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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[38 Studios may have 'actively masked' its financial hardship]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/38-studios-may-have-actively-masked-financial-hardship/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

38 Studios may have 'actively masked' financial hardship
Just when you thought the world might let the wound where 38 Studios and Kingdoms of Amalur were ripped from your heart heal over, along comes some new drama.

Max Wistow, the lawyer for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, filed documents on behalf of the state claiming that 38 Studios needed more than $75 million in loan guarantees before the company ever moved to Rhode Island. He argues that folks at 38 Studios knew that the funds they were receiving from the state would be insufficient. The company netted about $50 million from an EDC bond sale, and Wistow is claiming "crushing evidence" that 38 Studios actively masked its financial shortfall.

Massively38 Studios may have 'actively masked' its financial hardship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38samalurcopernicuscurt-schillingedckingdoms-of-amalurkoaproject-copernicusrhode-islandFri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling asks judge to dismiss 38 Studios fraud lawsuit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/curt-schilling-asks-judge-to-dismiss-38-studios-fraud-lawsuit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I'm surprised that no one, including myself, has made more baseball-related puns about these events.
Let's assume for a moment that you're Curt Schilling, formerly of the Red Sox and formerly of the now-defunct 38 Studios. You're facing a massive lawsuit for fraud regarding a $75 million loan from the state of Rhode Island. What do you do? It appears that Mr. Schilling's first approach is to ask the judge on the case to throw out the case entirely, claiming that the basis of the case is itself fraudulent.

The crux of the lawsuit is the state's claim that Schilling and the 38 Studios board of directors willfully obfuscated the company's status from state lawmakers. Schilling has put forth that 38 Studios fully disclosed its status to the state investors on numerous occasion, providing them with an accurate picture of the company's financial situation. Due to this disclosure the allegations of fraud and obfuscation are simply not possible, hence the request for dismissal. Schilling goes on to claim that the entire suit is politically motivated and that the company's failure is chiefly due to Governor Lincoln Chafee not doing enough to save 38 Studios from bankruptcy.

MassivelyCurt Schilling asks judge to dismiss 38 Studios fraud lawsuit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptcycurt-schillingfraudkingdoms-of-amalurlawsuitlegallegal-storiesnewsproject-copernicusrhode-islandstate-of-rhode-islandMon, 04 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Todd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/13/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-project-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

mcfarlane rambles on about copernicus
Spawn creator Todd McFarlane spoke with Kotaku recently and had some things to say about Project Copernicus, 38 Studios' would-have-been Kingdoms of Amalur MMO. He was the project's art director and says he really thought that it "was going to raise the bar." He remains hopeful that, in time, somebody will "be smart enough" to come in, sweep up the pieces of the unfinished MMO, and make something of it.

The way McFarlane described it, Project Copernicus was very nearly a finished thing. "It's only ten yards away from the goal line," he explained. "If I had the extra cash I'd do it myself, because it's that cool."

Skip below the cut to check out the full interview. (Project Copernicus talk begins at about the 5:20 mark.)

Continue reading Todd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus

MassivelyTodd McFarlane talks about Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusinterviewkingdoms-of-amalurkotakuproject-copernicustodd-mcfarlanevideovideosWed, 13 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling might pay back debt by selling baseball memorabilia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/04/curt-schilling-might-pay-back-debt-by-selling-baseball-memorabil/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Curt Schilling auctions off baseball souvenirs to pay back debt
Curt Schilling is most recently famous for failing spectacularly at using loans from Rhode Island and investors to create a Kingdoms of Amalur MMO. As the founder of the now-bankrupt 38 studios and someone who personally guaranteed some $12 million worth of loans related to the studio, Schilling's lucky that he was famous for other stuff before stepping into game development.

For example, Schilling was one of the best pitchers in American League baseball in 2004 and played for the Boston Red Sox, the only team in MLB history to win a seven-game series after losing the first three games. A bloody sock that he wore during that series is listed (along with World War II-era memorabilia, one of Lou Gehrig's baseball caps, his home, and a stake in a private equity firm) in a collateral filing.

MassivelyCurt Schilling might pay back debt by selling baseball memorabilia originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbostoncollateralcopernicuscurt-schillingdebtkingdoms-of-amalurmmo-industryproject-copernicusred-soxrhode-islandschillingThu, 04 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/12/r-a-salvatore-details-the-lack-of-death-in-project-coperniucs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dying of starvation and then being reborn would kind of blow. Especially if you were in the middle of nowhere.
"To be or not to be" is not a question asked in most MMOs. Characters don't die permanently, after all. But Project Copernicus wouldn't have waved that fact off as an irrelevant necessity of game mechanics. No, according to R.A. Salvatore, the game world would have explored the meaning behind a world wherein no one truly dies and everyone is functionally immortal.

Players who enjoyed Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will recall that the game opens with the player character returning from death thanks to the Well of Souls. In Project Copernicus, the Well of Souls would have been active not just for one individual but for everyone in the world. Returning from death would be something that happens not just to players but to every part of the world.

It's not hard to imagine the ways in which a world would seem different if death was no longer something to be feared or avoided. Salvatore laments that the concept is unlikely to see execution now, even with buyers looking to purchase the 38 Studios assets from the state of Rhode Island.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore details the lack of death in Project Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurbackstorycancelled-gamescopernicusdeathdeath-mechanicsdragon-condragon-con-2012kingdoms-of-amalurloreproject-copernicusr.a.-salvatorerhode-islandwhat-could-have-beenwritingWed, 12 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios loan could impact state elections]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/38-studios-loan-could-impact-state-elections/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios loan impacts state elections
If you've started to forget about the saga of 38 Studios' collapse, rest assured that Rhode Island politicians certainly have not. With the election coming soon, many in the state are scrambling to offset the blame for the $75 million loan decision and protect their positions. The Associated Press is reporting that it's being seen as a "liability" among candidates.

One candidate, Mark Binder, addressed the continued furor over the issue: "If I don't bring it up, other people bring it up. Everyone is infuriated. There's this game going on in Rhode Island right now called 'pass the blame on 38 Studios.'"

While many of those directly responsible for voting the deal through have since resigned from their positions, the search to pin the fiasco on one of the state's leaders is still underway. Another 2012 candidate, Laura Pisaturo, said that the public is demanding more answers: "People read in the paper about 38 Studios and think 'we elect these people and expect they will lead and ask tough questions.'"

Massively38 Studios loan could impact state elections originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusassetsbusinesscopernicuscourtedcfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustryintellectual-propertyipkingdoms-of-amalurlegalmmo-industryproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 11 Sep 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/31/mmo-blender-eliots-copernican-dream/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Whoops, that was apparently the place I lived. Well, spilled milk.
When I tried Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning for the first time, I fell in love. Not with the story, and not with the art, but with several elements of the actual game itself. The idea of having all of that brought into the MMO space filled me with a lot of excitement, but I had a feeling that we'd never actually see it come to pass.

For those of you who missed out on what happened with 38 Studios, possibly because you read the internet on some bizarre time-lapse system, here's the deal: We're never going to see Project Copernicus come to pass. Oh, sure, we might wind up with something that vaguely resembles that game, but odds are low. More likely the franchise is going to be sold off by the state of Rhode Island for a pittance, and if the game ever resumes production, it'll bear only the faintest traces of its origins -- some art assets and little else.

I'm not shedding tears over the world, though. In fact, I'm not going to shed tears at all because I think there's something to be built upon from the ideas of that single-player game, ideas that could make for an excellent MMO. And like any good gestalt, it reaches out to be something much more than the sum of its parts.

Continue reading MMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream

MassivelyMMO Blender: Eliot's Copernican dream originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosarmchair-game-designcancelled-titlesfavorite-mmofeaturedff14ffxivfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivgame-designgame-mechanicsguild-wars-2gw2hypothetical-titleskingdoms-of-amalurkoamechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologyopinionproject-copernicusriftryzomsaga-of-ryzomstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorwarwarhammer-onlineFri, 31 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/27/leaderboard-would-you-have-played-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Leaderboard Would you have played Copernicus
We just love tantalizing ourselves with "what ifs?" in the MMO sphere, don't we? There are so many alternate possibilities for the development and growth of these games, not to mention all of the ones that didn't even make it to launch day.

The most recent of these, of course, is "What if Project Copernicus had actually launched? What if it were as close to completion and as good as they said?" For some, that's just a mild shrug; for others, it's a maddening proposition. Since the collapse of 38 Studios, we've seen several pieces of concept art and videos that will most likely be the closest we'll ever get to Copernicus.

So today's Leaderboard is simple: Given everything you've seen and heard of the game, would you have played it? Did Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning convince you that this world would've made for a great MMO? Did Copernicus look like it had merit, or was it yet another fantasy game that probably couldn't compete for your affections?

Vote after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Would you have played Copernicus? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studioscopernicuskingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmoleaderboardone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollsversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 27 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/former-38-studios-dev-releases-internal-copernicus-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Former 38 Studios dev releases internal Copernicus video
Stop us if you've heard this one before. Former 38 Studios developer shows us how awesome Copernicus the Kingdoms of Amalur massively multiplayer title would have been, and quality-starved MMO players cry into their beer.

In any event, here's another posthumous reveal, this time courtesy of Steve "Moorgard" Danuser's personal blog. Danuser has posted a fly-through video that was originally intended as an in-engine milestone for internal eyes only. Now it's a bit more salt in the wound unless the shuttered MMO's assets ever find their way into the hands of another studio.

Danuser doesn't stop with the video, though. He goes into some detail about aspects of the game's design that would have differentiated it from much of the current MMO landscape.
There's a lot more I'd like to tell you about the game, such as how our fully planned four-year story arc was driven by player participation.

How the theme of choice and consequence permeated our systems, content, and world design. How the choices players made during our chapter-based story arc would cause permanent and lasting changes to each server -- changes that could be different from other servers.

How expansions to the game world had already been mapped out and were tied into that chapter storyline, so the world would grow in a very organic and logical way rather than feeling like expansions were tacked onto the core game by a new team that was bored with the work that had been done before. How our storyline had a real conclusion-because you can't tell a great story without an ending.
Head past the break for the full video.

[Thanks to Syeric for the tip!]

Continue reading Former 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems

MassivelyFormer 38 Studios dev releases Copernicus video, details player-driven systems originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studioscopernicusdead-horseflythroughkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmomoorgardsalt-in-the-woundsteve-danusertrailervideoWed, 22 Aug 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island possesses 38 Studios' games, looks to sell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/09/rhode-island-possesses-38-studios-games-looks-to-sell/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhode Island possesses 38 Studios assets, puts them up for sale
While 38 Studios is finished, its employees laid off, and its projects canceled, there's really only one thing left to be done: figure out what to do with the leftovers. The court granted the state of Rhode Island all of 38 Studios' assets, including rights to its single-player RPG and the unfinished Project Copernicus.

The Rhode Island Economic Development Corp said that it will attempt to sell these assets to recoup as much of the loan made to the studio as possible.

This may be a slight blessing in disguise for fans of the studio's projects, as the move was made to keep the intellectual property intact instead of having it be lost due to the company's dismantling. The games are being transferred to servers for safe-keeping and constitute a majority of the studio's remaining net worth.

MassivelyRhode Island possesses 38 Studios' games, looks to sell originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusassetsbusinesscopernicuscourtfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustryintellectual-propertyipkingdoms-of-amalurlegalmmo-industryproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationThu, 09 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A look at Curt Schilling's management of 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/a-look-at-curt-schillings-management-of-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

There's really no pretty face to be put on any of this.
The dust has more or less settled around the demise of 38 Studios, but much of the information about what happened to lead the company so deep into the hole is fragmented. Some fans admonish the Rhode Island governor, some admonish Curt Schilling, and some admonish the management team that led to several poor decisions. A new piece in Boston Magazine goes into depth about where Schilling's management caused problems and how the culture at the studio slowly deteriorated.

The article paints Schilling as being relentlessly optimistic and dedicated to his employees but at the same time unfamiliar with business and the realities of running a game company. He also wound up with a bloated staff and disregarded information from management, leading to conflicting demands and a general lack of progress on major deadlines for Project Copernicus. If you've got any interest in the game industry, it's a fascinating look at how a game company can start with high hopes and dissolve under financial realities.

MassivelyA look at Curt Schilling's management of 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-copernicusbusinesscopernicuscurt-schillingfinancefinancesgaming-industryindustrykingdoms-of-amalurmmo-industryproject-copernicusretrospectiveMon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Copernicus announcement trailer released [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/project-copernicus-announcement-trailer-released/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Project Copernicus announcement trailer released
For those interested in twisting the 38 Studios knife just a little bit more, Kotaku has posted what would have been Project Copernicus' official announcement trailer had Curt Schilling's development house not imploded dramatically earlier this year.

The clip runs just over two minutes and features a series of stylized vignettes that morph into brief snippets of gameplay footage. All of this is set to a cryptic voiceover repeating something about a circle still turning.

It's an interesting if slightly depressing look at what might have been. Head over to Kotaku for all the drama.

[Update: Steve Danuser, formerly of 38 Studios fame, has published a context-driven explanation of what's shown in the video.]

MassivelyProject Copernicus announcement trailer released [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscopernicus-mmocurt-schillingdead-horsedramafantasykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmoMon, 09 Jul 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Schilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/22/schilling-tapped-out-after-loss-of-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Schilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios
Curt Schilling has spoken to a Boston radio station about the lingering effects of 38 Studios' demise. The former Red Sox pitcher has been vilified by some gamers who assume that he's living the high life while former employees are suffering, but he tells WEEI that that's pretty far from the truth.

"The money I saved and earned playing baseball was probably all gone... life is going to be different," he says.

Rhode Island taxpayers will also be tightening their belts, as they'll pay nearly $12 million annually through the year 2020 to cover 38's $150 million debt, according to Joystiq. Schilling also revealed that 38 Studios was close to signing a deal to produce a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sequel prior to remarks made by Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee that supposedly damaged the negotiation process.

Schilling also expressed remorse at the plight of former 38 Studios employees. "The employees got blindsided," he said. "They have every right to be upset. I always told everybody if something were going to happen, you're going to have a month or two of lead time, and I bombed on that one in epic fashion."

MassivelySchilling 'tapped out' after loss of 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-closureBig-Huge-Gamescurt-schillingfinancialkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningschillingschilling-tapped-outFri, 22 Jun 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios declares bankruptcy, law enforcement investigating [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-declares-bankruptcy-law-enforcement-investigating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-declares-bankruptcy-law-enforcement-investigating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-declares-bankruptcy-law-enforcement-investigating/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Project Copernicus
38 Studios, in a move surprising absolutely no one, has declared bankruptcy. This report comes hot on the heels of the news that the Project Copernicus developer has laid off all of its employees and sold Big Huge Games. In addition to covering the bankruptcy, the Providence Journal revealed that "state and federal authorities have launched an investigation into [the company]."

State police Col. Steven G. O'Donnell states that the inquiry is taking place "to investigate activities that have recently come to light at 38 Studios." According to the Journal, these activities include taking out loans totaling $8.5 million US "based on state film tax credits that had not yet been issued." Things are looking pretty grim for Curt Schilling and his studio, but we'll just have to stay tuned to see how the rest of this plays out.

[Update: Our sister site Joystiq reports that the Rhode Island governor has stated, "We are going to do everything possible to maximize return on our investment [...] Taxpayers in Rhode Island can have full confidence that if there's a penny that we can get, or a nickle or a dime, we'll get it." The company is suspected to be worth "tens of millions of dollars."]

Massively38 Studios declares bankruptcy, law enforcement investigating [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptbankruptcybig-huge-gamescopernicuscurt-schillingeconomyindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmmo-industryproject-copernicusThu, 07 Jun 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Lessons from 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/eve-evolved-lessons-from-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/eve-evolved-lessons-from-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/27/eve-evolved-lessons-from-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
This week we heard the news that Kingdoms of Amalur developer 38 Studios shut down and let go all 379 full-time staff. It's always a tragedy when good developers are made jobless, especially if the job losses come out of nowhere and hit people who have only recently been hired. 38 Studios was still hiring people shortly before it collapsed, and some of those recent hires were ex-CCP developers who were part of the 20% of staff fired at the end of last year.

The shutdown of 38 Studios is a sobering reminder of the problems in EVE Online's development that led to monoclegate. Both studios were mismanaged, with the jobs of hundreds of developers gambled on the outcome of poorly researched business decisions. EVE Online thankfully survived CCP's failed microtransaction gamble, but 38 Studios' Project Copernicus may never see the light of day.

In this week's EVE Evolved opinion piece, I look into the similar circumstances that forced CCP Games and 38 Studios to fire staff, and draw some lessons from them for which I believe the industry should take heed.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Lessons from 38 Studios

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Lessons from 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosapocryphabusinessccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfiredgame-developmentincarnaincursionkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffsmicrotransactionsmonoclemonoclegateopinionproject-copernicussandboxsci-fistudio-closuretyrannisSun, 27 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-project-copernicus-to-release-in-june-2013-says-ri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

38 Studios' Curt Schilling
It is not every day that a U.S. governor is the one to announce the launch window for an MMO, so savor the weirdness while you can: Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee announced at a press conference that 38 Studios will be releasing code-name Project Copernicus next summer. "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13," Chafee said. He also stated that he thought the financial deal was a "risky enterprise" from the start.

38 Studios Founder and Chairman Curt Schilling said on Facebook that rumors of his using the state funds to repay his personal investment in the company was "not true." In a separate post, Schilling attempted to set an optimistic tone: "We will find a way, and the strength, to endure."

We have been following the financial turmoil that 38 Studios is in following its default on paying back Rhode Island for its $75 million loan. The studio and state are looking for options, but in the meanwhile, 38 Studios has been struggling to make payments by holding back employee paychecks and seeking additional capital from private investors.

Massively38 Studios' Project Copernicus to release in June 2013, says RI governor originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfacebookfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglaunchlaunch-windowlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industrypress-conferenceproject-copernicusreleaserelease-windowrepaymentrhode-islandrumorrumorsFri, 18 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-paying-state-back-by-not-paying-employees/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schilling getting a tattoo
If you're familiar with the phrase "robbing Peter to pay Paul," you'll understand the latest episode in the ongoing 38 Studios financial crisis. Except replace "Paul" with "the state of Rhode Island" and "Peter" with "the company's employees." Yes, in order to make the most recent payment to the state that sparked this whole crisis, the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation has been informed that Curt Schilling's company is paying the state but not paying any of the company's employees. According to anonymous sources, all temporary employees and contractors have also been terminated.

While this measure might help forestall immediate action, the company is still on the hook for a $75 million loan, and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee has made it clear that the company is looking for more assistance from the state in order to remain viable. 38 Studios continues to make no public statements at this time. We'll no doubt have more on this story in the coming days as it continues to develop.

Massively38 Studios paying state back by not paying employees originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinanceindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglegalloanmmo-industryproject-copernicusrepaymentrhode-islandThu, 17 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: 38 Studios may be having financial trouble]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rumor-38-studios-may-be-having-financial-trouble/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

In fairness, the MMO was always about 50-50 on happening.
38 Studios is one of many developers whose first big game (Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning) was rumored to lead into an MMO further on down the line. It looks like there may be storm clouds on the horizon before that project even gets moving, however, as the company may be facing financial issues. Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has apparently been meeting with owner Curt Schilling to work on "different issues," with Chafee noting that his administration has always tried to ensure that Rhode Island companies remain financially solvent.

If you consider that Rhode Island invested about $75 million in the company, it's obvious that the government has an interest in making the company remain viable over the long term. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was a moderate hit, but that might not be enough for the company as it develops. We'll have more on this story as it develops, hopefully with better news.

MassivelyRumor: 38 Studios may be having financial trouble originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurbusinesscurt-schillingfinancialindustrykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmmo-industrymoneyrhode-islandrumorMon, 14 May 2012 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios opens a website portal to Project Copernicus' world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/08/38-studios-opens-a-website-portal-to-project-copernicus-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Amalur
While 38 Studios' top-secret Project Copernicus MMO lacks a proper title or most of its details, at least we can now visit the world that it and its single-player RPG brother, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, inhabits.

The studio launched a pair of websites devoted to the game world and its first game today. Over on Amalur, 38 Studios has unleashed its loremasters to share with you the stories, features, histories, and settings of this fantasy landscape. And while Reckoning is just a prequel to the eventual MMO, its website contains quite a few lore snippets as well as a world map to pour over while you're planning your future conquests.

As part of the twin projects, R.A. Salvatore has created over 10,000 years of fictional history for the world of Amalur, stretching from The Deep Gloam to the Age of Heroes. Reckoning takes place during the Age of Arcana, with Copernicus happening some time thereafter.

Massively38 Studios opens a website portal to Project Copernicus' world originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcopernicushistorykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningloremapmapsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorer.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningsalvatorestorywebsitewebsite-launchwebsitesTue, 08 Nov 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios opens Reckoning/Project Copernicus forums]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/30/38-studios-opens-reckoning-project-copernicus-forums/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Forum lurkers rejoice! There's a brand-new board for you to haunt, and it's kinda sorta related to an upcoming fantasy MMORPG. Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has just published its community portal for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, and while the title isn't massively (or particularly multiplayer), it is affiliated with 38's secretive Copernicus MMO.

When we say affiliated, we mean that the two titles share the same fictional world, so lore junkies will want to bookmark the new boards and set about discussing histories, race lore, and anything else pertaining to the realm of Amalur.

There's also the requisite community chat section in case you feel like a bit of the ol' ultraviolence with your fellow Amalurian forumites, so head to the official Reckoning site and register right away!

Massively38 Studios opens Reckoning/Project Copernicus forums originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcopernicuscurt-schillingdiscussion-boardsfantasyforumskingdoms-of-amalurnew-forumso-boardsofficial-boardsThu, 30 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

38 Studios has been in the news quite a bit over the last year despite not having a released game under its belt. While the upstart company still lacks a finished product, it's one step closer with today's release of the first gameplay trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

The footage from the upcoming single-player RPG gives fans a first look at the world of Amalur, which 38 Studios will revisit in the Copernicus MMO to follow. In addition to featuring company president (and former World Series MVP) Curt Schilling, Reckoning boasts an impressive array of talent from both 38 Studios and Big Huge Games including lore-master R.A. Salvatore, former Morrowind and Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.

The video clip showcases a good look at Amalur's fantasy trappings, glimpses of combat with several creatures (including a big bad), and a 2012 release date. Check out all the details after the cut.

Continue reading Preview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer

MassivelyPreview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studosamalurcopernicuscurt-schillingfantasyken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningr.a.-salvatorereckoningtodd-mcfarlanetrailertrailersvideoTue, 12 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kingdoms of Amalur is a familiar name to gamers who are looking forward to Project Copernicus, the mysteriously code-named MMO under development by 38 Studios.

If you're finding it hard to wait for more news on this project, 38 Studios has just the thing to distract you. The world of Amalur, created by R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, is going to begin showing up in the real world soon in the form of comics, toys, novels, and even a few more games. Not a surprise there, amirite?

Speaking of other games set in Amalur, you'll see more from Reckoning soon. The single-player game is set to launch fall of 2011, and the game's online newsletter will launch in October.

Will all of this activity surrounding Amalur include new information on Copernicus? It seems likely and it's fun to speculate, so here's hoping!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Massively38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscomic-bookscopernicuscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmerchandisingnovelsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorereckoningtodd-mcfarlaneTue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One thing is for certain: When you are sitting in the crosshairs of Curt Schilling and R.A. Salvatore during an interview, it's easy to become bowled over by their collective intensity and passion, especially when it comes to their interest in games and fantasy worlds.

While GenCon Indy lacked its usual MMORPG presence this year, Massively was able to grab a few minutes of face time with 38 Studios' founder and lead writer as they passed through the convention. It was a bit of an odd interview, however, as two of the biggest topics -- 38 Studios' move to Rhode Island and any solid details about their top-secret MMO -- were off the table for discussion. Do not fret, as that certainly didn't stop us from trying to pry for a few hints along the way. Schilling and Salvatore were obviously eager to spill the beans about Copernicus, but they are still biding their time until the right moment.

Happily, the duo didn't mind us fencing with them for facts, and were quite open about their single-player RPG lead-up to Copernicus, their general philosophy of designing the MMO, and why they've waited so long to unveil it to the public. Read on, gentle gamers, for a few ripostes, parries and lunges with two of the biggest figures in the industry right now.

Continue reading GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios

MassivelyGenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurart-stylecopernicuscurt-schillingeqeq2everquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedforgotten-realmsgencongencon-10gencon-2010gencon-indygencon-indy-10guildsiconsjustin-is-a-hobbitjuttenken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmass-effectmother-earthoblivionr.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningscopethe-elder-scrolls-iv-obliviontodd-mcFarlaneuiultima-onlinewarcraft-3world-buildingworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST