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[Ensemble Online gears up for beta, launches Kickstarter drive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/ensemble-online-gears-up-for-beta-launches-kickstarter-drive/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Ensemble Online gameplay screen
It's been nearly two years since we first heard of Ensemble Online, a browser-based MMO that combines elements from RPG and RTS titles. SemiFormal Studios is gearing up to launch Ensemble's beta testing phase, and the firm has taken to Kickstarter to help with funding.

SemiFormal bills the game as "the world's first MMORTS"; the company says that it allows you to "tactically control territory, harvest resources, and build buildings anywhere on an expansive, real-time, never-ending map." The game doesn't limit where you can build, either, and there are no text-based battles (nor do you lose your progress when you log out).

If that's piqued your interest, head to the official site to learn more about the game, and don't forget to check out the Ensemble Kickstarter page to contribute.

MassivelyEnsemble Online gears up for beta, launches Kickstarter drive originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betaensembleensemble-kickstarterensemble-onlinegame-mechanicskickstartermmortsrtssemiformalsemiformal-studiosWed, 04 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Further details emerge on the canceled Halo MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/further-details-emerge-on-the-canceled-halo-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/further-details-emerge-on-the-canceled-halo-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/17/further-details-emerge-on-the-canceled-halo-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Shacknews had the chance to speak with Ensemble director of technology Dave Pottinger, who had quite a bit to say about the Halo MMO. The biggest surprise revealed was that the game had gotten a green light and was in development for a good length of time before leadership changed at Microsoft, and the title was canceled. Pottinger also acknowledge the fact that conceptual screens leaked were in fact designed with a very World of Warcraft mentality, although he stressed that what Ensemble actually ended up with internally at the time had more emphasis on feeling like the traditional Halo universe.

Combat was also a topic of discussion. Pottinger says the game's combat had a very classic MMO feel to it, but there was a leaning towards an "actiony" feel. Whether or not Ensemble's Halo MMO was or is a good idea, there's no denying the fact that a properly made title could still appeal to a lot of people.

MassivelyFurther details emerge on the canceled Halo MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardbreakingbungiedave-pottingerensembleensemble-studioshalohalo-mmomicrosoftshacknewsworld-of-warcraftMon, 17 Nov 2008 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ensemble Studios was working on Halo MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/closed-ensemble-studios-were-working-on-halo-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/closed-ensemble-studios-were-working-on-halo-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/23/closed-ensemble-studios-were-working-on-halo-mmo/#commentsFiled under:


Gamasutra has broken the news that Ensemble Studios, responsible for Halo Wars, was working on a Halo MMO. It's not clear at what stage the project was canned, but Gamasutra's analysis based on available material is that it was probably cancelled in mid to late 2007.

Gamasutra has also gained access to some prototype UI and level screenshots. With the help of our own lead blogger here at Massively, Michael Zenke, they've attempted to unscramble how the UI might function. Michael points out the clear similarities with the World of Warcraft interface, identifying what appear to be a mana bar, inventory button, talent tree and other functions. Louis Wu of the unofficial Halo website halo.bungie.org offers expert commentary on the level shots, identifying the familiar and the hitherto unseen aspects.

As Gamasutra points out in the article, there are multiple development teams at work on Halo-related projects right now. It's therefore possible that a Halo MMO could still exist, but if it does, there's not a whisper of its presence so far.

Update: Apologies for referring to Ensemble Studios as 'closed'; they are scheduled to be closed after the release of Halo Wars, but this has not yet taken place.

Update 2: Gamespot's Rumor Control department has taken a long hard look at the evidence, and has pointed to a Flickr photostream containing 50 images of what appears to be a Halo MMO in development.

MassivelyEnsemble Studios was working on Halo MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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