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[DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dc-universe-online-sets-pricing-and-new-launch-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dc-universe-online-sets-pricing-and-new-launch-date/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/21/dc-universe-online-sets-pricing-and-new-launch-date/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

After a much needed push-back from the original launch date of November 2nd, Sony Online Entertainment has set a new launch date for DC Universe Online. We announced a rumored launch-date move yesterday. And today, SOE has confirmed that its new action-MMO will launch on January 11th, 2011. Game Director Chris Cao sent along this statement: "Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch. We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January."

The superhero game will launch simultaneously on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 with the MSRP of US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. Purchase of the game grants one month free, after which a subscription costs US$14.99 monthly. PC customers will be able to take advantage of a US$29.99 StationAccess subscription which allows access to all current SOE games.

Don't miss our launch-announcement interview with the DCUO creators coming soon!

MassivelyDC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Dec 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobreakingchris-caodc-comicsdc-universe-onlinelaunchpricingpricing-plansSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmentsuperherosuperheroesWarner-BrosWarner-Bros-InteractiveTue, 21 Dec 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[BioWare and EA expect 2+ million subs, potential pricing model 'twists']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bioware-and-ea-expect-2-million-subs-potential-pricing-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bioware-and-ea-expect-2-million-subs-potential-pricing-model/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/19/bioware-and-ea-expect-2-million-subs-potential-pricing-model/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

As if the idea of 100% voiced dialogue trees wasn't ambitious enough in an MMO property, word has now come out that EA and BioWare are expecting to have two million subscriptions for Star Wars: The Old Republic. In a genre where only one game has ever exceeded two million subscribers at $15 per month, that's a very high standard to put yourself up against. There again, we are talking about Star Wars, beloved by geeks the world over. We're also talking about BioWare, who have blown many gamers away with the awesomeness of Mass Effect 2 and Dragon Age: Origins.

The other thing that gives us pause is the recent discussion in regards to some "potential pricing twists" that Dr. Ray Muzyka of BioWare mentioned while talking to the folks at Kotaku. While subscriptions are being mentioned, others have noticed some indications for microtransactions as well. Whether we're looking at a blended model like Champions Online, more the traditional sub with less-often used macrotransactions like World of Warcraft, or something else altogether remains to be seen. In any event, it's certainly going to be interesting to watch whether or not Star Wars: The Old Republic will be able to retain the subscriber numbers they hope to.

MassivelyBioWare and EA expect 2+ million subs, potential pricing model 'twists' originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeamicrotransactionmicrotransactionspricing-plansRay-Muzykastar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionswtorFri, 19 Mar 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redefining MMOs: The massive money of microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/redefining-mmos-the-massive-money-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/redefining-mmos-the-massive-money-of-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/11/redefining-mmos-the-massive-money-of-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Let's face it - microtransactions are big business. Nexon has posted a 35% increase in revenue this last July. Large companies like SOE and Cryptic Studios have added cash shops to their games. It appears that the world has a growing appetite for little bites of gaming content goodness. The market now is turning those bits and bytes into the MMO equivalent of the candy bar - with profits that are starting to climb towards the candy heights as well.

The honest truth is that we've been shifting more and more towards the idea of microtransactions as a culture, not just as a genre. Sure, we've always been about getting more bang for our buck - who isn't! But the fact is that there were no structures to distribute entertainment as effortlessly and cheaply as we can get it now even just a few decades ago. The proliferation of personal computers, the Internet, and other advances in technology have turned us into a society that loves to consume only what it wants, when it wants, from almost wherever we want it. Considering the overall societal shifts, it only makes sense that our favorite type of games are now going where the money is.

Continue reading Redefining MMOs: The massive money of microtransactions

MassivelyRedefining MMOs: The massive money of microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 11 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredmarket-shiftsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionsop-edopinionpricing-plansredefining-mmossubscriptionvalue-for-moneyFri, 11 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EST