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Jagex positioning Transformers Universe as a MOBA

Jef Reahard — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Browser, Transformers Universe, MOBA

If you're in the camp who thought a Transformers MMO was the worst idea in the long history of bad ideas, well, we've got good news. Jagex agrees with you, sort of, but the firm has also decided that the license is more fitting for a MOBA than an MMORPG and has adjusted the development trajectory accordingly.

"Transformers are about war; they're about action," Jagex chief creative director Alex Horton recently told Edge. "They don't carry gold, bake bread, catch fish, cut down trees. But for all they take away, they throw open so many more opportunities. Maybe there's more in a selection of characters and abilities, and the strategy in that, than there is [in] leveling a character endlessly and going through f--- loads of boss battles."

Transformers Universe will be a browser-based title. Jagex has not yet announced a release date.

Jagex positioning Transformers Universe as a MOBA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 17:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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My Little Pony Online put out to pasture

MJ Guthrie — Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Culture, MMO Industry, News Items

OK, so maybe the game wasn't really too old (it had only been live for a month), but Hasbro's cease-and-desist order definitely sent My Little Pony Online into retirement. Of course, this action came as no surprise; back when we first reported on the project, we noted that legal troubles were likely, as the endeavor was not backed by the official copyright holder of the popular ponies. But all is not lost for fans who want to continue their adventures with ponies -- it just won't be My Little ones.

In the same announcement where they revealed the demise of the game (while deflecting blame away from Hasbro), MLP:O creators divulged that they are sticking together and are all set to work on another pony-inspired project. Under the name Starlight Studios, the group hopes to have the new project ready in time for Bronycon 2013.

My Little Pony Online put out to pasture originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Universe now accepting beta sign-ups

Elisabeth Cardy — Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Transformers Universe

If you've always wanted to turn into your favorite evil or heroic robot and destroy or save the universe, your time is now! Transformers Universe has just begun accepting sign-ups for beta testing. To register, head on over to the official website and choose your allegiance.

Transformers Universe is a free-to-play title by Jagex that's aiming for a browser client release. Players will duke it out as Autobots and Decepticons. While Earth is going to be the original battleground, the game will eventually expand to the stars and beyond.

[Thanks to savvy reader Jeremy for the tip!]

Transformers Universe now accepting beta sign-ups originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Nov 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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NYCC 2012: Transformers Universe trailer, screenshots unveiled

Elisabeth Cardy — Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, Events (Real-World), News Items, Free-to-Play, Transformers Universe

Jagex has been keeping details about the upcoming Transformers Universe MMO on the down low until today, when the Jagex team took advantage of NYCC to release the game's first official trailer.

Transformers Universe will be free-to-play with microtransaction support. Jagex has announced plans to keep the game running for at least 10 years, allowing for exploration to take players to the stars -- even to Cybertron itself.

Skip below the cut to feast your eyes upon the glory of Transformers Universe!

[Thanks to groovy webizen Guy for the tip!]

Gallery: Transformers Universe

Continue reading NYCC 2012: Transformers Universe trailer, screenshots unveiled

NYCC 2012: Transformers Universe trailer, screenshots unveiled originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Oct 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Universe to leave Earth (someday)

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), Free-to-Play, Events (Massively's Coverage), Transformers Universe

We're getting some solid information about Jagex's upcoming Transformers Universe from the recent London MCM Expo. The team took to the stage to talk about the title, revealing quite a few new details -- including the revelation that the game won't be confined to just Earth.

The team is making Transformers Universe with the intention to keep the game going for at least 10 years; it has latched onto the "Universe" moniker to indicate it will eventually expand the game from our terrestrial ball to the stars (including Cybertron).

Transformers Universe will use Energon as the game's currency, and while the team will use microtransactions to fund this free-to-play title, the exact model has not been finalized. Players will be able to pick between male and female characters and will use their alternate (non-robotic) modes for more than just transportation. At the game launch, players will be able to transform only into vehicles, but Jagex says that there are plans in the works for other forms such as animals.

[Thanks to Austin for the tip!]

Transformers Universe to leave Earth (someday) originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Jun 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RuneScape and Transformers Universe appearing at London MCM Expo for the first time

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), MMO Industry, RuneScape, Free-to-Play, Transformers Universe

Jagex is heading to the MCM Expo for the first time, with RuneScape and Transformers Universe in tow. The studio has special plans for its fans at the largest pop culture event in the UK, not the least of which will be the opportunity to meet members of the dev team.

At the convention, RuneScapers will get a deeper look into how the game is developed, watch the creation of concept art, and have the opportunity to pick up one of several player packs for the game. The packs will come in two varieties: a starter pack and a premium pack that includes cosmetic items, membership, and an exclusive t-shirt.

Transformers Universe fans also will get to meet the dev team and reserve their names for the game when it releases later this year.

Brian Cooney, the managing director of the expo, is thrilled to have the studio on board: "Each year people ask me if they are coming and finally I can say 'Yes!' The Jagex stand promises to be a 'must see' for show visitors."

The London Expo takes place from May 25th through the 27th at the Excel.

RuneScape and Transformers Universe appearing at London MCM Expo for the first time originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jagex announces Transformers Universe plans for BotCon 2012, includes sneak-peek and name reservations

Matt Daniel — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Events (Real-World), News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Transformers Universe

Transformers fanatics everywhere are surely gearing up for the official Transformers fan convention, BotCon 2012, which will be taking place in Dallas, Texas, from April 26th until the 29th. Well, Jagex is giving fans of its upcoming MMO Transformers Universe a reason to be even more excited for the con: Attendees will have the opportunity to pledge their allegiances to the Autobots or Decepticons and reserve their in-game character names.

On top of that, members of Jagex's Transformers Universe development team will be hanging out at Jagex's con booth, and fans will be able to "meet with members of the development team, attend a behind closed doors Transformers Universe panel discussion, and preview the latest game trailer ahead of its public release." So if you want to get a sneak-peek at Transformers Universe and reserve your favorite character name for the game's release, just set your sights on BotCon 2012 and transform and roll out.

[Source: Jagex press release]

Jagex announces Transformers Universe plans for BotCon 2012, includes sneak-peek and name reservations originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fan-made My Little Pony MMO gathers a following

Brendan Drain — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST

Filed under: Culture, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Miscellaneous

Yesterday bronies across the world rejoiced as Kotaku reported on the production of not just one but two upcoming My Little Pony MMOs. Both My Little Pony Online and Equestria Online are set in the fictional world of the popular series My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, and use graphics and characters from that setting.

On further investigation, both of the startup MMOs appear to be fan projects being developed without the official backing of copyright holder Hasbro Studios. As such, the projects may run into legal difficulties as they continue development using characters, artwork and names from the My Little Pony series.

The cartoon series that inspired these fan projects was originally aimed at a young female audience, but its popularity among an adult male crowd grew when it became a huge internet meme. There may even be enough fans of the series to make an official MMO commercially viable, as developers on My Little Pony Online have noted a clear interest in the development of their game.

Fan-made My Little Pony MMO gathers a following originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Universe NYCC panel recap

Matt Daniel — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Game Mechanics, Lore, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser, Transformers Universe

Autobots, transform and roll -- Oh, hi. No, I wasn't playing with action figures. Anyway, how about that new Transformers Universe game that Jagex is making, huh? Well, there's some new information about it straight from the Q&A panel at New York Comic Con, so let's talk about that and not the action figures I wasn't playing with.

The panel covers a veritable smorgasbord of information, ranging from lore to gameplay to voice acting to technology and security. The team points out that the game will not tie into the Michael Bay movies in any way, as it takes place in the franchise's Prime universe. The game will be browser-based and free-to-play, though the team isn't ready to announce how the game will be monetized. PvE and PvP will both be available -- as if a Transformers game would be complete without Autobot vs. Decepticon action -- but the team says that both tie in to story elements within the game. The devs also note that players' Transformers' vehicle modes will be more than just mounts (that is to say, vehicle mode will tie into combat somehow) but they're not ready to discuss specifics.

The full panel addresses much more in greater detail, so click on through the link below to read the full report.

Transformers Universe NYCC panel recap originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers Universe gives fans a chance to name two classes

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Classes, Promotions, Transformers Universe

As Transformers Universe continues to be pieced together, one sentient component at a time, Jagex is looking to players to help with the development process. Specifically, to help the studio choose names for two of the classes in the upcoming game.

Two polls will help the company make its decision. The first is over at Transformers Universe's Facebook page while the second is on MMORPG.com. Both polls will continue until 6:00 p.m. EDT on Sunday.

The choices for the Autobot class are Scholar, Engineer, and Counsel, while the Decepticon class has the possibility to be called a Technician, Specialist, or Informer. Players also have the option to write in a name as well. Of course, there are a few disclaimers involved, including this common-sense move: "Hasbro and Jagex reserve the right to not use any suggested name, even if it's a name with the most votes, if it does not fit the brand or is disparaging, derogatory, or offensive."

Transformers Universe gives fans a chance to name two classes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Oct 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Never say Neverwinter: Cryptic forced to delay D&D RPG

Justin Olivetti — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, Legal

Fans -- and general looky-loos -- anticipating Cryptic's next game will have to wait a little while longer. Neverwinter has been officially delayed following a bout of legal mumbo jumbo involving Atari and Hasbro struggling over the Dungeons & Dragons license.

While the two companies have finally settled this long-running dispute, Atari's sale of Cryptic to Perfect World Entertainment has come with a catch regarding its Neverwinter project. Due to the new ownership, Perfect World is demanding Cryptic work on "a more immersive experience" for Neverwinter and is thus pushing the cooperative RPG's release from the formerly announced 2011 launch window to late 2012.

The settlement means that Hasbro will regain the digital licensing rights to D&D, but Atari can still sell and develop some titles under that umbrella. Cryptic Studios was acquired by Perfect World earlier this month for a whopping $49.8 million.

Never say Neverwinter: Cryptic forced to delay D&D RPG originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Aug 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New trailer for Transformers Universe showing off what you'd expect

Eliot Lefebvre — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, News Items, Browser, Kids, Transformers Universe

There's a reason that the Transformers franchise has been running more or less continually for the past 27 years, and that's in no small part due to sheer flexibility. The fiction allows for stories anywhere between world-spanning science fiction to light-hearted antics, and the years of comics, shows, and movies have touched on many areas. But the newest trailer for Transformers Universe, the upcoming MMO based in the current continuity, shows off a feature that's far more basic.

While the details are still light on the actual gameplay of the upcoming game, what we do know is that it promises to be an action-oriented MMO aiming at a browser client, allowing players to play a representative of either side in the fiction's factional warfare. While it will be running concurrently with Transformers: Prime when it launches in 2012, there's no word on whether the show continuity will affect the game in any way. But you don't need to worry about any of that to enjoy the video just past the cut -- all you need to do is admire what's sure to be a central part of the game no matter how it plays.

Continue reading New trailer for Transformers Universe showing off what you'd expect

New trailer for Transformers Universe showing off what you'd expect originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Jagex shares more details about Transformers Universe

Eliot Lefebvre — Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, Video, Interviews, New Titles, News Items, Browser, Kids

Amidst all of the toy previews and Hall of Fame inductions at this year's BotCon, there's another element for fans -- an early look at Transformers Universe, the upcoming MMO developed by Jagex. And while the game is certainly not in a playable state just yet, the fine team at Tformers.com has put together a video interview with executive producer Kris Jones, showing off the early stages of character creation and discussing the game's future for development.

Transformers Universe is confirmed to take place within the current "Prime" continuity, but as Jones explains, the staff has been working closely with Hasbro to try to include as many signature characters as possible from the franchise's 27-year history. There's talk about hundreds of different parts for characters to choose between for customization as well as the possibility of fans uploading parts and decals to help personalize individual Transformers. Prospective fans should take a look at the full interview -- it's an early look but the sort of thing that should be of significant interest to longtime franchise enthusiasts.

Jagex shares more details about Transformers Universe originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The MMO Report: Guilds, crafting, and craft beer edition

Krystalle Voecks — Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Video, News Items, Opinion, Humor, The MMO Report, Miscellaneous

It's St. Patrick's day, and what better time to discuss craft beers on The MMO Report than today? Mind you, for those of you who don't imbibe frosty adult beverages, there's also a huge serving of corned MMO news, and the lilting smell of cabbage you're picking up... is probably coming from the mailbag. Shall we move on to the tasty news of the week? Let's!

First up, Casey jumps straight on to the Guild Wars 2 news that many have been buzzing about this week: professions! Next up, it's Star Wars: The Old Republic's trailer made of completely delicious in-game footage, as well as the ongoing rush to get guilds set up before launch. Casey zooms straight into Jagex's partnership with Hasbro to create the upcoming Transformers MMO for the West, and he notes that Free Realms on PS3 will probably be just as popular as it is on PC.

Casey also takes a moment to note the Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV server downtime and asks anyone who can to please donate to help those in Japan. Moving on from there, it's a look into the ever-enlightening mailbag, where this week Casey is both praised and derided for his choice in beers and we are treated to another dose of photoshop magic. Finally, it is revealed that G4TV landed an exclusive fly-over of Perfect World International's new area, Dragon Mountain.

As always, you can catch this week's episode behind the break, or every Thursday on G4TV.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Guilds, crafting, and craft beer edition

The MMO Report: Guilds, crafting, and craft beer edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Transformers MMO to become a reality

Krystalle Voecks — Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, New Titles, News Items, Miscellaneous

The time has come for Autobots and Decepticons to roll out into the MMO world! As of this morning, we've heard news that Hasbro has entered into a contract agreement with Jagex (most commonly known for its popular free-to-play title, RuneScape) to develop a brand-new game based on the incredibly popular Transformers IP.

While details on just what players can expect from the Transformers MMO are still scarce at this point, the release states that the developers are aiming to launch the game sometime in 2012. Will this also be a free-to-play title, considering Jagex's experience? Will this be geared more toward children than adults? Will we be able to build our own super-awesome Transformers or just play as iconic characters? At this point it's all up in the air, but rest assured we'll keep our ears open for more news.

Transformers MMO to become a reality originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 Mar 2011 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Roll out! Transformers Online going worldwide

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, New Titles

Ever since hearing the news that NetDragon was working on an MMO adaptation of the robotastic Transformers franchise, fans have wondered what it would entail and where it would be launched. While we don't have any more info on the former, Hasbro recently announced that the game would be hitting multiple countries across the world, including China and Korea.

During the Hasbro Investor Day, the company announced the future for the franchise, which includes the upcoming movie, a new theme park ride, and, yes, the MMO. TFW2005 reports that Hasbro confirmed a worldwide rollout for the title: "The upcoming Transformers Massively Multiplaying Online Game WILL get ported to other countries as well. YAY!!!"

NetDragon is based in China and handles a number of MMO properties, including Heroes of Might and Magic Online, Dungeon Keeper Online and a new version of Ultima Online.

[Thanks Max!]

Roll out! Transformers Online going worldwide originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Nov 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro working on The Old Republic action figures for 2012

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, Star Wars: The Old Republic

If you're anything like the other billion Star Wars fans in the world, then you most likely harbor a deep-rooted affection for the action figures (NOT dolls!) that became synonymous with the film experience. Ever since Kenner started the toy line in 1977 (and Hasbro after that), kids and grownups alike have decorated their bedrooms, offices and private sanctuaries with hard plastic likenesses of Luke, Leia and Chewie.

Star Wars action figures have not been confined to just the movies; sets such as Evolutions, Clone Wars, and Shadows of the Empire have all received their own lines. To have action figures made meant that you had "arrived" in Star Wars fame, which is why The Old Republic fans should rejoice to know that their as-of-yet unreleased MMO will become immortalized in Hasbro's lineup.

TTH reports that Hasbro's Derryl DePriest confirmed TOR action figures are in the works for the 2012 roster. DePriest said on ForceCast.net, "We're going to have to work in some of those great characters." Just which TOR characters will be made into dolls, er, ACTION FIGURES is anyone's guess at the moment, but there are already several possibilities in the characters we know from the cinematic trailers and the Holonet.

Hasbro working on The Old Republic action figures for 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Net Dragon announces development of Transformers MMO

Rubi Bayer — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Sci-Fi, New Titles, News Items

It's certainly not a new idea -- the concept of a Transformers MMO is one that's attractive to a lot of fans.

It looks like those fans will be getting their wish -- Chinese game developer Net Dragon has entered a licensing agreement with Hasbro to produce that very thing. The news is very recent, of course, but we have a few important details. The game is scheduled to launch in 2011, and will be available in "China and Asia, including Russia, the CIS member states, the Middle East and North Africa region."

There's no word on release in other areas, but we'll keep our eyes open for more news. For the time being, you can check out the press release on the Net Dragon site (English translation).

[via Kotaku]

Net Dragon announces development of Transformers MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Aug 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast sues Atari over Dungeons & Dragons rights

Seraphina Brennan — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Dungeons and Dragons Online, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, Massively Meta, Legal

You might be wondering right now, "What's Massively doing covering a lawsuit between two companies that aren't MMO companies over a non-MMO product?" Well, dear readers, if you would come with us on a trip down memory lane, you might remember a certain MMO developer suing a certain publisher over a certain set of rights pertaining to, you guessed it, Dungeons & Dragons Online.

Well, it seems that Atari has sub-licensed the Dungeons & Dragons rights out to Namco-Bandai, and Hasbro isn't too fond of that. Namco-Bandai is seen as a competitor to Hasbro's products, and Hasbro's contract with Atari specifically forbids them from doing any licensing like this. Namco-Bandai has recently purchased Atari's distribution wing in Europe, renaming it to Namco-Bandai partners.

Continue reading Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast sues Atari over Dungeons & Dragons rights

Hasbro/Wizards of the Coast sues Atari over Dungeons & Dragons rights originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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