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[Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screencap -- Marvel Heroes announcement trailer
After months and months of teasing us, Gazillion Entertainment has finally officially released new details about its upcoming new title, the free-to-play Marvel Heroes. The press release claims that the game will take "the MMO category to a completely new level of excitement and engagement" by combining "the energy of action role-playing games with the breadth and immersion of the MMO genre."

Players can now get their first look at Marvel Heroes with the title's first teaser trailer, which features gameplay footage interwoven with some rather menacing shots of a certain Victor Von Doom, who seems to have gotten his titanium-plated hands on what appears to be the Cosmic Cube, an artifact that gives its bearer the power to bend reality to his will. We're not sure what Doc Doom plans to do with the Cube, but we know that it can't possibly be anything good. Presumably it will be up to the players to put a stop to Doom's nefarious plans and return the Cube to its rightful place, but until we find out more, head on past the cut and enjoy the trailer in all of its super-goodness.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

[Update: IGN has a preview of the game that discusses in detail its Diablo roots.]

Continue reading Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]

MassivelyMarvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcosmic-cubedoctor-doomf2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuonew-titlenew-titlessecret-identitysuperherosuperheroestrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Heroes teases with new character silhouette]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/marvel-heroes-teases-with-new-character-silhouette/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/marvel-heroes-teases-with-new-character-silhouette/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/marvel-heroes-teases-with-new-character-silhouette/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marvel Heroes image
Cyclops and the other revealed playable characters will soon have a another compatriot to add to their ranks in the upcoming super-hero game Marvel Heroes. Who will it be? For now, Gazillion is teasing fans with a silhouette of the mystery woman, but guesses are already being tossed around. Is it Ms. Marvel? Could it be Phoenix? Some are even hedging a guess that it's possibly even Elektra. Mum is the official word for now, so it is up to fans to puzzle it out.

All right, Marvel aficianoados: Who do you think it is?

[Commenters have rightly pointed out that it can't be Wonder Woman, as she's a DC character.]

MassivelyMarvel Heroes teases with new character silhouette originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 16 May 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuonew-herosecret-identitysuperherosuperheroesteaserWed, 16 May 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel announces official MMO title: Marvel Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/marvel-announces-official-mmo-title-marvel-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/marvel-announces-official-mmo-title-marvel-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/19/marvel-announces-official-mmo-title-marvel-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marvel Heroes logo
The Marvel Comics MMO formerly known as Marvel Universe Online has finally been officially christened. Gazillion Entertainment announced in a press release today that, due to the central role that classic Marvel heroes play in the upcoming title, the game will be known as Marvel Heroes. And to back up the news, Gazillion has also released a new teaser image displaying everyone's favorite web-slinger. For the brand new Spider-Man art, just click on past the cut.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

Continue reading Marvel announces official MMO title: Marvel Heroes

MassivelyMarvel announces official MMO title: Marvel Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuosecret-identityspider-mantitleMon, 19 Dec 2011 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Hangover edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-mmo-report-hangover-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-mmo-report-hangover-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/the-mmo-report-hangover-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The MMO Report
This week on The MMO Report, Casey stumbles in from the office Christmas party to report on Ubisoft's rumored triple-AAA Wii-U MMO, Marvel Universe Online's endless parade of character art, and the politics of Minecraft's design (psst... Minecraft -- sandbox? Yes. MMO? Not really!). He also jokes about Star Wars: The Old Republic's two million beta testers, suggesting that the number proves "nerds will flock to anything with a Star Wars or BioWare logo on the box." We're sure he speaks from personal experience.

Finally, The Beard dips into Uncle Casey's Mailbag to recount some harrowing tales of MMO deflowering. Enjoy the full MMO Report past the cut!

Continue reading The MMO Report: Hangover edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Hangover edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecaseycasey-schreinereaElectronic-Artsffxivfinal-fantasy-xivgazillion-entertainmenthangoverhumormarvel-universe-onlineminecraftmmo-reportmojangmuonerdsnewsSquare-EnixStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reporttorubisoftuncle-caseys-mailbagvideovideosThu, 08 Dec 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe Online assembles Iron Man]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/marvel-universe-online-assembles-iron-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/marvel-universe-online-assembles-iron-man/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/marvel-universe-online-assembles-iron-man/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

MUO
He's snarky, he's tough, he's got a tank-busting missile, and apparently he's got thigh-high red go-go boots. Seriously, look at that picture above and tell us that Iron Man's not getting his fashion tips from the runway.

In any case, Marvel Universe Online is proud to reveal its next major superhero in the game's line-up, and Tony Stark is proud that you're giving him your full attention right now. MUO's Iron Man looks similar to the latest movie version, with the triangle chestpiece and ribbed design. If you're a fan of the character, comics, or movies, then this should be a thrill for you! Just try not to think about how small his waist must be to fit into that techno-armor.

This marks the latest reveal of the Marvel lineup for the game by Gazillion, which has been slowly rolling out the classic characters for a couple months now.

MassivelyMarvel Universe Online assembles Iron Man originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgazilliongo-go-bootsiron-manmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemuorevealtony-starkFri, 02 Dec 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe Online reveals the art for Thor]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/marvel-universe-online-reveals-the-art-for-thor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/marvel-universe-online-reveals-the-art-for-thor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/17/marvel-universe-online-reveals-the-art-for-thor/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The helmet still looks silly, but don't tell him that.
Hark, gentle readers! Today is indeed a most fortuitous day for those watching the development of yon massively multiplayer online game that is known as Marvel Universe Online, for the stalwart writers of code and crafters of art have provided fans with the newest piece of character art. And lest ye fear that the newest addition will in some way disappoint, fear not, for the newest piece of character art is no less than a god!

Yes, the mighty Thor is the latest of the heroes to be previewed, with vestments that speak of both his classic appearance and his recent successful film. If you are a follower of this noble and forthright god of thunder, you will no doubt be pleased to know that his likeness will be seen within Marvel Universe Online, and you should make haste to view the full artwork in a much higher resolution.

MassivelyMarvel Universe Online reveals the art for Thor originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-previewsgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-mmomarvel-universe-onlinemuopreviewsthe-mighty-thorthorThu, 17 Nov 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe Online reveals Thing as newest playable character]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/marvel-universe-online-reveals-thing-as-newest-playable-characte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/marvel-universe-online-reveals-thing-as-newest-playable-characte/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/marvel-universe-online-reveals-thing-as-newest-playable-characte/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marvel Universe Online -- Thing
Watch out, Marvel Universe Online fans. It's clobberin' time! The Fantastic Four's Ben Grimm has been announced as the latest addition to the MUO cast. For those of you who are keeping count, Thing's arrival brings the total playable character count up to five. So keep the guesses comin', folks. Whom do you want to see next?

MassivelyMarvel Universe Online reveals Thing as newest playable character originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementben-grimmbenjamin-grimmcharacterfantastic-4fantastic-fourgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemuoplayable-characterrevealsecret-identitythe-thingthingThu, 03 Nov 2011 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe Online's newest addition is... not U.S.Agent]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/marvel-universe-onlines-newest-addition-is-not-u-s-agent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/marvel-universe-onlines-newest-addition-is-not-u-s-agent/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/20/marvel-universe-onlines-newest-addition-is-not-u-s-agent/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

U.S.Age -- I mean Captain America
When Cable was revealed as the newest Marvel Universe Online hero, another mysterious character was teased in silhouette form. No, guys, it's not U.S.Agent. We know, we're just as shocked as you. In fact, it's his less-popular counterpart, Captain America. What a disappointment.

All jests aside, it's now official: Cap is the newest addition to the MUO roster, bringing the total count up to four. So what do you think, Marvel fans? How is the roster shaping up so far, and who do you hope will be added next?

MassivelyMarvel Universe Online's newest addition is... not U.S.Agent originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captain-americaf2pfree-to-playgazillionmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemuosecret-identityusagentThu, 20 Oct 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cable joins the Marvel Universe Online roster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/cable-joins-the-marvel-universe-online-roster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/cable-joins-the-marvel-universe-online-roster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/17/cable-joins-the-marvel-universe-online-roster/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Marvel Universe Online -- Cable
Marvel Universe Online's roster keeps growing steadily, with newcomer Cable being announced as the latest playable character at New York Comic Con this weekend. The gun-wielding, telepathic, telekinetic son of Cyclops joins Wolverine and Deadpool as the game's third announced character.

Also teased is another hero whose silhouette should be distinctive to any comics fan (or anyone who went to the movies anytime this summer). Who could this mysterious avenger possibly be? Follow on past the cut and find out for yourself.

Continue reading Cable joins the Marvel Universe Online roster

MassivelyCable joins the Marvel Universe Online roster originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cablecaptain-americacharactercharactersf2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvel-universe-onlinemuoplayable-charactersecret-identityMon, 17 Oct 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Snikt! Wolverine enters the fray of Marvel Universe Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/snikt-wolverine-enters-the-fray-of-marvel-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/snikt-wolverine-enters-the-fray-of-marvel-universe-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/10/06/snikt-wolverine-enters-the-fray-of-marvel-universe-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wolverine -- Marvel Universe Online
Shh! Everyone, do you hear that? It sounds an awful lot like something going "snikt!" You know what that means, right? Everyone's favorite Canucklehead with an anger issue is coming to Marvel Universe Online.

That's right, players will be able to take on the claws of Weapon X himself in the upcoming superhero MMO. Wolvie joins the roster alongside the Merc-with-a-mouth, Deadpool, bringing the total number of announced playable characters up to two. Who will be next to join the duo in the ranks of MUO? I'm putting my money on Northstar, personally. Why? Because he's fabulous, that's why. (Make it happen, Marvel!)

MassivelySnikt! Wolverine enters the fray of Marvel Universe Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvel-universe-onlinemuosniktwolverineThu, 06 Oct 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe reveals a mouthy merc]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/marvel-universe-reveals-a-mouthy-merc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/marvel-universe-reveals-a-mouthy-merc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/03/marvel-universe-reveals-a-mouthy-merc/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Attention, Marvel Universe fans: if you missed some of the reveals at San Diego Comic-Con, we are here to help you catch up.

As we have mentioned in a prior article, the man behind the pen of the great Ultimate Spider-Man reboot, Brian Michael Bendis, is set to write the story behind this first-ever Marvel MMO. Although few other details of this highly anticipated free-to-play MMO have been revealed, we now know that a very iconic mutant will grace your screen when you play the game. This, of course, is none other than the Merc-with-a-mouth himself, Deadpool.

As the Editorial Director for Marvel.com, Agent M, announced, you will be able to don the secret identity of Mr. Wade Wilson. Will you be as indestructible and athletic as this wise-acre? We will have to wait and see. As more information is revealed, we will be sure to send it your way.

[Updated with Agent M's exact title. Thanks, Agent M]

MassivelyMarvel Universe reveals a mouthy merc originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Agent-mbendisbrian-michael-bendisDeadpoolf2pfree-to-playftpgazilliongazillion-entertainmentMarvelMarvel-Universemarvel-universe-onlinemerc-with-a-mouthMUOplayer-characterssan-diegosan-diego-comic-consan-diego-comic-con-2011sdccsdcc-2011secret-indentity-studioswade-wilsonWed, 03 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Chat: All about the controversy edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/global-chat-all-about-the-controversy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/global-chat-all-about-the-controversy-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/22/global-chat-all-about-the-controversy-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Welcome to this week's Global Chat! We love hearing what you have to say at Massively, and we love it even more when we can share the best comments with all of our readers. Massively staffers will be contributing some of their favorite comments every week, so keep an eye out every Sunday for more Global Chat!

Wouldn't it be boring if we all agreed with one another all the time? The general consensus is usually "yes," and I've got to agree. Global Chat this week is all about differing opinions, so follow along after the jump to see a few of those opinions, then hit the comment button and add your own!

Continue reading Global Chat: All about the controversy edition

MassivelyGlobal Chat: All about the controversy edition originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 May 2011 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcommenterscommentsdavid-brevikfeaturedgazilliongazillion-entertainmentglobal-chatguild-wars-2gw2julius-seizurekalecmarvelmarvel-universeMarvel-universe-onlinemuoncsoftopinionsecret-identitySiMLSun, 22 May 2011 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gazillion's David Brevik on Marvel Universe Online, story, and changing the perception of MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/gazillions-david-brevik-on-marvel-universe-online-story-and-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/gazillions-david-brevik-on-marvel-universe-online-story-and-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/20/gazillions-david-brevik-on-marvel-universe-online-story-and-c/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

A new interview with Gazillion's president and CEO David Brevik is up on Gamasutra today. The interview focuses mostly on the ongoing development of Marvel Universe Online (though Gamasutra tries to pull a fast one to get a tip on Jumpgate Evolution, to no avail) and has shades of BioWare in the discussion of the "Holy Grail" of story in MMOs.

As the interview points out, Brevik is familiar with the ups and downs of the industry, having been involved in the hugely successful Diablo II and the failed (and soon-to-be relaunched) Hellgate: London. A persistent theme of the interview is figuring out how to change the way that MMOs are viewed and how to prove that an MMORPG can be more than a DikuMUD clone. In addition, Brevik talks about the philosophy behind making MUO ostensibly the first free-to-play (from launch) Western AAA MMORPG as well as how the studio is planning to bring the epic overarching stories that Marvel comics are known for to the world of MUO. For the full interview, head on over to Gamasutra.

MassivelyGazillion's David Brevik on Marvel Universe Online, story, and changing the perception of MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 May 2011 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brevikdavid-brevikf2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemmo-perceptionmuosecret-identityFri, 20 May 2011 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Bears and UFOs and explosions, oh my!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-mmo-report-bears-and-ufos-and-explosions-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-mmo-report-bears-and-ufos-and-explosions-oh-my/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/05/the-mmo-report-bears-and-ufos-and-explosions-oh-my/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This week on The MMO report, Casey's lead story is about the absurdly adorable Cenarion Hatchling pet now for sale on the Blizzard Store. The wee bird-deer-thing costs $10 with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Red Cross efforts in Japan, therefore making it, as Casey puts it, "good for something other than your own surreally twisted ego."

Next up is RIFT's patch 1.2, The Spoils of War. Introducing myriad new features and content, the patch is one of RIFT's largest yet.

He also gives Massively a shout-out for delivering information on the newly confirmed Marvel Universe Online. Details so far include the ability to play as iconic Marvel characters to face off against Doctor Doom with a story penned by none other than Brian Michael Bendis.

Last up is BioWare's Sith Warrior progression trailer for Star Wars: The Old Republic, which compares the Sith Marauder -- described by Casey as "quick, agile, and a real bastard of a Rogue" -- and the Juggernaut, the Sith Warrior's tanking option.

Hit the jump below for all this plus Uncle Casey's Mailbag and a decidedly awesome picture involving Casey, a bear, and flying saucers on The MMO Report.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Bears and UFOs and explosions, oh my!

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Bears and UFOs and explosions, oh my! originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 May 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bears-and-ufos-and-explosionsbendisblizzardbrian-michael-bendiscaseycasey-schreinerg4g4tvmarvel-universe-onlinemmo-reportmuoriftrift-planes-of-telarasithsith-warriorspoils-of-warstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-mmo-reporttorworld-of-warcraftThu, 05 May 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Universe Online will be free-to-play, penned by Bendis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-online-will-be-free-to-play-penned-by-bendis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-online-will-be-free-to-play-penned-by-bendis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/29/marvel-universe-online-will-be-free-to-play-penned-by-bendis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Move over, Batman: After a few false starts, Marvel's finally poised to become the next big MMO superhero thing.

Thursday evening, I attended Gazillion Entertainment and Marvel's live San Francisco reveal of Marvel Universe Online's head writer, the jovial Brian Michael Bendis. Joining Brian for a lively Q&A panel were Gazillion President and COO David Brevik, VP and Studio Head for Secret Identity (fka Gargantuan) Jeff Lind, and VP of Games at Marvel TQ Jefferson. Brian's involvement in the game's story wasn't the only announcement the panelists had in store for attendees -- they almost casually confessed that players will slip into the spandex of iconic Marvel characters and that the game will be free-to-play, making it perhaps the first Western triple-A title to be designed for such a model from the ground up.

Because I knew you'd be disappointed if I didn't, I dutifully asked an amused Jeff Lind about PvP, housing, crafting, voice acting, character customization, travel powers, advancement, and all those other goodies, but as you can probably guess, the devs aren't in a position to talk about sweeping systems just yet -- they want to "retain the ability to change [their] minds." So manage thy expectations accordingly! Fortunately, both Jeff and Brian were willing to chat about story, tie-ins, and MUO's niche in an increasingly crowded superhero MMO field, so hit the break for their thoughts and my round-up of the hot topics from the panel.

Continue reading Marvel Universe Online will be free-to-play, penned by Bendis

MassivelyMarvel Universe Online will be free-to-play, penned by Bendis originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>axel-alonsobendisbrian-bendisbrian-michael-bendiscanondavid-brevikdisneydoctor-doomf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgargantuan-studiosgateway-gamegateway-gamesgazilliongazillion-entertainmentinterviewinterviewsjeff-lindjoe-quesadamarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-ipmarvel-universe-mmomarvel-universe-onlinemuopanelQ-and-Aroleplayingsecret-identityshsosquirrel-girlstan-leestorysuper-herosuper-hero-squad-onlinesuperherothe-amazing-societytq-jeffersonFri, 29 Apr 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/17/marvel-signs-10-year-contract-sees-an-mmo-in-its-future/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


After the deal with Cryptic and Microsoft fell through, we weren't too terribly sure we'd ever hear another peep out of Marvel insofar as getting a game into the MMO space. However, it would seem that they've given it some thought - or more likely, thought about all the money that's here to be made - and decided to proceed on getting their own MMO into the market anyway. According to a story from the Wall Street Journal, Marvel has signed a 10-year deal with Gazillion Entertainment (previously NR2B Research, per VentureBeat) that will encompass not only a Marvel Universe online game that will tie into a Cartoon Network series, but also a renewal of the Marvel Universe MMO project for PC and consoles with Gazillion's subsidiary, Gargantuan Studios.

Considering that Champions Online is in closed beta already, DC Universe Online is showing some pretty solid previews, and City of Heroes is still chugging along with a devoted player-base, it's going to be an uphill battle from the word go for this Marvel MMO. Sure, there will be comics loyalists who prefer the Marvel universe to the DC universe, but with four superhero MMOs to choose from? Everyone involved should remember that in MMOs, no amount of retconning will help a game that doesn't bring its best from the start.

[Via Joystiq]

MassivelyMarvel signs 10-year contract, sees an MMO in its future originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consolecryptic-studiosgargantuan-studiosgazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoftmuonew-mmopcretconsuper-heroTue, 17 Mar 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A part of the Marvel MMO lives on ...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-part-of-the-marvel-mmo-lives-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-part-of-the-marvel-mmo-lives-on/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/07/08/a-part-of-the-marvel-mmo-lives-on/#commentsFiled under: ,

Despite the cancellation of the Marvel Universe Online project, it appears some part of that virtual world lives on. In an interview with Brian Michael Bendis, the site ComicMix site asked about the connection between comics and games. Likely expecting some off-the-cuff discussion of new titles, we were very pleased to see Mr. Bendis respond with a few details about the now-deceased Cryptic Studios world. Bendis, along with being the much-respected writer of Ultimate Spider-Man, was also an executive producer on the project.

Bendis told the fan site that a piece of the MUO gameworld still exists within his personal laptop. The "X-Mansion" level of the game was completed - and is playable - and as no one will ever be able to see it. As Bendis puts it, "I think that MMO was a phenomenal idea that was extremely well executed and it went away because some guy at Microsoft who we'll never know pulled the plug on it before it even got underway."

[Via]

MassivelyA part of the Marvel MMO lives on ... originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comicscrypticmarvel-universe-onlinemuosuper-heroesTue, 08 Jul 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ION 08: Taking an MMO community from pre-launch to live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ion-08-taking-an-mmo-community-from-pre-launch-to-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ion-08-taking-an-mmo-community-from-pre-launch-to-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/ion-08-taking-an-mmo-community-from-pre-launch-to-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Yesterday was the final day of ION 08, but that didn't mean there weren't some incredbly great panels to attend. "Taking Your Community From Pre-Launch to Live" was just one of these panels and to make things even better it included some previous speakers I quite enjoyed hearing from.

This time around the moderator was Steve Danuser (38 Studios) while Craig Dalrymple (Sony Online Entertainment) took a panelist seat along with Katie Postma (Firesky), Meghan Rodberg (Turbine) and Victor Wachter (Cryptic Studios). It's important to point out that all the panelist are in fact community managers, as opposed to Steve Danuser who is the lead content designer and director of community development for his company. However, Danuser was previously a community manager for EverQuest II.

Gallery: ION 08: Taking your community from pre-launch to live

Continue reading ION 08: Taking an MMO community from pre-launch to live

MassivelyION 08: Taking an MMO community from pre-launch to live originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioschampionschampions-onlinecraig-dalrymplecryptic-studiosddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeq2everquest-2featuredfireskygrimwellionion-2008ion08joystiqfeatureskatie-postmalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromarvel-universe-onlinemeghan-rodbergmuosoesony-online-entertainmentstargate-worldssteve-danuserturbineuru-livevictor-wachterFri, 16 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you miss Marvel Online already?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-marvel-online-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-marvel-online-already/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-miss-marvel-online-already/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


We barely new ye, Marvel Universe Online, but already you're gone. In your wake you've left so many questions. What would the three-way tights fight have been like? What would your gameplay, world, and community have been like? Why did you leave us, after all the rumors and questions? Why is Jack Emmert so darn bitter? And most of all, what is your clone-brother Champions going to offer us?

What about your questions, Massively readers? Were you looking forward to swinging through NYC with Spidey or taking on the Sentinels side-by-side with the X-men? What kind of character would you have made? Who would you have allied yourself with? Have you turned back to the loving embrace of City of Heroes to assuage your angst? And, most of all ... are you still a true believer?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do you miss Marvel Online already? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championscity-of-heroescrypticfeaturedmarvel-universe-onlinemuoncsoftthe-daily-grindtights-fightFri, 14 Mar 2008 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jack Emmert explains Cryptic's Champions choice]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/jack-emmert-explains-cryptics-champions-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/jack-emmert-explains-cryptics-champions-choice/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/20/jack-emmert-explains-cryptics-champions-choice/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When the news hit that Cryptic Studios' next massively game would be Champions Online, a lot questions cropped up about what we could expect from the game. One of the biggest questions or the only question for some players -- is why? Jack Emmert explains in the first developer blog post on the new official CO website. In the end, it wasn't anything surprising that made Jack stand up and say, "Lets do Champions." It was something incredibly logical and a bit nostalgia-fueled as well, but in a good way.

Continue reading Jack Emmert explains Cryptic's Champions choice

MassivelyJack Emmert explains Cryptic's Champions choice originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>championschampions-onlinecity-of-heroescocoxcrypticDC-comicsjack-emmertmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinemuoWed, 20 Feb 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[David Perry on MUO cancellation: "huh?"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/david-perry-on-muo-cancellation-huh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/david-perry-on-muo-cancellation-huh/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/14/david-perry-on-muo-cancellation-huh/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Eurogamer caught up with David Perry, former Shiny Entertainment big-wig and now localizer of many free MMOs for Acclaim to ask him, among other things, for his reaction to the recent news that Marvel Universe Online has been officially canned. Perry reacted with some surprise, pointing out Marvel is one of the biggest and most prolific mainstream intellectual properties on the market today, with all the money swirling around the box-office success of Spiderman, X-men, The Hulk, etc. He reasoned that if you take a team just as good as Blizzard and set them to work on a Marvel MMO, it'd be even bigger than WoW.

We take Perry's point, but there are a number of factors to consider with this story. First of all, there's a certain danger in developing an MMO for a console environment, especially at this stage in the system's life. The Xbox 360 launched in Fall of 2005, meaning it's probably closing in on the midway point in its life-cycle. In a genre where games like Ultima Online and Dark Age of Camelot are still making money, being halfway through a five year life cycle doesn't bode well for long-term profitability. And second, whose to say Shane Kim even related the full story? This whole affair could be far messier than we can tell at this juncture -- we may only find out what really happened with time.

MassivelyDavid Perry on MUO cancellation: "huh?" originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancellationdark-age-of-camelotdavid-perryeurogamermarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoftmuoshane-kimshinyultima-onlinexbox-360Thu, 14 Feb 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel MMO officially put to rest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/marvel-mmo-officially-put-to-rest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/marvel-mmo-officially-put-to-rest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/11/marvel-mmo-officially-put-to-rest/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


I have to confess, I had been holding out hope over the last couple months that the rumors circulating of Marvel Universe Online's imminent cancellation would prove to be unfounded. The very idea of a Marvel-endorsed super-hero game being developed by the guys at Cryptic to be released on the Xbox 360 platform was almost too much for my fanboy heart to handle. Alas, it was not to be. Steven Totilo of MTV's multiplayer blog sat down with Microsoft's Shane Kim to talk, among other things, about the cancellation.

Kim first confirmed that the cancellation rumor was true, and stressed that the decision to cease development was amicable on all sides. He cited the competitiveness of the MMO market as the primary reason for cancellation. Evidently, Microsoft felt that they couldn't make a sufficient profit to justify the costs of development using a traditional subscription-based model. He also said the game was too far along in development to switch to another business model, like an ad-supported or RMT model. Perhaps the only silver lining in this story is that Cryptic is now free to develop new IPs. Those, of course, will have to wait until Cryptic's media blackout ends.

MassivelyMarvel MMO officially put to rest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingcancellationcrypticcryptic-studiosmarvel-universe-onlinemtvmultiplayer-blogmuoshane-kimxbox-360Mon, 11 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: A Cryptic future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/the-digital-continuum-a-cryptic-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/the-digital-continuum-a-cryptic-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/01/19/the-digital-continuum-a-cryptic-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


These days, if you don't keep your head down, a rumor about Cryptic Studios is bound to hit you in the face. In fact, quite a few of them probably already have at this point. It all started with a letter to the community. After that plural hit, it wasn't just Marvel Universe Online that people were chattering about, but upcoming "projects" from Cryptic Studios as well. Ever since they managed to take one of my favorite things in the world -- superheroes -- and turn that world into a fun and successful massively game, I've loved the people at Cryptic.

So it was with plenty of excitement that I discovered Cryptic would be handling the Marvel Comics license for their next massively game. Unfortunately for all of us excited fans -- of Cryptic, Marvel or both -- the entire operation went into super-secret-silent mode. Aside from CoX news, (which came from a different team at Cryptic, now NCsoft NorCal) we haven't heard even a faint murmur of information. After a while, this leads to lots of speculation about whether or not Marvel Universe Online is canceled. So far, there still hasn't been any additional official information on the game and all we are left to is pure speculation.

What could be in the future for Cryptic Studios? Nobody knows except them, but that shouldn't stop anyone from guessing.

Continue reading The Digital Continuum: A Cryptic future

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: A Cryptic future originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainscoxcrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedmarvelmarvel-comicsmarvel-universe-onlinemicrosoft-games-studiosmuoncsoftperpetual-entertainmentstar-trek-onlineSat, 19 Jan 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/08/top-10-mia-mmos-of-2007-part-1/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In the waning weeks of December, we've already started turning our eyes towards the new year. 2008 is already showing a great deal of promise for the MMO community, with the impending release of Pirates of the Burning Sea, Wrath of the Lich King, Age of Conan, and Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning. Though most of these titles are still a good ways away from hitting retailer shelves, we've already got a pretty good idea of what's in store, not just in terms of assets and information that's already been released, but also from hands-on impressions and beta testing. In other words, as excited as we are, there probably won't be terribly many surprises as it concerns these titles. They're practically a given.

As luck would have it, those aren't the only titles we'll be drooling over next year - this much we know. There are a number of games in development out there that have shown up on our collective radar screens over the past few months, but only as tiny blips. For the most part, they still represent riddles wrapped up in mysteries with a side of question mark. We've assembled a list of the top 10 MIA MMOs - those mysterious games that represent the future of the MMO... if only we knew what they were.

In the first part of this feature, we'll take a look at the first half of the list.

Continue reading Top 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1

MassivelyTop 10 MIA MMOs of 2007 - part 1 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Dec 2007 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBcryptic-studiosfalloutfallout-mmofeaturedfireflyinterplayjoystiqfeaturesmarvel-universe-onlinemia-mmosmultiverseMUOopinionreal-time-worldsthqtop-5vigil-gameswarhammer-40kSat, 08 Dec 2007 16:59:00 EST