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[Perfect World Entertainment announces Battle of the Immortals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/perfect-world-entertainment-announces-battle-of-the-immortals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/perfect-world-entertainment-announces-battle-of-the-immortals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/14/perfect-world-entertainment-announces-battle-of-the-immortals/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Perfect World Entertainment is working overtime. Not content with their current stable of games or the positive press that's been getting drummed up for their upcoming comedy game, Kung Foo!, they've just announced a new addition to their lineup. The official developer blog for the company announced that Battle of the Immortals is on its way, complete with a number of screenshots of characters decked out to the nines in epic armor.

So, what will the game actually play like? Well... that's an excellent question, one that the announcement largely sidesteps altogether. We know that the game is being developed by Perfect World Entertainment's Shanghai studio instead of their more conventional Beijing studio, and that it's supposed to play very differently than their eponymous flagship title. However, no actual gameplay elements are discussed beyond a statement that implies the game may well have a strong PvP focus, and the frequently restated factor that the game promises to be high-energy. On the flip side, the screenshots look excellent (unless you really don't care for the more exaggerated Eastern aesthetic) and PWE certainly has a solid track record for its free-to-play games.

MassivelyPerfect World Entertainment announces Battle of the Immortals originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-of-the-immortalsbeijingboif2pfree-to-playkung-foonew-titlesperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweshanghaiThu, 14 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Asia discusses China operations, DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ccp-asia-discusses-china-operations-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ccp-asia-discusses-china-operations-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/04/ccp-asia-discusses-china-operations-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


The Asia branch of CCP Games had modest beginnings -- the company's Shanghai office was simply formed to administer EVE Online in China, although there was always the hope that the team would eventually be able to develop new games as well. Now CCP's Shanghai office is growing into a full-fledged game development studio with their work on DUST 514, a ground-based console MMOFPS that ties in with the galactic struggle for control between players in EVE Online.

A recent interview with Gamasutra's Christian Nutt discusses CCP Asia and their work on DUST 514 from both a western and eastern perspective. Environment Director Larry Herring and Lead Level Designer Jing Yu Zhu give us a better idea of the challenges (and red tape) involved with developing games for Western markets in China, and a look at the console game development scene in Shanghai.

Continue reading CCP Asia discusses China operations, DUST 514

MassivelyCCP Asia discusses China operations, DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaccpccp-asiaccp-gameschinachristian-nuttconsolesdust-514environment-directoreveeve-onlinegamasutrainterviewsjing-yu-zhularry-herringlead-level-designermmo-industrysci-fishanghaiMon, 04 Jan 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Asia on innovation and risk with DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ccp-asia-on-innovation-and-risk-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ccp-asia-on-innovation-and-risk-with-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/10/ccp-asia-on-innovation-and-risk-with-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


This past August's announcement from CCP Games of a new title -- DUST 514, a console MMOFPS set in EVE Online's New Eden galaxy -- drew both great interest and intense criticism from gamers. If successful, CCP Games will be the first game company to tie a console FPS in with a separate MMO. (Not entirely separate, however. DUST 514 mercenaries will fight it out on the surface of the same planets seen from space in EVE Online. Their successes and failures will ultimately play a role in the balance of power in EVE.)

Since that first flurry of info about DUST 514, it's been rather quiet on the news front. However, a two-part article published at Edge Online this week focuses on CCP's new game. Edge Online's "Enter Planet Dust" is something of a primer on the core concepts behind the title but is also one of the most comprehensive pieces written about DUST 514 to date. Edge also interviewed some of the key CCP Games staff working on the game in Shanghai -- Kjartan Pierre Emilsson, Managing Director of CCP Asia and Atli Már Sveinsson, Creative Director on DUST 514.

Continue reading CCP Asia on innovation and risk with DUST 514

MassivelyCCP Asia on innovation and risk with DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiaatli-mar-sveinssonccpccp-asiaccp-gameschinaconsolesdustdust-514edgeedge-onlineeveeve-onlinekjartan-pierre-emilssonmercenariesmercsmmofpsnew-titlesrtssci-fishanghaiwilliam-chenThu, 10 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating the planets of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/01/creating-the-planets-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the nice things EVE Online players have to look forward to with the Dominion expansion launch today is the addition of redesigned planets. EVE developer CCP jBot was recently interviewed about the game's new look at MMOZONE and explained how CCP Games generated the planets with their in-house development environment. The work was done in tandem with the company's Shanghai team working on the ground-based DUST 514; the shaders they created allow the devs to manipulate landmasses and oceans, cloud density, city lights, and even regions with vegetation. Textures for 10 different planet types coupled with new planet shaders "should ensure that every planet in EVE is unique," said CCP jBot. The end result is that New Eden will now have procedurally generated gas giants and ice planets, not to mention various terrestrial worlds.

CCP's goal is to have the look of a given planet be identical in both EVE Online and DUST 514. CCP jBot told MMOZONE: "We're working hard to make sure when you're in space over your favorite planet in EVE or on the ground of that same planet in DUST 514 that it feels right. Obviously there are different constraints between console and PC that we live under which could mean a slight difference in the look but we're pretty excited about how things are looking on all platforms."

Continue reading Creating the planets of EVE Online

MassivelyCreating the planets of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdominiondust-514eveeve-onlineexpansionsinterviewsmmozonenew-edenplanetssci-fishanghaiTue, 01 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Woop woop, that's the sound of the space police: Meet CCP's "Permaband"]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/woop-woop-thats-the-sound-of-the-space-police-meet-ccps-per/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/woop-woop-thats-the-sound-of-the-space-police-meet-ccps-per/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/woop-woop-thats-the-sound-of-the-space-police-meet-ccps-per/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Now normally when we talk about EVE Online, it's about a scandal, or some theft, or just the general talk on how to pilot your virtual spaceship better. This, however, is certainly not one of those EVE Online stories.

So what is this story about? Well it's a story about what happens when you add rap to CCP. And what would happen if CCP made a rap video and got many members of their staff to star in it... because they did. The guy in the top? No, he's not some aspiring white rapper (although he might be after this) -- he's Sveinn Kjarval, EVE's lead game master. The girls on his left and right? That's EVE's marketing director on the left and the CEO's assistant on the right.

Now before you go running off to find this golden video of awesome, we need to warn you, it's seriously not safe for work. (Except it's safe for CCP's work, because it's CCP's offices, so it's ok to watch this video if you work at CCP.) We'd love to embed it here for ya, but sadly, due to explicit lyrics (and a techno viking), we can't. But if you're ok with some NSFW content, then do we have the link for you.

MassivelyWoop woop, that's the sound of the space police: Meet CCP's "Permaband" originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantabreakingccpcrowd-control-productionseveeve-onlineicelandmusic-videonsfwrapshanghaiTECHNO-VIKINGTue, 06 Oct 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2009 highlights]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/eve-fanfest-2009-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/eve-fanfest-2009-highlights/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/05/eve-fanfest-2009-highlights/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The biggest player gathering of the year for EVE Online fans is EVE Fanfest, held annually in the CCP Games hometown of Reykjavik. Some interesting announcements of what's to come have been made over the past few days, as well as more details or clarification on previously announced aspects of both EVE Online and DUST 514.

Read on for a few highlights of the info revealed at EVE Fanfest 2009 for the game and the IP beyond the Dominion expansion (slated for a December 1st launch):

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2009 highlights

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2009 highlights originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atli-mar-sveinssonccp-gamesdominiondust-514eve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2009eve-onlinehilmar-peturssonnathan-richardssonnoah-wardoveurplayer-gatheringreykjaviksci-fishanghaitorfi-frans-olafssonMon, 05 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What is this mystery project at CCP Games?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/19/the-daily-grind-what-is-this-mystery-project-at-ccp-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


We know that CCP Games, creators of EVE Online, is going to announce a new project at GDC Europe in August. As CCP acquired White Wolf, creators of pen-and-paper RPG titles like Vampire, Mage, and Werewolf (the World of Darkness setting), we've known for some time that a World of Darkness MMO is in the works. Unfortunately, beyond the fact that the project exists at some stage of development, we know very little. But this mystery project announcement might not be about WoD at all. We're also aware that CCP Games has plans to release a first person shooter based on the EVE Online IP, which they hinted at during EVE Fanfest 2008.

The latest info we've found about a new project at CCP Games (via @crazykinux) is a job listing at CCP for a Senior Game Engineer. The successful applicant "will join a seasoned team based in Shanghai, China where they will work on original IP for the Xbox 360 and PlayStation 3." The listing also mentions development on the Unreal Engine.

Regardless of whether they're planning to unveil World of Darkness Online or an EVE Online first person shooter, you don't need to be an EVE player to appreciate how cool either of these releases could be. What game do you think CCP is going to announce at GDC Europe?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What is this mystery project at CCP Games? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccp-gamesconsoleconsoleseve-onlinefirst-person-shootergdc-europegdc-europe-2009hilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonhorrorpen-and-paperplaystation-3ps3rampant-speculationrpgsci-fishanghaitdgthe-daily-grindunreal-enginewhite-wolfworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlinexbox-360xbox360Fri, 19 Jun 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games CEO to announce new project in GDC Europe keynote]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/ccp-games-ceo-to-announce-new-project-in-gdc-europe-keynote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/ccp-games-ceo-to-announce-new-project-in-gdc-europe-keynote/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/ccp-games-ceo-to-announce-new-project-in-gdc-europe-keynote/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Hilmar Pétursson, the CEO of CCP Games, will keynote Game Developers Conference Europe 2009 in Cologne, Germany. The event runs from August 17 through the 19th at the Cologne Congress Center East. Hilmar's keynote will focus on how CCP Games rose from being a small Reykjavik-based studio with an obscure niche title to becoming a success story in the MMO industry with the growing popularity of EVE Online, now running studios in Atlanta and Shanghai, as well as their hometown of Reykjavik.

Perhaps the biggest news here is the reveal hinted at in the CCP Games press release: "As a testament to the industry's potential for growth despite widespread economic turmoil and as an inspiration for up-and-coming independent studios, Pétursson will give an exclusive first look at the company's latest project, which is currently in pre-production." We can only assume this is the World of Darkness MMO, but it could very well be a closer look at Walking in Stations or any of the other projects CCP announced at last year's Fanfest. Regardless of what this new project is, we won't know for sure until August.

MassivelyCCP Games CEO to announce new project in GDC Europe keynote originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantaccp-gameschinaeveeve-onlinefpsgame-developers-conference-europegdcgdc-europegdc-europe-2009hilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonicelandkeynotemmo-industryreykjavikshanghaiwalking-in-stationsworld-of-darknessThu, 11 Jun 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The9 sues Blizzard in WoW China operation fallout]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the9-sues-blizzard-in-wow-china-operation-fallout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the9-sues-blizzard-in-wow-china-operation-fallout/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/02/the9-sues-blizzard-in-wow-china-operation-fallout/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Foreign game companies operating in China face a business, regulatory, and legal climate that can be confusing or even turbulent at times. These are the chances a game company takes when trying to succeed in the China market; there are risks, certainly, but there's also a great deal of profit potential. Blizzard Entertainment partnered with games operator The9 to bring World of Warcraft to millions of gamers in China in an arrangement that's worked for four years. Things must have soured in this last year of operation, however, as Blizzard has dropped The9 and partnered with NetEase to operate World of Warcraft in China as of this month.

Clearly, this does not sit well with The9. The latest report we've seen on the fallout from the Blizzard/The9 split shows it's getting ugly. The9 is taking action against Blizzard in the Chinese legal system, with lawsuits over software copyright infringement, assets damage, and commercial defamation. All three suits are being heard in Shanghai courts.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!

MassivelyThe9 sues Blizzard in WoW China operation fallout originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiablizzardblizzard-entertainmentchinalawsuitslegalmmo-industryneteaseshanghaithe9world-of-warcraftwowwow-chinaTue, 02 Jun 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games boosts productivity with agile development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/ccp-games-boosts-productivity-with-agile-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/ccp-games-boosts-productivity-with-agile-development/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/21/ccp-games-boosts-productivity-with-agile-development/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


When CCP Games developed the Apocrypha expansion for EVE Online, it wasn't only the first time that all three studios -- Atlanta, Reykjavik, and Shanghai -- worked in concert on single project, they also created the game's largest expansion to date in record time.

EVE Online's lead designer Noah Ward recently explained how CCP was able to accomplish this in an interview with Gamasutra's Christian Nutt and Chris Remo. The company switched from its waterfall development model to agile methods where the game was developed through the collaboration of small teams that showcase their progress to the rest of the developers frequently. Ward says, "Now that we've switched over, we don't have these huge waterfall phases anymore, it's just iterative, agile two week sprints, and we have a demo day at the end [...] and it's just amazing to see how much is actually produced in those two weeks."

Continue reading CCP Games boosts productivity with agile development

MassivelyCCP Games boosts productivity with agile development originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agileatlantaccp-gameschris-remochristian-nutteveeve-onlinegamasutrainterviewsmmo-industrynoah-wardreykjaviksci-fishanghaiwaterfallwhite-wolfTue, 21 Apr 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online developers discuss Apocrypha expansion's impact on the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/eve-online-developers-discuss-apocrypha-expansions-impact-on-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/eve-online-developers-discuss-apocrypha-expansions-impact-on-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/07/eve-online-developers-discuss-apocrypha-expansions-impact-on-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


EVE Online's recent deployment of the Apocrypha expansion brought major changes to the game. Apocrypha is the largest expansion they've released to date, incorporating wormhole exploration and modular ship designs, in addition to a new NPC race into the fabric of the game as we know it.

BattleClinic, a site best known for its player-built tools, guides, and as a hub for sharing and commenting upon ship setups, caught up with CCP Games at GDC 2009. They spoke with Halldór Fannar Guðjónsson, CTO at CCP Games, and Gabe Mahoney, VP of Engineering. Given how significant Apocrypha has been from the standpoint of the players and CCP alike, the interview focuses on the expansion.

Continue reading EVE Online developers discuss Apocrypha expansion's impact on the game

MassivelyEVE Online developers discuss Apocrypha expansion's impact on the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apocryphaatlantabattleclinicccp-gamesepic-mission-arcseveeve-onlineexpansionsgabe-mahoneygame-mechanicsgdc-2009halldor-fannarinterviewinterviewsnew-player-experiencereykjaviksci-fishanghaiTue, 07 Apr 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China's The9 faces bankruptcy if Wrath expansion not approved by government]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/13/chinas-the9-faces-bankruptcy-if-wrath-expansion-not-approved-by/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


We reported the other day on the issues that The9 is having with getting the Wrath of the Lich King expansion released in China. The government is unwilling to approve the World of Warcraft expansion, citing 'health' and decency concerns about the game's content. The9 is the licensed operator of World of Warcraft in China, and the company paid a significant amount in licensing fees to Blizzard Entertainment in April of 2008 to secure the rights to operate Wrath, according to Shanghai-based JLM Pacific Epoch.

Although the Chinese regulatory body, the General Administration of Press and Publication (GAPP), is chiefly concerned with removing "unhealthy" content from the game, their stance could prove disastrous for The9. If GAPP doesn't green light the Wrath of the Lich King expansion in China, The9 will not be able to recoup their losses and may face bankruptcy.
One of Azeroth's millions of citizens? Check out our ongoing coverage of the World of Warcraft, and be sure to touch base with our sister site WoW Insider for all your Lich King needs!


MassivelyChina's The9 faces bankruptcy if Wrath expansion not approved by government originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiabusiness-modelscensorshipchinaexpansionsfantasygappjlm-pacific-epochlicensed-operatormmo-industryoperatorregulationregulatory-bodyshanghaithe9world-of-warcraftwotlkwowwrathwrath-of-the-lich-kingFri, 13 Mar 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[China's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/chinas-virtual-goods-taxation-sparks-price-increases-and-contro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


China's State Administration of Taxation recently imposed a 20 percent income tax rate on profits made from virtual currency and virtual items, sparking price increases for virtual goods. While this tax rate (if actually enforced) clearly impacts the virtual space, it also affects transactions happening outside of MMO servers and virtual world grids. The taxation policy could ultimately extend to the virtual currencies linked to the largest IM providers in China such as Tencent, drastically increasing the percentage of the population affected by the new laws. Despite this, the positive benefits of eliminating gray and black markets for virtual items and currency may outweigh the drawbacks for gamers and users of the various digital services in China.

Questions remain about what will and will not be taxed in the virtual space, but it's clear that individuals who gain virtual income are expected to declare their profits and pay taxes on this, and do so within seven days of having earned the profit, according to Shanghai Daily.Taxpayers who can provide proof of the value of this property or the value of the transaction are taxed at 20 percent on their profits, while those who cannot provide sufficient verification are taxed at three percent of the total transaction value. But how many people are affected by this new system?

Continue reading China's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy

MassivelyChina's virtual goods taxation sparks price increases and controversy originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiablack-marketchinacontroversyeconomicseconomygoldgray-marketlawlegalmmo-industryrmtshanghaishanghai-dailytaxtaxestencentvirtual-currencyvirtual-goodsvirtual-itemsvirtual-taxationvirtual-worldszhu-shenshenWed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO addiction drives man to poison family]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/mmo-addiction-drives-man-to-poison-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/mmo-addiction-drives-man-to-poison-family/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/14/mmo-addiction-drives-man-to-poison-family/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Addiction as it applies to MMOs and internet activity in general is a contentious issue. Many of the more unusual or extreme stories regarding the actions that result from digital addiction tend to come to us from Asia, especially China. The pace and fervor with which China's internet savvy population has seized the web and all that it offers -- both good and bad -- is staggering. The web has become integral to entertainment in China, particularly for the younger generation, but it's brought with it a host of societal problems and crime.

Only days ago, the Chinese government classified Internet addiction as a mental disease, a fact which may well stay the execution of Hu Ange, a 22-year-old man who poisoned his own parents... apparently so they would not interfere with his addiction to the online game Legend. Hu was sentenced to death, but the case is now being appealed on the grounds that he is mentally ill.

Continue reading MMO addiction drives man to poison family

MassivelyMMO addiction drives man to poison family originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addictionasiachengduchinacontroversialcontroversylegendmental-illnesspoisonshanghaishanghai-dailyFri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic Games China reforms as Titan Studios, developing MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/epic-games-china-reforms-as-titan-studios-developing-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/epic-games-china-reforms-as-titan-studios-developing-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/12/epic-games-china-reforms-as-titan-studios-developing-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

When most of us hear talk of the company "Epic Games", the first thing that comes to mind is Gears of War or the Unreal series of titles. While Epic Games had a Shanghai games studio for outsourcing purposes, it's now evolved into Titan Studios, a wholly owned subsidiary based in Seattle. Through Titan Studios, it seems Epic Games is turning their attention to MMOGs, following up their work on the PS3 title Fat Princess.

As to what's going on within the Titan Studios walls, GameSpot's Tom Magrino reports that "an undefined number of unannounced projects are in the works at the studio, one of which is a massively multiplayer online game." Needless to say, that bit of information has piqued our interest, and we'll keep our eyes open at Massively for more about the Titan Studios MMO project in the future.

MassivelyEpic Games China reforms as Titan Studios, developing MMO originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chinaepic-gamesfat-princessgears-of-warjoystiqmmo-industrymmo-projectnew-titlesoutsourcingseattleshanghaititan-studiosunrealunreal-engineunreal-tournamentwashingtonWed, 12 Nov 2008 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[American McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/american-mcgee-seeks-to-bring-kart-racing-mmo-to-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/american-mcgee-seeks-to-bring-kart-racing-mmo-to-the-west/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/24/american-mcgee-seeks-to-bring-kart-racing-mmo-to-the-west/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Lots of people predict a new game being the next WoW-killer, or at least irritate others with those predictions, but in China some people are talking about a KartRider-killer. One of the most popular games in China -- indeed, throughout Asia -- is an MMO based off of GoKart racing and it looks like other competitors are about to take on Nexon's KartRider dominance. What's interesting is that the main person behind this is none other than American McGee, who's now turning his attention to the MMO space with a new game called BaiJiu Racer, which our sister site Big Download reports.

If you've ever played the trippy game American McGee's Alice, a twisted continuation of Alice in Wonderland released in 2000, you'll probably remember his name. American McGee currently heads up the Shanghai-based Spicy Horse game studio which most recently developed the episodic PC game Grimm. BaiJiu Racer (context: BaiJiu is a 120 proof liquor) already has a Chinese publisher, but McGee is seeking to bring the title to western markets as well, and is putting out a call to interested parties. While a kart-racing game might not seem like the most viable MMO game to release outside of Asia, you might want to have a look at the trailer found below the cut, it looks like fun.

Continue reading American McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west

MassivelyAmerican McGee seeks to bring kart-racing MMO to the west originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>american-mcgeeasiabaijiubaijiu-racerbig-downloadblogchinaflickrgo-kartgokartgrimmkart-riderkartridermmo-industrynexonpublisherpublishersraceracingshanghaispicy-horsevideovideosworld-of-warcraftwowyoutubeFri, 24 Oct 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP Games outlines GM hierarchy in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ccp-games-outlines-gm-hierarchy-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ccp-games-outlines-gm-hierarchy-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/20/ccp-games-outlines-gm-hierarchy-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The latest EVE Online dev blog comes from GM Zhainius, who writes about customer support at CCP Games. Over the 5 years EVE Online has been running, the GM staff has answered millions of petitions in addition to writing articles and guides. But their work is typically in the background; it's the devs that really get the attention. GM Zhainius felt like writing to clarify the inner workings of CCP Games in terms of customer support, and to give players a clearer picture of what happens when they file a petition.

GM Zhainius dispels rumors that Game Masters at CCP are volunteers. They're all paid employees, some of whom have been doing their job for years. He also cites a low turnover among CCP's GM staff; in fact, a number of them have been with EVE before the game even launched. The GMs work from four locations worldwide: Reykjavik, Atlanta, Düsseldorf, and Shanghai. He lays out the company's entire customer support structure and the groups or 'cells' the support team is divided into. The EVE dev blog is an interesting look behind-the-scenes into how CCP customer support is handled, and whether or not you're a satisfied customer, it's always good to know that at least someone is reading those ship reimbursement petitions.

MassivelyCCP Games outlines GM hierarchy in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jun 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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