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DC Universe Online expanding Legends PvP with Last Laugh DLC

Jef Reahard — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, DC Universe Online

DC Universe Online's fourth DLC pack is on the way. As you're probably aware, it's called Last Laugh, but what you may not know is that it's focused on PvP. New iconic characters are making their way to the game's Legends mode, including DC stalwarts like Power Girl and Amon Sur.

Up to this point, much of Legends PvP has focused on what creative director Jens Andersen terms the Bat family. Characters like Batman, Bane, Two-Face, Robin, and the Joker are all mainstays. Now, though, players can step into the tights of both Kryptonian and Lantern heroes, and they can do so on the new Fortress of Solitude Legends map. That's not all, of course, but you'll need to head to Games Radar for more details plus a nifty video.

DC Universe Online expanding Legends PvP with Last Laugh DLC originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online's next update: Welcome to Paradise

Elisabeth Cardy — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, DC Universe Online

Going toe-to-toe with your first big, recurring villain in a final showdown is an important moment in every superhero's life and an experience that DC Universe Online players will get to treasure in the game's next content pack. The update will bring Brainiac, the main scumbag since DCUO launched last January, to his knees -- and bring players to Paradise Island, home of Wonder Woman and the Amazons.

Players will find Brainiac as he's assaulting the Amazons' island and have their final confrontation with him there. But don't worry about the ache of missing your main antagonist, heroes! If there's one thing that comic books have taught us, it's that you should never count a villain out for good -- and that the conclusion of one story arc doesn't mean that things are going to settle down at all. As Jens Anderson (Creative Director for DCUO) says, Brainiac's future isn't settled; his fight "will be an ongoing one as he tries to recover from the player's resistance and future Luthor's manipulation of everyone... The story will then move into a new phase, but Brainiac's actions will always have a lasting effect on DC Universe Online." Moving forward, players can anticipate learning more about the shady figures of Future Lex Luthor and Future Batman.

DC Universe Online's next update: Welcome to Paradise originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DCUO puts Valentine's Day on hold, plans seasonal events

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Events, in-game, Free-to-play, DC Universe Online

Roses are red, violets are blue, Valentine's Day will be back eventually in DCU... O.

Fortunately for those disappointed with the lackluster event last year, SOE agreed with the general sentiment and promised that the future version will be the snugglebunny event of the season. However, it looks like the new, improved Love Day feats won't make it to the game in time for February 14th.

That said, the team is already focusing on several upcoming events to coincide with each of the major seasons. "Over the next cycle, starting with summer, we will be adding the following: Boss fights to Summer, Winter, and Spring, and open world content to Fall," Creative Director Jens Andersen writes. The next scheduled event in DCUO is for March's St. Patrick's Day.

Hopefully, by this time next year DCUO will be in a more loving mood with Valentine's Day 2.0!

DCUO puts Valentine's Day on hold, plans seasonal events originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content

Jef Reahard — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, Game mechanics, MMO industry, Patches, News items, Free-to-play, DC Universe Online

By now you're probably aware of DC Universe Online's impending content pack. Lightning Strikes drops this Tuesday, December 6th, and in case you weren't already excited, PC Gamer's got a bit more for you to chew on.

In addition to a new Central City map and a new set of electricity-based superpowers, DCUO is adding some origin content designed to titillate DC Comics fans and introduce newbs to the canon's long and storied history. Sony Online Entertainment creative director Jens Andersen told PC Gamer that the Flash's Cosmic Treadmill is the first of several origins-type devices slated to appear in the superhero MMO, and SOE plans to let players revisit "the origin stories of DC's biggest villains and heroes."

The initial origin story occurs in one of DCUO's duo instances, where you and a friend will be whisked back in time to the night that Barry Allen rode the lightning and became The Flash. Head to the PC Gamer for the full article text, and check out the Lightning Strikes teaser video after the break.

Continue reading DCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content

DCUO Lightning Strikes update to feature superhero origins content originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SOE webcast fielding your DCUO F2P questions tonight

Jef Reahard — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Business models, Events, real-world, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, DC Universe Online

In case you haven't heard, DC Universe Online is going free-to-play sometime toward the end of October. Everyone's favorite DC Comics-flavored MMO (OK, the only DC Comics-flavored MMO) is also the star of this week's Sony Online Entertainment webcast.

Executive producer Lorin Jameson and creative director Jens Andersen will be fielding your questions about superhero-sized free-to-play and the future for digital denizens of Gotham City and Metropolis. The webcast happens on SOE's Stickam channel; you can also catch it via the Stickam tab on SOE's Facebook page.

What time, you ask? Set your alarms for 7:00 p.m. EDT, and check out this handy timezone conversion link if you're unsure how that equates to your local time.

SOE webcast fielding your DCUO F2P questions tonight originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DC Universe video explains SOE's Lantern Corps focus

Jef Reahard — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, Trailers, Video, Game mechanics, Lore, MMO industry, Patches, News items, DC Universe Online

If you've been wondering why Sony Online Entertainment chose to focus on the Lantern Corps for DC Universe Online's first game pack, a new video featuring creative director Jens Andersen has your answer.

"The Green Lantern Corps gives us a great stepping stone off of Earth, out of our solar system, and into the galaxy at large so we can begin exploring the great expanse of the DC universe," Andersen explains. So while Gotham City and Metropolis are still the heart of the DCUO experience, players and DC comics fans alike will be adventuring beyond the familiar confines of humanity's home planet as the game grows.

Aside from that, Andersen says that SOE was keen to get light powers into the game as well, and players can use both light and fear variants to wreak havoc on their enemies. You can read more about the new Fight for the Light pack on the official DCUO website, and don't forget to check out the new screens below (and the video after the cut).

Gallery: DC Universe Online

Continue reading New DC Universe video explains SOE's Lantern Corps focus

New DC Universe video explains SOE's Lantern Corps focus originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Witness Ra's al Ghul's revenge in the new DCUO trailer

Larry Everett — Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Trailers, Video, Patches, DC Universe Online

In you haven't heard, Ra's Al Ghul, a nemesis of the Caped Crusader, has dug his talons into DC Universe Online, and it's up to you to stop him from killing millions of innocent people by joining other heroes in this 4-man alert and defeat Ra's and his lethal minions deep in his mountain stronghold. Jens Andersen, the creative director for DCUO, shares the latest visuals in a walkthrough video released by IGN and presents a guided tour of the inner sanctum of Ra's al Ghul's League of Assassins. Each member of the league has his or her own mystic power you must overcome before you face off against Ra's al Ghul himself.

This 4-man alert is just part of the new additions to DC Universe Online in Update 3. Get the whole scoop from Krystalle Voecks, who recently sat down with the developers to discuss the patch, then check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Witness Ra's al Ghul's revenge in the new DCUO trailer

Witness Ra's al Ghul's revenge in the new DCUO trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store

Krystalle Voecks — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, News items, Opinion, Consoles, DC Universe Online, Alter-Ego

Good things are on the horizon in DC Universe Online, heroes, and villains! After having the chance to sit in on a roundtable discussion with Jens Andersen, Mark Anderson, and Lorin Jameson on Thursday, I am confident that the team in charge of the game's development is taking a good hard look at all the feedback it's been receiving from players. Aside from getting a chance to hear more about the soon-to-be-released Update 3, we were able to get a handful of answers for some burning questions that players have been asking about recently -- and some screenshots in the gallery below to give you a sneak peek!

Additionally, we managed to get a hint of things to come, as we're certain anyone who was watching Thursday night's DC Universe Online stickam chat noticed. For those who didn't make it, don't worry -- I'll be running down several interesting points from that event too since it meshes well with the roundtable discussion. All you have to do to get the super-scoop is join me behind the break!

Gallery: DC Universe Online

Continue reading Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store

Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 May 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New video shows off DCUO's tech-based mentors

Krystalle Voecks — Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Not every character in DC Universe Online is granted metahuman powers or magical abilities. Thankfully, for those who started out as average joes that simply want to do good (or evil), there's the technology powerset, which offers a plethora of control options. Currently, there are two technology mentors in DC Universe Online that can help put players' feet on the right path: Batman and The Joker.

While we've seen Batman and The Joker revealed long before the game launched, this newest video from SOE features Creative Director Jens Andersen giving us a bit more information about the two origin storylines that players have a chance to experience if they pick one of these two iconic characters as a mentor. So, if you've ever wondered what it might be like to right wrongs or create chaos on the darkened streets of Gotham, check out the shiny new DC Universe Online tech mentor video behind the break.

Continue reading New video shows off DCUO's tech-based mentors

New video shows off DCUO's tech-based mentors originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DCUO's Jens Anderson unveils the Meta origin story

Larry Everett — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, Video, New titles, News items, Hands-on, DC Universe Online, Livestream

So you want to be Superman? That is an extremely lofty goal for you. There is no way you can... Wait, what's that? According to the Creative Director of DC Universe Online, Jens Andersen, it is possible for you to follow in Superman's footsteps. If you choose the Meta-Human storyline in DCUO, you will follow either the Man of Steel or -- if you are the villainous type -- Superman's arch-nemesis Lex Luthor. The team at Sony Online Entertainment just released a video on its facebook page outlining just what it takes to don Supe's heroic cowl.

However, if you are in a more nefarious mood, Massively has a special treat for you. Wednesday, Contributing Editor Krystalle Voecks joined me for a run-through of the first instance in the Meta-Human villain line. In SOE's official video, Andersen mentions assisting Parasite. Well, we can show you exactly what that looks like with this video.

Take a peek after the cut for both the Meta origin story and the Livestream video. Or you can pop over to DCUO's official facebook page for more information.

Continue reading DCUO's Jens Anderson unveils the Meta origin story

DCUO's Jens Anderson unveils the Meta origin story originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe devs talk trinity, changes to the game world

Jef Reahard — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Thirsting for more information on Sony Online Entertainment's DC Universe Online? Comic Book Resources has your long cool drink of water in the form of a lengthy studio visit recap. Last week, SOE invited a gaggle of game journalists to "DC University" for a tour of the game's development headquarters that included lectures from the likes of game director Chris Cao, creative director Jens Andersen, producer Wes Yanagi, and writer/resident DC legend Marv Wolfman.

In between geekgasm-inducing peeks around the studio, the lucky invitees got some hands-on time with the upcoming title as well as the opportunity to ask the developers a few questions. When the discussion turned to combat, it became apparent that DCUO isn't going down the traditional MMO "holy trinity" path with its classes and builds. Cao states that while tank, healer, and DPS parties may be possible, they won't necessarily be the norm since "everybody's a damage dealer."

Cao also talked about accessible and inaccessible portions of the game world and whether players would be able to unlock more locations as the title ages. "We've bottled the city, the idea is that somebody's going to have to unbottle it," he said, referring to the storyline angle in which Brainiac cuts off access to Metropolis' Daily Planet. While the devs were noncommittal in terms of specifics, Wes Yanagi commented that permanent changes to the world would likely occur via seasonal events and new players would be able to experience the pre-event world.

DC Universe devs talk trinity, changes to the game world originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Nov 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe directors talk ranged vs. melee combat

Jef Reahard — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment is going absolutely video crazy with DC Universe Online. Not that we mind of course. The latest release is a new edition of Inside the Studio, hosted by game director Chris Cao and creative director Jens Andersen. The dynamic duo are here to answer your Facebook-submitted questions, and they touch on everything from maps and city exploration to the game's headline system and combat mechanics.

Most of the time is devoted to combat, of course, as player skill and combat customization are clearly DCUO's talking points. The directors have some interesting things to say about ranged vs. melee combat, even going so far as to indicate that melee is the more important of the pair. "What we found that gave the most satisfying superhero experience is really a big brawler. But it's a brawler with ranged weapons," Cao says.

If that makes you scratch your head like we scratched ours, keep watching, as it starts to make a bit more sense as the discussion continues.

DC Universe directors talk ranged vs. melee combat originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gina Torres as Wonder Woman in DC Universe

Jef Reahard — Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

The hits just keep on coming for DC Universe Online, as SOE has added another A-list performer to the game's star-studded voice cast. Gina Torres, well-loved in geek circles for her role as Firefly's Zoe Washburne, lends her vocal talent to one of DC's classic heroines: Wonder Woman.

In the latest Voices of the Game video, creative director Jens Andersen narrates a brief look at Wonder Woman's in-game appearances as well as Torres' work in the recording studio. Torres, who also guest-starred in Joss Whedon's Angel, is the third Whedonverse veteran to sign up for SOE's superhero extravaganza, joining James Marsters (Lex Luthor) and Adam Baldwin (Superman). Other DC Universe Online notables include Arlene Sorkin, Wil Wheaton, and Dwight Schultz.

Take a look at Torres, Wonder Woman, and the rest of the video after the break.

Continue reading Gina Torres as Wonder Woman in DC Universe

Gina Torres as Wonder Woman in DC Universe originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DC Universe Online Inside the Studio video answers more questions

Krystalle Voecks — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Game mechanics, Interviews, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

One of the things we love about DC Universe Online is the way Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen take time out of their undoubtedly busy schedules to answer questions that come in on the DC Universe Online Facebook page. The newest update to their Inside the Studio videos offers up another pile of questions asked by the community, with some amusing results.

From starting areas (Metropolis for metahumans, Gotham for technophiles, China Town for magical-origin characters), to the availability of regular street clothes (short answer: yes), and even questions about anthropomorphic animal heads, Cao and Andersen cover some really interesting ground. Pop by the DC Universe Online Facebook page to check out the full video -- and be sure to leave your questions for the developers while you're there!

New DC Universe Online Inside the Studio video answers more questions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Daily Grind: How do you like your character customization?

Jef Reahard — Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: New titles, Opinion, The Daily Grind

SOE's Jens Andersen recently provoked a bit of a discussion with his comments on DC Universe Online's character customization options. In a nutshell, he intimated that they're somewhat limited initially and devoid of excessive "fluff" in order to give players something to strive for as they build their avatars.

This is something of a departure from the tradition established by earlier superhero MMOs. City of Heroes and Champions Online both feature absurdly awesome amounts of individuality and costume customization potential. Even older, non-superhero games such as Aion and Star Wars Galaxies are renowned for the unique looks possible with their extensive character creation tools.

That, dear Massively readers, brings us to the question of the day. Do you buy into Andersen's theory that costume and character individuality is a worthwhile carrot, or do you prefer the CoH/Champions method of options, options, and more options from the get-go? How do you like your character customization?

The Daily Grind: How do you like your character customization? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe previewed, Andersen talks character customization

Jef Reahard — Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

With the launch of DC Universe Online just around the corner, we're starting to see a bit more information revealed about Sony Online Entertainment's superhero extravaganza. Gamespot reports on its lengthy hands-on at SOE's Austin development studio; highlights include a quest chain in the city of Metropolis as well as observations on the game's RPG and gear mechanics.

Fan website DCUO Source also contributes some interesting info in the form of a collation of comments from the game's Facebook site. Ordinarily, reader comments regarding teaser videos aren't anything to write home about, but the fact that SOE's Jens Andersen chimed in to answer questions provides some interesting reading.

One exchange that seems particularly noteworthy is Andersen's response to a fan concerned with the lack of information on DCUO's character customization options. "Character creation will be ongoing throughout the game with our appearance collection system and real items with stats forming a great fusion between form and function," Andersen says. "This means less choices upfront but more meaningful ones as you go through the game. It's a far cry from starting in rags and a loin cloth like in fantasy MMO's but it also isn't a fluff fest of everything which takes away the impact of getting cool stuff in games you can show off to your friends," he writes.

DC Universe previewed, Andersen talks character customization originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Sep 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online releases new video developer Q&A

Rubi Bayer — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, News items, DC Universe Online

Episode 6 of DC Universe Online's video dev diary Inside the Studio has been released on Facebook, with Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen answering the latest round of fan questions.

The questions, of course, were pulled from Facebook comments, and the 10-minute video covered quite a few subjects. The developers confirmed that you will have powers which allow you to shapeshift into various animals, taking on their powers. They gave more details on weapons, powers, and the combinations thereof, details about flight, story arcs, and much more.

Check out the full video on Facebook for all the answers, and keep an eye out for Episode 7.

DC Universe Online releases new video developer Q&A originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, Massively Event Coverage, DC Universe Online

Are you pumped for DC Universe Online after watching the recent "Who Do You Trust?" trailer or our own interview with John Smedley? We can hardly blame you -- it's tough being a superhero waiting in the wings. While we count down the days until its November 2nd launch, there's a lot more DCUO goodness to be had.

Massively was on hand at the DCUO panel at this year's San Diego Comic-Con, where Jens Andersen, Chris Cao, Marv Wolfman, Jim Lee and Mark Hamill (who is reprising his voice work as the Joker) were on hand to answer questions about DC's upcoming title. Hit the jump for the full skinny on time travel, heroes, villains and Bat-shark repellent.

Continue reading SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel

SDCC 2010: Up, up and away at the DCUO panel originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New DC Universe Online video offers up more answers

Krystalle Voecks — Fri, 28 May 2010 22:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

If you're one of the myriad who have been asking for more information on how DC Universe Online is going to work -- and you haven't been paying attention to their page on the book of face or the main site -- then you're in for a treat. Chris Cao and Jens Andersen have taken some of the questions that curious players have posted on the DC Universe Online group and gathered them together into an excellent new Inside the Studio video Q&A.

This time, they answer questions as diverse as if guilds will be in the game [yes], whether or not players will be able to create Teen Titan-esque versions of characters [another resounding yes], the "inspired by" feature at character generation [so cool], PvP and PvE server sets, and more. So if you're hungry for more information on just how things in DCUO will play out, check out the video we've embedded for you behind the break, then pop over to their Facebook video page and leave your questions. Perhaps we'll see them answered in the next video chat.

Continue reading New DC Universe Online video offers up more answers

New DC Universe Online video offers up more answers originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 May 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DCUO releases second Q&A video

Rubi Bayer — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, News items, DC Universe Online

This week, DC Universe Online introduces new cast member...no, wait. It's not another one of those, this is a second round of answers to fan questions via a new Facebook video.

Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen answered lots of questions from people named Matt, and while the specifics covered a lot of ground, the general theme stayed in the general subject of battle. (No you can not punch a tidal wave, yes you can wield something besides your fists.)

The last video Q&A session came around this time in January, so hopefully we'll see more in March. The guys reminded fans again to keep the questions coming as it has the added benefit of guiding the development team in learning what players are hoping to get from DCUO. Take a look at the video here, and we'll watch for a third video Q&A in the future!

DCUO releases second Q&A video originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online team will present at GDC Austin 2009

James Egan — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Events, real-world, Lore, MMO industry, News items, DC Universe Online

Some of the key members of the DC Universe Online team will speak at Game Developers Conference (GDC) Austin 2009, in a session titled "Why We Need Heroes and Villains in Games". The DC Universe Online team members on hand will include Jim Lee (executive creative director); Marv Wolfman (writer); Christopher Cao (studio creative director); and Jens Andersen (creative director).

The 'takeaway' from the session intro reads: "This philosophical lecture will give attendees insight into the challenges and issues game designers and writers face when making characters good and evil. More importantly, attendees will leave with a better understanding of why this tension between good and evil is so critical -- not only for telling a good story, but for making a video game."

This sounds interesting, and hopefully it's a sign of the emphasis they're putting on storytelling in DC Universe Online. GDC Austin will run from September 15-18, and we're hoping to bring you news from the event.

[Via GamesIndustry.biz]

DC Universe Online team will present at GDC Austin 2009 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers

James Egan — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST

Filed under: Super-hero, Game mechanics, Interviews, DC Universe Online

The days when comic books and video games were predominantly male pastimes are thankfully fading into memory, and the growing number of women gamers in the MMO space drives this point home. But are these games "female-friendly?" According to MTV Multiplayer, we may see Sony Online Entertainment reach out to women with DC Universe Online.

Tracey John recently interviewed DCUO creative director Jens Andersen and senior producer Wes Yanagi about what the upcoming title may have to offer women beyond some of the in-your-face combat we've been seeing lately in the DCUO footage. Andersen says DC Universe Online won't just be about clobbering the hell out of your opponents. Rather healing, buffing, and support in the game are designed to be far more engaging, not simply stats shown in the interface. Andersen believes that these elements of gameplay, combined with extensive character customization will draw more women to the super-hero title.

Continue reading DC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers

DC Universe Online and its appeal to female gamers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Issues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural

Kyle Horner — Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Will cross-platform play be a part of DC Universe Online come launch day? In light of a recent interview between Tracey John of MTV Multiplayer and DCUO devs Wes Yanagi and Jens Andersen, it's not looking too good.

While the official answer was more of a "We'll see." the overall direction of the two developers' response to the cross-play question was to punctuate the social discrepancies between PC MMO players and console users. They cited the PC MMO ritual of getting to know someone in text chat before speaking via TeamSpeak or Ventrilo, then followed that with the console experience: Microphones, matchmaking and lots of subsequent smacktalking. A fair point.

Although, on the other hand, Playstation 3's don't come with a standard headset like Xbox 360's. In fact, many users seem to have been adjusting just fine to text in the recently launched Home service -- although there seems to be plenty of griefing. So while console and PC MMO players may not blend well as is, the PS3 is a bit of an anomaly when it comes to communique in the first place. So who knows?

Did you enjoy this? We've donned our capes and tights to explore SOE's DC Universe Online in-depth. Come explore more of Metropolis and Gotham with your friends at Massively!

Issues with DC Universe Online cross-play not entirely technical, also cultural originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Feb 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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