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[Ex-MMO devs aim to fund space combat game via Kickstarter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ex-mmo-devs-attempt-to-fund-space-combat-game-via-kickstarter/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Squad Wars
They were part of the force behind many MMOs you've known and loved, including Jumpgate, Auto Assault, LEGO Universe, RIFT, and League of Legends, and now they're banding together for a new cause funded by crowdsourcing. They're the developers at END Games, and they hope to raise a quarter of a million dollars to create a multiplayer space combat game.

Despite the team's legacy, however, this new title will not be an MMO. Titled Squad Wars, the proposed project will blossom into a frantic starfighter game that will pit squads of players against each other in the deadly vacuum of space. Instead of focusing on a persistent world, Squad Wars will offer packaged scenarios that will "ensure the most fun every time you login."

END Games is also notable in that two of its members were founders of NetDevil: Scott Brown and Ryan Seabury. As of the time of this writing, END Games has $1,430 toward its goal, which must be attained by May 19th for the project to proceed.

MassivelyEx-MMO devs aim to fund space combat game via Kickstarter originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultcrowdsourcingend-gamesjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionkickstarterleague-of-legendslego-universenetdevilnew-gamenew-titleriftRyan-Seaburysci-fiscifiScott-Brownspace-combatsquad-warsThu, 19 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumping out an airlock is a legitimate mode of travel in Line of Defense]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/jumping-out-of-an-airlock-is-a-legitimate-mode-of-travel-in-line/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Line of Defense
Contrary to many of Derek Smart's previous expansive computer titles, Line of Defense will be "streamlined" to focus on a small corner of the galaxy. In a new dev blog, Smart outlines the scope of the MMO's territory and how it connects to his previously established game universe.

Line of Defense consists of four space regions, each with its own planets and moons. The regions are connected by jump gates in the Sirius/Barnard's Star systems pathway. However, when the game first launches, players will only have access to the planet of Lyrius, with other planets and moons coming afterward.

Players can teleport from base to base on planets using Dynamic Jump Pads or can transfer to a station via a carrier. Jumpgates, however, will allow players in vehicles to traverse entire regions. But probably the most interesting mode of transportation is to let loose with an orbital drop from a space station down to the planet surface below.

The one thing that Line of Defense won't have, however, is the ability to seamlessly transition between planets, bases, and regions without loading screens.

MassivelyJumping out an airlock is a legitimate mode of travel in Line of Defense originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>derek-smartdev-blogdev-diarydr-derek-smartdynamic-jump-padgame-universegame-worldjump-gatejump-gatesjumpgatejumpgatesline-of-defenselodlyriusmoonsplanetssectorstransportationtravelWed, 28 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Codemasters files suit over Jumpgate Evolution delays]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/06/codemasters-files-suit-over-jumpgate-evolution-delays/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

We have all been waiting for Jumpgate Evolution for quite some time, but perhaps no one quite as much as Codemasters. As a matter of fact, the company is so tired of waiting on the game to come out that it's decided to file a civil complaint against Netdevil and its parent company Gazillion Entertainment for the delays in publishing the eagerly anticipated sci-fi space shooter.

While the announcement on Codemasters' official Jumpgate Evolution site doesn't offer anything beyond the generic "yes, we did this, here's what court we filed it in, no other comment at this time" statement, the court document itself makes for interesting (if dry) reading. Essentially, Codemasters charges that Netdevil failed to meet contractual guidelines, which called for the studio to ship the game by February 24th, 2009. During that time, Codemasters paid almost 1.4 million USD to Netdevil to help underwrite the game's development and for "art assets." Codemasters is also seeking compensation due to setting up servers, website, community team, etc. for the European version of Jumpgate Evolution. Ultimately, it boils down to a pretty standard breach of contract that offers Codemasters' share of interest back to Netdevil and Gazillion in return for all monies invested in the project to date. Whether or not this brouhaha will cause any changes to the timetable for Jumpgate Evolution will remain to be seen. We'll keep an eye out as the case progresses.

[Thanks, Merketh!]

MassivelyCodemasters files suit over Jumpgate Evolution delays originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breach-of-contractCodemasterscodemasters-onlinegazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlawsuitnetdevilMon, 06 Dec 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh my! A Jumpgate Evolution leak -- not really]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/oh-my-a-jumpgate-evolution-leak-not-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/oh-my-a-jumpgate-evolution-leak-not-really/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/20/oh-my-a-jumpgate-evolution-leak-not-really/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Earlier today an unannounced video slipped onto YouTube claiming to be a "Jumpgate Evolution Play Test." The JGE forums lit up with speculation as to the source of the video, yet the true source was not even known to the JGE forum moderator, Alpha. In the thread regarding the leak, Alpha said, "I don't know where this video is from (or how old the footage is, or indeed anything about it), but really, given that the team is really small right now, the devs are going to know who shot that footage."

She was correct, because just a few hours later, OhSnap (Kara Kroupa, Marketing Coordinator at NetDevil) replied with a detailed explanation of what exactly happened. According to OhSnap, the video "showed up on youtube first because I asked the emissaries to spread it around before I made the video announcement. With all intention to explain the details here later." Unfortunately, Alpha had not read the information regarding the video when she first replied to the post, so she treated it as a breach of the NDA. Fortunately, there was no real issue, and no damage was done save to Alpha's keyboard, which now has OJ sprayed on it from her laughing at finding out the "leak" was intentional.

Now, after months of quiet, we have some Jumpgate Evolution footage! Take a look after the break at this "leaked" real footage of gameplay of the citadel.

[Thank you, Notturno for the link to the video]

Continue reading Oh my! A Jumpgate Evolution leak -- not really

MassivelyOh my! A Jumpgate Evolution leak -- not really originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gazilliongazillion-entertainmentJGEjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionKara-Kroupaleakleakedleaked-videoleaksnetdevilOhSnapvideoWed, 20 Oct 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution still alive and kicking]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/07/jumpgate-evolution-still-alive-and-kicking/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Jumpgate Evolution has been flying a bit under the radar since E3 2010, but we're happy to report that the space-based action MMO is still seeing active development. The recent forum upgrade, coupled with a producer update that outlines what the NetDevil folks are currently working on, has conspired to give us a bit of hope that we might be barreling through hyperspace and setting spaceships afire sooner rather than later.

In the post on the official boards, executive producer Lance Robertson touches on everything from the patcher and the live support team to PvP, the economy, and compatibility testing as ongoing areas of concentration. The details are a bit sparser than we'd like, but we'll keep our scanners peeled for more Jumpgate Evolution news as it happens.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution still alive and kicking originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-updateeconomygazilliongazillion-entertainmentjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlance-robertsonnet-devilnetdevilpatcherpvpspacetestingThu, 07 Oct 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jumpgate Evolution forums now live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/new-jumpgate-evolution-forums-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/new-jumpgate-evolution-forums-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/03/new-jumpgate-evolution-forums-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jumpgate Evolution forum members will be happy to hear that the old JGE forums are a thing of the past.

The new forums went online today, replacing the old ones that a NetDevil staffer referred to as "broken in many ways." As with many new sites, this one still has a few bugs to be fixed and additions to be made, so the News and Announcements forum contains a welcome post with a list of known issues.

That post explains how players can bring their login information to the new forum and gives a list of features that are still in the completion process. The forums and subforums are all functional -- though missing a few bells and whistles -- so check them out for yourself!

MassivelyNew Jumpgate Evolution forums now live originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>forumforumsgazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilSun, 03 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Details on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/01/details-on-event-zones-in-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

There's something about the massive span of space that lends itself to large-scale PvP, and Jumpgate Evolution is certainly heading down the road to having big and meaningful faction battles. This is the core of the game's Event Sectors, hotspots of activity between both players and NPCs in which everyone takes part in a truly epic struggle. In a recent diary on MMORPG.com, Joe Grubb explains the design philosophy behind the sectors and how they're shaping up as the game continues in development.

Grubb explains that one of the first goals the team had with these sectors was that they had to feel meaningful in context -- rather than just featuring good gameplay, it had to make sense why the battle was taking place from a lore standpoint. He goes on to explain how the team began testing and then revising the way content was set up to improve the feel of immersion and realism in each given sector. Take a look at the full diary for a preview of what promises to be one of the most interesting features in Jumpgate Evolution -- and really, who doesn't like epic space battles?

MassivelyDetails on event zones in Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>developmentdevelopment-diariesevent-sectorsimmersionjoe-grubbjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlarge-scale-pvpnetdevilpvpscience-fictionspacespace-battlesWed, 01 Sep 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution will get you into E3 -- if you can get there]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/jumpgate-evolution-will-get-you-into-e3-if-you-can-get-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/jumpgate-evolution-will-get-you-into-e3-if-you-can-get-there/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/27/jumpgate-evolution-will-get-you-into-e3-if-you-can-get-there/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

While it's no longer quite the circus that it once was, E3 is still kind of a big deal. Of course, the result is that it's even harder these days to get into the actual convention if you're not part of the press. For those of you who don't get the sheer enjoyment of working bizarre hours and frantically writing up press releases on three hours of sleep, the Jumpgate Evolution team is giving you a pass into the show. If you can get to the location, they'll get you in.

The team mentioned that they wanted to run a community meet-and-greet a while ago, and NetDevil has taken care of procuring a few extra passes for the fans. Unfortunately, if you're not already a registered member of the Jumpgate Evolution forums, you're out of luck -- registering now won't make you eligible for the giveaway. If you are registered, however, and you can take care of getting yourself to E3, a simple message might get you into the convention for all three days -- and give you a chance to play this anticipated game. It's a win-win!

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution will get you into E3 -- if you can get there originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 27 May 2010 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitycommunity-meetingconventionse3e3-2010jumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmeet-and-greetnetdevilpasspromotionsspecial-passThu, 27 May 2010 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/10/a-significant-update-on-jumpgate-evolutions-progress/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NetDevil's Scott Brown has emerged from the black depths of development on Jumpgate Evolution to give an update to the commmunity. In fact, he's given quite a substantial -- if not brief -- update about the various game elements being hammered into proper working order.

The topics covered are Battlespace, mission structure, faction definition and improvements being made to the previously lackluster enemy AI. So basically, NetDevil has been working to revamp the game ever since its June 2009 release date was changed into a To Be Announced state, leaving fans wondering when they'd be able to get their space fighter action on. We've posted Scott's bullet point update beyond the break, for those interested.

Continue reading A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress

MassivelyA significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>communitygazilliongazillion-entertainmentjgejge-gamejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilscott-brownspacespace-fighterspace-gameupdateWed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2009: The evolution of Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-the-evolution-of-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-the-evolution-of-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/08/e3-2009-the-evolution-of-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


The last time I personally saw anything about Jumpgate Evolution (Netdevil's re-imagining of the the very early space MMO) was almost two years ago when I spoke with the executive producer. At that time, we had little more than a few screenshots and concept art. Massively has spoken with Peterscheck and covered the game multiple times since then, but when I stepped into Netdevil's little booth at E3 (so little, in fact, that it didn't even have their name on it -- it was labeled with Gazillion Entertainment, their publisher), I didn't have any idea what to expect.

What I found was both surprising and impressive. Way back in that first interview, Peterscheck told me that they were trying to make a space shooter MMO that depended on skill rather than stats, that offered up a fully realized universe for players to explore, and gave some new options for PvP and space combat that we hadn't seen before. Sitting in their booth watching the game get played on three big screens, I saw all that and more. Hit the jump (gate) below for impressions and even a gameplay video from last week's show.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution E3 2009

Continue reading E3 2009: The evolution of Jumpgate Evolution

MassivelyE3 2009: The evolution of Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conventione3gameplaygazilliongazillionsjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmmonetdevilscott-brownspacespace-shootervideoMon, 08 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gazillion Entertainment Names Stuart Moulder as VP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/gazillion-entertainment-names-stuart-moulder-as-vp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/gazillion-entertainment-names-stuart-moulder-as-vp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/21/gazillion-entertainment-names-stuart-moulder-as-vp/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Gazillion Entertainment have announced that their expansion into the MMO market continues with hiring Stuart Moulder as their new Vice President of Studios, with responsibility for game development across all of their studios. Gazillion recently announced that they had purchased Netdevil, who are developing Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe. They also announced that they are developing two games based on the Marvel superhero licence.

Moulder has most recently worked as Senior Vice President at Screenlife where he was responsible for bringing the Scene It? license to games as helping with the sale of the company to Paramount Digital. He also spent eight years at Microsoft where he was responsible for acquiring and managing companies such as Halo developer Bungie, Age of Empires and Halo Wars developer Ensemble Studios and veteran developers FASA of Mechwarrior and Shadowrun fame, although since he has left Microsoft we have seen Ensemble Studios and FASA shut down and Bungie has become independent.

MassivelyGazillion Entertainment Names Stuart Moulder as VP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 May 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-empiresbungiebungie-studiosfasafasastudiosgazilliongazillion-entertainmenthalohalo-warsjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlego universeLegoUniversemechwarriormicrosoftnetdevilparamount-digital-entertainmentscene-itscreenlifeshadowrunstuart-moulderThu, 21 May 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution interview explains UI customization and emphasis on story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/jumpgate-evolution-interview-explains-ui-customization-and-empha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/jumpgate-evolution-interview-explains-ui-customization-and-empha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/20/jumpgate-evolution-interview-explains-ui-customization-and-empha/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Attendees of the LOGIN Conference last week had a chance to see NetDevil's demonstration of Jumpgate Evolution. The writers at ZAM were among the gaming press attendees and came away from the demo with some positive impressions, but some questions as well. They caught up with NetDevil president Scott Brown who discussed the inspiration for creating the original Jumpgate and how Jumpgate Evolution will live up to its name.

The interview specifically touches on how Jumpgate Evolution aims to engage players in ways the original wasn't able to. In that context of how the follow-up title compares to the original, Brown says, "We have a much stronger story now, with help from Keith Baker (the creator of Eberron for D&D) and we have significantly more focused PvP so players have even more reason to fight the other nations."

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution interview explains UI customization and emphasis on story

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution interview explains UI customization and emphasis on story originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 May 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>jumpgatejumpgate-evolutionkeith-bakerloginlogin-conferencenetdevilsci-fiscott-brownzamWed, 20 May 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution full ship type details plus new screenshots]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/jumpgate-evolution-full-ship-type-details-plus-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/jumpgate-evolution-full-ship-type-details-plus-new-screenshots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/jumpgate-evolution-full-ship-type-details-plus-new-screenshots/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


If you're looking forward to Jumpgate Evolution as much as we are, then you'll be happy with today's press release via Codemasters concerning player ships -- in fact, you'll be ecstatic. The reason being that below the cut you'll find information on every single ship type and it's progression within the game.

We're talking Combat Fighters, Advanced Fighters, Support Gunboats, Combat Gunboats, Runners and Freighters. If all that information isn't enough, the press release also lays out the advancement paths of each ship type. The new screens are also pretty mindblowingly awesome, as well. While we're fairly certain that the world "mindblowingly" isn't actually word, for lack of a better thing to say, that will have to do.

So what are you waiting for? Check it out and join us in salivating over what's looking to be one amazing space shooter MMO.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution full ship type details plus new screenshots

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution full ship type details plus new screenshots originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsci-fiscreensscreenshotsshipsspacespace-shooterTue, 21 Apr 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[With friends like these: What sci-fi has, and doesn't have, going for it]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/with-friends-like-these-what-sci-fi-has-and-doesnt-have-goin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/with-friends-like-these-what-sci-fi-has-and-doesnt-have-goin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/with-friends-like-these-what-sci-fi-has-and-doesnt-have-goin/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Let's face it: The sci-fi MMOG space is pretty bleak. I want Star Wars: The Old Republic to set the world on fire as much as the next guy, but long and nefarious is the path to massively-multiplayer righteousness, and so far, no one's really gotten the futuristic thing right.

Over the 12 or so years that graphical MMOGs have been around, two could be considered a success: Anarchy Online, which recovered from a catastrophic launch; and EVE Online, whose launch was nearly as bad as AO's, but luckily no one was around to notice at the time. That's two games over more than a decade. Conversely, three of the original four fantasy MMOGs were successful: Ultima Online, which is still around; EverQuest, which engendered a sequel and is emulated today by World of Warcraft; and Asheron's Call, which also inspired a sequel. And nowadays, you can barely walk without stepping in some fantastic goop, be it WoW, EverQuest II, or Warhammer Online, to name just a few.

Continue reading With friends like these: What sci-fi has, and doesn't have, going for it

MassivelyWith friends like these: What sci-fi has, and doesn't have, going for it originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineasherons-callbiowareblizzardccpcyberpunk-2020eaelectronic-artseqeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2featuredfuncomimperatorjumpgatemythicneocronngesci-fishadowrunsigilsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-wars-galaxiesstar-wars-the-old-republicswgswtortabula-rasaultima-onlinewarwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 07 Apr 2009 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Jumpgate Evolution trailer is very definition of large scale battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/new-jumpgate-evolution-trailer-is-very-definition-of-large-scale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/new-jumpgate-evolution-trailer-is-very-definition-of-large-scale/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/new-jumpgate-evolution-trailer-is-very-definition-of-large-scale/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The newest trailer for Jumpgate Evolution is nearly 100% all combat, aside from the brief moments of textual drama. And with all that combat comes a pretty large sense of scale that we've really only seen in a few MMOs since the genre's inception. This and wonderful joyous action being NetDevil's specialty, it comes as no surprise.

Between the announcement of the game's minimum requirements and all of these gameplay videos, we're feeling very assured in our belief that Jumpgate Evolution is shaping up to be a visually stunning title that doesn't demand the world of our hardware. And so long as there aren't any significant bugs or crashes to desktops going on once the game releases, we'll probably be able to call the game 2009's most technically and visually impressive MMO.

Check out the full trailer after the break, or download the HD version directly from Big Download's super-fast file service.

Continue reading New Jumpgate Evolution trailer is very definition of large scale battles

MassivelyNew Jumpgate Evolution trailer is very definition of large scale battles originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgameplaygazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilsci-fispacetrailervideowhen-darkness-fallsThu, 02 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Minimum specs and new screens for Jumpgate Evolution revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/minimum-specs-and-new-screens-for-jumpgate-evolution-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/minimum-specs-and-new-screens-for-jumpgate-evolution-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/02/minimum-specs-and-new-screens-for-jumpgate-evolution-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


With the month of March behind us and April in full effect, June continues to creep closer and closer. This is of deep significance for anyone awaiting the release of NetDevil's Jumpgate Evolution, as is today's announcement of the game's minimum hardware requirements.

If this was a game of limbo, we'd have to say that NetDevil just won this month's tournament by creating one of the most technically limber MMOs we've seen in quite some time. How will the game actually look at lower setting has yet to be seen, although space games tend to scale down pretty well. We're also interested to see what the recommended specs look like, but for now you can consider us very impressed.

Check out the minimum requirements just beyond the cut.

Gallery: Jumpgate Evolution Gallery

Continue reading Minimum specs and new screens for Jumpgate Evolution revealed

MassivelyMinimum specs and new screens for Jumpgate Evolution revealed originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcodemastersgazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionjunenetdevilsystem-requirementsThu, 02 Apr 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil acquired by Gazillion Entertainment... last July]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/netdevil-acquired-by-gazillion-entertainment-last-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/netdevil-acquired-by-gazillion-entertainment-last-july/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/18/netdevil-acquired-by-gazillion-entertainment-last-july/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


We've got good news that also happens to be a bit strange. Remember that new publisher that's now bringing us the Marvel MMO? Well, it turns out that NetDevil was actually acquired in July 2008 by the newly revealed Gazillion Entertainment. NetDevil's Scott "Scorch" Brown says in his post on the official Jumpgate Evolution forums that the choice was made due to Gazillion's shared view on game development. Specifically, the two companies value lots of focus testing, vertical slice development, iterating until things are great and only releasing games when they are ready.

The strange part is of course the announcement of an acquisition that occured over half a year ago. We're assuming the delay was due to Gazillion wanting to make a big announcement splash, but it's dark business magic like this that make us scratch our heads sometimes.

Is this news and that of Codemaster's chief operating officer unexpectedly departing from the company connected? It's hard to say, but at this point it's anybody's guess as to what's really going on.

MassivelyNetDevil acquired by Gazillion Entertainment... last July originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 18 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>codemastersgazillion-entertainmentjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlego-universemarvelmarvel-mmonetdevilscott-brownWed, 18 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/16/massively-speaks-at-length-with-jumpgate-evolutions-hermann-p3/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Continue reading Massively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 3

MassivelyMassively speaks at length with Jumpgate Evolution's Hermann Peterscheck Pt. 3 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]]>cargo-runningcodemastersjgejumpgatejumpgate-classicjumpgate-evolutionminingnetdevilpvepvptradingMon, 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['Enter the Fray' in Jumpgate Evolution's latest trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/enter-the-fray-in-jumpgate-evolutions-latest-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/enter-the-fray-in-jumpgate-evolutions-latest-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/22/enter-the-fray-in-jumpgate-evolutions-latest-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


NetDevil has released a new Jumpgate Evolution trailer showing off quite a bit of gameplay footage, including our first look at the much-promised capital ship battles.

It'd be an understatement to say that as fans of things like space shooters, Battlestar Galactica and the original Star Wars trilogy, this trailer delivers a lot of excitement. In fact, we hope that Codemasters and NetDevil can figure out how to get stuff like this alongside any upcoming space movies or television series.

June 2009 and beta can't come soon enough, but until then we'll keep updating you with the latest information and news regarding Jumpgate Evolution. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading 'Enter the Fray' in Jumpgate Evolution's latest trailer

Massively'Enter the Fray' in Jumpgate Evolution's latest trailer originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticacodemasterscodemasters-onlinejgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionjunenetdevilstar-warstrailerSun, 22 Feb 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New looks into Jumpgate Evolution]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/new-looks-into-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/new-looks-into-jumpgate-evolution/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/02/19/new-looks-into-jumpgate-evolution/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The folks over at MMORPG.com seem to have smuggled a few more screenshots out of Jumpgate Evolution for everyone's perusal. Eleven new images of the game have been added to their online gallery, each one quite gorgeous and jaw dropping. The screenshots themselves are centered around the various types of ships and starbases that can be encountered in the game, as well as some locales like jumpgates and asteroid fields.

We have to keep reminding ourselves that this is a very fast paced space shooter that requires both speed and precision, but how are we suppose to be precise when we're looking at how pretty everything in the game is? We just hope they make everything into a blur, otherwise it's going to be really hard for us to pull away from the scenery to shoot down some enemies.

MassivelyNew looks into Jumpgate Evolution originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Feb 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroid-fieldjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmmorpg.comscreenshotsspace-combatThu, 19 Feb 2009 18:00:00 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[Can the sci-fi genre succeed?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/01/can-the-sci-fi-genre-succeed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Earth and Beyond. Star Wars Galaxies. Auto Assault. Tabula Rasa. For a genre that dominates television and written media, science fiction can't seem to find a good foothold in the MMO industry past EVE Online. Even the upcoming Stargate Worlds is on shaky ground, and it hasn't even stepped over the threshold into the market. With a genre so plagued by failure, what can a company do to succeed like CCP? Can Star Trek Online, Jumpgate Evolution, and Star Wars: The Old Republic shake the curse?

These were the topics of a recent interview between Cody Bye of Ten Ton Hammer and Rob Hill and Kevin Beardslee of Trion World Network, the developers behind the Sci-Fi channel's MMORPG/television tie-in game. The interview covers all manner of things, like how Trion seeks to differentiate themselves from the current MMO market, how they want to interact with their community, how they are handling the creation of the game next to the television series, and how Blizzard's polish mantra can really support a well made game. You can check out the full interview over at Ten Ton Hammer.

MassivelyCan the sci-fi genre succeed? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultblizzardccpearth-and-beyondeve-onlinejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionsci-fisci-fi-channelstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstargatestargate-worldsswgswtortabula-rasatrionThu, 01 Jan 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NetDevil talks past, present and future of MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/netdevil-talks-past-present-and-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/netdevil-talks-past-present-and-future-of-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/20/netdevil-talks-past-present-and-future-of-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Now that Tabula Rasa will be closing in two months, many of us are remembering a similar situation in 2007 with NCsoft's Auto Assault. The game's development team at NetDevil was fairly outspoken at the time about what they felt was a savable game, yet NCsoft saw it as a business decision. One of the most vocal NetDevil employees who tried to save the game was Scott Brown. Ten Ton Hammer caught up with Brown in a recent interview where he gave his current views on Auto Assault's closing, what the company is working on now and a hint at what's in their future.

"I would never turn off a game." Brown says in the interview. "I would do what I would need to do to make the game support itself, but why turn it off? Especially when there are people that love your game?" With knowing what they know now, Brown discusses how the studio has changed their development process. Their current projects, including the LEGO Universe MMO, Jumpgate and an unannounced web-based game coming soon, are enough to keep this company from focusing too much on their past mistakes and just blasting forward into the future.

This interview is part one of two, so look for more from Scott Brown in the second half coming next week.

MassivelyNetDevil talks past, present and future of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auto-assaultjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlego-universencsoftnetdevilscott-browntabula-rasaten-ton-hammerSat, 20 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Enhancements announced to Jumpgate Evolution guild beta sign-up form]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/enhancements-accounced-to-jumpgate-evolution-guild-beta-sign-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/enhancements-accounced-to-jumpgate-evolution-guild-beta-sign-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/16/enhancements-accounced-to-jumpgate-evolution-guild-beta-sign-up/#commentsFiled under: , ,


For all those space pilots anxiously awaiting the chance to enter your guild Jumpgate Evolution, there have been updates made to the guild beta sign-up form. Basically, the enhancements allow you to manage your guild members more actively. You can remove members, list additional e-mail addresses, and check to see who has filled out and confirmed their information.

Any changes made will note effect the odds of getting into beta. In fact, it's probably best to have the cleanest list possible of your members before the official launch date to avoid hassles later on. So whether you've been waiting to add your friend who just built a new system or trying to remove someone who's too busy with other betas, head in and adjust.

MassivelyEnhancements announced to Jumpgate Evolution guild beta sign-up form originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-signupsguild-betaguildsjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionTue, 16 Dec 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Best of Massively: Hands-on with upcoming games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-best-of-massively-hands-on-with-upcoming-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-best-of-massively-hands-on-with-upcoming-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/13/the-best-of-massively-hands-on-with-upcoming-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Massively's first birthday is only a couple of weeks a way! We've been having fun looking back at our first year of coverage -- first with our ten most important interviews, then our most helpful guides, and most recently our top 5 weirdest news stories. This week we've compiled six of our hands-on previews of games that are yet to be released.

Jump into the gallery to see what's on the genre's horizon with new expansions, Sci-Fi, super heroes, and more. No matter what your interests, we've got you covered!


Gallery: The Best of Massively: Hands-on with upcoming games

EverQuest: Seeds of DestructionJumpgate EvolutionTwin SkiesAionChampions Online

MassivelyThe Best of Massively: Hands-on with upcoming games originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gamesaionbest-of-massivelychampions-onlinecryptic-studioseqeverquestexpansionfeaturedhands-onimpressionsjoystiqfeaturesjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrometeor-gamesmines-of-moriamoriancsoftnetdevilpreviewseeds-of-destructionsoethe-best-of-massivelyturbinetwin-skiesMon, 13 Oct 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[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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticahermann-peterscheckjgejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilpax-2008sci-fispaceTue, 02 Sep 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[G4TV interviews Jumpgate Evolution dev, exhibits lots of footage]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/g4tv-interviews-jumpgate-evolution-dev-exhibits-lots-of-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/g4tv-interviews-jumpgate-evolution-dev-exhibits-lots-of-footage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/31/g4tv-interviews-jumpgate-evolution-dev-exhibits-lots-of-footage/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

G4TV interviewed Publishing Producer Michael Rowland about Jumpgate Evolution at PAX this weekend. You can watch the video of the interview right now. Mixed in with the questions and answers are a lot of gameplay video clips.

The clips are the most attractive part of the video, but the interview is helpful too. Rowland suggested that the combat has a "more FPS feel" than the "turn-based" combat of other MMOs. He also said that players will be able to level up just by engaging in PvP with opposing factions. There will be three factions in all when the game launches next Spring.

Most of that information can be found at the Jumpgate Evolution website, but check out the video for the gameplay clips. Just try not to be too annoyed by Adam Sessler. Of course the game was actually playable on the floor at PAX. Bet you're sad you missed out on that!

MassivelyG4TV interviews Jumpgate Evolution dev, exhibits lots of footage originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-sesslercombatfactionsfpsg4tvinterviewjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionmichael-rowlandpaxpax-2008pvpvideoSun, 31 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution lore: The Bleakstone Sector is rather bleak]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/jumpgate-evolution-lore-the-bleakstone-sector-is-rather-bleak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/jumpgate-evolution-lore-the-bleakstone-sector-is-rather-bleak/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/08/30/jumpgate-evolution-lore-the-bleakstone-sector-is-rather-bleak/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The official Jumpgate Evolution website is periodically updated with lore and fiction articles about places in the Jumpgate universe. They reveal information about the game's setting and back story, but they're also detailed enough that they shed some light on what gameplay will be like in the sector in question.

The latest of these articles is about the Bleakstone Sector, an inner sector that's every bit as harsh and dangerous as the sectors in the outer frontier. In a binary star system, the planet Bleakstone gives off a radiant glow thanks to the minerals and chemicals on its surface. But that glow is a dangerous siren's call, as the atmosphere is extremely hot and toxic. One domed mining facility and a few outposts in space are the only evidences of humankind in this hostile region of space.

There's also a faux news report about a violent attack by The Inferno on the colonists who inhabit the sector.

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution lore: The Bleakstone Sector is rather bleak originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>binarybleakstonebleakstone-sectorcodemastershistoryjumpgatejumpgate-evolutionlogloreminingnetdevilsectorthe-infernoSat, 30 Aug 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jumpgate Evolution combat maneuvers shown in walkthrough videos [updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/jumpgate-evolution-combat-maneuvers-shown-in-walkthrough-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/jumpgate-evolution-combat-maneuvers-shown-in-walkthrough-videos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/27/jumpgate-evolution-combat-maneuvers-shown-in-walkthrough-videos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Netdevil is a firm believer that the MMOG genre is missing the galactic action-packed and fluid experiences that compare to Freelancer and Wing Commander. What is not lacking is the marvelous economic system found in EVE Online; however, when it comes to combat in space there's a lot to be desired and growth potential. Netdevil is setting out to fill that void with Jumpgate Evolution. We get a look at its current form in this two part developer with Associate Product Manager, Tim Hodges from E3-2008 courtesy of GameTrailers.com.

Unfortunately, what we loved about earlier builds that showed off the first action cockpit view is absent but not removed. Several landscapes and bases show a sense of scale and some combat aspects from the game. The videos don't reveal much detail, but for being in such an early state of development it looks okay. Jumpgate Evolution is due out sometime in spring 2009, and the alpha is underway and there's no official word on when the beta will start. However, beta signups are live on the official website. The second video is available for viewing after the cut.

Continue reading Jumpgate Evolution combat maneuvers shown in walkthrough videos [updated]

MassivelyJumpgate Evolution combat maneuvers shown in walkthrough videos [updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combate3-2008e32008eve-onlinegame-trailersjejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionnetdevilspacespace-combatspace-mmogtim-hodgesSun, 27 Jul 2008 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E308: Black Prophecy debuts with trailer, closed beta registration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-black-prophecy-debuts-with-trailer-closed-beta-registrati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-black-prophecy-debuts-with-trailer-closed-beta-registrati/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/20/e308-black-prophecy-debuts-with-trailer-closed-beta-registrati/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


Reakktor Media, the brains behind the cyberpunk MMO shooters Neocron and Neocron 2, have recently recently a brand new movie-esque trailer for their new game, Black Prophecy.

The game is a futuristic space combat game, a la Jumpgate, in design. By the look of the trailer, there's going to be dogfights, explosions, pretty planets, huge ships, and pretty much everything else you could expect. The game world has also been penned by Michael Marrak, a German science-fiction author, so we can also expect a full plotline and deep world. If the text in the trailer is to be believed, it looks like all of life might be nearing a universal apocalypse?

More importantly, Reakktor has also opened the registration for the Black Prophecy closed beta on their website, so if you're interested in flying around and blowing stuff up, you might want to stop over and drop your name in the hat. There's currently no word as to when the closed beta will start up, but we'll keep our ears to the ground for you and will post up the information as we receive it.

But while you're drooling, waiting for the beta, you can also look at the trailer on the Black Prophecy website, plus a couple of screenshots, to keep you guessing until the game falls into your hands. Or, maybe go check out Reakktor's other work, Neocron 2, perhaps?

MassivelyE308: Black Prophecy debuts with trailer, closed beta registration originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betablack-prophecybpclosed-betae3-2008jumpgatemichael-marrakneocronneocron-2new-titlesreakktorreakktor-mediatrailerSun, 20 Jul 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you want to be a ship or control a ship in STO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-want-to-be-a-ship-or-control-a-ship-in-s/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Since we get the feeling that something may be announced for Star Trek fans somewhat soon, we thought it a good idea to be topical.The moment anyone begins talking about Star Trek Online we here at Massively begin to wonder whether we want to play a character on the bridge of the ship with a group of other players or whether we want to just be the ship ourselves. It's an important question because it affects how the entire game is perceived and played. So far we've had three space MMOs where the ship was the avatar. Those games are Jumpgate, Earth and Beyond Online and EVE Online. On top of that, Jumpgate Evolution will make for a fourth spaceship-centered MMO.

With that in mind, we here at Massively are hoping for something different from Star Trek Online. It seems to us that part of the draw of both MMOs and Star Trek is working together with a group of people to explore space and sometimes do battle. Still, we're not sure if we're on the minority with that opinion and would love to know what you happen to think on the subject.

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you want to be a ship or control a ship in STO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>earth-and-beyondenterpriseeveeve-onlinejumpgatejumpgate-evolutionstar-trekstar-trek-onlinestarshipstoTue, 08 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Empyrean Age factional warfare exploit identified]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/04/empyrean-age-factional-warfare-exploit-identified/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Factional warfare in EVE Online, by design, ensures that ships of a much greater ship class cannot engage smaller ships in certain deadspace mission pockets. If you and your fellow militia pilots are in a zone designated for nothing larger than frigates, for instance, you shouldn't find yourself getting locked by battleships fighting for your rival militia. Apparently this has started to occur; some players have found that the jump gates to these zones don't actually prevent them from warping in ships of a magnitude not allowed in such areas.

GM Grimmi had this to say at the EVE Online site: "Flying bigger class ships than allowed by the jump gates to Factional Warfare complexes has been classed as an exploit. If you are found doing this we will be forced to take in-game actions as abusing game mechanics is not allowed." So there you go. You might still be able to get in there with something obscenely overpowered and pop frigates like balloons, but you'll say goodbye to your account over it.

MassivelyEmpyrean Age factional warfare exploit identified originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battleshipccpccp-gamesdeadspacedevdev-blogeveeve-onlineexploitfactionfactional-warfarefrigategame-mechanicsgmgm-grimmijump-gatejumpgatemacharielmissionpvpsci-fiFri, 04 Jul 2008 13:30:00 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[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[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