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[XLGames making Civilization MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/21/xl-games-making-civilization-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Get ready, Civilization fans, as your favorite franchise is heading to MMO-land (and no, we're not talking about the Civ World Facebook game). A couple of months ago we told you about XLGames' partnership with Take-Two Interactive, as well as the fact that XL would be making an existing Take-Two property into an MMORPG.

This morning, various Asian gaming websites confirmed that said property is the venerable Civilization series that began way back in 1991. Details on the new game are sparse, but Google Translate versions of the news articles indicate that XL has begun "large-scale recruitment of MMORPG developers [...] including server [programmers], client programmers, artists, planners, project managers, story designers, [and] mission designers."

Prior to its involvement with the Civilization franchise, XLGames was known exclusively for ArcheAge, a fantasy sandbox MMO that is currently undergoing closed beta testing in Korea.

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyXLGames making Civilization MMO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-building-mmocivilizationcivilization-mmocivilization-mmorpggame-announcementjake-songstrategystrategy-mmotake-twotake-two-interactivexlxl-gamesXlGamesThu, 21 Jul 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two signs with XLGames to make existing property into an MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/take-two-signs-with-xlgames-to-make-existing-property-into-an-mm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/take-two-signs-with-xlgames-to-make-existing-property-into-an-mm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/23/take-two-signs-with-xlgames-to-make-existing-property-into-an-mm/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

How would a Grand Theft Auto MMO grab you? Would you play a Red Dead Redemption or LA Noire massively multiplayer title? While the possibility of said games still falls into the rumor category at this point, we can confirm that Take-Two Interactive has entered into a partnership with XL Games to make one of the former's existing properties into an MMO.

XL has been in the news recently due to its upcoming ArcheAge sandpark, and the company founded by noted Lineage developer Jake Song will work on the new title with Take-Two subsidiary 2K Games. Kotaku first reported the rumor to the English-speaking world earlier this morning, while the source is Korean website 4gamer.

A press release has also been issued by 2K; CEO Christoph Hartmann hints at the company's desire to broaden its horizons. "Our partnership with XL Games underscores our ongoing commitment to expanding 2K's presence in online gaming and the Asian market," Hartmann explains. XL's Song says that work on the new title is ongoing. "We have already been working together for a year on the game, and I can tell you this is one of the most exciting projects that I've ever undertaken," he said.

MassivelyTake-Two signs with XLGames to make existing property into an MMO originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2k-gameschristoph-hartmanngrand-theft-autojake-songla-noiremmo-industrynew-titlespress-releasepublishing-dealred-dead-redemptionrumorrumorstake-twoTake-Two-Interactivexlxl-gamesMon, 23 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[GTA MMO would be a profitable venture, analyst suggests]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/gta-mmo-would-be-a-profitable-venture-analyst-suggests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/gta-mmo-would-be-a-profitable-venture-analyst-suggests/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/29/gta-mmo-would-be-a-profitable-venture-analyst-suggests/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


In a recent set of statements to Gamasutra, Mike Hickey, an analyst with Janco Partners, brought up the profitability of an MMO set within the Grand Theft Auto franchise.

While Hickey notes that success would only be possible if Take-Two partnered up with another company who had a well designed infrastructure and MMO experience, the whole paragraph is certainly a nod in the direction of online crime games at large -- a genre relatively untapped in the MMO landscape.

Certainly a Grand Theft Auto MMO would be the new gorilla of the online space, one can't easily forget about the stylized and anticipated offering from Crackdown developer Realtime Worlds, All Points Bulletin. A GTA MMO would certainly be nice, but APB will certainly be setting the bar for all upcoming crime MMOs, regardless of a GTA entry into the scene.

MassivelyGTA MMO would be a profitable venture, analyst suggests originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 May 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbcrackdowngamasutragrand-theft-autogrand-theft-auto-ivgta-mmorealtime-worldsrockstarrockstar-gamestake-twotake-two-interactiveFri, 29 May 2009 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two officially no longer publishing Champions Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/take-two-officially-no-longer-publishing-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/take-two-officially-no-longer-publishing-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/12/18/take-two-officially-no-longer-publishing-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , ,


It was a just about five months ago that 2K games' publishing deal with Cryptic Studios was announced. The publishing label in the Take-Two collective had scored the rights to publish Champions Online in the midst of a steamy summer season, and the independent developer behind the game seemed thrilled. It's cold now, and the recent purchase of Cryptic by Atari seems to have changed and reshaped that original business relationship. Gamespot is reporting that Take-Two is now officially on the outs when it comes to publishing Champions Online.

A post-earnings conference call with analysts saw Take-Two president Ben Feder specifically stating "We no longer intend to publish the MMOG Champions Online due to Atari's acquisition of Cryptic." Gamespot further wonders whether the game will attempt to launch in early 2009. The loose "Spring 2009" timeframe was suggested when the game was first announced, and it remains to be seen whether the developer can stick to that timeframe post-acquisition. Massively will continue to follow this story as it develops.

MassivelyTake-Two officially no longer publishing Champions Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribreakingbusinesschampions-onlinecryptic-studiospublishingtake-twoThu, 18 Dec 2008 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Digital Continuum: Bioshock MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/the-digital-continuum-bioshock-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/the-digital-continuum-bioshock-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/29/the-digital-continuum-bioshock-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,


A torrent of happy thoughts burst forward from my brain at the rumor of a possible Bioshock MMO; Would it be good? When would it be set? Where would it even be set, Rapture, or some other previously unknown location? What kind of gameplay would it employ?

These questions -- and many more like them -- are all great and also quite valid. This is why I couldn't help myself from exploring the possibilities of what such a game could deliver to us as players -- except with a particular twist. Being that Andrew Ryan was so very influential in both the world of Rapture as well as our own, this entire look into a Bioshock MMO has been written in the spirit of Mr. Ryan.

With a fan-base as strong as the Big Daddies themselves, Bioshock could create quite the tsunami if it went massively multiplayer. Simply click on the picture above to find out the how and why.

Gallery: The Digital Continuum: Bioshock MMO

Daddy/Sister DynamicsThe Rebellious FoolsRigors of CombatA Time to KillA Place to Slaughter

MassivelyThe Digital Continuum: Bioshock MMO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andrew-ryanbig-daddybioshockbioshock-2bioshock-mmofeaturedlittle-sisterrapturetake-twothe-digital-continuumSat, 29 Mar 2008 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Take-Two contemplating BioShock MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/take-two-contemplating-bioshock-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/take-two-contemplating-bioshock-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/03/26/take-two-contemplating-bioshock-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


My daddy's SMARTER than Einstein, STRONGER than Hercules and can light a fire with a SNAP of his fingers! - The Gatherer's Garden

If you're anything like us, the very concept of a BioShock MMO is enough to make you break out in cold sweats. Stiff upper lip and set jaw though, old boy. It's no sure thing yet. The MTV Multiplayer site found a verrry interesting slide in a presentation given by Take-Two chairman Strauss Zelnick. He was explaining why they aren't taking EA's offer, and noted (on this slide) past and future projects they've tackled.

Under 'MMO/Online gaming', both BioShock and the Civilization series are listed as 'Potential Opportunities'. Consider us signed up! Steampunk survival-horror and leveling at the bottom of the ocean? Collaborating with the Ryanists to hold off the depredations of the hideous splicers? Getting to watch all that gorgeous water during raids? Sounds like a plan. What about you? Would you play a BioShock MMO?

MassivelyTake-Two contemplating BioShock MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshockbreakingeafpsjoystiqfeaturesrumortake-twoWed, 26 Mar 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Shorn sheep]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/shorn-sheep/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/shorn-sheep/http://massively.joystiq.com/2007/12/18/shorn-sheep/#commentsFiled under: , ,

In response to our story yesterday about Electric Sheep Company dropping a third of its staff, the Sheep's Valerie Williamson chimed in to assure us that Electric Sheep Company had grown tremendously through the year so far.

Maybe that's so, and I hate to look like I'm knocking Ms Williamson (I'm not), but that's straight out of the layoffs handbook.

Continue reading Shorn sheep

MassivelyShorn sheep originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ben-federelectric-sheep-companyescncsoftopinionsecond-lifetake-twovalerie-williamsonTue, 18 Dec 2007 05:00:00 EST