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[Paradox Interactive drops Salem; Seatribe to continue development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's in our mutual best interests to pile lumber around a central pillar for reasons that are entirely wholesome and not what you're thinking at all.
If a game has spent a year in beta with no launch in sight, good things are not generally around the corner. So it goes for Salem, the early-America-themed permadeath sandbox MMO. Paradox Interactive has decided to separate from the title altogether, leaving all costs and work associated with the game in the hands of the two-man development team at Seatribe. The split will be final on July 8th, with a slow phase-out in place until then.

According to the official announcement, both Paradox Interactive and Seatribe feel that this decision is for the health of the game now and in the future, and there are no immediate plans for a shutdown or anything of the sort. Players will be given a discount coupon for Paradox Interactive's online store and a free bundle of Salem's microtransaction currency. What happens with the game after the handover is complete remains to be seen.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyParadox Interactive drops Salem; Seatribe to continue development originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedbusinessbusiness-arrangementsf2pfantasyfree-to-playhistoricalmmo-industrynew-englandparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathsalemsandboxseparationSat, 15 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Blizzard's Titan has fallen, won't be getting up until 2016 [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/rumor-blizzards-titan-has-fallen-wont-be-getting-up-until-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/rumor-blizzards-titan-has-fallen-wont-be-getting-up-until-20/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/rumor-blizzards-titan-has-fallen-wont-be-getting-up-until-20/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It's not a screenshot of Titan, but if you're excited about Titan this is really what you're interested in.
Are you looking forward to Titan? It's a bit odd, since the game hasn't had so much as a screenshot released yet, but we can understand it. If that's the case, though, we've got some bad news for you, as the project is rumored to have been completely restarted. According to an unnamed GamesBeat source, the project has had 70 people taken off its previously 100-strong workforce, with the title's release delayed until at least 2016 as a result.

Those who have followed Blizzard Entertainment for a while will remember that the last project restarted more than once was the ill-fated Starcraft: Ghost, which doesn't bode well for the future of Titan. With World of Warcraft's subscription numbers in decline, it's possible that the company is moving in a different direction. No official statements have been issued regarding the development of Titan or any expected release window for the game.

[Update: ZAM reports that Blizzard has responded to that site's queries with the following statement: "We've always had a highly iterative development process, and the unannounced MMO is no exception. We've come to a point where we need to make some large design and technology changes to the game. We're using this opportunity to shift some of our resources to assist with other projects while the core team adapts our technology and tools to accommodate these new changes. Note that we haven't announced any dates for the MMO."]

MassivelyRumor: Blizzard's Titan has fallen, won't be getting up until 2016 [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdevelopmentmmo-industrynewsproject-titanreductionrestartrumorrumorstitanworkforce-reductionTue, 28 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vivendi still trying to sell Activision-Blizzard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/vivendi-still-trying-to-sell-activision-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/vivendi-still-trying-to-sell-activision-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/vivendi-still-trying-to-sell-activision-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Acti-Blizz logo
French telecom company Vivendi is still looking to sell off gaming giant Activision-Blizzard, according to the Wall Street Journal. Vivendi announced its quarterly results yesterday and also said that Acti-Blizz's board of directors is still weighing multiple sale options for a company that's been up for grabs since the summer of 2012.

GamesIndustry.biz reports that Activision-Blizzard was worth more than $8 billion when it was put on the open market.

MassivelyVivendi still trying to sell Activision-Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionActivision-Blizzardactivision-blizzard-for-saleblizzardbusinessgame-industrymmo-industryvivendiWed, 15 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sid Meier on mobile and the value of hardcore gamers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/sid-meier-on-mobile-and-the-value-of-hardcore-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/sid-meier-on-mobile-and-the-value-of-hardcore-gamers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/sid-meier-on-mobile-and-the-value-of-hardcore-gamers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Sid Meier on mobile and the value of hardcore gamersYou know you're getting old when legendary PC developer Sid Meier gives interviews about his foray into mobile gaming. It's not as bad as it sounds, though, because the man behind the Civilization series tells GamesIndustry.biz that the core gaming audience is still driving the industry regardless of platform.

"I think we've seen historically that the more casual gaming platforms and markets do have a kind of rise and fall pattern to them, whereas the hardcore gaming market, the serious gamers are much more stable, and they're going to be around for a long time and will keep playing games," Meier said.

Meier also ruminates on his approach to mobile free-to-play, which is basically the same try-the-demo-buy-the-full-game-if-you-like-it model that PC gaming has employed for decades. "It's not something like a constant stream of purchases every day, but it's more just unlocking the rest of the game and then you are done," he explained.

MassivelySid Meier on mobile and the value of hardcore gamers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscasualf2pfree-to-playgame-industryhardcorehardcore-gamermmo-industrymobilesid-meierTue, 14 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA suffers additional layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/ea-goes-through-additional-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , ,

EA goes through additional layoffs
Citing a reorganization to focus on new technologies and mobile development, EA announced that it has let another round of its employees go. No firm numbers or estimates on how many were fired have been officially released, however.

The publisher released the following statement on its blog:
In recent weeks, EA has aligned all elements of its organizational structure behind priorities in new technologies and mobile. This has led to some difficult decisions to reduce the workforce in some locations. We are extremely grateful for the contributions made by each of our employees - those that are leaving EA will be missed by their colleagues and friends.

These are hard but essential changes as we focus on delivering great games and showing players around the world why to spend their time with us.
A Gamasutra source said that the EA Partners publishing label has been abolished in the reorganization, although the games it was handling are still in the works.

MassivelyEA suffers additional layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-partnerselectronic-artsfiringlayofflayoffsmmo-industrymobilepink-slipsThu, 25 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Warhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/warhammer-onlines-keaven-freeman-leaves-mythic/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Warhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic
Lead Developer Keaven Freeman is no longer heading up Warhammer Online. Freeman wrote a goodbye post on his personal blog stating that he is leaving Mythic Entertainment to "explore new growth and new career possibilities."

"It is with heavy heart I report I am leaving Mythic Entertainment. I have worked with Mythic since 2007, and it quickly became my family," he said.

Freeman expressed his gratitude to the company and fans, saying that his time with WAR was rewarding: "I'm by no means saying everything was perfect -- there was a lot I could have done better, in hindsight, but I think we really managed to take some giant steps forward as well, as non-perfect as those steps may have been."

MassivelyWarhammer Online's Keaven Freeman leaves Mythic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>departureeaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasykeaven-freemanleavemmo-industrymythicmythic-entertainmentpvprvrwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 24 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Former SOE, Cryptic exec to lead Lionhead Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/former-soe-cryptic-exec-to-lead-lionhead-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/former-soe-cryptic-exec-to-lead-lionhead-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/former-soe-cryptic-exec-to-lead-lionhead-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,

Lionhead Studios logo
Lionhead Studios has a new head honcho. The Microsoft-owned firm known for its Fable franchise has appointed John Needham to be its Studio Head. Needham boasts plenty of MMO industry experience from prominent positions at SOE, Cryptic Studios, and Gazillion Entertainment (from CEO to CFO to Senior VP of Business Development and Operations).

Microsoft's official announcement states that Needham's "deep understanding of all aspects of the gaming industry, from subscription-based massively multiplayer to client-based console and free-to-play online PC and mobile experiences will be a huge benefit to Lionhead."

MassivelyFormer SOE, Cryptic exec to lead Lionhead Studios originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>john-needhamlionheadLionhead-Studiosmmo-industryTue, 23 Apr 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Yep, it's more 38 Studios drama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/yep-its-more-38-studios-drama/#commentsFiled under: ,

A Copernicus location we'll never visit
Ah, 38 Studios. What would we do without the dried husk of your long-dead corpse to kick around the sanctified halls of American journalism, both actual and gaming?

The latest drama from Curt Schilling's former studio comes courtesy of the New York Times, which reports on Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chaffee's latest attempt to distance himself from the fiasco surrounding 38's inability to pay back state loans.

"I had so many reservations about this being a bad deal, that I was reluctant to micromanage, to have it be 'Chafee screwing this up,'" he told the Times. "And don't forget, we had our hands full in this state."

MassivelyYep, it's more 38 Studios drama originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3838-studios38-studios-closurecurt-schillingdramafinanceLincoln-Chafeemmo-industrypoliticsMon, 22 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rhode-island-attempting-to-default-on-38-studios-debt/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Rhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt
The AP is reporting that Rhode Island is attempting to default on the debt it owes for 38 Studios' $75 million loan and subsequent bankruptcy. The state has a proposal before lawmakers that would keep it from having to make any payments to bond holders.

Supporters of the move to default say that the insurance company will compensate bond holders, while the EDC, which approved the loan, says that defaulting will hurt future project and bond ratings. One lawmaker and default proponent, Rep. Charlene Lima, said that the 38 Studios fiasco harmed the reputation of the state and constricted its future economic development.

The proposal is being opposed by Governor Lincoln Chafee, who wants to see the debt repaid.

MassivelyRhode Island attempting to default on 38 Studios' debt originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbankruptcycurt-schillingdefaultedcgovernorlawlawsuitlegalLincoln-Chafeeloanmmo-industryproject-copernicuspublic-loanrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationThu, 11 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA hit with layoffs, specific teams not disclosed [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-hit-with-layoffs-specific-teams-not-disclosed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-hit-with-layoffs-specific-teams-not-disclosed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/ea-hit-with-layoffs-specific-teams-not-disclosed/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ea layoffs
Electronic Arts has laid off an undisclosed number of staff. The company tells Joystiq that it is "sharpening its focus to provide games for new platforms and mobile. In some cases, this involves reducing team sizes as we evolve into a more efficient organization."

Joystiq says that 60 to 70 permanent employees were let go from the EA Mobile Montreal office, with over 100 contractors also affected. "If you walk through the office all you see is a bunch of already cleared-out desks, and people cleaning out their desks," a source told the website.

Update: As to the rumors and tips we've received about the layoff impact on EA's MMO lineup, we contacted EA for a response, but EA declined to comment specifically on Mythic or BioWare, providing us instead with the same statement given Joystiq.

MassivelyEA hit with layoffs, specific teams not disclosed [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaea-layoffselectronic-artslayoffsmmo-industrymobileThu, 11 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[IGN Pro League technology purchased by Blizzard]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/ign-pro-league-technology-purchased-by-blizzard/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm sure somebody thinks that's neat.
Do you like eSports? Blizzard Entertainment clearly does, as the company has just purchased the technology and assets of IGN Pro League. Several employees came along with the acquisition, including former IPL general manager David Ting. The hard assets will be used to promote various events centering around Blizzard's online games, while the staff members are joining Blizzard's internal eSports teams according to initial reports.

Needless to say, this marks the end of IPL's competitive gaming coverage, which has in the past included games such as League of Legends and StarCraft II. The brand does not go with these employees or assets, meaning that last weekend's $100,000 Shootmania launch event was the final broadcast for the IPL. It remains to be seen what will be launched from the expanded Blizzard team, but representatives from the company were quite clear in stating that this is a move meant to promote the company's online and eSports presence.

MassivelyIGN Pro League technology purchased by Blizzard originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businesscompetitive-gamingesportsign-pro-leagueiplleague-of-legendslegallolmmo-industrysc2sciistarcraft-2starcraft-iiMon, 08 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you watch a TV series based on the game industry?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-watch-a-tv-series-based-on-the-game-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-watch-a-tv-series-based-on-the-game-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/04/the-daily-grind-would-you-watch-a-tv-series-based-on-the-game-i/#commentsFiled under: ,

The Daily Grind Would you watch a TV series based on the game industry
Last week's EA absurdity generated a lot of comments. Among them was a hell of an idea for some sort of game industry television show. If I read it right, the commenter was thinking of a full-blown drama or comedy series and I immediately started salivating at the thought of a gaming industry Mad Men or possibly some sort of reality-based industry expose like Real Sports.

For today's Daily Grind, we want to know if you'd watch any sort of gaming industry television series. If so, what would you like to see and if not, why not?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you watch a TV series based on the game industry? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily-grindgame-industrygaming-tv-showsmmo-industryopiniontdgtelevisionthe-daily-grindtvThu, 04 Apr 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft West confirms layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NCsoftNCsoft has gone through some "restructuring," leading to the termination of several employee and contract positions.

Aion Community Manager Felicia Johnson stated on Twitter that she no longer works for NCsoft. When asked for comment and confirmation, NCsoft PR responded with the following statement:

"In an effort to put a greater focus on the success of the Western-developed games from NCSOFT, and the long-term services MMOs require, the company announced further restructuring allowing for focused support from the studio's internal publishing services. As a result of the realignment, several employees and contract positions were affected. This was a very tough decision to make and wish the best for all NCSOFT employees in their next ventures."

Our best wishes, as ever, go out to those affected.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

MassivelyNCsoft West confirms layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felicia-johnsonindustrylayofflayoffsmmo-industrync-westncsoftncsoft-westnewsrestructuringThu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2, Mists of Pandaria, Diablo III spur PC software to record revenue]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/guild-wars-2-mists-of-pandaria-diablo-iii-spur-pc-software-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/guild-wars-2-mists-of-pandaria-diablo-iii-spur-pc-software-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/guild-wars-2-mists-of-pandaria-diablo-iii-spur-pc-software-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 wallpaper
The PC Gaming Alliance says that software sales reached a record $20 billion in 2012. GamesIndustry.biz reports that this represents eight percent year-on-year growth and a 90 percent uptick since PC Gaming Alliance's first report in 2008.

The report, commissioned from entertainment research firm DFC Intelligence cites Guild Wars 2, Mists of Pandaria, Diablo III, and Minecraft as positive influences on a market that also saw "the decline of large subscription MMOs." DFC indicates that there are approximately one billion PC gamers worldwide, 250,000 of whom identify as "core" gamers with interests including strategy, action, and RPG titles.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2, Mists of Pandaria, Diablo III spur PC software to record revenue originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-billion-revenuegaming-industrymmo-industrypc-gamerspc-gamespc-gamingpc-software-20-billion-revenueThu, 28 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/mmo-devs-most-in-danger-of-layoffs-study-claims/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study finds
In an attempt to answer the question of whether the games industry is dying or not, Twisted Pixel Lead Developer Dan Teasdale conducted research into all of the layoffs of 2012 and believes he has found that, among other things, MMO developers had the highest risk of being fired.

"Looking at the the raw number of people affected, MMO teams laid off more developers than console teams," Teasdale argues. He notes that 38% of video game industry layoffs hit MMO studios, although only 26% of MMO studios did any firing. Layoffs in Boston and Austin, including the closure of 38 Studios, accounted for a third of all industry layoffs, which could look good or bad depending on the total number of studios in those two cities relative to the rest of the industry (info hard to come by and not included in the study).

One upshot of the report was that MMO studios tended to lay off fewer people when firings happened in comparison to social, mobile, and console studios. "While this probably isn't a surprise, it's a clear indication that it's way harder to survive as a social or MMO developer than a console developer," he concludes. However, the analysis does not break down the types of employees laid off, such as designers vs. support, community, and temporary contractors, roles common in the MMO industry.

Continue reading MMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims

MassivelyMMO devs most in danger of layoffs, study claims originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2012-layoffs38-studiosconsoledan-teasdalefiringgames-industrylayofflayoffsmmo-industrymobilereportstudiostudytwisted-pixelThu, 21 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gas Powered Games working on mystery MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/gas-powered-games-working-on-mystery-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/gas-powered-games-working-on-mystery-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/gas-powered-games-working-on-mystery-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Gas Powered Games working on mystery MMO
With the recent acquisition of Gas Powered Games by Wargaming.net, we have been wondering what direction the Age of Empires Online studio would be taking. According to a new interview on Gamasutra, CEO Chris Taylor says that the team has moved on to work on an untitled MMO.

This mystery MMO is still in the early stages, Taylor said: "We're just getting going on it, and there's a lot of groundwork to do. But we're barreling ahead."

Calling it a "big free-to-play MMO under the Wargaming name," Taylor said the game has fired back up the studio and allowed the re-hiring of laid-off employees. He also said that Wargaming.net has been a "great match" for Gas Powered Games.

MassivelyGas Powered Games working on mystery MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelschris-taylorf2pfree-to-playgas-powered-gamesmmo-industrymystery-mmonew-titleuntitled-mmowargamingwargaming.netThu, 21 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Richard Garriott clarifies his 'most game designers really just suck' statements]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/richard-garriott-clarifies-his-most-game-designers-really-just/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Richard Garriott addresses '
Richard Garriott made some serious waves yesterday with some fairly inflammatory statements in an interview with PC Gamer. Citing a few exceptions like Chris Roberts, Garriott said, "I've met virtually no one in our industry who I think is close to as good a game designer as I am. I'm not saying that because I think I'm so brilliant. What I'm saying is, I think most game designers really just suck, and I think there's a reason why."

This statement, and others like it that were delivered in the interview, caused no small amount of backlash. Today, Garriott posted a response (titled Words taken out of context) in an attempt to "clarify" his words. He cites a lack of context and "broader real time discussion" for the simplification and inaccurate representations of his statements. "By no means," he says, "did I intend to disparage others who have led the many great games of each era in gaming history." He then went on to re-tread some of his ideas about the difficulty about being a designer versus being an artist or programmer. "Sadly," he concludes, "I really do think that most people who get into design roles on a team have no more skills at design than the programmers and artists."

Lest we do him the disservice of taking his words out of context, you can read his full rebuttal at the Portalarium website.

MassivelyRichard Garriott clarifies his 'most game designers really just suck' statements originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competition-is-harddesigndeverlopers-suckgame-designgame-designersgame-industrylord-britishmmo-industryrichard-garriottThu, 21 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How soon is too soon?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family How soon is too soon
You might recognize the pictures above and in the body of the article. The first is from a video of a baby using an iPad while still in a walker. The other is from a viral video that came out a while back showing a baby trying to interact with a magazine as if it were an iPad. A quick search reveals the fact that this is growing more and more common. It's an interesting vignette of how much the digital culture has woven its way into our lives, but it also makes you pause and consider whether it's OK for an infant to already be "plugged in."

There are many questions about how early we should introduce children to the variety of devices out there and how soon we should let them start playing video games. And when it comes to MMOs, the issues become even more complicated. How soon is too soon? Let's explore the topic in this week's MMO Family.

Continue reading MMO Family: How soon is too soon?

MassivelyMMO Family: How soon is too soon? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymmo-industryopinionvideo-game-addictionvideo-game-aggressionvideo-game-learningvideo-game-therapyvideo-games-and-parentingwowWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Garriott: 'I think most game designers really just suck']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/garriott-i-think-most-game-designers-really-just-suck/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Shroud of the Avatar - Hopefully it won't suck
Richard Garriott has some harsh words and a bit of tough love for game design professionals in a new interview at PC Gamer. Lord British, more visible in the press these days as a result of his successful Shroud of the Avatar Kickstarter project, sat down with the mag to talk at length about what ails gaming and who he thinks is capable of doing something about it.

"I think there's really very few great game designers," Garriott says. "I think Chris Roberts is one of them, Will Wright's another, Peter Molyneux is another. They clearly exist, but on the whole, I think that the design talent in our industry is dramatically lower than we need, as an industry. It's a very hard skill to learn."

Garriott cites a lack of education and a lack of extra-design skills as problems plaguing many designers and the industry at large.
If you're not a good artist and not a good programmer, but you still like games, you become a designer, if you follow me.

You get into Q&A and often design. And the most valuable part of creating a game is the design, which the programmers are technically executing. And they'd be happy to just execute some of them. But in my mind, most artists and programmers are just as much of gamers as the designers, and I usually find in my history that the artists and programmers are, in fact, as good of designers as the designers. They're often better, because they understand the technology or the art.

So we're leaning on a lot of designers who get that job because they're not qualified for the other jobs, rather than that they are really strongly qualified as a designer. It's really hard to go to school to be a good designer."

MassivelyGarriott: 'I think most game designers really just suck' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designdevelopers-suckgame-designgame-designers-suckgame-industryinterviewlord-britishlord-british-thinks-game-designers-suckmmo-industryrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarWed, 20 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Priston Tale 2 shutting down on March 25th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/priston-tale-2-shutting-down-on-march-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/priston-tale-2-shutting-down-on-march-25th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/priston-tale-2-shutting-down-on-march-25th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This poor gentleman will never find a shirt. Or build up those arm muscles.
It's never easy to say goodbye to a game you enjoy. Priston Tale 2 has enjoyed a decent lifespan for a small free-to-play title, but after three years of operation, the game is shutting down on March 25th. According to the official shutdown announcement, the game simply hasn't attracted enough of an audience, due in no small part to a lack of support from the game's original developer.

Players looking for a new home are being directed toward the upcoming title The Aurora World, which is currently in closed beta testing. All unspent cash shop currency from Priston Tale 2 will be transferred over to the new game, and players will be able to receive special benefits for having a high-level character if the same account is used for both games. It's not going to stymie the sense of loss, but hopefully it'll take some of the edge off.

[Thanks to Joshua for the tip!]

MassivelyPriston Tale 2 shutting down on March 25th originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closureend-of-servicef2pfree-to-playgame-shutdowngamerkraftmmo-industrynewspriston-tale-2pt2server-shutdownshutdownFri, 15 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/bioware-san-francisco-shuts-down-mmos-remain-completely-unaffec/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAL was a pretty keen little game, honestly. You can download it and play it offline.
According to GamesRadar's unnamed sources, BioWare San Francisco has reportedly been shut down as of today, resulting in the layoffs of 25-30 employees associated with the studio.

The studio formerly known as EA2D was responsible for the Dragon Age Legends Facebook game and the browser-based Mirror's Edge 2D. While it was focused on developing mobile and social games, Electronic Arts found that handling development in the area was too expensive and has shut down operations.

Our condolences to all those affected by this shutdown.

MassivelyRumor: BioWare San Francisco shuts down originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebusinessbusiness-newselectronic-artsfacebookgaming-industrymmo-industrymobile-gamesrumorrumorssocial-gamesstudiosMon, 04 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively interviews Genese Davis, author of MMO novel The Holder's Dominion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/massively-interviews-genese-davis-author-of-mmo-novel-the-holde/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/massively-interviews-genese-davis-author-of-mmo-novel-the-holde/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/massively-interviews-genese-davis-author-of-mmo-novel-the-holde/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Interview with author Genese Davis
We all love video games, right? I mean, you wouldn't be here if you didn't, would you? Of course not. But you know what else is pretty great? Books! But who said you needed to choose between the two? Thanks to up-and-coming writers like Genese Davis, you can have the best of both worlds.

Genese is the author of The Holder's Dominion, a novel that follows protagonist Kaylie Ames as she and her friends delve into the mystery of the fictional MMO Edannair, where the enigmatic Holder, leader of an in-game organization known as Sarkmarr, has begun sending his disciples on dangerous real-world missions. It's up to Kaylie and company to figure out who this mysterious Holder really is and foil his (or her) nefarious schemes. And as it so happens, we had the opportunity to take an advance look at The Holder's Dominion and pick Genese's brain on the MMO industry, girls in gaming, and much more. To find out what she had to say (and believe us, you want to), head on past the cut and check out the full interview.

Continue reading Massively interviews Genese Davis, author of MMO novel The Holder's Dominion

MassivelyMassively interviews Genese Davis, author of MMO novel The Holder's Dominion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bookbooksculturefeaturedgenese-davisindustryinterviewinterviewsmmo-culturemmo-industrynovelnovelsthe-holders-dominionMon, 04 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you buy a game based on the people in charge?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-a-game-based-on-the-people-in-cha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-a-game-based-on-the-people-in-cha/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-buy-a-game-based-on-the-people-in-cha/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yoshida, following the conclusion of a worldwide tour and shortly before he flew back home to do a live Q&A session for people around the globe. The dude is intense.
Between watching what Naoki Yoshida did to the original version of Final Fantasy XIV and getting a hands-on with the new version, I will now play absolutely any game that lists him as the director. I don't care if his next project is Barbie Dancing Fun Time -- I will buy it if his name is on the cover. Or download page. The point is that the man has convinced me that he can take a game and make it into something great.

Of course, video games in general have shown many times that a name doesn't make for a game. And a big-name MMO designer doesn't necessarily have the same luck with the second game as with the first (see Ultima Online vs. Tabula Rasa). But there are a lot of names out there that are associated with big projects, for better or worse. So would that influence you? Would you buy a game based on the people in charge?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Would you buy a game based on the people in charge? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big-namesculturedaily-grinddirectorshigher-upshumormmo-industrynamesopinionproducersproject-managerstdgthe-daily-grindSat, 23 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE G.I.R.L scholarship competition now accepting applications]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/soe-g-i-r-l-scholarship-competition-now-accepting-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/soe-g-i-r-l-scholarship-competition-now-accepting-applications/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/soe-g-i-r-l-scholarship-competition-now-accepting-applications/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

SOE GIRL scholarship competition now accepting applications
Would $10,000 and a 10-week internship at SOE help you on your way to becoming a video game designer? If so, the sixth annual G.I.R.L. Game Design Competition may be just your ticket. This scholarship program, designed to encourage students toward career paths in the video gaming industry "with the ultimate goal of developing video games that are more interesting for women to play," is currently accepting applications.

Interested applicants must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate program related to video games, have at least a 3.0 GPA, and not graduate before spring 2014. Entrants must also be 18 years of age or older and a legal resident of the U.S. If you meet all of the criteria, you must apply online before 2:59 a.m. EST on March 30, 2013; however, earlier is better as only the first 3,000 e-applications will be accepted. That date is also the cutoff for submitting all required artwork (of either PlanetSide 2 or EverQuest II), captions, and the 500-word essay.

See the official rules for complete details on entering the contest.

MassivelySOE G.I.R.L scholarship competition now accepting applications originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playgame-design-competitiongamers-in-real-lifeGIRLGIRL-Game-Design-CompetitionGIRL-scholarshipMMO-industrymmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentvideo-game-designersFri, 22 Feb 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/chris-taylors-gas-powered-games-acquired-by-wargaming-net/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Chris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net
Gas Powered Games is the latest acquisition for free-to-play giant Wargaming.net. The company responsible for much-loved franchises like Demigod, Supreme Commander, and Dungeon Siege will join Day 1 Studios and middleware provider Big World Pty Ltd. under Wargaming's expanding umbrella.

Gas Powered was founded in 1998 by Chris Taylor, who is among "a contingent of veteran developers" joining Wargaming.net. "Wargaming's growth in recent years has been tremendous, and we're looking forward to joining one of the fastest growing gaming companies in the world," Taylor said via press release.

Gas Powered most recently made headlines when Taylor canceled the firm's Wildman Kickstarter project with four days (and $600,000) remaining.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

MassivelyChris Taylor's Gas Powered Games acquired by Wargaming.net originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingbusiness-modelschris-taylorf2pfree-to-playgas-powered-gamesmmo-industrywargaming-acquires-gas-poweredwargaming.netThu, 14 Feb 2013 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Webzen buys 100% of Gala-Net, gPotato]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/webzen-buys-100-of-gala-net-gpotato/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/webzen-buys-100-of-gala-net-gpotato/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/01/webzen-buys-100-of-gala-net-gpotato/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Allods Online bear fight
Webzen has announced that it is acquiring MMO publisher gPotato as well as its parent company Gala-Net. According to Reuters, the transaction date is February 15th, after which Webzen will hold 100 percent of Gala-Net's shares.

MMO Culture notes that Webzen has already said hello to gPotato customers by publishing Continent of the Ninth Seal on the company's portal. A translated Gala PDF document indicates that the company's second quarter sales for the fiscal year ending in March 2013 were down over 43 percent from the same quarter of the previous year.

gPotato is known primarily for publishing Allods Online, Aika, and Sevencore in the west.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us.]

MassivelyWebzen buys 100% of Gala-Net, gPotato originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>c9continent-of-the-ninth-sealf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalagala-netgpotatommo-industrywebzenwebzen-buys-gpotatoFri, 01 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wargaming.net buys Day 1 Studios, plans 'unannounced console title']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/wargaming-net-buys-day-1-studios-plans-unannounced-console-tit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/wargaming-net-buys-day-1-studios-plans-unannounced-console-tit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/wargaming-net-buys-day-1-studios-plans-unannounced-console-tit/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Wargaming logo
Wargaming.net has has acquired Chicago-based Day 1 Studios for $20 million. The latter firm will be rebranded as Wargaming West according to a blurb on its official website. The new studio will also "focus exclusively on the development of an unannounced console title," according to a Wargaming press release.

Day 1 previously worked with Microsoft and Sony on a console port of the original F.E.A.R. shooter before going on to develop F.E.A.R. 3.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

MassivelyWargaming.net buys Day 1 Studios, plans 'unannounced console title' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesday-1Day-1-Studiosday-onef2pfree-to-playmmo-industrywargaming-consolewargaming-day-1wargaming-westwargaming.netTue, 29 Jan 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Infographic offers noobs a summary of the US MMO industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/infographic-offers-noobs-a-summary-of-the-us-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/infographic-offers-noobs-a-summary-of-the-us-mmo-industry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/09/infographic-offers-noobs-a-summary-of-the-us-mmo-industry/#commentsFiled under: ,

Infographic summarizes the US MMO industry at a glance
What is an MMO? If you are reading this, chances are you can already answer that! But there are still poor souls out there who can't, folks who scratch their heads and look at you quizzically when you discuss your latest pwnage. So in an effort to enlighten the uninitiated, PoetCode, the creator of Dynasty of the Magi (an app combining a MMO with an ongoing eBook series), has put together an interesting infographic to help explain MMOs at a glance.

With a mini lexicon, a code of conduct, and even a list of ingredients for making your own MMO mingled among statistics, the partly tongue-in-cheek collection offers gamers and non-gamers alike a look at the industry in the US. What percentage of gamers is male vs. female? And what age group dominates the playerbase? Both of these questions and more can be answered in the full infographic after the break. Check it out, then tell us in the comments below what you think of the various points. Do you agree?

[Source PoetCode infographic]

Continue reading Infographic offers noobs a summary of the US MMO industry

MassivelyInfographic offers noobs a summary of the US MMO industry originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-noobs-mmo-compendiumDynasty-of-the-Magiinfographicmmo-industrynewsPoetCodestatisticstongue-in-cheekWed, 09 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese game industry saw $9.7 billion in revenue last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/chinese-game-industry-saw-9-7-billion-in-revenue-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/chinese-game-industry-saw-9-7-billion-in-revenue-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/08/chinese-game-industry-saw-9-7-billion-in-revenue-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Chinese game industry saw $97 billion in revenue last year
Video games are a pretty big deal in China. How big? According to TechWeb the Chinese gaming industry brought in a whopping $9.7 billion last year, which marks a 35.1 per cent year-on-year growth rate from 2011.

Online gaming accounted for 90% of total revenue, with mobile gaming and hardware making up the remaining 10%. The report also predicts significant future growth for China's games industry, with revenue expected to top $21.7 billion by 2017.

MassivelyChinese game industry saw $9.7 billion in revenue last year originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelschina-game-industry-growthchinese-gamingchinese-gaming-industryfinancialsmmo-industrymobilemobile-gamesTue, 08 Jan 2013 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/a-video-retrospective-on-38-studios-discusses-star-struck-legis/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'm proud I made it through this entire post without a single baseball pun.
The sun has set on 38 Studios, but there's still a lot of people eager to analyze and dissect the company's rise and sharp decline. As a whole, it's been looked at and analyzed extensively from the gaming side, but the other factors that went into the studio's enormous state loan and subsequent burnout are examined more closely in a new video. This isn't about whether or not Project Copernicus would have been any good; this is about simple business and political pressures that doomed the project from the start.

Curt Schilling started 38 Studios at the end of his baseball career, but it was a well-known fact that his attempts to court venture capitalists were unsuccessful. The video goes into depth regarding the political climate that encouraged Rhode Island legislators to sign the historic and ill-advised loan, as well as the factors leading to the company's ultimate demise. If you're interested in a broader view now that the smoke has cleared, take a look at the full video past the cut.

Continue reading A video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators'

MassivelyA video retrospective on 38 Studios discusses 'star-struck legislators' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinessclosurecurt-schillinggaming-industrymmo-industrypolitical-environmentpoliticsretrospectiverhode-islandshutdownsstate-of-rhode-islandstudio-closurestudio-shutdownsvideovideosThu, 03 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Researcher would rather hire WoW players than Harvard MBAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/researcher-would-rather-hire-wow-players-than-harvard-mbas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/researcher-would-rather-hire-wow-players-than-harvard-mbas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/03/researcher-would-rather-hire-wow-players-than-harvard-mbas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

John Seely BrownVeteran researcher John Seely Brown says some accomplished World of Warcraft players would probably make great employees. "I would rather hire a high-level World of Warcraft player than an MBA from Harvard," he states at the top of a video republished this week for Big Think.

Brown says that WoW achievers stand out because of their passion for the game and their willingness to succeed in an environment that is largely devoid of meaningful bonus-based structures. He also comments on the nature of guild politics and their usefulness in preparing people.

"These guilds are truly meritocracy-based," Brown explains. "So even if you were the leader of this particular high-end raid, at the end you do an after-action review, and [during] the after-action review each person is open to total criticism by everybody else."

Massively's Karen Bryan offered her own take on Brown's assertions in a fall 2012 edition of The Guild Counsel. Check out the original video after the cut; the new edition of the video is available only on YouTube.

Continue reading Researcher would rather hire WoW players than Harvard MBAs

MassivelyResearcher would rather hire WoW players than Harvard MBAs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentculturefantasyjohn-seely-brownmmo-industrymmo-players-make-good-employeeswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowwow-players-make-good-employeesThu, 03 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Family Guy Online to shut down next month]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/family-guy-online-to-shut-down-next-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/family-guy-online-to-shut-down-next-month/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/22/family-guy-online-to-shut-down-next-month/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Family Guy Online to shut down next month
Get your Quahog gaming fix soon because Family Guy Online is not long for this world. The game announced that it will be shutting down next month on January 18th. Family Guy Online is currently in open beta, which means that it will have never officially launched before spinning down.

The game will refund any cash purchases made during the last two months (from October 22nd through December 21st).

If you're curious how this interactive version of the TV animated series performed, you can check out Beau's Rise and Shiny expedition.

[Thanks to Matthew for the tip!]

MassivelyFamily Guy Online to shut down next month originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 22 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cartoonsclosingclosurecomedyfamily-guyfamily-guy-onlinefoxlolwutmmo-industrynew-titlesrefundshutdownsunsetSat, 22 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Burning Sea sails away from Sony Online Entertainment]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-sails-away-from-sony-online-entertain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-sails-away-from-sony-online-entertain/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-sails-away-from-sony-online-entertain/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yarr! Goodbye. Yarr.
Pirates of the Burning Sea is leaving port, but it's not getting scuttled. After a great deal of discussion between Flying Lab Software and Sony Online Entertainment, an agreement has been reached and the game will leave SOE's portfolio on January 31st, 2013. But this doesn't mean the end of the game -- instead, the game's management will be taken over by Portalus Games, a new company formed from several former members of Flying Lab.

What does this mean for current players? Well, if you want to keep playing the same characters, you're going to need to go through a few steps to ensure your account migrates properly over to the new management. Beyond that, any new developments remain to be seen, as the new company has high hopes for the game's future but hasn't announced any firm plans. All we know now is that the game's servers are planned to continue operating as normally through the transition, and should help calm minds as the waters get a bit rougher.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

MassivelyPirates of the Burning Sea sails away from Sony Online Entertainment originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>account-migrationchanging-hangsf2pfantasyfree-to-playhistoricalindustrymanagement-changemmo-industrypiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaportalusportalus-gamespotbssoesonysony-online-entertainmentTue, 18 Dec 2012 17:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Square Enix confirms layoff rumors, denies any impact on MMO operation]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/square-enix-confirms-layoff-rumors-denies-any-impact-on-mmo-ope/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/square-enix-confirms-layoff-rumors-denies-any-impact-on-mmo-ope/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/16/square-enix-confirms-layoff-rumors-denies-any-impact-on-mmo-ope/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

In hard times, the vendor NPCs are the first to go.
It's an unfortunate reality that layoffs are somewhat common in the gaming industry, and more often than not that means that games get cancelled or shut down. This weekend, Massively has been inundated with rumors that Square Enix has become the latest studio to suffer that reality. Tipsters suggested the company had laid off several people from its office in LA, people whose termination might impact the game's online offerings such as Wakfu and the upcoming relaunch of Final Fantasy XIV.

Only part of these rumors appears to be true. Senior Director of Public Relations Riley Brennan has told Massively that the layoffs did occur for restructuring purposes but that the workforce reduction will have no impact on the company's online titles, though we don't still don't know which titles or departments were affected.
In order to ensure it is operating effectively, the Square Enix Los Angeles office has reduced its workforce. This was a difficult decision and we wish the best for those affected by these changes. The decision will not have any impact on the operations of MMO titles. Customers can expect those services to continue, including the upcoming launch of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn.
While we're certainly happy to hear that our games will continue to operate without incident, our best wishes go out to those affected by this round of layoffs.

[Thanks as always to our anonymous tipsters!]

MassivelySquare Enix confirms layoff rumors, denies any impact on MMO operation originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ankamaconsoleconsolesf2pfantasyffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfree-to-playlayoffsmmo-industrynewspoliticsrumor-debunkingrumorssandboxsesquaresquare-enixsquenixstrategystrategy-mmosubsubscriptionturn-based-combatwakfuworkforce-reductionSun, 16 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft to sell all shares of NC Interactive, establish new American subsidiary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/ncsoft-to-sell-all-shares-of-nc-interactive-establish-new-ameri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/ncsoft-to-sell-all-shares-of-nc-interactive-establish-new-ameri/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/13/ncsoft-to-sell-all-shares-of-nc-interactive-establish-new-ameri/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NCsoft logo
Big things are afoot at NCsoft according to a couple of articles recently published by Reuters. The first piece claims that the Korean gaming giant will "sell its entire 809 million shares of NC Interactive Inc.," which serves as the company's online gaming arm. A second article states that NCsoft will establish a new American entity which will be "mainly engaged in the management of the United States and Europe subsidiaries," also on December 24th.

[Thanks to TwinGilgamesh for the tip!]

MassivelyNCsoft to sell all shares of NC Interactive, establish new American subsidiary originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Dec 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsmmo-industrync-interactivencsoftncsoft-selling-sharesncwestThu, 13 Dec 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[My Little Pony Online put out to pasture]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/my-little-pony-online-put-out-to-pasture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/my-little-pony-online-put-out-to-pasture/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/my-little-pony-online-put-out-to-pasture/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

My Little Pony MMO put out to pasture
OK, so maybe the game wasn't really too old (it had only been live for a month), but Hasbro's cease-and-desist order definitely sent My Little Pony Online into retirement. Of course, this action came as no surprise; back when we first reported on the project, we noted that legal troubles were likely, as the endeavor was not backed by the official copyright holder of the popular ponies. But all is not lost for fans who want to continue their adventures with ponies -- it just won't be My Little ones.

In the same announcement where they revealed the demise of the game (while deflecting blame away from Hasbro), MLP:O creators divulged that they are sticking together and are all set to work on another pony-inspired project. Under the name Starlight Studios, the group hopes to have the new project ready in time for Bronycon 2013.

MassivelyMy Little Pony Online put out to pasture originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cease-and-desistclosurefan-projectsHasbromlpommo-industrymy-little-ponies-hobbledMy-Little-Ponymy-little-pony-friendship-is-magicMy-Little-Pony-Onlineshut-downStarlight-StudiosMon, 10 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What do venture capitalists see when they look at games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/what-do-venture-capitalists-see-when-they-look-at-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/what-do-venture-capitalists-see-when-they-look-at-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/what-do-venture-capitalists-see-when-they-look-at-games/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Do venture capitalists dream of money trees? Yes. As we all do.
Kickstarter has gained a great deal of traction lately, but by and large new games are still funded the same way they've always been funded: by venture capitalists willing to shell out money in hopes of seeing a return on investment. That being said, the games industry looks at venture capitalists more as fountains of money than actual people, a necessary evil at best. A new piece penned by Jeremy Liew of Lightspeed Venture Partners sheds some light on what goes on behind the scenes when capitalists are approached for funding.

Liew makes a point of mentioning that one of the features he looks for is the idea that the studio can turn out another good game after the first one, mentioning CCP Games and Jagex as both lagging behind. He also points out the power of community, noting that League of Legends gained much of its current popularity by completely taking over the DOTA community. While the piece is focused on gaming as a whole rather than just MMOs, fans of video games will no doubt find several points of interest within the full article.

MassivelyWhat do venture capitalists see when they look at games? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessbusiness-discussionbusiness-modelscostsdevelopmentdevelopment-costsfinancinginvestmentsjeremy-liewkickstarterlightspeed-venture-partnersmarketing-costsmmo-industryproductionventure-capitalventure-capitalistsThu, 06 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint employees vote to unionize, firm trumpets 300 million registered users]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bigpoint-employees-vote-to-unionize-firm-trumpets-300-million-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bigpoint-employees-vote-to-unionize-firm-trumpets-300-million-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/bigpoint-employees-vote-to-unionize-firm-trumpets-300-million-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bigpoint logo
Bigpoint staff have voted to organize under the banner of the Ver.di trade union, according to GamesIndustry.biz. The move comes after the October layoffs of 80 employees from the free-to-play browser giant's Hamburg, Germany office, and Bigpoint will no longer be able to make staffing cuts "without first consulting the organization."

Bigpoint also issued a press release this week stating that 300 million users have registered across its 65-game portfolio.

MassivelyBigpoint employees vote to unionize, firm trumpets 300 million registered users originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbigpoint-unionbrowsercasualf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryverdiverdi-trade-unionThu, 06 Dec 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ubisoft's Massive subsidiary working on AAA MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ubisofts-massive-subsidiary-working-on-aaa-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ubisofts-massive-subsidiary-working-on-aaa-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ubisofts-massive-subsidiary-working-on-aaa-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Grammatically incorrect Massive logo
Ubisoft is working on a AAA MMO according to the internet sleuths at PlayStation Lifestyle. The site unearthed a mention of the top secret project in the LinkedIn profile of Massive Entertainment's Marc Cartwright as well as a call out for a lead level designer on Massive's own website.

No platform details have been forthcoming, nor has any mention of an IP, setting, or general subject matter. Fan speculation has centered on Ubisoft's uber-successful Assassin's Creed franchise as well as new critical darling (and Massive project) Far Cry 3.

MassivelyUbisoft's Massive subsidiary working on AAA MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassins-creed-mmofar-cry-mmomarc-cartwrightmassivemassive-entertainmentmmo-industryubisoftubisoft-mmoThu, 06 Dec 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft offices undergoing 'realignment']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/ncsoft-offices-undergoing-realignment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/ncsoft-offices-undergoing-realignment/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/04/ncsoft-offices-undergoing-realignment/#commentsFiled under: , ,

This may fail to engender sympathy.
The hits just keep on coming for NCsoft. In the wake of City of Heroes' closure, the publisher's Seattle offices are apparently undergoing "realignment." The company has denied that the Seattle office is closing but has noted that several positions in the office have been terminated as a result of recent events. No details were released regarding how many people have been let go or how this will affect titles under NCsoft's aegis.

NCsoft made a similar round of layoffs last year in October, with several offices hit with large staff reductions. This round comes in the wake of continued losses for the company, including a 12% reduction in revenue in 2011, major losses already posted from earlier in 2012, and a stock price that is currently half of what it was earlier in the year. Our best wishes go out to all those affected by these layoffs.

MassivelyNCsoft offices undergoing 'realignment' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>careersindustryjob-terminationlayoffslossmmo-industryncsoftofficesprofitsrealignmentstock-priceworkforce-reductionTue, 04 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST