issues? But there's still something nice about a boxed copy, which is why European gamers can take joy in the fact that Global Agenda will be releasing a boxed retail copy of the game starting in September 2010.

Thus far, the game has been using primary distribution through Steam, which has worked well -- but as the official statement explains, a retail box helps improve visibility. The game will launch in an English version in cooperation with Iceberg Interactive, with a German version due out a bit later. No word is given on whether or not an American boxed version will be available. It's a unique opportunity for Global Agenda, which itself is a very unique game, and success with the boxed copies likely will lead to more developing projects and more content for the game's fans.

MassivelyEurope to get boxed retail copies of Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boxed-copyboxed-versiondigital-distributiondistributioneuropeglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-stdioes-global-agendahi-rez-studiosiceberg-interactivesteamtranslationsSat, 24 Apr 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Alganon expands to Impulse distribution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/alganon-expands-to-impulse-distribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/alganon-expands-to-impulse-distribution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/alganon-expands-to-impulse-distribution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Alganon isn't necessarily the darling of the MMO world at the moment, with a large number of people drawing conclusions about it before even setting foot in the game. So, really, more or less par for the course. But it has launched, it's developing its content, and it's clearly making moves to get itself noticed as something new and good. And if recent moves are any indications, one of the best ways to get yourself noticed is expanding on to the much-beloved digital distribution sources. The game has just been made available on the Impulse service, run by Stardock.

Those of you with acute memories may recall that it wasn't so long ago that Alganon had an exclusive setup with Direct2Drive. However, expansion is always a good thing, especially for a smaller studio looking to improve their visibility. There's no word on any exclusive giveaways a la the plethora of Fallen Earth bonuses for different services, but that's all right -- it's good enough to know that if you have a want for the game, there are more ways to go about getting it.

MassivelyAlganon expands to Impulse distribution originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alganonannouncementsdigital-distributiondirect2drivedistributiondownloadsimpulsenews-itemsquest-onlinestardockThu, 10 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online goes gold, will ship as previously scheduled]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/champions-online-goes-gold-will-ship-as-previously-scheduled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/champions-online-goes-gold-will-ship-as-previously-scheduled/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/15/champions-online-goes-gold-will-ship-as-previously-scheduled/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Good news for everyone looking forward to jumping -- or flying, or teleporting for that matter -- into Champions Online at the beginning of next month: the official site has proudly announced that the game has gone gold (meaning it's fit for retail distribution) and will be available for purchase on the previously designated release date of September the 1st.

The short news update post also confirmed that the open beta will be going ahead as planned, starting Monday the 17th of August. It's possible that a delay in the release date would have meant a later open beta too, but thankfully we won't have to find out. We expect that a lot of you will have received your open beta keys (from pre-orders or Fileplanet subscriptions) and are getting your clients ready for the kickoff as this news hits. Not long now folks!

MassivelyChampions Online goes gold, will ship as previously scheduled originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdistributiongoldopen-betaretailshippingSat, 15 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/24/the-guild-strikes-a-deal-with-microsoft-becomes-a-timed-xbox-li/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The second season of the explosively popular online video series The Guild, which is a fictional story about the lives of a group of World of Warcraft players (and which was created by and stars Felicia Day, later of Doctor Horrible's Sing-a-Long Blog fame), will be distributed by Microsoft. Each episode will appear first on Xbox Live, and will only be available through the show's website four weeks later.

The entirety of Season One is now available on Xbox Live, according to Felicia Day's personal blog. The first episode of Season Two will start airing via the service tomorrow, November 25th. The show will remain free to viewers through all venues, and ad supported -- including product placement by Sprint. Microsoft will have its hands in the ad revenue, but will give Day free creative reign. Also, the second season will be shot in HD to accommodate the Xbox 360.

Looks like the scrappy underdog TV series about MMO players has hit the big time, and we're cheering Day on. Next stop: movie deal, right? Fortunately, Microsoft's contract promises that Day will be free to shop around outside of the company for movie and TV deals.

[Via Kotaku]

MassivelyThe Guild strikes a deal with Microsoft, becomes a timed Xbox Live exclusive originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdealdistributionexclusivefelicia-daymicrosoftmsnthe-guildtvvideowebisodesworld-of-warcraftxboxxbox-360xbox-liveMon, 24 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's Quantum Rise on Steam at reduced price, 21-day trial]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/eves-quantum-rise-on-steam-at-reduced-price-21-day-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/eves-quantum-rise-on-steam-at-reduced-price-21-day-trial/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/15/eves-quantum-rise-on-steam-at-reduced-price-21-day-trial/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


EVE Online's latest expansion Quantum Rise is here. We've written a fair amount on this expansion thus far, but it's primarily been a multi-staged release that introduces some new features and enhancements to benefit EVE's industry-focused players. We just noticed EVE Online's Quantum Rise pricing on Steam -- it's $9.99, down from Steam's already reduced $14.99; the initial cost when directly dealing with CCP Games is $19.99.

Steam also offers a 21-day trial which trumps the standard 14-day trial you get from CCP Games. Based on these numbers, Steam certainly looks like a good way to go. However, none of us at Massively have ever gotten our MMOs via Steam to date. We're curious, have any of our readers done so, and were the the lower pricing and other perks worth going through Steam in your opinion?

MassivelyEVE's Quantum Rise on Steam at reduced price, 21-day trial originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdigital-distributiondistributioneveeve-onlineexpansionsquantum-risesci-fisteamsteam-poweredsteampoweredtrialtrialsvalveSat, 15 Nov 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese MMO distributor gains new Chief Financial Officer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/chinese-mmo-distributor-gains-new-chief-financial-officer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/chinese-mmo-distributor-gains-new-chief-financial-officer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/09/chinese-mmo-distributor-gains-new-chief-financial-officer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's been a recent personnel change to China's leading distributor of online gaming. The9 Limited has recently appointed Mr. George Lai as Chief Financial Officer after the resignation of Mr. Tony Tse, due to personal and family reasons. Mr. Lai brings several years of experience to the table, having worked previously at Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu since 2000.

The9 Limited operates licensed MMORPGs for Chinese players, including World of Warcraft, Hellgate: London, Ragnarok Online 2, Huxley and many more. The9 Limited is also developing various proprietary games of their own including Warriors of Fate Online and Fantastic Melody Online.

MassivelyChinese MMO distributor gains new Chief Financial Officer originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cfochinachinesedistributiondistributorthe9world-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Jun 2008 15:30:00 EST