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[Why I Play: Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/why-i-play-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Global Agenda screenshot
Among the Massively staff, I'm known as the obsessive competitor who plays every game in a hardcore fashion. It's no surprise that I gravitate toward high-skill, difficult games that test skill instead of the typical MMO grinds. But it should be a bit of a surprise that I don't really like competitive shooters. Shooters take a lot of the elements I really love about competition such as mindgames and positioning and marginalize them in favor of raw aiming and twitch reflexes. I'm fond of saying "You must be this tall to ride this ride" when it comes to shooters that are very twitch-based.

Global Agenda is a different beast than other shooters, though. The competitive shooter market is saturated with class-based shooters whose emphasis is more on teamwork than on aiming, and Global Agenda really takes it to eleven. Aiming is still important, but it's hardly the most important skill in the game, and every class has a way of minimizing the need for aiming skill. In fact, most of the more effective builds in GA don't require aiming. The emphasis in GA is on teamwork, mobility, and good decision-making. Even though it's a shooter, I find it really easy to spend far too much of my time playing it. It's just great fun.

Continue reading Why I Play: Global Agenda

MassivelyWhy I Play: Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>competitioncompetitive-gamingcompetitive-shootereditorialf2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playgaglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosjetpacksjetpacks-are-awesomemassively-metametammofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionsci-fishooterspy-fithird-person-shootertpswho-doesnt-like-flyingwhy-i-playWed, 09 May 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/gdc-2012-the-firing-line-talks-release-dates-with-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - GDC 2012 Hi-Rez Interview, Tribes release date
It's been a crazy week at GDC, and though I've already gotten the skinny on both PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514, there's more on the way when it comes to online shooter news. Yesterday morning I headed over to the Hi-Rez Studios booth on the main show floor, where COO Todd Harris had some exciting news to share with fans of the firm's Tribes: Ascend title.

The free-to-play shooter will officially launch on April 12th, and Hi-Rez has also released a new parody trailer that pays homage to Dead Island and shows off the perils of the dreaded "llama capture" (if you're a Tribes newb, just know that speed equals survival when it comes to flag-grabs).

Join me after the cut for some Tribes-related chit-chat as well news of new content on the way for Global Agenda.

Continue reading GDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris

MassivelyGDC 2012: The Firing Line talks release dates with Tribes Ascend's Todd Harris originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondead-islande-sporte-sportsexclusivef2pfeaturedfiring-linefpsfree-to-playgagame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012global agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinterviewmmofpsonline-shootersci-fishooterspy-fithe-firing-linethe-firing-line-extrathe-firing-line-interviewsthird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-dead-islandtribes-release-datetribes-videovideoFri, 09 Mar 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/02/the-firing-line-getting-into-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - header with various shooter avatars
OK, so you've heard about this whole Global Agenda thing, and you've talked yourself into giving it a shot. It's completely free-to-play from start to finish these days, and the Unreal graphics, sci-fi setting, and strange mixture of hyper-competitive PvP and ultra-accessible PvE have always held a certain appeal.

You're not sure, but you think it's kind of an MMO, given that it has persistent territory control, lots of quests, and plenty of progression-based gameplay. Maybe you're a pro skillz baller, or maybe the extent of your shooter knowledge is which end of the gun gets pointed at the bad guys.

Either way, you'll likely have a good time in Hi-Rez's spy-fi action title, and you'll have an even better time if you understand a few key points about the game prior to diving in.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Getting into Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classescombat-ratingfeaturedfiring-lineglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmercmerc-pvpmicrosoft-trueskillmmo-shootermmotpsopinionplayer-skillpvpsci-fishooterskillskill-basedskillsspy-fithe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstrueskilltutorialsFri, 02 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda hints at new Dome Defense mission]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/global-agenda-hints-at-new-dome-defense-mission/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/global-agenda-hints-at-new-dome-defense-mission/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/20/global-agenda-hints-at-new-dome-defense-mission/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Just when you thought it was safe to park your agent in a secluded corner of the dome and troll the city chat, Hi-Rez Studios is hinting at a new Dome Defense mission coming soon to spy-fi shooter Global Agenda. In a series of teaser posts to its Facebook page, Hi-Rez says the mission is "not quite ready for the public test server yet," but is the nonetheless exciting enough to warrant three new screenshots.

In keeping with Global Agenda's free-to-play theme, the new mission won't cost game owners a dime, and it will feature attacks from Recursive Colony bots as well as grim-faced NPC Dalton Bancroft in a support role. Check out the new screens in our gallery below and stay tuned for further info.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyGlobal Agenda hints at new Dome Defense mission originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentsbotsdalton-bancroftdome-defensef2pfree-to-playglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-hi-rezhi-rezhi-rez-global-agendahi-rez-studiosnew-missionpatchpverecursive-colonysci-fispy-fiupdatewhen-bots-attackThu, 20 Jan 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elven Agenda: What Hi-Rez doesn't want you to know]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/the-elven-agenda-what-hi-rez-doesnt-want-you-to-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/the-elven-agenda-what-hi-rez-doesnt-want-you-to-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/22/the-elven-agenda-what-hi-rez-doesnt-want-you-to-know/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

"In Global Agenda, there are no elves."

That's what we've been told for over a year now. Hi-Rez's Spy-Fi shooter has almost staked it's entire existence on the removal of Elven kind from the gaming scene, which has certainly earned them a nasty reputation with the Sylvaen-American equal rights camps.

But we here at Massively have confirmed, through a diligent study of Global Agenda, that Hi-Rez may be deceiving its own player base. While the company may take a hardline stance against elves, their actions speak very differently.

Take, for example, the Recon class... or should we say the Elven class? Follow along readers, for we have evidence to back up our claims!

Continue reading The Elven Agenda: What Hi-Rez doesn't want you to know

MassivelyThe Elven Agenda: What Hi-Rez doesn't want you to know originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>elfconesrb-lolfair-and-balancedfeaturedglobal-agendahi-rez-studioshumorinvestigative-reportingno-elvespersistent-fpsserious-investigative-reportingspy-fiFri, 22 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda to feature Vivox voice integration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/global-agenda-to-feature-vivox-voice-integration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/global-agenda-to-feature-vivox-voice-integration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/10/global-agenda-to-feature-vivox-voice-integration/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Massively has been following the growing prevalence of MMOFPS games poised to enter the market in the coming months and years, with the most notable of these being Global Agenda. The game's developer Hi-Rez Studios got in touch with us today to let us know about their partnership with Vivox, who will provide voice features for Global Agenda. Vivox will enable push-to-talk voice chat and in-game news broadcasts "that describe key victories and events associated with Global Agenda's persistent territory control gameplay," states Hi-Rez Studios. An additional (subscriber-only) feature will be out-of-game voice chat that will keep agency members in touch when they're not fragging their rivals. According to Hi-Rez, "Players can use a variety of access methods including the Vivox Web Voice within the toolbar controls, Vivox Voice on Facebook, or calling into a specified chat channel from their phone."

Hi-Rez also announced they will hold a dev chat via Facebook on Wednesday, November 18th, from 10-11pm (Eastern), which will require participants to download the Vivox Voice app for Facebook. A Facebook group announcement from Hi-Rez today states that the dev chat will be limited to 75 people who will pose questions to the Global Agenda devs.

MassivelyGlobal Agenda to feature Vivox voice integration originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agenciesagencydev-chatfacebookglobal-agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosmmo-industrymmofpsnew-titlessci-fispy-fivivoxvivox-voicevoiceTue, 10 Nov 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX 2009: Our hands-on with Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/gamex-2009-our-hands-on-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/gamex-2009-our-hands-on-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/03/gamex-2009-our-hands-on-with-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


It's an MMO, it's a shooter, and we stealthily gathered enemy intelligence on it at GameX 2009. It's Hi-Rez's Global Agenda, the "spy-fi" team based shooter that has lots of people talking in excited whispers.

We sat down at Hi-Rez's gaming rigs once again for a look at the game, and this time we went beyond the PvP matches. We got to have some personal time with Global Agenda's PvE mode, getting an inside look at how secret agents deal with insane governments that utilize robots to the Nth degree.

So what can you expect from Global Agenda, both PvP and PvE-wise? If our looks into the game were any indication, you can expect lots.

Continue reading GameX 2009: Our hands-on with Global Agenda

MassivelyGameX 2009: Our hands-on with Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafeaturedgamexgamex-2009global-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosmmofpspvepvpspy-fiTue, 03 Nov 2009 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GameX 2009: Inside Global Agenda's PvE and AvA persistent content battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/gamex-2009-inside-global-agendas-pve-and-ava-persistent-conten/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/gamex-2009-inside-global-agendas-pve-and-ava-persistent-conten/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/30/gamex-2009-inside-global-agendas-pve-and-ava-persistent-conten/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


As we've said before, we got to see many, many people at GameX 2009 this year. But one of the main reasons we went to the expo was to catch up once again with the team from Hi-Rez Studios and ask them some more questions on their "spy-fi" MMOFPS, Global Agenda.

On the top of our burning question list was what exactly made Global Agenda into an MMO, so we set out to ask associate producer Michal Adam all about what made their AvA and persistent world battles so special. Along the way, we also inquired as to what their PvE content will hold, and what rewards players could expect to find from participating in Global Agenda: Conquest.

For our full video interview with Michal, look no further than after the break!

Continue reading GameX 2009: Inside Global Agenda's PvE and AvA persistent content battles

MassivelyGameX 2009: Inside Global Agenda's PvE and AvA persistent content battles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-vs-allianceavafeaturedgamexgamex-2009global-agendamichal-adammmofpspersistent-worldpvepvpspy-fiFri, 30 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda wants to give beta keys to you!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/global-agenda-wants-to-give-beta-keys-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/global-agenda-wants-to-give-beta-keys-to-you/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/30/global-agenda-wants-to-give-beta-keys-to-you/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Another day, another set of beta keys for some lucky Massively readers. The guys at Hi-Rez Studios have 10 more beta keys that they want to give you guys so you can get in and play some Global Agenda.

If you're interested in jumping into this "spy-fi" MMO shooter, then listen up because things are going to be a bit different this time. We're not doing the "post a comment and pray" style of giveaway for these keys. Hi-Rez has worked this contest straight into their closed beta registration system, and we're going to tell you exactly how to enter right after the break.

Also, this contest is only good until tomorrow. That's right, you need to update your closed beta registration with our special code by tomorrow, Thursday, October 1st. For full instructions, hit the "continue reading" button and jump with us after the break.

Continue reading Global Agenda wants to give beta keys to you!

MassivelyGlobal Agenda wants to give beta keys to you! originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keysbreakingclosed-betacontestgiveawayglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmofpsspy-fiWed, 30 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda interview breaks down PvP game mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/global-agenda-interview-breaks-down-pvp-game-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/global-agenda-interview-breaks-down-pvp-game-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/31/global-agenda-interview-breaks-down-pvp-game-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


A game we've had our eyes on from Hi-Rez Studios is Global Agenda, a cross between a class-based shooter and an MMO. Given its first person shooter roots, the game is heavily PvP-oriented. This match-based combat is the focus of an interview by Jon Wood at MMORPG.com with Global Agenda Executive Producer Todd Harris.

Harris relates that PvP in Global Agenda happens both in small squads and "AvA" (agency vs. agency), where players will participate in a "massive meta-game to control land and resources involving hundreds of territory locations and tens of thousands of player agents."

Continue reading Global Agenda interview breaks down PvP game mechanics

MassivelyGlobal Agenda interview breaks down PvP game mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agency-vs-agencyavacombatexecutive-producerglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosinterviewsjon-woodmmofpsmmorpg.comnew-titlespvpsci-fishooterspy-fitodd-harrisMon, 31 Aug 2009 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios to host all-night Global Agenda LAN party at Dragon*Con]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/30/hi-rez-studios-to-host-all-night-global-agenda-lan-party-at-drag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Are you interested in checking out the sci-fi MMOFPS Global Agenda, but didn't get accepted into beta? The team at Hi-Rez Studios has good news for anyone who's going to be in Atlanta during Dragon*Con 2009. They're going to have an all-night LAN party for Global Agenda which anyone can crash, even if you don't have a Dragon*Con pass. Hi-Rez Studios bills this as an "all-you-can play, hands-on experience with the upcoming game, Global Agenda. There will be PvE missions, PvP death matches, and your chance to get an inside look" at the game.

Interested? You can check out the details on the Global Agenda site, but the gist of their announcement is that the LAN party will be held on Friday September 4th in the Digital Gaming Area of the Hilton. The Hi-Rez event will be on the 3rd floor, conference rooms 309-312. There's no cost of admission, food and drinks will be provided so gluttony is encouraged, and again you won't even need a Dragon*Con pass to get in. This sounds like a great chance to play the game well in advance of launch.

UPDATE: LAN party attendees will, in fact, need a Dragon*Con pass to enter the Digital Gaming Area.

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios to host all-night Global Agenda LAN party at Dragon*Con originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantabetasdragon-condragon-con-2009eventsglobal-agendahi-rez-studioslan-partymmo-industrymmofpssci-fispy-fiSun, 30 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Global Agenda closed beta test weekend begins today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/second-global-agenda-closed-beta-test-weekend-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/second-global-agenda-closed-beta-test-weekend-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/21/second-global-agenda-closed-beta-test-weekend-begins-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


One of the upcoming games Massively is watching closely is Global Agenda, an amalgam of a sci-fi MMO and a shooter. Global Agenda's creators, Hi-Rez Studios, launched the first phase of closed beta testing roughly a month ago, with new players hammering their servers over the course of four days. The next round of closed beta testing begins today, August 21st, at 3pm EST (12pm PDT, 8pm GMT) and will last through 6am EST (3am PDT, 11am GMT) on Sunday, August 23rd.

Where the first test was focused on the early levels of gameplay, Hi-Rez Studios will now focus on higher level gameplay. While we couldn't say exactly what that entails, it's a safe bet that gamers will have access to a wider array of devices and skills. On the topic of skills, our understanding is that this next round of beta testing will throw the alpha and beta testers in the same room for the first time... which should be brutal.

Continue reading Second Global Agenda closed beta test weekend begins today

MassivelySecond Global Agenda closed beta test weekend begins today originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betascbtclosed-betaglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmo-industrymmofpsnew-titlespvepvpsci-fispy-fiFri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda announces North American tour]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/global-agenda-announces-north-american-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/global-agenda-announces-north-american-tour/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/11/global-agenda-announces-north-american-tour/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


The team at Hi-Rez Studios announced they're taking Global Agenda on the road for a North American tour. It'll be a chance for fans, or anyone curious about the shooter-MMO hybrid, to get some hands-on time with Global Agenda and meet the developers from Hi-Rez Studios. The Global Agenda tour kicks off this week at QuakeCon in Dallas and will hit the major gaming events through January. The tour dates announced thus far are:

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyGlobal Agenda announces North American tour originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consumer-electronics-showdragoncon-2009gamexglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmo-industrymmofpspenny-arcade-expoquakeconsci-fispy-fitourtour-datestoursTue, 11 Aug 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda video interview gives a closer look at the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/global-agenda-video-interview-gives-a-closer-look-at-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/global-agenda-video-interview-gives-a-closer-look-at-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/08/09/global-agenda-video-interview-gives-a-closer-look-at-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Massively has been keeping an eye on Global Agenda, a title on the way from Hi-Rez Studios that's one of the new breed of shooter MMOs. Our own Shawn Schuster recently visited their Atlanta studio for a video tour as the Hi-Rez team prepped for closed beta. We see that BarnGamerz also got an early look at Global Agenda and scored some face time with the developers, who explained a bit about their respective roles in creating the game. They put it all into a video, with Lead Technical Artist Mick Larkins discussing a bit about his work, and an interview with Executive Producer Todd Harris.

If you haven't been following the coverage of Global Agenda across the various MMO sites, this might serve as a good primer on the game. Harris sits down with Jaimie from BarnGamerz to discuss the basic concepts behind the title, including Global Agenda's classes and how they'll be employed, illustrated with some in-game footage. You can see the Global Agenda Studio Tour at BarnGamerz or check out the video embed after the jump.

Continue reading Global Agenda video interview gives a closer look at the game

MassivelyGlobal Agenda video interview gives a closer look at the game originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>barngamerzexecutive-producerglobal-agendahi-rez-studioslead-technical-artistmick-larkinsmmofpsnew-titlessci-fishootershootersspy-fistudio-tourtodd-harrisvideoSun, 09 Aug 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda closed beta kicks off tomorrow, July 24]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/global-agenda-closed-beta-kicks-off-tomorrow-july-24/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/global-agenda-closed-beta-kicks-off-tomorrow-july-24/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/23/global-agenda-closed-beta-kicks-off-tomorrow-july-24/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Global Agenda fans... it's almost here. The game's closed beta kicks off tomorrow, but a few lucky gamers in Hi-Rez's neighborhood actually got a head start today. Hi-Rez Studios Associate Producer Michal Adam just put up a dev blog over on MMORPG.com about the beta, and how some lucky gamers got first crack at the 'spy-fi' title.

She explains the Hi-Rez Studios tradition of N00b day "New Tester Day", where some players are invited out to the game studio to test out Global Agenda. It's part of the company's outreach to high schools and universities in the area. Michal writes, "Today's 'noob' group comprises individuals who live nearby and register through the Global Agenda website for today's testing session. I'm not sure when they signed up they knew they'd be the first to get onto Global Agenda's beta, and I guess I should stop calling them 'noobs' because they are the highest ranked players on our beta server!"

Continue reading Global Agenda closed beta kicks off tomorrow, July 24

MassivelyGlobal Agenda closed beta kicks off tomorrow, July 24 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>associate-producerbetascbtclosed-betadev-blogdev-blogsglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmichal-adammmofpsmmorpg.comnew-titlessci-fispy-fiThu, 23 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/09/global-agenda-producer-interview-explains-players-vs-playable-e/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


How can we describe a game like Global Agenda? "It's like a sci-fi Team Fortress 2 with elements of territory and resource control." That works. Or we could say, "It's an MMO that's gene spliced with a first person shooter." That's pretty accurate as well. But whichever way you look at it, Global Agenda is a game that's hard to define with any single, existing label. You'll play as an "agent" in one of four classes -- Assault (heavy weapons), Recon (stealth and melee), Robotic (gadgets galore), or Medic -- in a game that's as much about fast-paced combat as it is about controlling territory and tapping resources on an alliance (guild) level.

The title is in development at Hi-Rez Studios, and I4U News recently spoke with Global Agenda executive producer Todd Harris about what makes this game unique. Harris discusses Global Agenda's elements of world control and says, "When a player alliance successfully claims an entire zone, anticipated to take approximately 45 days, that group will be rewarded with prestige items, public display of their alliance banner, and permanent notation within the lore of the world."

Continue reading Global Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments

MassivelyGlobal Agenda producer interview explains Players vs. Playable Environments originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agentagentsassaultgame-mechanicsglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosinterviewsmedicplayable-environmentspvepvppvpereconroboticsci-fispy-fiterritorial-controltodd-harrisworld-controlThu, 09 Jul 2009 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/05/global-agenda-mo-caps-u-s-soldier-before-he-deploys-for-tour-of/#commentsFiled under: , ,


We hope our U.S. readers have been enjoying their Independence Day celebrations. Clearly most everyone working in the MMO industry has been chowing down on BBQ as there hasn't been much in the way of major gaming news stories breaking during the holiday. However, we did come across a Global Agenda story that we think is fitting for the 4th of July weekend.

Hi-Rez Studios VP of game operations Stew Chisam writes that the Global Agenda team received this from the wife of U.S. Army Captain Chris Ficquette: "My husband is in the United States Army and will be re-deployed for his second tour of duty this summer. To date, I have not yet found a bigger fan of video games than him. Is there any way that I could have my husband involved in motion capturing so that he could be immortalized in your video game?" It turns out Hi-Rez Studios was willing to oblige.

Continue reading Global Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty

MassivelyGlobal Agenda mo-caps U.S. soldier before he deploys for tour of duty originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>4th-of-julydaniel-lillebergfourth-of-julyglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosholidaysindependence-dayjuly-4thlead-animatormo-capmotion-capturesci-fispy-fistew-chisamSun, 05 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Global Agenda gameplay vids show off customization and PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-global-agenda-gameplay-vids-show-off-customization-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-global-agenda-gameplay-vids-show-off-customization-and-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/07/02/new-global-agenda-gameplay-vids-show-off-customization-and-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


As the shooter-MMO hybrid Global Agenda enters closed beta this month, the team at Hi-Rez Studios has begun to release more videos showing off gameplay footage. John Walker over at Rock, Paper, Shotgun hunted down and rounded up the new videos from Gametrailers, which give us a good look at how the game is shaping up. The first video shows off the character creation process, with a cut scene explaining your introduction to the world, trapped and floating in a cloning tank monitored by machines, then rescued by armored human allies. That's followed up by footage of other character creation options in Global Agenda, from the look of your agent's body to armor customization, as well as showing how large and open the game's social hubs will be.

Even better, there are two more videos that show off Global Agenda's combat, demonstrating both co-op gameplay and PvP. We've got video embeds of the combat footage after the jump:

Continue reading New Global Agenda gameplay vids show off customization and PvP

MassivelyNew Global Agenda gameplay vids show off customization and PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>armorcharacter-creationco-opcustomizationgametrailersglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosnew-titlespvprock-paper-shotgunsci-fispy-fivideoThu, 02 Jul 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris on Global Agenda's gameplay tiers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/13/hi-rez-studios-executive-producer-todd-harris-on-global-agendas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


One of the new breed of sci-fi MMOs that crosses a first person shooter with an MMO is Global Agenda from Hi-Rez Studios. For those fans of class-based FPS games like Team Fortress 2, Hi-Rez Studios has emphasized that TF2 has been a major influence on Global Agenda's development. While the game's release date hasn't been announced yet, Hi-Rez has been fairly active in terms of promoting Global Agenda. Hi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris has written a dev blog for MMORPG.com titled "A Minute To Learn, A Lifetime To Master", a motto which is very much the spirit behind Global Agenda's game design.

Harris breaks down the major tiers of Global Agenda's gameplay as: Action/shooter mechanics and reflexes; RPG/build; Team tactics and cooperation - per mission instance; and Domination strategy and coordination - per alliance vs. alliance campaign. Harris goes into detail in each of these facets of the game, and explains how these tiers have played out with the roughly 1000 Global Agenda alpha testers. For more on the game design decisions Hi-Rez Studios has made with Global Agenda, see "A Minute To Learn, A Lifetime to Master" at MMORPG.com.

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios executive producer Todd Harris on Global Agenda's gameplay tiers originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-blogdev-blogsgame-designgame-mechanicsglobal-agendahi-rez-studiosmmofpsmmorpg.comsci-fispy-fiteam-fortress-2tf2todd-harrisWed, 13 May 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez Studios VP Stew Chisam on what to expect from Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/hi-rez-studios-vp-stew-chisam-on-what-to-expect-from-global-agen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/hi-rez-studios-vp-stew-chisam-on-what-to-expect-from-global-agen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/02/hi-rez-studios-vp-stew-chisam-on-what-to-expect-from-global-agen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


The people at Hi-Rez Studios are the creators of Global Agenda, a 'spy-fi' mix of massively multiplayer online game and a shooter. Although Global Agenda is still a ways off from a release date, fan sites have already been established, notably Global Agenda Mission Control. The Mission Control community recently posed some questions to the Global Agenda creators, and Stew Chisam, Hi-Rez Studios Vice President of Game Operations, was happy to respond. Chisam provides updates on Global Agenda's fiction, which is fleshed out in two stories so far -- The Utopian and The Cure for Life.

He states that Global Agenda's lore will be there to establish backstory, but the game experience isn't necessarily story-driven. "You'll see that the players themselves drive the drama and action inside of the game," he says. "It's their interactions with each other and the alliances they choose to make that really create the 'history' inside the game and drive your progression forward as a character."

Continue reading Hi-Rez Studios VP Stew Chisam on what to expect from Global Agenda

MassivelyHi-Rez Studios VP Stew Chisam on what to expect from Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 02 May 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantafictiongame-mechanicsgame-operationsglobal-agendaglobal-agenda-mission-controlhi-rez-studiosinterviewsloresci-fispy-fistew-chisamvice-presidentSat, 02 May 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/04/04/global-agenda-influences-include-city-of-heroes-and-team-fortres/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Global Agenda is an upcoming 'spy-fi' shooter MMO that's garnering a fair amount of attention as it gets closer to release. It's the brainchild of Erez Goren, an entrepreneur who channeled his successes in the IT industry (including Point of Sale systems with game-like interfaces) into his own dream project, becoming its founder, CEO, and lead designer. Global Agenda will be the first game to be released by Hi-Rez Studios.

The title is a blend of sci-fi shooter and MMO where player actions can impact the game's world. Goren tells PC Gamer's Evan Lahti: "We were inspired by the fluid, action combat feel of [Tribes and TF2], but wanted even greater diversity of classes and devices and set our game within a persistent world of player-driven conflict where the results of combat matches really affects the world."

Continue reading Global Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2

MassivelyGlobal Agenda influences include City of Heroes and Team Fortress 2 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agenciescity-of-heroeserez-gorenevan-lahtigames-radarglobal-agendaguildsmmofpsnew-titlespc-gamerpvpsci-fispy-fiteam-fortress-2territorial-controltf2tribesSat, 04 Apr 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/28/gdc09-catching-up-with-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Last year, we had the opportunity to visit Hi-Rez Studios to get one of the first press hands-on looks at Global Agenda. While the game is still in the alpha test now, closed beta is about to begin soon. In order to gear up for these next stages of development, Hi-Rez brought Global Agenda to the GDC audience to try it out for themselves. This is actually the first public hands-on of the game at GDC, so it was a key moment for the team.

So what has changed since our tour in October? Well, quite a bit, actually. This public showing brings out some exciting new developments from the Hi-Rez team, including brand new upgraded face customization and an improved tutorial. In addition, the AI, UI and graphics have all experienced quite a bit of tightening and polishing. With Hi-Rez implementing their own in-house motion capture studio, the character animation is among some of the best you'll see in an MMO. What hasn't changed? Well, I still get my butt kicked in the game quite frequently. But I love a good challenge.

Continue reading GDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda

MassivelyGDC09: Catching up with Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 28 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredgdc-09gdc-2009gdc09global-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosjoystiqfeaturesspy-fiSat, 28 Mar 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Global Agenda announces closed beta signups and target launch date]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/global-agenda-announces-closed-beta-signups-and-target-launch-da/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/global-agenda-announces-closed-beta-signups-and-target-launch-da/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/01/08/global-agenda-announces-closed-beta-signups-and-target-launch-da/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Hi-Rez Studios has announced today that their spy-fi MMO Global Agenda will be entering closed beta in the second quarter of 2009. On top of that, the press release states that the game itself is slated for release in late 2009. This is certainly exciting news for those fans who have been following the game since they left stealth mode just last year.

"Our alpha testing has gone very well - in terms of game stability and, most importantly, very positive feedback from an active alpha community," said Todd Harris, Executive Producer of Hi-Rez Studios. "Based on these results we are excited about aggressively growing the Global Agenda player community in Beta." Be sure to check out the entire press release, linked below, for more information on what will be included in the closed beta, and how you can get your hands on an application.

Continue reading Global Agenda announces closed beta signups and target launch date

MassivelyGlobal Agenda announces closed beta signups and target launch date originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabreakingbreakingnewsclosed-betaglobal-agendahi-rez-studioslaunchrelease-datespy-fiThu, 08 Jan 2009 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[New Global Agenda concept art released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/new-global-agenda-concept-art-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/new-global-agenda-concept-art-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/12/new-global-agenda-concept-art-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Hi-Rez Studios has just released their fourth set of concept art images for their upcoming spy-fi MMO Global Agenda. In these shots, we see more of the variety we've come to appreciate from this upcoming game. There's an ominous urban environment entitled Commonwealth Prime, a gorgeous desert backdrop to the Mercenary Compound and the electrifying energy of the Atmospheric Particle Forge.

If you're getting as excited for Global Agenda as we are, head on over to the game's main website for more information on the game, news on Hi-Rez Studios and a way to sign up for the latest updates and even the beta! Plus, don't miss our continued coverage of the game and extensive gallery of the game and studio, linked below.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

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MassivelyNew Global Agenda concept art released originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In our third installment of concept art images from Hi-Rez Studios' Global Agenda, we get a look at some of the newest environments from the game. Previous batches have shown us tropical, arctic and underground scenery, as well as some gorgeous in-game shots of characters and environments. This set, however, takes us into a few of the desert locations with a look at a desert mine tunnel, desert lab hallway and a desert test chamber.

As you may remember from our hands-on time with the game, Global Agenda is a fast-paced action MMO using Unreal(R) Engine 3 set in Earth's near future, a spy-fi world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. These concept images represent the type of exotic and futuristic locations that players and player-run groups will visit as they compete in a global conflict for territory, resources and advanced technology. Be sure to check out our entire Global Agenda gallery linked below.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyNewest batch of Global Agenda concept art released originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>concept-artdesertglobal-agendahi-rez-studiospvpspy-fiFri, 05 Dec 2008 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Global Agenda trailer and screenshots released]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-global-agenda-trailer-and-screenshots-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-global-agenda-trailer-and-screenshots-released/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/29/new-global-agenda-trailer-and-screenshots-released/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


Last week, we gave you our initial impressions of the upcoming sci-fi MMO Global Agenda. Yet, even in a 1200-word article, it's difficult to express fast-paced action and innovative gameplay successfully. Luckily, Hi-Rez Studios has just released their newest promotional video for the game, and it speaks volumes.

In this video, we get a glimpse into what the game is all about from the developers' perspective. Executive Producer Todd Harris, Senior Game Designer Scott Zier and Art Director Chuk Vinson take us through some of the game's basic mechanics, accompanied by some spectacular in-game footage of combat, character advancement and more! This is one of those videos so packed full of info and visuals that you'll need to watch it a few times to take it all in. Check it out embedded just after the jump below, and be sure to check out our Global Agenda gallery, which includes some new screenshots just released today!

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

Continue reading New Global Agenda trailer and screenshots released

MassivelyNew Global Agenda trailer and screenshots released originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Oct 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last week, we did a story on the growing game development scene in Georgia, and how government tax incentives have worked to get more digital entertainment companies into the state. Georgia's legislators understand that gaming is an important part of a global economic future, and they're getting their foot in the door early. As part of this story, we visited Hi-Rez Studios, located near the state's capital and largest city of Atlanta. Not only did we tour the studio and talk about their reasons for setting up shop in Atlanta, but we also got some hands-on time with their upcoming "spy-fi" MMO, Global Agenda.

This article will cover the company's prominent involvement with the Atlanta area's gaming scene, a bit of a background into the studio itself and most importantly, a look into their new MMO. Follow along by clicking the navigation link below, and don't forget to check out the Global Agenda gallery for the latest screenshots from the game and photos of the studio.

Gallery: Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda Gallery

When bots attackThe juggernautBancroft helps out

MassivelyMassively's exclusive tour of Hi-Rez Studios and Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featuredglobal-agendahands-onhi-rez-studiosinterviewjoystiqfeaturespvpsci-fispy-fitourMon, 27 Oct 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Get your stealth on with Global Agenda]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/get-your-stealth-on-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/get-your-stealth-on-with-global-agenda/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/15/get-your-stealth-on-with-global-agenda/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Or, maybe not. Global Agenda is an upcoming title by Hi-Rez Studios that calls itself 'spy-fi'; puzzle that one out, go ahead, we'll wait. Purportedly espousing a game system of tactical espionage, the gameplay video available seems more like Halo than Splinter Cell. Not that there's anything wrong with that.

Using the Unreal Engine 3, everything looks nice and moves smoothly. Other features of the game include racing for advanced technology before other players receive it; capturing and holding strategic locations; and special tech like stealth suits, holographic disguises, and remote control robots. This shows promise, and we'll keep our ear to the ground -- or at least, our sonic wavelength remote analyzer.

MassivelyGet your stealth on with Global Agenda originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>espionageglobal-agendahalohi-rez-studioshologramsrobotssplinter-cellspy-fistealthunreal-engine-3Sat, 15 Mar 2008 17:00:00 EST