Massively http://massively.joystiq.com Massively http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[R.A. Salvatore: Project Copernicus would "blow you away"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/r-a-salvatore-project-copernicus-would-blow-you-away/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Screenshot -- Project Copernicus
The future isn't looking particularly bright for 38 Studios and its in-development MMO Project Copernicus, but the game's writer, esteemed fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, took to the comments on a post on Daily Kos to tell everyone how great the game would have been.

Salvatore claims that the game is "much further along than is being reported," and that he wishes he could show us some of it (though sadly, he cannot). He goes on to state that the developers behind Copernicus were "an amazing team of [developers]... pushing the envelope in their respective fields," and that "the environments, the animations, and the game-play would blow you away." Unfortunately, it's looking like we'll never get to judge the veracity of Salvatore's words for ourselves, but the statements do help to shed a bit of light on what might have been.

MassivelyR.A. Salvatore: Project Copernicus would "blow you away" originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusindustrymmo-industryproject-copernicusra-salvatoreFri, 25 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/ask-massively-artists-i-actually-dislike-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It got way worse after this.
For whatever reason, Rob Liefeld has become a mini-meme on my more meta columns of the week. He's a bad artist, yes, but as I've mentioned in the past, I don't actively dislike him. There are many people far more deserving of dislike. Case in point: Pat Lee. I'm not going to explain in depth right here, but suffice to say that the man has history of hobbies like not paying his employees and taking credit for the work of others. And he's not a very good artist.

So let's move on from that meme, shall we? Great.

Of course, if I'm talking about mini-memes on Ask Massively, that must mean that it's time for this week's installment, yes? Yes. And this week, we're talking about the now almost ubiquitous case of the Kickstarter project. If you've got a question you'd like to see answered in a future installment of Ask Massively, leave it in the comments below or mail it to ask@massively.com. Questions may be edited slightly for clarity and/or brevity.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition

MassivelyAsk Massively: Artists I actually dislike edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelycaptialfeaturedfundinghumorkickstarterkickstarter-projectsmassively-metametammo-industryopinionventure-capitalThu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios appears to be getting no new help]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-appears-to-be-getting-no-new-help/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Curt Schilling
The bad news continues to accumulate for Rhode Island developer 38 Studios. According to Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee, the company has received a grand total of no outside investment. It also has not received any of the tax credits that it requested, leaving the studio still deep in the hole. Chafee has stated that he is doing everything in his power to prevent the studio's closure.

Staff members are also leaving the company at an alarming rate, with CEO Jen MacLean and senior VP of product development John Blakely both confirming their departures from the company. The hiring of both individuals was trumpeted as a mark of success as recently as March of this year, and Blakely was still employed by 38 Studios as recently as Monday evening. There's even talk of the company's health insurance running out. None of this news suggests that Curt Schilling's company will make a quick turnaround -- if indeed it makes a turnaround at all.

Massively38 Studios appears to be getting no new help originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustryindustry-turnoverjen-macleanjohn-blakelylayoffslegalmmo-industrynewspotential-shutdownproject-copernicusupdatesWed, 23 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/turbine-hosts-300-job-seekers-at-rhode-island-hiring-event/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Lord of the Rings Online - landscape screenshot
If you were vying for one of the 50 jobs Turbine put up for grabs at last night's job fair, well, get in line. The Providence Journal reports that 300-odd people showed up at the event, a turnout that the paper says was "higher than expected."

How many of the 300 were 38 Studios refugees? That's hard to say since neither Turbine nor the job-seekers who came down wearing 38-branded jackets and sweatshirts would offer a comment. Turbine's Adam Mersky said the timing and the location of the meet-and-greet was no accident, as Turbine set up shop in a hotel mere blocks away from 38 Studios headquarters. "It's no coincidence that we're down here looking for talent," Mersky told the Journal.

MassivelyTurbine hosts 300 job-seekers at Rhode Island hiring event originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-layoffsadam-merskyhiringmiscellaneousmmo-industryturbineTurbine-Entertainmentturbine-hiringWed, 23 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bungie's Destiny coming in 2013, features microtransactions and subscriptions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/bungies-destiny-coming-in-2013-features-microtransactions-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bungie logo
Bungie's long-rumored MMO project has been outed by the Los Angeles Times in its coverage of a games industry lawsuit. According to the article, the company is developing a new IP called Destiny consisting primarily of sci-fi first-person shooter titles, the first of which will launch in 2013 on the Xbox 360.

The title will be sold at retail but will also feature DLC, microtransactions, and subscriptions. But is it an MMO? That's still to be determined; the company hasn't released details. Eurogamer has put together a piece summarizing various Bungie comments on the Destiny series, including hints at persistence and a long-term commitment from both fans and developers.

"I can't get into specifics, but we're definitely looking at building a universe that people want to spend time in," community director Brian Jarrard said in April of 2010. Bungie's Joseph Staten also commented on the IP at GDC 2010. "Wouldn't it be great if we could make a world that was always there for you," he said.

MassivelyBungie's Destiny coming in 2013, features microtransactions and subscriptions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-jarrardbungiebungie-destinydestinyjoseph-statenlegalmmo-industrymmo-shooteronline-shootersci-fishooterTue, 22 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[FTC to investigate Nexon's alleged hostile takeover of Gamania]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ftc-to-investigate-nexons-alleged-hostile-takeover-of-gamania/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Nexon, Gamania logos
Nexon's recent acquisition of Taiwanese publisher Gamania will be scrutinized by the Fair Trade Commission (FTC), according to a report in the Taipei Times. A hostile takeover is alleged, and FTC chairman Wu Shiow-ming said the commission will "ask Nexon to comment on its definition of Gamania's market share, the particular field it defines Gamania as being in, and its current relations with Gamania."

This will help determine whether Nexon has violated the Fair Trade Act, which mandates that any merger involving a company with more than 25% market share in a particular field must be reported to authorities.

Gamania contacted the FTC, ostensibly out of concern for Nexon's impact on the Taiwanese gaming industry. "It would be absolutely detrimental to the development of Taiwan's online gaming industry if a large-scale foreign corporation was allowed to take control of the local industry's operating channels and resources, whether the integration is horizontal or vertical," the company said.

MassivelyFTC to investigate Nexon's alleged hostile takeover of Gamania originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fair-trade-comissionfinancialsftcgamaniagamania-takeoverhostile-takeoverlegalmmo-industrynexonnexon-takeoverTue, 22 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Layoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/layoffs-confirmed-for-38-studios-rhode-island-takes-no-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Schilling with reporters
If last week's Project Copernicus flythrough had been a hopeful note, the latest news out of 38 Studios is another downturn. Following a meeting today, the Rhode Island EDC board decided to take no action to help the ailing company at this time. Governor Lincoln Chafee said following the meeting that the financial situation of the studio remains unchanged from last week, but did note that the company has seen some layoffs and underwent unspecified internal shifts.

Founder Curt Schilling did not directly respond to press inquiries, stating that he would answer questions when he is able to do so. He did, however, state that he was not taking further taxpayer money. Whether or not there will be a company there to take any money in the near future is still very much in doubt, however, and while Chafee has been a bit more diplomatic about aiding the studio, he has stressed that any assistance would be far on the conservative side.

MassivelyLayoffs confirmed for 38 Studios, Rhode Island takes no action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinesscurt-schillingfinancesfinancialfinancial-troubleslayofflayoffsmmo-industrynewsproject-copernicusrhode-islandstate-of-rhode-islandMon, 21 May 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet: Guild Wars 2 a 'reaction' to sluggish MMO design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/arenanet-guild-wars-2-a-reaction-to-sluggish-mmo-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/arenanet-guild-wars-2-a-reaction-to-sluggish-mmo-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/arenanet-guild-wars-2-a-reaction-to-sluggish-mmo-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2
Do you believe that the MMO genre has been stuck in a rut over the past few years? So does Christopher Lye, the global brand director for ArenaNet, who publicly denounced the post-World of Warcraft trend in the industry as stagnant.

In an interview with Gamasutra, Lye stated that Guild Wars 2 is walking the walk when it comes to genuinely challenging the status quo in the industry. "Honestly, I think the problem is that there's been a lack of change in MMO design and that Guild Wars 2 is a reaction to that," he said. "People will call this risky, but we think it's riskier just to churn out the same MMO that everyone has played before."

Lye pointed to Guild Wars 2's scaling dynamic event system and its action combat as examples of how ArenaNet is forging its own path. Observing that player consumption of content is "virtually insatiable," Lye said that the team has developed tools to allow it to implement changes and additions to dynamic events in hours, not weeks.

Is this industry stagnation coming to an end? Lye says yes: "We're finally seeing a point where companies realize that they're not going to create the next great MMO by just copying what's come before."

MassivelyArenaNet: Guild Wars 2 a 'reaction' to sluggish MMO design originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatactivisionanetarenanetbetablizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-lyechristopher-lyedynamic-eventsfantasygamasutraguild-wars-2gw2industryinterviewmmo-industryncsoftstagnanttrendwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 21 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Turbine is recruiting next week in (where else?) Rhode Island]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/turbine-hosting-recruiting-event-next-week-looking-to-fill-50-j/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Turbine logo
If you're going to be anywhere near New England next week, and you're interested in breaking into the games business, you might want to stop by Turbine's latest recruiting event. The developer of Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons and Dragons Online is hosting a meet-and-greet in Providence, Rhode Island, on Tuesday, May 22nd.

The shindig runs from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Hotel Providence, and Turbine is looking to fill 50 job openings at its Needham studio location (and hey, they're probably even paid positions!). Check out a listing of current opportunities at the official Time Warner career website.

[Source: Turbine press release]

MassivelyTurbine is recruiting next week in (where else?) Rhode Island originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessf2pfree-to-playmmo-industryturbineturbine-hiringturbine-job-fairturbine-jobsturbine-recruitingFri, 18 May 2012 16:00:00 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[No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/no-relief-in-sight-for-38-studios-after-emergency-meeting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Gov Lincoln
Generally, when your company defaults on a major loan, you might expect an emergency meeting about the loan and the company's future would produce some results. But apparently today's meeting between 38 Studios owner Curt Schilling and Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee resulted in... absolutely nothing. Specifically, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to prevent the studio from going under, with Chafee on record as asking, "How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?"

It's a loaded question if you consider that the failure of 38 Studios would put the state's taxpayers on the hook for more than $112 million. Schilling has declined to elaborate on the company's state in interviews, and he has not made public how much more funding the company is seeking. It's bad news for the studio, bad news for the state, and bad news for any fans still looking forward to the possibility of Project Copernicus in the future.

[Update: Joystiq reports that "it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral," meaning that if the studio defaults, the state of Rhode Island will own all of its game assets. We've tucked some of the ensuing news coverage in the video behind the break.]

Continue reading No relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated]

MassivelyNo relief in sight for 38 Studios after emergency meeting [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbusinessbusiness-updatescurt-schillingfinancefinancesindustrylegalloansmmo-industrymoneyproject-copernicusWed, 16 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios goes under, Rhode Island taxpayers will be footing the bill [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-goes-under-rhode-island-taxpayers-will-be-footing/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Who doesn't love a good bar graph?
Project Copernicus and Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning developer 38 Studios is in some hot water, but it looks like that may be the least of your worries if you're a Rhode Island resident. Rhode Island's WPRI reports that if the studio founders and can't pay back the bonds given to it by the state, then the onus of doing so will fall upon Rhode Island taxpayers.

How much moolah are we talking about? Something to the tune of $112.6 million US. According to Joystiq, "If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders," which means that Rhode Island taxpayers will be responsible for footing the bill by 2020. For now, though, both the studio and the Rhode Island government are tight-lipped on the studio's future, and by association, the future of Project Copernicus, so we'll just have to wait and see how this plays out.

[Update: Our sister site Joystiq reports that 38 Studios "missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting [on] its $75 million loan." Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will hold an emergency meeting tomorrow morning to discuss the situation.]

MassivelyIf 38 Studios goes under, Rhode Island taxpayers will be footing the bill [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuseconomyfinancefinancesgames-industryindustrykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmmo-industryproject-copernicusTue, 15 May 2012 15:00:00 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[The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/01/the-soapbox-the-perils-of-passive-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Couch potato cat
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

My folks don't really understand my infatuation with video games (and MMORPGs in particular). "How can you sit there and play a game for two or three hours at a time?" my mom is fond of asking. Ironically, this usually happens on a visit that ends where most of our visits do: on the couch in front of the television.

Don't get me wrong; she's no couch potato, and in fact she has the meanest green thumb you'll ever see. When the sun goes down, though, my parents (like most of their generation, I'll wager) park their butts in front of the TV. That I should park my own posterior in front of the computer is exceedingly strange to them even though online gaming is to the 21st century what television was to the 20th.

I wonder, though, if games are starting to become more passive forms of TV-like entertainment.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The perils of passive gaming originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchallengecomplexitycouch-potatoeditorialeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgames-vs-tvhardcorehardcore-vs-casualinteractivitylets-playlivestreamlivestreamingmmo-industryop-edopinionpassivepassive-consumptionpassive-gamingpassive-vs-activepassivitypaying-to-skip-contentperils-of-passive-gamingrantrantsskipping-contentsoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthe-perils-of-passive-gamingthe-soapboxTue, 01 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pachter says rumored Nexon buyout of EA 'cannot happen']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pachter-says-rumored-nexon-buyout-of-ea-cannot-happen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pachter-says-rumored-nexon-buyout-of-ea-cannot-happen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/pachter-says-rumored-nexon-buyout-of-ea-cannot-happen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EA logo
Forbes reported on a rumored takeover of Electronic Arts by Nexon earlier this morning. The magazine noted that EA shares spiked following a supposed bid by the Korean gaming giant.

Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter weighed in on the rumors at GamesIndustry.biz, saying that the deal "cannot happen." He guesstimates that EA will balk at any such deal because "Nexon couldn't pull off a stock-for-stock deal [...] and would have difficulty financing an all-cash deal to make EA shareholders happy."

Pachter floats a few numbers in his analysis, and he also notes that EA CEO John Riccitiello isn't likely to cede control of the company to anyone outside of EA management.

MassivelyPachter says rumored Nexon buyout of EA 'cannot happen' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ea-rumorelectronic-artsJohn-riccitielloMichael-PachterMiscellaneousmmo-industrynexon-buying-eanexon-ea-rumornexon-rumorrumorsThu, 26 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT kicks off service in Korea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/rift-kicks-off-service-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/rift-kicks-off-service-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/24/rift-kicks-off-service-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's possible that there's a dirty joke in here. I don't actually know how to read Korean.
MMOs generally don't sojourn too far from home. Outside of launches in the US and Europe, it's rare for a western game to be adapted to the Korean or Chinese market; far more often games from those markets get shipped here. But it does happen every so often, and such is the case with RIFT. As of today, the game has officially started its full commercial service in Korea under the guidance of NetMarble.

The game is also launching with several of the usual launch events such as promotional giveaways, although they're of limited utility if you don't read or speak Korean. It's an unusual export, but with several Korean games making major promotional pushes in the US (such as Aion and TERA), it might be the time to see if cross-cultural appeal works in the other direction. And if you're familiar with the language and want to see how the game plays when adapted, now's the time.

MassivelyRIFT kicks off service in Korea originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasyinternational-launchkorealocalizationmmo-industrynetmarblenew-localizationriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarasouth-koreatranslationtriontrion-worldsTue, 24 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ChangYou plans to bring Shadowbane back in China]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/changyou-plans-to-bring-shadowbane-back-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/changyou-plans-to-bring-shadowbane-back-in-china/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/changyou-plans-to-bring-shadowbane-back-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Old MMOs never die, they just get farmed out. Well, except AC2. And TMO. And E&B. And SWG...
MMOs die. It's a very sad reality, but a reality just the same. And more often than not, there's no chance for a revival. But every so often the stars align just right and fans get lucky, which is almost the case with Shadowbane. Nearly three years after the game's shutdown, it looks like it'll be getting a new lease on life... as the basis for a new title developed by ChangYou.

There are no firm details on what the new game will look like, although it appears to have been in development for roughly a year at this time. Preliminarily titled World of Shadowbane, the game is still too far in the future for any sort of launch information, much less discussion of whether or not the game will see an American release. Still, it's closer to a chance at revival than the game has had in the past three years, and that's something.

MassivelyChangYou plans to bring Shadowbane back in China originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>changyoudead-mmosdead-titlesmmo-industrynew-titlesnewsshadowbanetitle-revivaltitles-in-developmentubisoftworld-of-shadowbaneMon, 23 Apr 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony eyeing ways to get MMO players out of the house]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/sony-eyeing-ways-to-get-mmo-players-out-of-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/sony-eyeing-ways-to-get-mmo-players-out-of-the-house/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/23/sony-eyeing-ways-to-get-mmo-players-out-of-the-house/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Cheers
Sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name, amirite? And other times, you want to get lost in an MMO and be (relatively) anonymous. The latter may become a bit more difficult, as Sony is looking to create a program "that would encourage gamers to head into the daylight for organized events," according to a posting at Engadget.

The firm has even filed a patent for some sort of meet-up software. Speculation has it that it will incentivize real-life get-togethers, though how (or why) is anyone's guess at this point. Is this another personal information-harvesting ploy like Blizzard's RealID failboat, or is it something new? Time will tell, and we'll keep an eye on it for you.

MassivelySony eyeing ways to get MMO players out of the house originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturemeetupsMiscellaneousmmo-industrymmo-patentspersonal-informationreal-life-eventsreal-world-eventssonysony-meetup-patentMon, 23 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chinese publisher The9 restructuring, cutting staff]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/chinese-publisher-the9-restructuring-cutting-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/chinese-publisher-the9-restructuring-cutting-staff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/chinese-publisher-the9-restructuring-cutting-staff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The9 logo
One of the Asian market's gaming behemoths is in a spot of financial trouble, according to a story published last night by Develop.

You might remember The9 as Blizzard's former publishing partner for the Chinese version of World of Warcraft. The company also invested heavily in Red 5 Studios and its upcoming Firefall shooter, and it will be publishing Sony Online Entertainment's PlanetSide 2 in China when the MMOFPS sequel ships.

Develop reports that rumors of The9's cutting half of its workforce were exaggerated, but the firm is nonetheless downsizing. "We are optimizing operations programs and the relevant human-relations structures, and this optimization to increase the efficiency of the company is a necessary adjustment," the company said in a prepared statement.

MassivelyChinese publisher The9 restructuring, cutting staff originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfinancial-newsfree-to-playMiscellaneousmmo-industrythe9the9-layoffsthe9-restructuringFri, 13 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is Notch's 0x10c an MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/is-notchs-0x10c-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/is-notchs-0x10c-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/is-notchs-0x10c-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Notch
Markus "Notch" Persson has let slip the fact that he's working on a followup to Minecraft. The title -- jokingly referred to as Mars Effect a couple of weeks ago -- is now known as 0x10c, and it's got enough geek cred to make our hearts go pitter-patter.

First of all it's hard science-fiction, and second of all, it has an ambitious feature list that boasts an advanced economy, space battles, seamless planetary landings, and "lots of engineering." It's also got a nifty ship system wherein players will need to manage a generator and wattage to power various onboard systems.

Finally, there's a fully functioning computer within the computer game. Notch says that the "emulated 16-bit CPU can be used to control your entire ship, or just to play games [...] while waiting for a large mining operation to finish." The only question left in our minds (other than when can we play it) is whether or not it's an MMO. The website hints at single- and multiplayer functionality "via the multiverse," and it also mentions a monthly fee.

MassivelyIs Notch's 0x10c an MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0x10chard-sci-fiis-notchs-game-an-mmoMarkus-Perssonmars-effectminecraftmmo-industrynew-titlesnotchsci-fiThu, 05 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft explains NA and EU Collector's Edition price difference [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ncsoft-explains-na-and-eu-collectors-edition-price-difference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ncsoft-explains-na-and-eu-collectors-edition-price-difference/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/29/ncsoft-explains-na-and-eu-collectors-edition-price-difference/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Guild Wars 2
Many European Guild Wars 2 fans have been left scratching their heads over the pricing discrepancies between the U.S. and European Collectors' Editions of the title. As followers of the game are probably aware, the U.S. edition is being sold for $149.99 US while the European version is being sold for £129.99/€149.99.

The problem, of course, is that with the current exchange rates, £129.99 is closer to $206 US and €149.99 is just under $200 US, making the European versions of the game considerably pricier. NCsoft explained to PC Gamer today that the reason behind this discrepancy is that "currency fluctuations, distribution costs, taxes and market conditions in addition to the cost of goods are all contributing factors when setting pricing. These vary dramatically between NA and EU and our pricing is competitive and adjusted accordingly." As the article notes, this might make sense if we assume that the CE of the game is manufactured in the U.S., but even with the extra shipping costs, it's a pretty hefty addition to an already sizeable price tag.

[Update: NCsoft points out that the EU pricing includes VAT taxes (20%), while the North American pricing is pre-tax.]

MassivelyNCsoft explains NA and EU Collector's Edition price difference [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcecollectors-editioneconomyfantasyguild-wars-2gw2industrymmo-industrymoneymoneysncsoftThu, 29 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Nobody's hero]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/23/the-soapbox-nobodys-hero/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Heroes (which would make an awful MMO, btw)
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

We're not heroes, at least in the ubiquitous Hollywood sense. We're teachers and janitors and businessmen, and we may occasionally be heroic in the eyes of our kids or our colleagues, but rarely are we celebrated beyond a tiny circle of family and friends.

Games can meet this emotional need, at least temporarily, and that's a major reason they've become such a booming business over the last couple of decades. We get to be Kratos for a couple of hours, or fem-Shepard or a thousand other pixelized pariahs -- until we set foot in an MMORPG, that is.

Software companies sell pre-packaged heroism in ways that book publishers and filmmakers can only dream of, and it doesn't really matter that it's fake heroism or impersonal heroism crafted on an assembly line and shipped out to millions of consumers. Shouldn't it matter, though, when it comes to MMORPGs?

Continue reading The Soapbox: Nobody's hero

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Nobody's hero originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anti-heroclassic-mmodesigneditorialeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iif2pfake-heroismfakeryfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgalaxiesgame-designheroismlucasartsmmo-designmmo-fakerymmo-heroesmmo-industrymmo-narrativemmo-storynancy-mcintyrenobodys-heroop-edopinionpessimistic-soapbox-is-pessimisticrantrantssandboxsci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgothe-soapboxthemeparkFri, 23 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tencent grows its empire with SURA Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/tencent-grows-its-empire-with-sura-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/tencent-grows-its-empire-with-sura-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/21/tencent-grows-its-empire-with-sura-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

SURA Online - Bard shaman girl
If you haven't heard of SURA Online yet, well, consider yourself enlightened. The online action title is renowned for its fast-attack combat system inspired by martial arts cinema, and ThisIsGame reports that SURA has been picked up for worldwide distribution by Chinese mega-publisher Tencent.

SURA boasts three races and six classes, and TIG compares its fighting mechanics to the Tekken series (you can see an official gameplay trailer after the cut, below).

Tencent is a major player in the global MMO market; much of its revenue stems from the sale of virtual goods via its Q Coin currency. Interestingly enough, the company also acquired the ZAM Network in February.

Continue reading Tencent grows its empire with SURA Online

MassivelyTencent grows its empire with SURA Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbusiness-modelsf2pfantasyfree-to-playmartial-artsmmo-industryq-coinssurasura-onlinetencenttencent-acquires-sura-onlinetencent-gamestencent-owns-zamzamWed, 21 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Tanks has 20 million registered users, making double-digit million profits monthly]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/world-of-tanks-has-20-million-registered-users-making-double-di/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/world-of-tanks-has-20-million-registered-users-making-double-di/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/world-of-tanks-has-20-million-registered-users-making-double-di/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

World of Tanks - French tank
Wargaming.net is going through quite a growth spurt, and the company's CEO says it's not just about registered user numbers boosted by freeloading players. "We probably have one of the highest payment ratios in the industry, it's around 25 to 30 percent," Victor Kislyi recently told GamesIndustry.biz.

Kislyi also offered up some impressive concurrent user numbers for World of Tanks, including 423,000 simultaneous Russian tankers that he said outstrips the entirety of EVE Online's playerbase.

As for the "pay-to-win" rhetoric often found in World of Tanks internet discussions, Kislyi says it is what it is. "For casual gameplay, which most players do most of the time, people don't usually use gold or expendables. Of course if you want to win a tournament, if you're competitive, if you play clan wars, if you want to be at the top, we think it's appropriate to expect a little bit of money from you because you already spent hundreds of hours in our game and that's much more than the value of any $50 box."

MassivelyWorld of Tanks has 20 million registered users, making double-digit million profits monthly originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconcurrent-user-recordconcurrent-usersf2pfree-to-playhistoricalmmo-industrypay-to-winpvptanktanksvictor-kislyiwarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotMon, 19 Mar 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Elder Scrolls MMO to be announced in May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-to-be-announced-in-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-to-be-announced-in-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/rumor-elder-scrolls-mmo-to-be-announced-in-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls V - Skyrim: screenshot in the mountains
You know, that pesky Elder Scrolls MMO rumor just won't die. We've been hearing scuttlebutt of a Tamriel-themed massively multiplayer title for years now, and even though Bethesda has debunked such gossip in the past, Tom's Hardware is citing an "industry source" who says the title is a reality.

The latest rumbling posits that the game will feature three factions and will take place several hundred years prior to the events of Morrowind, Oblivion, and Skyrim. Also, some sort of official announcement is supposedly scheduled for May. Following that, the source claims, the Elder Scrolls MMO will have a "presence at E3" in June.

Bethesda has yet to comment, but we'll bring you the latest info as it happens.

[Thanks to Matt for the tip!]

MassivelyRumor: Elder Scrolls MMO to be announced in May originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaelder-scrollselder-scrolls-mmofantasymmo-industrynerdgasmoh-god-please-yesrumorrumorssandboxtamrielzenimaxzenimax-mediaThu, 15 Mar 2012 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster categorizes his best game design blog posts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/raph-koster-categorizes-his-best-game-design-blog-posts/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Raph Koster
If you're looking for an entry point into the voluminous back-catalogue of game design posts sitting on Raph Koster's web server, look no further than his newest entry, which serves as something of a greatest hits listing.

For those unfamiliar with Koster, most gamers associate him with watershed sandbox titles like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies, and he has also written a book called A Theory of Fun for Game Design. Koster first published his website in 1997, and some of his articles date almost as far back. He's arranged the links in what he calls a "rough reverse chronological order," so grab your favorite caffeinated beverage and settle in for a lengthy design-focused read.

MassivelyRaph Koster categorizes his best game design blog posts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>designgame-designgame-theorykosterMiscellaneousmmo-industryraph-kostersandboxtheoryThu, 15 Mar 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[XLGAMES' Jake Song not interested in consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/14/xlgames-jake-song-not-interested-in-consoles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

XLGAMES founder Jake Song
ArcheAge guru Jake Song weighed in on the future of console games at Seoul's SoGang University yesterday. The XLGAMES founder and Lineage creator was part of a public discussion called "Get All the Game Maniacs Together," and he responded with an emphatic "no" when asked if he plans to develop for consoles.

"[The Korean gaming industry] was able to set up such [a] wonderful environment for online games 15 years ago. So why should we go into the outdated market while so many overseas developers are suffering from learning our online games development experience," he said.

Song explained that the console business model relies on selling third-party software, and he also hinted at the fact that mobile software is both cheaper and comparable to its console counterpart in terms of quality.

MassivelyXLGAMES' Jake Song not interested in consoles originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>archeagebusiness-modelsconsoleconsolesget-all-the-game-maniacs-togetherjake-songmmo-industrymobilexlxl-gamesxlgamesWed, 14 Mar 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/the-soapbox-the-inevitability-of-a-mass-effect-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mass Effect - The Normandy (SR1)
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I don't know about you, but I've yet to play Mass Effect 3. This is not by choice, mind you, and now that I've returned from the wilds of last week's GDC, it's time to settle in for another 30-hour tour with Shepard and company.

What does this have to do with MMOs? Well, nothing really, except that BioWare hasn't exactly closed the door on a Mass Effect title. On the contrary, the company's dynamic doctor duo have hinted at the fact that this, ahem, theoretical game would need to be somewhat different from the firm's maiden MMO voyage.

At this point I think an ME MMO is inevitable, so join me after the cut to discuss whether BioWare can really break the mold with its second effort as well as what that effort could look like.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The inevitable Mass Effect MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-comfort-zonecomfort-zonecutscenesdesignea-biowareeditorialelectronic-artsfeaturedfourth-pillargreg-zeschukmass-effectmass-effect-mmommo-comfort-zonemmo-industrymmo-storyop-edopinionplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpossibility-spacerantrantsray-muzykasandboxsandparksci-fisoapboxsoapbox-jef-reahardstorythe-fourth-pillarthe-soapboxthemeparkuser-generated-contentTue, 13 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/11/gdc-2012-publishing-heavies-weigh-in-on-f2p-conversions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

GDC 2012 logo
Like it or not, free-to-play is rapidly coming to dominate every corner of the gaming industry. While that's good on the surface, it also blurs the line between business and design, and it creates a lot of tension for both consumers and developers who are increasingly faced with the challenges inherent in separating monetary decisions from gameplay decisions.

One of the more interesting GDC 2012 round-tables featured Sony Online Entertainment executive producer Dave Georgeson, NCSoft publishing director Steve Levy, Perfect World VP John Young, GamersFirst monetization director Joe Willmon, and Digi-Capital Limited managing director Tim Merel, all of whom convened for a mind-meld on successfully migrating subscription games to F2P.

As you would expect, the panel was heavy on business-speak, but it also featured plenty of insight into the pricing phenomenon that has become the rule rather than the exception.

Continue reading GDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions

MassivelyGDC 2012: Publishing heavies weigh in on F2P conversions originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsconconferenceconventiondave-georgesondesignf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gamersfirstgdcgdc-2012grindjoe-willmonjohn-younglootmmo-industrymonetizationncsoftopinionpanelsperfect-world-entertainmentpolishing-a-turdpwesci-fisoeSony-Online-Entertainmenttim-merelwesternizationSun, 11 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Wars: The Old Republic subscription numbers stabilize at 1.7 million]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/star-wars-the-old-republic-subscription-numbers-stabilize-at-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/star-wars-the-old-republic-subscription-numbers-stabilize-at-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/star-wars-the-old-republic-subscription-numbers-stabilize-at-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR
It's shaping up to be one hell of a good month for BioWare. If you consider the amount of money made by the launch of Mass Effect 3 and by the continued success of Star Wars: The Old Republic, the entire studio must be swimming in pools of gold coins a la Scrooge McDuck by now. At any rate, it would appear that Star Wars: The Old Republic's subscriber numbers have stabilized at about 1.7 million active subscribers.

It's also worth noting that, according to EA's John Riccitello, the "vast majority" of these active subscribers have already used their 30-day trials, which means most of those 1.7 million subscribers are shelling out $15 per month to play the game. It'll be interesting to see how these numbers change (or don't) in the coming months, but for the time being The Old Republic seems to be doing BioWare proud.

MassivelyStar Wars: The Old Republic subscription numbers stabilize at 1.7 million originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsindustryJohn-riccitiellolucasartsmmo-industrysci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscribersubscriber-numberssubscriberssubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorFri, 09 Mar 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Miracle fundraising finish for Gridiron Heroes' Kickstarter drive]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/miracle-fundraising-finish-for-gridiron-heroes-kickstarter-driv/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Sports MMOs haven't gotten off the ground as of yet, and whether their lack of mainstream success is due to design challenges or some other factor, they remain obscure oddities for the most part.

Somewhat less obscure is Tecmo's 1980s Nintendo series based on the National Football League. The aptly named Tecmo Bowl was a mainstay on Nintendo's first 8-bit console, and now a group of fans have helped assure that Gridiron Heroes, a new Facebook game inspired by the classic series, will in fact be made.

Kotaku reports on the last-minute miracle finish to the project's Kickstarter drive, with the development team collecting $7,613 (measured against a goal of $7,500).

MassivelyMiracle fundraising finish for Gridiron Heroes' Kickstarter drive originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-football-mmocasualf2pfacebookfacebook-gamesfootball-mmofree-to-playgridiron-heroeskickstartermmo-industrysports-mmotecmotecmo-bowltecmo-mmoFri, 09 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Tanks takes aim at southeast Asia]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/world-of-tanks-takes-aim-at-southeast-asia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/world-of-tanks-takes-aim-at-southeast-asia/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/08/world-of-tanks-takes-aim-at-southeast-asia/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

World of Tanks - French tank in a field, hopefully a newish screenshot
Wargaming.net might want to think seriously about changing its name to Worldgaming.net. The studio behind World of Warplanes announced today that it's bringing its World of Tanks MMO to southeast Asia. Wargaming has formed a partnership with SEA Gaming that will bring the World War II action title to gamers in Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand.

This isn't a simple port of the European or American client, either, as Wargaming.net says gamers in the region can expect full localization, a Singapore-based server group, and dedicated support services.

Online gaming in southeast Asia features an estimated 100 million players, who will generate nearly $1 billion in sales by 2015, according to market analysts at Niko Partners.

[Source: Wargaming.net press release]

MassivelyWorld of Tanks takes aim at southeast Asia originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asian-marketf2pfree-to-playhistoricallocalizationmmo-industrypvpsoutheast-asiatanktankswarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotThu, 08 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Aeria Games unveils Aeria Mobile, inaugural titles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/aeria-games-unveils-aeria-mobile-inaugural-titles/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Aeria Games logo
Aeria Games, publisher of popular free-to-play titles such as Eden Eternal, announced in a press release today that it has established Aeria Mobile in order to deliver quality games to "the underserved mobile core gaming arena." The division is coming into the world with three inaugural mobile games. The first of these is Eden Eternal: Monster Arena. The game is (obviously) set in the world of Eden Eternal and "brings the beloved anime-style gameplay of the popular franchise to an innovative accelerometer-based shooter RPG."

Next up on the list is Tuff Tanks, a "turn-based artillery shooter set in a colorful world of monsters and tanks." The turn-based title will be familiar to fans of the Worms series, and it will allow players to face off against computer opponents or against one another. The third and final release title for Aeria Mobile is known as Armygeddon, "a turn-based military strategy game set in a near-future setting that features episodic single-player content and asynchronous multiplayer combat." So if you need to get your gaming fix on the go, Aeria Games has you covered. To check out the library and find out how to get your hands on the games for yourselves, just click on through the link below to the official Aeria Mobile site.

[Source: Aeria Games press release]

MassivelyAeria Games unveils Aeria Mobile, inaugural titles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aeriaaeria-gamesaeria-mobilearmygeddoneden-eternal-monster-arenaf2pfree-to-playindustrymmo-industrymobilemobile-gamingtuff-tanksFri, 02 Mar 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Dawntide development officially on hiatus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/dawntide-development-officially-on-hiatus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/dawntide-development-officially-on-hiatus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/dawntide-development-officially-on-hiatus/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dawntide - two dudes fighting
Last December we told you about Dawntide's impending beta server closure and temporary hiatus. Working as Intended was getting ready to go to work on a large-scale world revamp for the fantasy sandbox, and the firm said the open beta server would be down for a couple of months.

According to an update on Dawntide's official website, that hiatus is now going to last quite a bit longer because the dev team has run out of funding. "We're still working on finding new investors, but this will take time. In the meanwhile, we have officially stopped all development," the announcement says. "We hope to be able to resume it in the not too distant future, but as of right now we cannot say when that will be or whether it indeed happen at all."

[Thanks to Mersault for the tip!]

MassivelyDawntide development officially on hiatus originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dawntidedawntide-hiatusfantasyindieindie-sandboxmmo-industrysandboxwaiworking-as-intendedFri, 02 Mar 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/01/the-daily-grind-what-do-you-hope-to-hear-from-gdc-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GDC 12 logo
Well it's almost time for game convention silly season. First up is the Game Developer's Conference in San Francisco next week, followed by PAX East in April and E3 in June.

A gaggle of Massively scribes are heading west in a few days to bring you the best (and the most grammatically correct) coverage of all the happenings at GDC. From preview sessions with The Secret World, DUST 514, and PlanetSide 2, to interviews with dev luminaries and glimpses of all that's new and shiny in the world of MMOs, there looks to be a lot of industry news coming your way next week.

Today's Daily Grind is an easy one. Are you looking forward to GDC, and is there anything in particular that you hope to learn from this year's conference?

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: What do you hope to hear from GDC 2012? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>convention-coverageconventionsculturedaily-grindeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-discussiongamer-discussiongdcgdc-2012mmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-industrymmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicsreal-world-eventstdgthe-daily-grindThu, 01 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Blizzard announces layoffs of 600 employees worldwide]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-announces-layoffs-of-600-employees-worldwide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-announces-layoffs-of-600-employees-worldwide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/blizzard-announces-layoffs-of-600-employees-worldwide/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Blizzard Entertainment logo
Blizzard Entertainment, creator of the perennially popular World of Warcraft, announced today that it would be laying off 600 of its employees worldwide. While Blizzard takes care to note that WoW's development won't be impacted by the layoffs, we find it a bit difficult to take solace in that fact when hundreds of people are losing their jobs.

Blizzard CEO Mike Morhaime commented on the layoffs, stating that "Constant evaluation of teams and processes is necessary for the long-term health of any business. Over the last several years, we've grown our organization tremendously and made large investments in our infrastructure in order to better serve our global community. However, as Blizzard and the industry have evolved we've also had to make some difficult decisions in order to address the changing needs of our company." Understandable, perhaps, considering the fluctuating nature of the industry, but we still wish those Blizzard employees hit by the layoffs the very best in their future endeavors. Good luck, folks.

MassivelyBlizzard announces layoffs of 600 employees worldwide originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdownsizingindustrylayofflayoffsmike-morhaimemmo-industryworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 29 Feb 2012 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Prophecy developer Reakktor Media on its last legs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/black-prophecy-developer-reakktor-media-on-its-last-legs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/black-prophecy-developer-reakktor-media-on-its-last-legs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/black-prophecy-developer-reakktor-media-on-its-last-legs/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Black Prophecy
The future is looking a bit hazy for Black Prophecy developer Reakktor Media, as reports indicate that the studio "has begun the insolvency process" and is scrambling for work in order to keep itself afloat. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, Reakktor Media's managing director Kirk Lenke stated that "[the studio is] in a position to accomplish basically anything [that] is played right now, even if we were focused in the recent times on multiplayer mobile gaming," which may indicate an interest in developing games outside of the MMO genre.

Lenke also notes that the studio currently has a Diablo-esque sci-fi title in the early development stages. At any rate, we wish the best of luck to the folks at Reakktor Media. Even if things are looking pretty grim, here's to hoping that there's a silver lining in store for the studio.

MassivelyBlack Prophecy developer Reakktor Media on its last legs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-prophecyeconomyfinancesfinancialindustryinsolvencyinsolvency-processkirk-lenkemmo-industryneocronreakktorreakktor-mediaWed, 29 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE president John Smedley announces that all players will be able to play on any server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/soe-president-john-smedley-announces-that-all-players-will-be-ab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

I can't handle this emotional rollercoaster, SOE.
It's no secret that Sony Online Entertainment has been in more than a little hot water in the wake of the recently announced region locks that were to be put in place following the studio's deal with ProSiebenSat.1, but there may still be a silver lining on the horizon. SOE president John Smedley tweeted earlier today that the studio has "come up with a plan to allow ALL players to play on any servers they want." While details are still to come, this should be incredibly welcome news for players of SOE titles who weren't looking forward to playing without their international friends.

Smedley promises us that there are "more details to follow," so stay tuned and hopefully we'll have some idea of what's in the works before too long.

MassivelySOE president John Smedley announces that all players will be able to play on any server originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alaplayaculturedramadrama-llamaeq2everquesteverquest-iifiascogaming-cultureindustryjohn-smedleymmo-culturemmo-industryplanetsideplanetside-2prosiebensat.1region-lockregion-lockssoesoe-prosiebensat.1sony-online-entertainmentMon, 27 Feb 2012 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Korean MMO Bless reveals English website]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/27/new-korean-mmo-bless-reveals-english-website/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bless - Archer and warrior vs. big lion thing
Stop us if you're heard this one before: There's a new MMO coming out of Korea. It's drop-dead gorgeous, it's built on the latest version of the Unreal engine, and it features fantasy armor that doesn't leave much to the imagination.

No, it's not Aion or even TERA. The new kid on the block is called Bless, and though we told you about the game back in October, it's taken Neowiz a while to come up with an English website. That website is now live (though it does take forever and a day to load). The site features a trailer, a few screenshots and character concepts, and brief snippets of lore that seem to indicate two factions (Cosmopolis and Hierapolis).

We've heard a rumor that Neowiz has more than 150 developers working on the project, some of whom worked on Aion, TERA, and Lineage II. We'll bring you more on the new title as it becomes available.

MassivelyNew Korean MMO Bless reveals English website originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blesscosmopolisepic-gamesepic-games-koreafantasyhierapoliskorean-mmommo-industryneowizrumorrumorsunreal-3Mon, 27 Feb 2012 10:00:00 EST