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[Creating the sound and music of Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/creating-the-sound-and-music-of-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/creating-the-sound-and-music-of-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/12/creating-the-sound-and-music-of-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We've been wondering what's happening over at NetDevil with Jumpgate Evolution of late. It's been a bit quiet on the news front, but we've come across a recent dev blog from Jumpgate Evolution Producer Hermann Peterscheck that explains the importance of audio in this sci-fi MMO.

Peterscheck explains NetDevil's approach to audio in a space game and the various steps taken to ensure the game sounds as good as it looks. He writes, "Try imagining Star Wars without John Williams' sound track or James Earl Jones' booming Darth Vader voice. Poor audio on top of great video can really deteriorate production value. The trouble with audio is that it generally comes late in the development cycle and all too often as an afterthought."

Continue reading Creating the sound and music of Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyCreating the sound and music of Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiodev-blogdev-blogshermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionmusicnew-titlessci-fisoundSat, 12 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution dev blog looks at balancing combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/jumpgate-evolution-dev-blog-looks-at-balancing-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/jumpgate-evolution-dev-blog-looks-at-balancing-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/30/jumpgate-evolution-dev-blog-looks-at-balancing-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As player-versus-player pew-pewing is one of the biggest draws for those interested in the upcoming Jumpgate Evolution, there's no wonder that a lot of attention has been given to balancing the game's combat. The most recent Jumpgate Evolution dev blog entry from lead producer Hermann Peterscheck, titled "Combating Combat", shed some light on how class balance came to be where it's at now.

The post goes on to say that from the very beginning, balance was approached with PvP in mind, as NetDevil realized that it would be easier to tweak PvE accordingly at a later stage. Starting with just one class of ship, additional classes were introduced over time and put through their paces in daily play tests. Petersheck noted that the goal was to have each class feel truly unique and not simply have a bit less of this stat, or a bit more of that one:

"It's very tempting to just throw a bunch of classes of ships together in order to say things like 'our game has 15 classes of ships!' but this, we believe, is the wrong direction. People want meaningful and strong choices and not lots of meaningless, empty choices. Currently we plan to have 4-6 classes, but they will each have nearly endless possible configurations within those groups."

It's a promising design philosophy, to be sure. Check out the rest of Peterscheck's article at the JGE dev blog.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution dev blog looks at balancing combat originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceclass-balancecodemasterscombating-combatdev-blogdeveloper-bloghermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilThu, 30 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution interview drops details on PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/jumpgate-evolution-interview-drops-details-on-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/jumpgate-evolution-interview-drops-details-on-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/17/jumpgate-evolution-interview-drops-details-on-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


NetDevil's upcoming sci-fi MMO Jumpgate Evolution is notable for its aggressive, joystick-style approach to PvP. Needless to say, it's a game we're really looking forward to trying, we're just not sure about when that's going to be. Without a solid ETA on when the title will launch, we're just keeping up with NetDevil's updates on Jumpgate Evolution's development. They've recently announced some new info about the game's move towards a player-driven economy, but we'd imagine most of our readers are more interested in JGE's PvP. That's the focus of an interview with the title's lead producer Hermann Peterscheck that we've just come across over at MMORPG.com.

Jon Wood spoke with Peterscheck about how PvP will factor in the game's lore, and vice versa. Peterscheck explained how each of the nations has a personality or a character, which they've been trying to convey with the lore released for the militaristic Octavians, the profit-motivated Solrain, or the mystic Quantar. NetDevil's goal is to present enough 'character' for each nation that players can identify with that faction and bring that into their gameplay.

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution interview drops details on PvP

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution interview drops details on PvP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckinterviewsjgejon-woodjumpgate-evolutionloremmorpg.comnetdeviloctavianpvpquantarracessci-fisolrainFri, 17 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution lead producer on how the game is shaping up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/jumpgate-evolution-lead-producer-on-how-the-game-is-shaping-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/jumpgate-evolution-lead-producer-on-how-the-game-is-shaping-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/07/jumpgate-evolution-lead-producer-on-how-the-game-is-shaping-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


We think that Jumpgate Evolution is a promising game, one that will inject aggressive joystick-style PvP combat into the MMO scene and provide a change of pace from the slower, more tactical sci-fi titles. Massively doesn't have an ETA on the game's launch yet, but we are following how the game is developing, as communicated in interviews with the gaming press and fansites as well.

We recently mentioned Jumpgate Evolution's aims to establish a player-driven economy in the game, which we noted our readers had a mixed response to. We've also come across some more info about the game in an interview JGE lead producer Hermann Peterscheck gave to I4U News.

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution lead producer on how the game is shaping up

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution lead producer on how the game is shaping up originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cockpitgame-mechanicshermann-peterschecki4ui4u-newsinterviewsjgejoystickjumpgate-evolutionlead-producermmo-industrypvepvpsci-fiTue, 07 Jul 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution economy changing to player-driven system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/jumpgate-evolution-economy-changing-to-player-driven-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/jumpgate-evolution-economy-changing-to-player-driven-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/jumpgate-evolution-economy-changing-to-player-driven-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Some gamers were disheartened when NetDevil opted to delay the Jumpgate Evolution launch in order to refine some aspects of gameplay, but we're hoping the extra time they've bought for themselves will equate to a more polished release. One of those aspects of the game they're improving is Jumpgate Evolution's economy, which is the subject of an interview that producer Hermann Peterscheck gave to JGERadio's "Tikigod."

Throughout the interview, Peterscheck emphasizes that Jumpgate Evolution's economy should, by design, function in ways similar to a real world economy (but hopefully with a lot less fail) -- a far more dynamic system than one driven by NPC vendors. Peterscheck says, "I actually think the changes make the economy more alive. What we have done is moved away from an AI-based economy to a player-driven economy."

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution economy changing to player-driven system

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution economy changing to player-driven system originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auction-housecraftingeconomygame-mechanicshermann-peterscheckinterviewsjgejgeradiojumpgate-evolutionnetdevilplayer-drivenpositional-valueproducersci-fiSun, 05 Jul 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck on Jumpgate Evolution's ship design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/netdevil-producer-hermann-peterscheck-on-jumpgate-evolutions-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/netdevil-producer-hermann-peterscheck-on-jumpgate-evolutions-sh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/16/netdevil-producer-hermann-peterscheck-on-jumpgate-evolutions-sh/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Fast, dynamic, joystick-style space combat is coming to MMOs soon with Jumpgate Evolution from NetDevil. Jumpgate Evolution producer Hermann Peterscheck has written a dev blog for MMORPG.com titled "Iteration on Ship Design", which focuses on a crucial aspect of creating the game -- defining the roles that ships should fill and how they should handle in performing these tasks.

He explains how NetDevil went from having 'a multitude' of ships with different capabilities but with minor differences between them, to a more complete system where ships have clearly defined roles, but don't lock a player into that role, as a class-based system would. However, this clearer separation between ships entailed scrapping some of the designs they'd created.

Continue reading NetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck on Jumpgate Evolution's ship design

MassivelyNetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck on Jumpgate Evolution's ship design originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 16 May 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdev-blogdev-blogsdynamicgame-designgame-mechanicshermann-peterscheckjoystickjumpgate-evolutionmmorpg.comnetdevilproducerpvepvpsci-fiship-designSat, 16 May 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution gives us a dev diary sneak peek]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/jge-dev-diary-video-wt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/jge-dev-diary-video-wt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/09/jge-dev-diary-video-wt/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


If you've been itching for more information on the upcoming sci-fi space shoot-em-up Jumpgate Evolution, then you'll be thrilled to hear that Netdevil and Codemasters Online are rolling out a series of developer diary videos. The first video released today features Hermann Peterscheck, Lead Producer of Jumpgate Evolution, who talks about some of the inspirations that have gone into this game. Additionally, he takes some time to delve into just why they opted for a space shooter as an MMO project. As if that weren't enough, he shows off some gorgeous footage of game-play, and goes further into what the experience should be like for players in Jumpate Evolution, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the game's production ideals.

Netdevil and Codemasters Online have told us that they'll be bringing out a second developer diary video soon, chock full of more tantalizing details for MMO fans to drool over. The word is that the second installment will feature Jumpgate Evolution's Art Director Darren Klein, and will take players further down into the wormhole by looking into the art - and the reasoning - as to the visual style Jumpgate Evolution is taking. If you still haven't signed up for the beta for the game, head over to their main site and get signed up!

For now, enjoy the hot new dev video goodness behind the break!

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution gives us a dev diary sneak peek

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution gives us a dev diary sneak peek originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betadev-diaryhermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilnew-titlesvideoThu, 09 Apr 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p2/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Continue reading Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 2

MassivelyMassively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 2 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-spaceblizzardcodemastershermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdeviloctavianpvepvpquantarsolrainworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-pet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-pet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-pet/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With its June launch looming just a few months away, we spoke with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck. Within this interview you can find information on topics such as digital distribution, beta, hardcore mode and plenty more.

And if that somehow doesn't sate your thirst for information, then check out our previous interviews with Hermann, which contain all sorts of additional, informative goodies.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

Continue reading Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck

MassivelyMassively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardcodemastersdigital-distributionfeaturedhardcore-modehermann-peterscheckjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlicenselicense-systemnetdevilsteamvalveworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 16 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews NetDevil on PvP and more in Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/massively-interviews-netdevil-on-pvp-and-more-in-jumpgate-evolut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/massively-interviews-netdevil-on-pvp-and-more-in-jumpgate-evolut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/06/massively-interviews-netdevil-on-pvp-and-more-in-jumpgate-evolut/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We got the chance to catch up with NetDevil Producer Hermann Peterscheck on everything Jumpgate Evolution this week. With the game coming up fairly soon, we thought up some rather specific questions that had been floating about in our brains over the past month or two. Exploration rewards, mining, cockpit view, PvP and more are waiting just after the break.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

Continue reading Massively interviews NetDevil on PvP and more in Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyMassively interviews NetDevil on PvP and more in Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlespacecockpitcodemasterscodemasters-onlineelectronic-artsfeaturedhermann-peterscheckinterviewjgejoystiqfeaturesjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmythic-entertainmentnetdevilpvpvoice-chatwarhammer-onlineFri, 06 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Sci-fi geeks need to experience Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-digital-continuum-sci-fi-geeks-need-to-experience-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-digital-continuum-sci-fi-geeks-need-to-experience-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/03/the-digital-continuum-sci-fi-geeks-need-to-experience-jumpgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Spring is right around the corner and with it comes warmer weather, rain showers, blossoming fauna and Jumpgate Evolution. As much as I'd love to think there are thousands of you out there that know all about the game, I get the feeling that in actuality the number is significantly lower. Granted, real-time action space shooter MMOs aren't exactly a mass market genre, so it's probably a fair shake overall.

But what's really worrying me is that even those who should be excited for Jumpgate Evolution are seemingly unaware of it's forthcoming release. This won't do, and so I present to you the essentials of why a sci-fi fan should give this game some serious consideration for their 2009 MMO budget.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: Sci-fi geeks need to experience Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Sci-fi geeks need to experience Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 03 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultccpcodemasterseve-onlinefeaturedhermann-peterscheckjgejoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionluke-skywalkerncsoftnetdevilpax-08pax08starbuckthe-digital-continuumSat, 03 Jan 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil producer discusses the Jumpgate Evolution experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/netdevil-producer-discusses-the-jumpgate-evolution-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/netdevil-producer-discusses-the-jumpgate-evolution-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/10/netdevil-producer-discusses-the-jumpgate-evolution-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Space-based massively multiplayer games are few and far between, in an industry dominated by dragons, monsters, swords, and all the other mainstays of the fantasy genre. Of course there are a few prominent examples of sci-fi MMOs on the market, most notably EVE Online which seems to be holding its own in a fantasy-fixated industry. But EVE is a particular type of game that doesn't quite meet the needs of those sci-fi fans who want a more visceral combat experience. Jumpgate Evolution, which is in development at NetDevil, may well be a title that provides that style of play gamers want in a sci-fi MMO. Indeed, Jumpgate Evolution is introducing an old favorite to the sci-fi MMO genre -- the joystick.

But there's certainly a lot more to Jumpgate Evolution than its dogfighting. Jim Rossignol from Eurogamer caught up with Hermann Peterscheck, the Producer of Jumpgate Evolution, and spoke with him about some of the core concepts of the title, its mission (quest) system, and objective-based PvP. Peterscheck also walks the reader through what the new player experience will be like when beginning Jumpgate Evolution. If you're interested in hearing more about Jumpgate Evolution and how its gameplay is going to differ from a title like EVE Online, head on over to Rossignol's Eurogamer interview with Hermann Peterscheck.

MassivelyNetDevil producer discusses the Jumpgate Evolution experience originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatdogfightingeurogamereveeve-onlinefantasyhermann-peterscheckjim-rossignoljoystickjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilpvpsci-fiWed, 10 Dec 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution surpasses 150k beta sign-ups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/jumpgate-evolution-surpasses-150k-beta-sign-ups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/jumpgate-evolution-surpasses-150k-beta-sign-ups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/jumpgate-evolution-surpasses-150k-beta-sign-ups/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The guys 'n gals over at NetDevil are probably smiling ear-to-ear right now, as Jumpgate Evolution has just passed the 150k beta sign-up mark. That's a whole lot of interest for a space-shooter MMO and we're incredibly happy for them. We also can't wait to see how Jumpgate Evolution turns out after getting some hands-on time with it and face time with NetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck. Look for future interviews and coverage from Massively as we keep an ever watchful eye on the up and coming MMORPG.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution surpasses 150k beta sign-ups originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-signupshermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsci-fispace-shooterTue, 11 Nov 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WarCry interview sheds more light on Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/warcry-interview-sheds-more-light-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/warcry-interview-sheds-more-light-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/30/warcry-interview-sheds-more-light-on-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the most hotly anticipated sci-fi MMOs on the horizon is Jumpgate Evolution. Despite the videos, screenshots, and bits of fiction that NetDevil has been releasing to stoke interest in the game, some questions remain unanswered -- particularly in terms of continuity with Jumpgate's previous incarnation and how they plan to differentiate themselves from competing MMOs in the genre.

To that end, WarCry has done a Q&A with Hermann Peterscheck, the Producer of Jumpgate Evolution. The interview touches on the challenges faced in the development process and the game's relatively low system requirements. In addition, Peterscheck discusses whether the game is really geared towards hardcore or casual gamers. See the WarCry interview for Peterscheck's views on where the game is and what he hopes it will be for fans of space-based games.

MassivelyWarCry interview sheds more light on Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>continuityhermann-peterscheckinterviewsjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsci-fispacespace-basedwarcryTue, 30 Sep 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jumpgate Evolution video shows off dogfighting]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/new-jumpgate-evolution-video-shows-off-dogfighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/new-jumpgate-evolution-video-shows-off-dogfighting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/06/new-jumpgate-evolution-video-shows-off-dogfighting/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


It's safe to say that there are a lot of sci-fi MMO fans out there who would appreciate a game that incorporates dogfighting into a space-based title. Jumpgate Evolution is shaping up to be that game, from what we've seen thus far of its combat. We've been following Jumpgate Evolution for a while now, and Massively's Kyle Horner recently interviewed NetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck about the upcoming title. New video footage of the game, captured at PAX 2008, is now found at GameTrailers.

The video shows off combat taking place within a massive asteroid belt. Have a look at the video below the cut, and let us know if you think Jumpgate Evolution seems to be your type of game.

Continue reading New Jumpgate Evolution video shows off dogfighting

MassivelyNew Jumpgate Evolution video shows off dogfighting originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 06 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroidasteroidscombatdogfightdogfightinggametrailershermann-peterscheckjgejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilpvepvpsci-fispacevideovideosSat, 06 Sep 2008 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page four]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p4/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading PAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page four

MassivelyPAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page four originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsci-fishipsspacespace-shipstutorialsTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/09/02/pax08-hermann-peterscheck-interviewed-on-all-things-jumpgate-p2/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading PAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page two

MassivelyPAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution, page two originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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On the last day of PAX08 we stopped by the Jumpgate Evolution booth, which was full of people with glazed-over eyes as they blasted away at enemy ships in space. After some time with the game, we sat down with the NetDevil producer Hermann Peterscheck. In-between our questions and his answers we also got to watch him blow up some space pirates, fly through a huge asteroid and battle above a super-volcanic planet with chunks of land -- that had a city on it -- floating in orbit around the planet. It was a lengthy look at a game that's already come a long way and is still showing some real promise, too.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

Continue reading PAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyPAX08: Hermann Peterscheck interviewed on all things Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bombercourierfeaturedfighterhaulerhermann-peterscheckjgejoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilpax-2008spaceTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate's Peterscheck talks shop, massive battleships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/jumpgates-peterscheck-talks-shop-massive-battleships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/jumpgates-peterscheck-talks-shop-massive-battleships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/19/jumpgates-peterscheck-talks-shop-massive-battleships/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hermann Peterscheck is the producer of NetDevil's Jumpgate Evolution. He has a lot of experience working on MMOs -- including the original Jumpgate. For those reasons, Ten Ton Hammer decided he would be a great subject for an interview about the process of developing an MMO. You can read the result now.

Apart from the revelation that the game will feature four kilometer-long battleships (cool), the interview was a little bit light on JGE details. But if you're interested in learning how and why games are made, that's okay, because there's a lot of content on that subject.

We thought it was particularly interesting when Peterscheck explained the philosophy behind NetDevil's decision to make JGE. "It is very difficult to steal people away from other MMOs so you are much better off going after an underserved market," he said. He also suggested that every single big MMO succeeded because it (to some extent) created a new market instead of converting users in an existing one.

MassivelyJumpgate's Peterscheck talks shop, massive battleships originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleshipsdevelopmenthermann-peterscheckinterviewjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilten-ton-hammerThu, 19 Jun 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution dev chat to commence June 9th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/jumpgate-evolution-dev-chat-to-commence-june-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/jumpgate-evolution-dev-chat-to-commence-june-9th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/jumpgate-evolution-dev-chat-to-commence-june-9th/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


At 5:00 PM EST on Monday, June 9th, Stratics will host a live chat with several members of the Jumpgate Evolution team -- including producer Hermann Peterscheck, concept artist Kirk Lunsford, community manager Nicole Hamlett, and UI programmer Josh Stefanski. Stratics will also be giving away a beta key and a limited edition print to two lucky participants.

The chat will take place in the #straticshoc channel on Stratics IRC. You can use your own IRC client or the Java one provided by the site. A list of servers and ports is included along with further instructions in the announcement, in case you're not a regular.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution dev chat to commence June 9th originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keychatdev-chathermann-peterscheckhouse-of-commonsircjosh-stefanskijumpgatejumpgate-evolutionkirk-lunsfordnetdevilnicole-hamlettprintstraticsThu, 05 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews JGE producer Hermann Peterscheck - Part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck-part-two/#comments
We read recently that you were against the idea of separate servers for players who want to PvP and players who want to PvE. How do you plan to allow the two groups co-exist and still fulfill both groups' desired play-style?

I'm actually not opposed to that at all. I think it depends on what kind of game you have. The issue of PvP versus PvE is a hotly contested issue in the core gamer circles and the game development industry. Outside of that, it's not nearly as hot a topic. It's like every other almost religious debate, like capital punishment or abortion or whatever. You're never going to convince people that are believers in one versus the other that the other is correct. If I hate PvP, you're never going to convince me that it's a good thing. You have to build the game in such a way that you acknowledge that both of those positions are valid and that you give both sides something to do.

That being said, the way you implement it into your game is largely dependent on the kind of game you want to make. So if you look at a game like World of Warcraft, which is a largely kill-collect, progress-based game, you see the Battlegrounds and Arenas and stuff like that. They've acknowledged that both are important.

The way I see it working in a game like Jumpgate is that the large PvP space battles are largely going to be done by the people who represent a large minority of players. Maybe something like twenty percent. They're going to log in every day and want to engage in massive battles. Those people are being fed by the player-run economy, which is being contributed to by another minority of players. And the rest of the people are in the middle, and are probably going to mostly hang out in the safe areas. Every once in a while though, they'll venture out and see what PvP is all about.

You basically just divide the space. This area of space is safe, this area of space is not safe. But you have to make sure that there is opportunity for fun on both sides. If you make a sort of situation where the first 30 levels are PvE and the second 30 levels are PvP, you're going to make everybody hate you. The PvE players are going to quit at level 30, and the PvP players are going to wonder why they have to grind through all this crap to get to the fun part.

"I'd love to have something like the hardcore servers in Diablo where you lose everything if you get killed."
So by bifurcating the experience, we tell players, 'Go PvP, and you'll get X rewards. Go PvE and your rewards are Y.' There's no bias towards one or the other and you can easily flip between the two. That's kind of how I imagine Jumpgate being. That said, I'd love to have something like the hardcore servers in Diablo where you lose everything if you get killed. So I love the idea of having a server where everything is open PvP, and you can kill anybody at any time, and that's it. We'll see how that pans out, but that's how I imagine the Jumpgate universe working in regard to that.

How does that translate to an end-game. Obviously, PvP players can just continue with their huge battles, what would be the PvE equivalent of that?

That's already reasonably well-established. PvP would be something similar to Battlegrounds, where you have instanced PvP and also open, epic PvP between organizations. And then on the PvE side you have things like really, really tough creatures that you have to band together with a bunch of people and there's limited access to. Those are the things that give you the best rewards in the game.

Personally, I like both. I like engaging in big battles against other players and I also like cooperative battles operating with others people against some giant boss that nobody's every taken out before. So we try and do both of those things.

We've read on your forums that you're knocking around the idea of including capital ships, how big are these battles going to get?

We've been knocking the idea of capital ships around for a while. It's sort of the consequence of the way that we approach iterative development. If you think about space fiction, one of the things that always comes to mind is blowing up the Death Star, basically, or the equivalent in other fiction. It's the huge base that a bunch of people take out. So we've had this idea for a space station. And there's all these reasons why we thought we wouldn't be able to do it. We didn't have time, maybe it's something that we can do after release, but it kept coming up. So we decided that we have to look at this. So we actually made a battlestation. And it turns out that fighting a huge battlestation with a bunch of people is really really fun.

The natural progression of that is to have some sort of large ship that flies around . My expectation at this point is that they won't be player-flyable. One of the problems we had is that since Jumpgate is a skill-based game and if you have this giant battleship that you're flying and you have turrets on it -- now you have to balance it against you and your ship with aiming. It's tricky. We've thought about things like having other players man the turrets and then one person is the pilot, which games like Battlefield have done, so there's a possibility for that. But for now, when we're talking about battleships, on the PvP side they would be largely AI controlled and player-friendly and on the other side, they'd be either giant things you attack or things that fly with you when you attack. You as a pilot would still be controlling your personal ship.

That being said, it's really cool to fly around and get that sort of Battlestar Galactica thing going. You see the huge ship that's sort of hulking along, around it are the little Corvettes that are a little bit faster, and then around that are the sort of quick-moving individual craft. We want to create that sort of experience.

How do you take something like mining for minerals or hauling cargo and make that as fun as a giant space battle?

I don't know, I think it just sort of works out. I spend many hours in EVE just mining. In fact, right now I'm trying to get my isk bars because I want to do that. So I'm happy to spend lots and lots of time just mining, learning how that system works, and just making money in doing that kind of stuff. They have this other kind of stuff there that drives the economy . So it's a different kind of economy. The way we've implemented mining, for example, is to make it a sort of Easter Egg hunt. You're flying around amongst the asteroids, looking for that rare thing. And then you go and find it and it's like a slot machine, and you mine at it and it might drop something rare. Then you can go sell it and make a certain amount of money, and there's an anticipation and reward for that in the same way that there's a reward for taking out a new tough enemy that you've never taken out. I think it's all about giving people a path to achieve something. And you can do that with any number of different verticals -- you can do the same thing with crafting, which we call manufacturing. It's all about putting in time and effort to make progress, and getting rewarded for that is fun.

To me the whole point is that different people like to do different stuff, and those same people like to do many different things instead of just one. I think many successful MMOs have alternative activities that you can do so you don't get bored. As fun as it might be to just blow something up, after you do it two hundred times, you might want to do something else too.

Going back to the PvP, we've heard Jumpgate described as a skill-based game. How much is skill going to weigh in relative to the amount of time invested in player versus player engagements?

We're somewhere between World of Warcraft and Quake. In WoW, equipment arguably matters more than skill (although this tends to change as you get further and further into the arenas), but if you look at a game like Quake, equipment is irrelevant because everybody has access to all the weapons. So we're somewhere in between there. A rank 1 guy coming in with beginning equipment whose the best pilot in the game is unlikely to take out the guy in the most powerful battleship and the best equipment. Our game, however, gives a much larger range where you can participate in PvP. So whereas in WoW if I'm level 65 and you're level 68 and have much better equipment, it's unlikely I'll be able to beat you. But in our game, that's not the case. If you're a much better pilot, you'll probably take me out, even if I'm in better equipment. It's that sort of subtly that I have to balance. So we have to be careful balancing that.

Of course, it's very unlikely that somebody whose played the game for hundreds of hours and has accumulates a bunch of equipment is not to be a better pilot within the rules of the game than somebody who just logs in one day. So it's likely that the people who spend the most time will be the most skilled AND have the best equipment.

Positioning yourselves as a skill-based game, do you plan to use client-side hit detection or server-side?

We're similar to first-person shooters, where we have to trust the client to some degree, but we have a check on the server to make sure that people aren't cheating. In a game that's more turn-based, you can do something where you say you want to hit, and the server says, "OK, now you're swinging" and plays the animation. We can't do that. We have to verify and authenticate and trust more than a lot of MMOs do. But it's really no different than games like Quake and Counterstrike, and those kind of games have. You just have to solve for the cheating using the game style that you have.

Anybody that's developed an MMO before knows that a certain percentage of your resources goes to the eternal battle against people trying to cheat. Every game has it, and it runs the gambit. It's hacking the client, it's trying to break into the servers, it's contacting customers and trying to steal their accounts, it's hacking memory, it's exploiting weaknesses in the system. I can't think of any MMO that doesn't have a constant war between their tech people and groups of people that are trying to exploit the game. The funny thing is that most of the people trying to exploit the game aren't doing it for any other reason than it's a challenge for them to do so.

Without giving away too much, we have to be clever in a way that corresponds to the style of game we have, expecting of course that it'll be an on-going scenario.

Maybe it's too early for you to talk about, but have you decided on a subscription model for Jumpgate? Will it show up on the shelves at Gamestop, or will you use digital delivery or what?

It is too early to say, yes.

That doesn't pose much hope for this question, but we'll ask anyway. How close are we to the closed beta?

Let me put it this way, I want to release a game as soon as I possibly can, which means I want a beta as soon as I possibly can. However, I won't do it until it's necessary. The way I see it, you should go into beta when internally you can't make decisions about where your game is without it. Not just to prove some point. A lot of MMOs go into beta way too early, because they have some schedule that says, 'OK, beta here.' I think what happens when you do that is that, you have these players who are really excited about your game, and we have lots of these kinds of people. And then you release them a pile of crap doesn't work and then they say, 'Hey, why did you give us a pile of crap that barely works?' and they tear you apart. Then you close the beta, go back into development, and work on something else, and maybe it's better, but you've already burned all those people.

So yeah, people ask that question all the time, and I think a lot of the time they think I'm being coy or something, but I really don't know. It's not tomorrow! And there's some period of time where I know it's not, but I don't know, because game development is a tricky thing. You don't really know when a game is going to be fun, you don't know what thing is going to make it work, and you also don't really know what major probably could be lurking just around the corner. So to know more than a few weeks or months in advance for something like a beta is just guess-work. You can beta when you're ready or beta before you're ready, but that doesn't change when it's ready.

I guess the simplest answer is: as soon as we can.

Thanks Hermann, we appreciate it.

No problem.

MassivelyMassively interviews JGE producer Hermann Peterscheck - Part two originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-shipsclosed-betacoloradohermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionminingnetdevilproducerpvepvpsci-fiThu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews JGE producer Hermann Peterscheck]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/05/massively-interviews-jge-producer-hermann-peterscheck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Ever since ION 2008, the fine folks at NetDevil have been slightly more forthcoming with details from their sci fi opus-in-development, Jumpgate Evolution. First there was the interview that writer Keith Baker did about the game's three factions, filling us in one some of the background lore that's being plugged into the game. More recently, they did an interview on the more technical aspects of the game's development. Not wanting to miss out on the action, we caught up with Jumpgate Evolution producer Hermann Peterscheck, who, as you might recall, is awesome.

Check below the cut for some insights into NetDevil's perception of the recent mergers in the MMO industry, their approach to integrating PvP and PvE into the same game, and some information about Jumpgate's capital ships.

Continue reading Massively interviews JGE producer Hermann Peterscheck

MassivelyMassively interviews JGE producer Hermann Peterscheck originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>capital-shipsclosed-betacoloradofeaturedhermann-peterscheckjoystiqfeaturesjumpgate-evolutionminingnetdevilproducerpvepvpsci-fiThu, 05 Jun 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The devils of NetDevil offer insight into Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-devils-of-netdevil-offer-insight-into-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-devils-of-netdevil-offer-insight-into-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/24/the-devils-of-netdevil-offer-insight-into-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Interviews conducted at this month's ION 2008 conference continue to emerge, painting a broader picture about the industry as a whole. Yesterday MMORPG.com posted a discussion with the minds behind NetDevil's Jumpgate Evolution. Scott Brown and Hermann Peterscheck offered a taste of the game up to the site's Carolyn Koh, who includes in her writeup that the game almost looks like 'moving concept art'. Their discussion is of a more technical nature, focusing on the game's progress so far. Brown states that the devils have been treating the title 'like a live game', with testers and developers in-world almost from the start. They've already had a very notable public exhibition of the game's new user experience, at the March Connect 08 event.

Brown goes on to say that they're currently focusing on the title's infrastructure: auction houses, mining, and mail. Other topics include the role of PvP, the importance of player-created goods in the game's economy, and the many options you'll have on how to control your ship. If you're wondering about power structure, Mr. Peterscheck offers the word that the game will use a very traditional system: "Levels are a symbol of your progress ... Everything you do gives you whether it is crafting or running missions and that builds your level. It will not make you a better pilot or give you more life. You have to build your ship, get better weaponry and shields, get your licenses."

MassivelyThe devils of NetDevil offer insight into Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 May 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckinterviewion08jumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilscott-brownSat, 24 May 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet and greet the JGE boys at ION]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/meet-and-greet-the-jge-boys-at-ion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/meet-and-greet-the-jge-boys-at-ion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/25/meet-and-greet-the-jge-boys-at-ion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For those who have never had the pleasure of doing, meeting one's favorite developers can be a really world-changing experience. Having the names and faces that you read so much about on the internet turn into real living, breathing human beings is surreal, but quite rewarding. It's something we have the pleasure of doing quite frequently, but we have a feeling they enjoy seeing fans more -- since they don't ask so many probing questions.

Those attending to the ION Conference next month, or even just those in the Seattle area, might be interested to know that NetDevil's Hermann Peterscheck and Scott Brown will be holding a Meet and Greet for fans on May 14th. We're told that space is limited, so much sure and RSVP on their official forums ASAP if you're interested in a spot. Their website was down at the time of writing this, but hopefully it'll be back up again soon.

MassivelyMeet and greet the JGE boys at ION originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckion-2008ion-conferenceion08jgejumpgate-evolutionmeet-and-greetnetdevilscott-brownFri, 25 Apr 2008 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil's Hermann Peterscheck is awesome]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/netdevils-hermann-peterscheck-is-awesome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/netdevils-hermann-peterscheck-is-awesome/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/23/netdevils-hermann-peterscheck-is-awesome/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

We like the NetDevil guys. Nay, we love them. They always exude an aura of earnestness and child-like enthusiasm that stands out even amongst an industry full of people who work 60 hour weeks for a case of Diet Mountain Dew. That, and almost everybody in the Massively offices is a complete geek for sci-fi, which makes their upcoming Jumpgate Evolution quite the attractive prospect indeed.

This is why we couldn't help but link to this video interview that JGE Producer Hermann Peterscheck did with the Gaming Radio Network. The interview is a little old, coming from back during Connect 08, but it's still pretty amusing. Peterscheck just radiates passion for the project, and by the end of the interview you'll find it hard not to buy what he's selling. It helps that the game sounds terrific too.

MassivelyNetDevil's Hermann Peterscheck is awesome originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>connect-08gaming-radio-networkhermann-peterscheckjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilWed, 23 Apr 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/04/09/netdevil-talks-about-a-car-wreck-and-how-it-evolved-jumpgate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


No matter what anyone says, some of us here at Massively actually enjoyed the short lived post-apocalyptic car fragging MMO, Auto Assault. As with everything in life though, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. But as long as you can learn something from each experience, and grow from it... it was worth the ride.

Apparently the gang at NetDevil learned a lot about their experience with AA. Herman Peterscheck talked freely and at length about these lesson; lessons that are being applied across the board to all the games they are currently developing, including Jumpgate Evolution.

Probably the most important one is to polish the game early and not at the end just before launch. A time when everyone on the team is in full on "fire fighting" mode. Chaos almost always leads to poor execution and ruin. Another is that if you don't have a great looking game that runs well out of the gate it's nigh impossible to evaluate how good it actually is. According to Peterscheck, "The 'law,' if you will, is there's no such thing as a good game with a bad frame rate."

Continue reading NetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate

MassivelyNetDevil talks about a car wreck and how it evolved Jumpgate originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaulthermann-peterscheckjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilWed, 09 Apr 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate to offer more than just combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/24/jumpgate-to-offer-more-then-just-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Say your cruising around an asteroid belt in the upcoming sci-fi MMO, Jumpgate Evolution. Since you buddy is due to hop online any minute so the two of you can shoot the light fantastic, you'd rather not engage in any heavy combat until your wing man pops on. What to do?

Well, according to Hermann Peterscheck, JGE's producer, there's a lot more to do then just shooting womprats (or whatever the equivalent will be in the JGE universe). The big three activities for the game are combat, resource gathering and crafting, but there will be many other things to do. Players can speculate in the market, get paid to help cargo haulers on dangerous runs, engage in PvP to earn top spot on the various ladders and rankings, or collect the many different medals, titles, ships and powerful equipment. NetDevil is also looking to include mini-games that break up the core game.

Continue reading Jumpgate to offer more than just combat

MassivelyJumpgate to offer more than just combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemasterscombatcraftinghermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilresource-gatheringten-ton-hammerMon, 24 Mar 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution: Combat controls]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/jumpgate-evolution-combat-controls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/jumpgate-evolution-combat-controls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/jumpgate-evolution-combat-controls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Jumpgate Evolution is a space combat MMO. How players control their ships will be instrumental to the enjoyment of the game. When you think of joysticks and flight sticks you likely think of highly detailed flight simulators and not massively multiplayer games. But if that's all you think about then you've likely never heard of, let alone played, the greatness that was some of the X-Wing, TIE Fighter and Wing Commander games. JGE plans on bringing back the joystick and - as Ten Ton Hammer's Cody "Micajah" Bye calls it - the "strap yourself in" mentality. I couldn't have said it better myself.

Bye sat down with NetDevil's Hermann Peterscheck and asked him about their game's combat controls. Aside from the basic keyboard and mouse setup, players with very elaborate control setups will be able to use those as well. But the gaming control goodness doesn't end there. NetDevil is also supporting more advanced input devices such as TrackIR, and will continue to evaluate other brand spanking new hardware as it becomes available. JGE will also provide both third and first person modes, giving players the ultimate choice in how they want to play. So if you can't find a setup you like, well... lighten up. You're too finicky.

But won't people with a tricked out setup have an unfair advantage over those with just a lil ole mouse and keyboard? Find out after the break!

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution: Combat controls

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution: Combat controls originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersCodemasters-OnlineCody-Micajah-ByeHermann-PeterscheckJGEJumpgateJumpgate-ClassicJumpgate-EvolutionNetDevilTen-TonHammerFri, 07 Mar 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Bigger is not always better]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-bigger-is-not-always-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-bigger-is-not-always-better/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/gdc08-bigger-is-not-always-better/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


One good thing about being in such a net-savvy industry is that when you miss something, like the GDC presentation by NetDevil's Scott Brown and Hermann Peterscheck, somebody will inevitably put the powerpoint online for everybody to see. The NetDevil guys, currently working on Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe, are well-known for their honesty and candor. So when they lay out their model for the future of the MMO industry, we're inclined to listen to them. Their premise is that the exponential growth that has been observed by many parties within the MMO space may in fact be somewhat illusory. While revenues for the industry as a whole continue to sky-rocket, the money and subscription numbers continue to be concentrated in only a few, extremely successful games.

Take one look at all the canceled titles and commercial failures that litter the landscape. They have a point. The advice that they lay out for burgeoning developers is to forgo huge teams, shiny graphics, fancy rec-rooms, and other accoutremonts for a lean team, lower minimum spec, sensible work conditions, and a realistic development timetable that won't lead to costly delays. Perhaps most importantly, they say that trying to take on the big boys with a $4 million budget is tantamount to suicide. Smaller development teams can actually make more money than big budget titles in the long-run if they find their niche and stick to it. Or as one slide says, "A little greatness is always better than a lot of mediocrity."

Gallery: GDC08: Small teams big dreams with Netdevil

MassivelyGDC08: Bigger is not always better originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultdevelopmentgdcgdc08hermann-peterscheckindustrynetdevilprofitscott-brownsuccessTue, 26 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumping through the Gate: Factions and Missions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/jumping-through-the-gate-factions-and-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/jumping-through-the-gate-factions-and-missions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/19/jumping-through-the-gate-factions-and-missions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,


Ten Ton Hammer has posted another of their Jumpgate Evolution bi-weekly interviews, this time with Hermann Peterscheck, Producer for JGE. In this installment, Peterscheck answers questions about the game's factions and missions.

While reading through the Q&A I was comforted by the fact that Peterscheck continues to push the idea that JGE doesn't have hard and fast rules, and that they are trying to put as much of the game's outcome into the hands of the players (through their choices) as possible. This was something he mentioned during his interview about death and roleplaying as well, so it really does seem like something they intend to follow through with. In this case, while players will have to choose what nation to play (Quantar, Solrain or Octavius) there are no rules about allegiances, thus factions can interact in a myriad of ways with all of them.

Continue reading Jumping through the Gate: Factions and Missions

MassivelyJumping through the Gate: Factions and Missions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersCodemasters-OnlineCody-Micajah-ByefactionsHermann-PeterscheckJGEJumpgateJumpgate-ClassicJumpgate-EvolutionmissionsNetDevilTen-Ton-HammerTTHTue, 19 Feb 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[JGE devs talk about death and roleplaying]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/jge-dev-qanda-vault-network/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/jge-dev-qanda-vault-network/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/jge-dev-qanda-vault-network/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Vault Network recently posted a new Q & A session with Hermann Peterscheck, Producer of Jumpgate Evolution. Some interesting tidbits were revealed that I haven't come across before. When asked about role-playing potential, Peterscheck states that they want a game where the players define as much of it as possible, therefore it is very RP friendly. Case in point: there are three playable nations in JGE. While most MMOs don't allow interaction with other groups, that's not the case with JGE. Instead of forcing players into roles by creating three distinct areas, they feel that RP occurs more spontaneously when you give the players a reason to play the role as they see fit.

When asked about how they were planning to handle death penalties, Peterscheck basically sidestepped the issue. He says it will be different from JG:C, which has players lose items upon death. And they seem to be staying away from a death penalty where you drop all your stuff and lose half a level of experience, but a straightforward "this is how we're dealing with death" answer wasn't given.

There are a few more questions worth checking out, such as the prospects of crews, the classless system and home areas.

MassivelyJGE devs talk about death and roleplaying originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CodemastersCodemasters-OnlineHermann-PeterscheckJGEJumpgate-ClassicJumpgate-EvolutionNetDevilVault-NetworkMon, 11 Feb 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate devs to chat in Stratics HOC tomorrow night]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/jumpgate-devs-to-chat-in-stratics-hoc-tomorrow-night/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/jumpgate-devs-to-chat-in-stratics-hoc-tomorrow-night/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/29/jumpgate-devs-to-chat-in-stratics-hoc-tomorrow-night/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


A big chunk of the Jumpgate Evolution team will be participating in a Stratics Central House of Commons chat this Wednesday, January 30th (that's tomorrow) at 5pm Pacific/8pm Eastern. In attendance will be Steve "Istvan" Hartmeyer, Hermann "Drakerr" Peterscheck, Michael "Zzeno" Rowland (from Codemasters), Nicole "Awen" Hamlett, and Grace "Binkies" Wong. The team will be answering questions about the game as well as the recently announced partnership with Codemasters Online.

The chat will take place in the #StraticsHoC channel on Stratics IRC. If you've never IRCed before, check out Stratics download page to start the fun.

MassivelyJumpgate devs to chat in Stratics HOC tomorrow night originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Codemasters-Onlinedeveloper-chatGrace-WongHermann-PeterscheckHouse-of-CommonsJumpgate-EvolutionMichael-RowlandNetDevilNicole-HamlettSteve-HartmeyerStratics-CentralTue, 29 Jan 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[An interview with a Lead Producer, on Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/28/an-interview-with-a-lead-producer-on-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In an interview with Hermann Peterscheck, The Escapist squeezes out a bunch of information -- some new and some old. A lot of the interview is spent on talking about getting new players into Jumpgate Evolution, an important issue for NetDevil. Largely, it seems like Hermann and his team get what they need to do to win over people who try the game for the first time. He states that the team is focused on getting the first 30 seconds to 5 minutes down pat. Also, he talks about making sure their game looks beautiful while not choking computer hardware to death.

The screenshots that have been coming out of NetDevil certainly point to a game that's looking quite pretty -- although we'll have to wait for some in-game video before we call it all good. It's important to note that NetDevil seems to be thinking about all the angles, because we're very certain they want Jumpgate Evolution to avoid a similar fate as their previous title. With a heavy focus on making the basic game fun, pretty and simple with a hidden depth -- we're willing to say JE has us here at Massively excited for it.

MassivelyAn interview with a Lead Producer, on Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilthe-escapistMon, 28 Jan 2008 19:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution Producer interview]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/jumpgate-evolution-producer-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/jumpgate-evolution-producer-interview/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/08/jumpgate-evolution-producer-interview/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

IGN has up part one of an interview with the Producer for the upcoming title Jumpgate Evolution, Hermann Peterscheck. The piece itself doesn't reveal how many more parts to this interview there might be, but a disclaimer at the end makes it clear that there was more to the interview than provided here.

As Peterscheck says, this is a game that's essentially been in the making since 2001. He talks about the various elements the game hopes to include, and a little about the art direction. I'd hoped for more meat, but perhaps that's coming in part two. One bit I appreciated was Peterscheck's feelings about the status of a game at Beta. Too often, companies release something as Beta, when really it's much earlier than that in the development, leading to egregious bugs and crashes. Too much of this can lead to early player dismissal of a title. Peterscheck states NetDevil's intention to release JE in the second half of this year, but its Beta will be more refined than that. We'll see it when we see it.

Note: Massively also interviewed Peterscheck back in late November, so for more of your JE fix, make sure to check that out as well.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution Producer interview originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betahermann-peterscheckjumpgate-evolutionnetdevilproducer-interviewTue, 08 Jan 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution producer sets vision for accessibility]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/jumpgate-evolution-producer-sets-vision-for-accessibility/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/jumpgate-evolution-producer-sets-vision-for-accessibility/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/05/jumpgate-evolution-producer-sets-vision-for-accessibility/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Accessibility is a big buzz word in the MMO industry right now. After some hardcore titles failed to gain traction, a lot of people are thinking that spending millions of extra dollars to make cutting edge games that only 5% of gamers can or will pay doesn't make a lot of sense.

Among those people is NetDevil's Hermann Peterscheck, Producer of Jumpgate Evolution. He recently wrote up a dev journal post at MMORPG about accessibility. First he talks about making games that are, to quote Einstein, "as simple as possible, but not any simpler." Then he talks about hardware requirements as a barrier to entry.

Looks like NetDevil plans to be conservative on both counts so as to reach a broad market. But that doesn't necessarily mean Jumpgate Evolution will be shallow. Peterscheck uses Chess as an example of a game that takes 20 minutes to learn but potentially a lifetime to master.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution producer sets vision for accessibility originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilitychessdev-journalgame-designgame-mechanicshardwarehermann-peterscheckjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmmorpgnetdevilsystem-requirementsWed, 05 Dec 2007 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Netdevil's Hermann Peterscheck, producer of Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/massively-interviews-netdevil-hermann-peterscheck-producer-of-j/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/massively-interviews-netdevil-hermann-peterscheck-producer-of-j/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/11/29/massively-interviews-netdevil-hermann-peterscheck-producer-of-j/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Netdevil is probably most known for Auto Assault, their (literally) car-driven futuristic MMO that was published by NCSoft but only lasted a year due to low player numbers, but before that, they created a game called Jumpgate, a very early 3D MMO that featured real-time space combat simulation inside a virtual world. Next year, they're headed back into the Jumpgate universe with Jumpgate Evolution, a completely new game based on the old one, and Massively got a chance to sit down with Hermann Peterscheck, lead producer of the upcoming game, to talk about what Netdevil is up to.

The game is still in fairly early development, so there aren't a lot of specific gameplay details to go around-- Netdevil is still working on most of the core development plans. But we did hear from Peterscheck about how Netdevil plans to bounce back from Auto Assault, how they'll make JE different from that other big space MMO everyone's already playing, and we even got a chance to toss a few questions at him from you, our readers-- a huge thank you to reader Excelsior, who was able to get us questions from current Jumpgate players to ask here.

The exclusive Massively interview with Jumpgate Evolution's lead producer starts right after the jump.

Gallery: Jumpgate: Evolution

Continue reading Massively interviews Netdevil's Hermann Peterscheck, producer of Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyMassively interviews Netdevil's Hermann Peterscheck, producer of Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultfeaturedhermann-peterscheckinterviewjumpgate-evolutionmassivelyncsoftnetdevilreadersupcoming-gamesThu, 29 Nov 2007 10:30:00 EST