Massively

Age of Empires developers talk about free-to-try and free-to-play

Elisabeth Cardy — Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Historical, Business models, Interviews, News items, MMORTS, Age of Empires Online

Gas Powered Games is aiming to take Age of Empires Online out of DLC-supported free-to-play and into a truly free model. That means moving away from what Systems Design Lead Eric Williamson described as "more of a free to try" model and implementing a system through which players can earn points to unlock anything that could be more quickly bought with money. In anticipation of this change, PC Gamer sat down with Williamson and Design Lead Steve Bauman for a chat about some of the philosophy behind the change.

Williams said that their hope is that people who were previously turned off by the imperative that they spend money for full in-game advantage will be willing to give it another go. Players will now be able to earn enough points to unlock a premium civilization in "as short as two or three weeks of daily play," so those who spend the most time in-game will reap the greatest reward. Empire points, the purchase resource that will be gained by either money or in-game achievement, will be earned by players as they complete specific campaign quests, level up, and participate in Alliance Contests.

Age of Empires developers talk about free-to-try and free-to-play originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The former dev

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Asheron's Call, Expansions, MMO industry, The Game Archaeologist

I've been a long-time follower of Eric Heimburg on his blog, Elder Game, where he and a friend have spent years delivering insightful commentary about MMOs and supermodels (well, mostly MMOs). Because I'm not that observant a fellow and I assume that most fellow bloggers are mere players like I am, I didn't realize until a little while ago that he and his co-writer were former Turbine developers who had worked on Asheron's Call and Asheron's Call 2.

You can see where this is going.

Once I learned that, I knew I had to get him to contribute to this series. I began a multi-year wooing campaign that involved skywriting, cupcakes, celebrity kiss-o-grams, envelopes stuffed with unmarked bills, and all the tea in China. Of course, this was well after he'd already said "yes" to it, but I like to keep up appearances.

So hit the jump as I talk to a guy who was on the flipside of Asheron's Call 2 as a producer and generally swell fella!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The former dev

The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The former dev originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The highlights

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Asheron's Call, Classes, Expansions, The Game Archaeologist

MMO sequels are funny animals. Sequels (along with prequels and "reimaginings") are ingrained into the entertainment industry so deep that it makes sense that MMO studios would follow suit. And yet these types of games -- with their ever-growing nature and heavy involvement with loyal playerbases -- are not always conducive to such projects. More often than not, a sequel to an online game becomes its ancestor's main competition, which is not a desirable outcome for the studio.

Perhaps back in the early 2000s, studios simply didn't know better. There's good evidence that the typical "hit video games need a sequel" mindset ran rampant across the industry, from the multiple attempts at Ultima Online 2 to the release of the don't-call-it-a-sequel sequel of EverQuest II. Perhaps developers didn't realize that MMO players didn't necessarily want to be uprooted and moved to a new game every few years.

While sequels, spin-offs and remakes are still present, the genre learned a hard lesson with Asheron's Call 2 in the first half of the decade. Asheron's Call was a success on Microsoft and Turbine's behalf, and a sequel -- with vastly improved graphics and deeper gameplay -- seemed like a logical next step. Unfortunately, it was a Greek tragedy in the making, destined for a short but memorable life in our world.

This month we're going to look at the brief shining star of Asheron's Call 2 and get all sorts of misty-eyed romantic over it!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The highlights

The Game Archaeologist answers Asheron's Call 2: The highlights originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age of Empires Online introduces Season Pass, details pricing

Matt Daniel — Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST

Filed under: Historical, Business models, Economy, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, MMORTS

Microsoft has released more information on the pricing plans that will soon be available to players of Age of Empires Online, the newest installment in the RTS series that launched just today. On top of the previously established Premium Civilization packs (weighing in at $20 each), the Defense of Crete booster ($9.99), and Empire Extras ($4.99), players will also be able to purchase a Season Pass.

The Season Pass grants players a 30% discount on all cash shop items for six months. The Season Pass itself is reported to set players back a hefty $99.99, so it will likely only be useful for the most hardcore of Age of Empires Online players. But if you're planning on buying up every bit of content the company drops, it may save you a few bucks. In addition to the Season Pass, Microsoft also announced that players who buy the Greek and Egyptian civilizations will receive the Defense of Crete booster for free. For more information on the just-launched online RTS, check out Joystiq's hands-on impressions of the game.

Age of Empires Online introduces Season Pass, details pricing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica

Justin Olivetti — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Culture, Legal, The Game Archaeologist

While Microsoft may be the big cheese when it comes to operating systems and worldwide domination, for whatever reason the company has the absolute worst of luck (or worst of decision-makers) when it comes to MMOs. Microsoft Game Studios has proven remarkably skittish when it approached the swimming pool of online RPGs, choosing to dip a toe into the water, give a girlie scream, and run away without taking the dive.

True Fantasy Live Online had a bumpy ride with the studio, Marvel Universe Online circled the drain faster than my morning shower, and the less said about its relationship with Vanguard's development, the better. But there was yet another aborted project that Microsoft jumped into -- and then back out of -- between 2003 and 2004, and in my opinion, it was the one the company should've stuck out to completion.

I remember when Microsoft first announced Mythica, because I thought "This is gonna be cool." Vikings, Norse mythology, gods made flesh, and a big-name studio funding limitless adventures. In the pre-World of Warcraft era, the field was wide open for a company to come up and rival Sony Online Entertainment for the crown, so why not this one? But... cold water, skittish toes, and another MMO kicked the bucket before it saw the light of its first day.

Take my hand (don't worry, I washed today) and we shall travel back to Ragnarök and beyond!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica

The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: Mythica originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age of Empires Online launching August 16th

Justin Olivetti — Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, Free-to-play, MMORTS

There are just a couple of months yet until you can conquer the world from the comfort of your bedroom, but that's no excuse to let your hygiene slip. Microsoft Game Studios announced that Age of Empires Online will be released on August 16th with two initial civilizations: the Greeks and Egyptians.

As the latest in the long-running civilization sim franchise, Age of Empires Online will allow players to build up persistent towns, establish trade between other players, work on crafting and quests, and even go to war when needed.

While the initial core gameplay will be available for free, Microsoft hopes that players will get so hooked that they'll gladly purchase Age of Empires Online "Premium Content Packs" to enhance their experience. These packs will include new civilizations and game modes. 1UP reports that in addition to the typical digital download, Microsoft will be shipping out retail boxes in order to snag a larger audience -- although these boxes will merely contain instructions how to download the game.

Gallery: Age of Empires Online

Age of Empires Online launching August 16th originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age of Empires Online to launch this fall

Matt Daniel — Mon, 09 May 2011 18:00:00 EST

Filed under: Launches, News items, Free-to-play, Casual, MMORTS

Eurogamer reports today that Microsoft Game Studios' Age of Empires Online is slated for a fall release. The freemium RTS game is currently in open beta and will be releasing in both digital download and retail box forms. While the game itself will be free-to-play, there will be a cash store that sells a variety of upgrades for players to purchase. These include vanity items that allow players to give their capital cities a unique bit of flair, new civilizations for the player to control (the game launches with only two: Greek and Egyptian), and upgrade packs such as the "pro premium civilization" upgrade pack, which will provide players with a level 20 civilization and is described as being "geared towards hardcore RTS gamers." The exact release date and pricing will be announced at the end of the month.

If you're interested in giving the game a spin prior to its official release or just want to find out more about the upcoming title, you can head over to the Age of Empires Online official site, have a look around, and sign up for the beta.

Age of Empires Online to launch this fall originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 May 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft reveals 48-hour 'secret access' to Age of Empires Online beta

Jef Reahard — Thu, 05 May 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Historical, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, MMORTS

Yearning for an early look at Age of Empires Online? If so, Microsoft Game Studios has some good news for you. Starting today, you can jump into a 48-hour secret access beta signup session simply by registering for a Windows Live ID (or logging in if you already have one).

This is your last chance to get in on some Age of Empires beta action before MGS closes it to the public, so hurry and visit the signup link before Saturday, May 7th. You'll be able to download the beta client immediately and get started testing shortly thereafter. If you missed our beta key giveaway a couple of weeks ago, don't miss what could be your last opportunity to take part in the upcoming MMORTS' testing phase!

Microsoft reveals 48-hour 'secret access' to Age of Empires Online beta originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age of Empires Online gameplay, microtransactions detailed

Jef Reahard — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Betas, Historical, Business models, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Miscellaneous

New details on Microsoft's Age of Empires Online have surfaced at Gamasutra, with much of the information centered on the game's free-to-play business model and associated microtransaction offerings. The game will feature a Premium Civilization upgrade that unlocks all of a civilization's abilities simultaneously, as well as booster packs that add gameplay types, quests, and appearance customization items to the mix.

Age of Empires Online will launch with Greek and Eqyptian civilizations, and will be the first entry in the long-running series to feature persistent gameplay (i.e., your city will evolve and earn resources even when you're logged off). The game also boasts PvP functionality as well as cooperative play on the vast majority of its quests.

You can learn more about the game, as well as sign up for beta, at the official website.

Age of Empires Online gameplay, microtransactions detailed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

The Daily Grind: Would you play a Halo MMO?

Jef Reahard — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST

Filed under: Opinion, The Daily Grind

More than a few of us here at Massively dabble with single-player games when we're not on the clock, whether it be real-time strategy, roleplaying, first-person shooters, or some genre-bending hybrid. Every so often, a major release comes along that transcends its particular niche in the game industry and gets everyone talking.

Love it or hate it, Halo: Reach is such a title. Released to much critical acclaim this week, the title is currently chewing its way up the sales charts as bazillions of gamers trade Master Chief for Noble Six and partake of Bungie's swansong in the series that put them (as well as Microsoft Games and the Xbox) on the map.

The question of the day, dear readers, is twofold: Are you checking out Reach, and more appropriately, would you play a Halo MMO?

The Daily Grind: Would you play a Halo MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 Sep 2010 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Age of Empires Online promises not to nickle-and-dime players

Justin Olivetti — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST

Filed under: Business models, New titles, MMORTS

Love it, hate it or meeky accept it, the terms "freemium" and "free-to-play" come with a lot of baggage these days, sometimes to the point of overshadowing the game itself. When Age of Empires fans heard that Microsoft was going to be releasing an online version of the hit RTS series, some of the fans' enthusiasm was tempered by the word that it would adopt the popular freemium business model.

Microsoft Game Studio's Dave Luehmann was on hand at Gamescom to assure players that the company isn't out to nickle-and-dime fans to skip parts of the game they don't like. Joystiq reports that they won't be adopting the same strategy as other F2P models. "I don't like to pay for things I don't like to do, that seems kind of backwards," Luehmann said. "So how about we produce things that people actually want?"

Instead of purchasing a lot of little items, the studio will simply put up large chunks of content as one-time purchases. These might include a new civilization or an area containing a plethora of quests. Microsoft is still feeling out a fair price point for the additional content, but it pointed to the fact that Age of Empires Online will ship with more than 25 hours of completely free entertainment to enjoy.

Age of Empires Online promises not to nickle-and-dime players originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Aug 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

What if...? Ten canceled MMOs that could've changed history

Justin Olivetti — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Super-hero, MMO industry, Browser, MMOFPS

What if...? Some of the most intriguing questions known to mankind start with those two words, as well as the most maddening. What if...? An entire genre known as "alternate history" is derived from these questions, with scholars and average blokes alike speculating on what might have happened if things went just a little differently. What if Hitler got the bomb first? What if Microsoft developed the iPod instead of Apple? What if Abraham Lincoln decided to see a different play that night?

When it comes to MMORPGs, what if's can drive one up the wall. In this volatile genre, more projects have started, canceled, launched, struggled, faded and morphed into new creations than most of us know. Today, we want to look at 10 MMOs that were axed before their launch, 10 MMOs that could've changed gaming history as we know it... if only they got the chance to prove themselves.

Let's take a journey, you and I, through history itself, and ponder the greatest of questions: How would the MMO industry be different if these titles had made it to release? Click the first picture on the gallery below to start.

Gallery: What if...? Ten canceled MMOs that could've changed history

What if...? Ten canceled MMOs that could've changed history originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jun 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Braid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming

Samuel Axon — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST

Filed under: World of Warcraft, Culture, Game mechanics, Interviews, Opinion

In an interview with Gamasutra, game designer Jon Blow (who created the critically acclaimed Xbox Live Arcade game Braid) had a few things to say about World of Warcraft. His criticisms could be just as easily leveled against any Diku-based, WoW-like MMO.

He began by saying that WoW employs "artificial rewards" as opposed to "natural rewards." In other words, players play WoW for achievements like leveling up that have little real meaning, and they'll sit through a lot of boredom to reach those goals. That's not an unfair analysis; leveling up is a very empty and artificial kind of catharsis. Perhaps the most controversial statements he made were related to the social aspect of the game.

One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

Continue reading Braid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming

Braid creator rips on WoW, talks artificial rewards and social gaming originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Microsoft's Shane Kim on Xbox 360's MMO failures

Samuel Axon — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST

Filed under: Interviews, MMO industry, Marvel Heroes, Consoles

EDGE spoke with Microsoft Game Studios corporate VP Shane Kim about the MMO genre's failure to come to fruition on the Xbox 360 game console. Two MMOs that were planned for the platform -- Marvel Universe Online (an in-house project) and True Fantasy Live Online (developed by Factor 5) -- were cancelled. Check out the interview for all the quotes, but we have the gist of it here.

While Kim noted that the cancellation of those specific games was "the right decision," he also said "there's nothing to say those titles can't be successful on the 360."

Some critics (such as NCsoft) disagree. They argue that the Xbox Live service is too restrictive for an MMO developer's workflow. "I think those are real challenges ... we work very hard to create a stable and secure environment on Xbox 360 and that's where you see that tension," said Kim. "I'm sure we can solve that problem though in a way that is good for MMO developers and customers because we want that content: and we're getting very close. But we're late with that, and we feel bad about that."

Microsoft's Shane Kim on Xbox 360's MMO failures originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments