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[Editorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-learning-from-the-38-studios-disaster/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Curt Schilling getting tattooed
The closure of 38 Studios and Big Huge Games yesterday sparked a series of interesting events that make me both sad and proud to be a part of the greater gamer community. Job offers were overflowing from current game companies looking to snatch up some of 38's talented designers and a Twitter hash tag was even created to spread the word and get new jobs for those affected by the layoffs. I am proud of the outreach and camaraderie of the game development community, but the hate being thrown at Curt Schilling isn't going to solve anything.

The most important thing we can do at this point is to tape off the crime scene, look at the evidence, and figure out what went wrong.

Continue reading Editorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster

MassivelyEditorial: Learning from the 38 Studios disaster originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamescurt-schillingeditorialopinionr-a-salvatoretodd-mcFarlanetravis-mcgeathyFri, 25 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/massively-speaking-episode-193-happytime-face-smiles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking
Massively Speaking Episode 193 asks this question: If we had $25 million to spend on an MMO, how sarcastic would we make its quests? And would there be a special skill called "Fire One Shots!"? And would your character die if he or she were downvoted in a group raid? And would we ever look as happy as the guy in the picture above?

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
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Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 193: Happytime face smiles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosaction-rpgactivisionamalurbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrantbrianna-roycecash-shopd3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaikaigothic-fantasyhumorjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmists-of-pandariamultiplayeronline-multiplayeropinionpodcastpodcastingpodcastsproject-copernicusroguelikerpgsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttodd-mcfarlanewarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 20 Mar 2012 14:30:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 193Massively.com Staff01:06:26podcasts<![CDATA[Todd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/todd-mcfarlane-says-project-copernicus-coming-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Concept Art -- Project Copernicus
Gamers got their first look at the Kingdoms of Amalur universe in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning earlier this year, but we here at Massively are still anxiously awaiting more details on 38 Studios' MMO branch of the setting, Project Copernicus. Thankfully, it looks like we won't have to wait too much longer.

In an interview with START, comic artist extraordinaire Todd McFarlane, who is providing art design for Copernicus, nonchalantly dropped news that the studio is aiming to release Project Copernicus "later in the year." He doesn't expound any further on when exactly we can expect to get our hands on the game, but with any luck we'll be getting some more details before long, so stay tuned folks. Oh, and the full interview is embedded past the cut in case you'd like to watch the full thing. The relevant quote hits at about the 11:50 mark, but the full interview is definitely worth a watch.

[Thanks to John for the tip!]

Continue reading Todd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year

MassivelyTodd McFarlane says Project Copernicus is coming this year originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusinterviewinterviewsmcfarlaneproject-copernicusrelease-daterelease-windowtodd-mcfarlanevideovideosFri, 16 Mar 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Creating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/creating-a-new-world-38-studios-discusses-the-formation-of-amal/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Reckoning
As MMO fans, we're keeping a close eye on 38 Studios for its development of Project Copernicus, the MMO that will serve as the follow-up to next month's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The risk factor of not only developing two major intertwined projects in parallel but to have the additional task of creating a brand-new IP in which to put them must be a pressing one, which is why CVG sat down with Reckoning Lead Designer Ian Frazier to talk about challenges the studio has been tackling.

Frazier outlines the balance the studio's struck between its three big-name creators -- Todd McFarlane (art), R.A. Salvatore (story), and Ken Rolston (design) -- not to mention the ideas that pour in from founder Curt Schilling. Fortunately, Frazier says that these larger-than-life personalities mesh well together: "The nice thing that's worked out is, I think if we'd got three famous game designers, it would have been a disaster: big egos, they're all on the same plane, it wouldn't have worked out. What makes this work is they're all different."

Even though Rolston previously worked on The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion, Frazier said the designer wanted to try his hand at something fresh with a better combat system. "They're all great games," Frazier said of the Elder Scrolls series, "and I think they're progressively better, but they're all the same game. It's not like they're radically changing with time."

Frazier said Reckoning has been compared to a "single-player WoW" as well as Dragon Age and Fable, but he insists that the world and ideas the team's been creating will take it far past those basic comparisons.

You can take your first peek into the world of Amalur with the Reckoning demo -- and let us know what you think in the comments!

MassivelyCreating a new world: 38 Studios discusses the formation of Amalur's IP originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicusCurt-Schillingcvgdragon-ageegoegoselder-scrollsfableIan-FrazierinterviewKen-Rolstonkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningoblivionR.A.-Salvatorera-SalvatorereckoningTodd-McFarlaneworld-of-warcraftwowFri, 27 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/01/the-perfect-ten-the-upcoming-contenders/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
While I'm on board the Star Wars: The Old Republic train (at least until SOE's Star Wars: The New Republic comes out in 2014 and forces SWTOR to shut down), I can certainly sympathize with the frustration that non-fans are feeling right about now. There are few things more annoying than not being into the latest craze -- or hating it outright -- and yet being unable to escape it.

So I'm here to say to you today that, like World of Warcraft, SWTOR isn't the be-all, end-all of the MMO field. It's a part of it, but just one part, and there are many, many others in the works as we speak. Mama always told me never to put all your eggs in one basket anyway, so I'm spreading my eggcitement across many cyber-nests.

This is the bone I'm throwing to all of you this week: a list of 10 Midichlorian-free MMOs that have me -- and should have you -- extremely buzzed about their development. In putting together this list, I realized that there are so many promising prospects that I divided them into two groups. This week I'm presenting the strongest contenders that should make it to launch with a solid product, while next time I'll list promising prospects that may be more of a long shot. I'm 47% confident that I will not forget your most-anticipated title.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: The upcoming contenders originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosarcheagearenanetbetacarbine-studiosccpchampions-onlinecopernicuscurt-schillingdark-millennium-onlinedc-universe-onlinedust-514eve-onlineeverquest-nextfeaturedfuncomgamescom-2011guild-wars-2gw2jake-songlistmarvelmarvel-universe-onlinencsoftperfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorera-salvatoreRagnar-Tørnquistragnar-tornquistsandboxsandparkterathe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldthqtodd-mcFarlanetswultima-onlineupcoming-mmoswarhammer-40kwildstarxl-gamesxlgamesThu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/12/preview-the-world-of-copernicus-with-38-studios-kingdoms-of-ama/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

38 Studios has been in the news quite a bit over the last year despite not having a released game under its belt. While the upstart company still lacks a finished product, it's one step closer with today's release of the first gameplay trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

The footage from the upcoming single-player RPG gives fans a first look at the world of Amalur, which 38 Studios will revisit in the Copernicus MMO to follow. In addition to featuring company president (and former World Series MVP) Curt Schilling, Reckoning boasts an impressive array of talent from both 38 Studios and Big Huge Games including lore-master R.A. Salvatore, former Morrowind and Oblivion lead designer Ken Rolston, and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane.

The video clip showcases a good look at Amalur's fantasy trappings, glimpses of combat with several creatures (including a big bad), and a 2012 release date. Check out all the details after the cut.

Continue reading Preview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer

MassivelyPreview the world of Copernicus with 38 Studio's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studosamalurcopernicuscurt-schillingfantasyken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningr.a.-salvatorereckoningtodd-mcfarlanetrailertrailersvideoTue, 12 Apr 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios is looking for a few good men -- and women, too, of course!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/15/38-studios-is-looking-for-a-few-good-men-and-women-too-of-c/#commentsFiled under: , ,

38 Studios has kept its Project Copernicus MMO under tight security for a while now; however, we do know that the studio has some big names in its pocket. Comic book giant Todd McFarlane, award-winning author R.A. Salvatore, and baseball great Curt Schilling have already added their talents to the roster. Even the government of the state of Rhode Island is excited about what this team is doing, given the guaranteed loans 38 Studios was offered if it moved to the state.

Today, Lead Community Manager Charles Dane tweeted that the team is LFM. He posted, "38 Studios is looking for top tier talent. This is a great opportunity to join an awesome team!" A buzz over to the jobs page for the studio shows that it is looking for an abundance of people. QA, engineering, art, and even finance are on the list of departments needing minions. Who knows? Maybe you are the top-tier talent the studio is looking for.

Massively38 Studios is looking for a few good men -- and women, too, of course! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscharles-danecopernicuscurt-schillingindustryjobsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorerhode-islandtodd-mcFarlanetwitterTue, 15 Feb 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/09/28/38-studios-set-to-expand-the-world-of-amalur-into-merchandising/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Kingdoms of Amalur is a familiar name to gamers who are looking forward to Project Copernicus, the mysteriously code-named MMO under development by 38 Studios.

If you're finding it hard to wait for more news on this project, 38 Studios has just the thing to distract you. The world of Amalur, created by R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, is going to begin showing up in the real world soon in the form of comics, toys, novels, and even a few more games. Not a surprise there, amirite?

Speaking of other games set in Amalur, you'll see more from Reckoning soon. The single-player game is set to launch fall of 2011, and the game's online newsletter will launch in October.

Will all of this activity surrounding Amalur include new information on Copernicus? It seems likely and it's fun to speculate, so here's hoping!

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]

Massively38 Studios set to expand the world of Amalur into merchandising and a newsletter originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscomic-bookscopernicuscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmerchandisingnovelsproject-copernicusr-a-salvatorereckoningtodd-mcfarlaneTue, 28 Sep 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/09/gencon-2010-fantasy-fencing-with-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One thing is for certain: When you are sitting in the crosshairs of Curt Schilling and R.A. Salvatore during an interview, it's easy to become bowled over by their collective intensity and passion, especially when it comes to their interest in games and fantasy worlds.

While GenCon Indy lacked its usual MMORPG presence this year, Massively was able to grab a few minutes of face time with 38 Studios' founder and lead writer as they passed through the convention. It was a bit of an odd interview, however, as two of the biggest topics -- 38 Studios' move to Rhode Island and any solid details about their top-secret MMO -- were off the table for discussion. Do not fret, as that certainly didn't stop us from trying to pry for a few hints along the way. Schilling and Salvatore were obviously eager to spill the beans about Copernicus, but they are still biding their time until the right moment.

Happily, the duo didn't mind us fencing with them for facts, and were quite open about their single-player RPG lead-up to Copernicus, their general philosophy of designing the MMO, and why they've waited so long to unveil it to the public. Read on, gentle gamers, for a few ripostes, parries and lunges with two of the biggest figures in the industry right now.

Continue reading GenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios

MassivelyGenCon 2010: Fantasy fencing with 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurart-stylecopernicuscurt-schillingeqeq2everquestEverQuest-2everquest-iifeaturedforgotten-realmsgencongencon-10gencon-2010gencon-indygencon-indy-10guildsiconsjustin-is-a-hobbitjuttenken-rolstonkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmass-effectmother-earthoblivionr.a.-salvatorera-salvatorereckoningscopethe-elder-scrolls-iv-obliviontodd-mcFarlaneuiultima-onlinewarcraft-3world-buildingworld-of-warcraftwowMon, 09 Aug 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist and the Ultima Prize: The History]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-ultima-prize-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-ultima-prize-the-history/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/05/04/the-game-archaeologist-and-the-ultima-prize-the-history/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Welcome to the first madcap adventure of The Game Archaeologist! In this column, we'll be looking back at some of the MMORPGs that may not get the spotlight these days, but deserve our respect and attention due to their place in MMO history. Together, we'll don our explorer gear, jump back in time, dust off forgotten treasures and look at the titles that helped build an online empire.

Each month, we'll embark on a voyage through a particular MMO of yesteryear in a three-part series. The first part will examine the history of the game and its place in the genre, the second part will feature interviews with current and past players of the game, and the third part will witness The Game Archaeologist himself checking out the title as it stands today (if the MMO is still up and running, that is).

For our first column, we'll salute one of the greatest grandfathers of the modern MMO: Ultima Online. Crack your whip and dive into the Stygian Abyss with us!

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist and the Ultima Prize: The History

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist and the Ultima Prize: The History originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 May 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darkfalleafeaturedkingdom-rebornlord-blackthorns-revengelord-britishorigin-systemspvprainzRichard-GarriottTabula-Rasathe-game-archaeologistthe-stygian-abysstodd-mcfarlanetrammelultima-onlineultima-worlds-online-originultima-xworld-of-warcraftTue, 04 May 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling says majority of savings spent on 38 Studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/03/30/curt-schilling-says-majority-of-savings-spent-on-38-studios/#commentsFiled under: ,

Retired Red Sox player Curt Schilling has approached the development of 38 Studios with the same drive and enthusiasm as he did his baseball career, a fact that comes as no surprise to those who know what an avid MMO gamer he is. A recent article on Gamasutra took a closer look at the development of 38 Studios.

Schilling felt confident in his endeavor from the very beginning, making an initial investment of $5 million and hiring a lineup of very familiar names including R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane, and several others. Once the project was underway, he increased the investment in a big way: "I have put the majority of the money I've earned in my life on the table. If I make another financial investment, I will have crossed the point of no return from a personal investment and company standpoint."

The financial and personal commitments have been significant, as with any large business venture, but Schilling remains very confident in the project: "I have no doubt I am on the cusp of creating a multi-million dollar company[...]"

Take a look at the full story on Gamasutra.

MassivelyCurt Schilling says majority of savings spent on 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38-studios-investmentcurt-schillingfinancialGamasutraInvestmentr.a.-salvatoretodd-mcFarlaneTue, 30 Mar 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/06/28/38-studios-ceo-brett-close-on-the-big-huge-games-acquisition-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Joystiq's fearless leader Chris Grant recently caught up with 38 Studios CEO Brett Close to discuss their recent acquisition of Big Huge Games, and what this might mean for the "Copernicus" MMO. Massively has mentioned Copernicus at a few points in the past, but unfortunately in terms more vague than we'd like. We know it's a fantasy MMO project that draws upon notables like R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, but Joystiq turned up some more info about Copernicus.

Close stresses that Copernicus is an IP that will exist in several channels; there will be books, graphic novels, and of course an MMO that draws upon these elements. "Rather than drilling into details about why this is going to give people something they have never experienced before... what I will tell you is that it's simply based on that talent [R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane] and based on our approach and our experience in building these products. There's nothing like it out there right now. And I don't believe there's anybody working on anything like this right now."

Continue reading 38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP

Massively38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesbrett-closebusiness-modelschris-grantcopernicusfantasyinterviewsjoystiqmercury-enginemmo-industrynew-titlesr.a.-salvatorethe-mercury-enginetodd-mcfarlaneSun, 28 Jun 2009 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios LFM, PST!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/38-studios-lfm-pst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/38-studios-lfm-pst/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/05/03/38-studios-lfm-pst/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Have artistic talent? Code talent? More properly, do you have that, some industry experience, and the desire to build an awesome MMO? If you can answer yes to those questions and the idea of working with people like Curt Schilling, R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane and other really cool people like Ryan Shwayder from Nerfbat makes you happy, then you'll want to check out the job postings over on the 38 Studios site. It appears they're looking for some more people to join them on their MMO dream team!

Currently, the spots open are:
Hopefully once all the positions are filled up we'll start hearing more about 38's upcoming super-secret MMO project, codenamed 'Copernicus.' Good luck to anyone who applies, and if you get hired, be sure to tell them to keep us in mind for that eventual Copernicus alpha test. We'd appreciate it!

Massively38 Studios LFM, PST! originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 May 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingjob-listingjob-postingjobsra-salvatoretodd-mcfarlaneSun, 03 May 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Star-studded studios]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-daily-grind-star-studded-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-daily-grind-star-studded-studios/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/03/14/the-daily-grind-star-studded-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Maybe it's just us, but it seems more and more that it's cool for Hollywood, sports, and music stars to openly admit their love of gaming. 10 years ago? Not too many people talking about it. Now? It's everywhere. To add to this, we now have gaming companies started by the rich and famous. There's 38 Studios, owned by Curt Schilling, who has gathered Todd McFarlane and R. A. Salvatore and a hugely talented team to help build Copernicus, the code-name for their very-under-wraps MMO. Added to that, we have the news yesterday that Vin Diesel's company, Tigon Studios is saying that their previously-claimed RTS will actually be an MMO entry. (Or perhaps a true MMORTS as those are fairly rare.) It's definitely interesting to see.

This morning we thought we'd ask you a fairly simple question about these two - will their star status, or star lineup, make you more interested in trying their respective games out when they hit the shelves? Does star status matter to you at all? Does it make you less interested in trying them out? Or do you just not care one way or the other about who makes a game, and will only really bother trying it if people you trust say it's fun/it has a free trial/etc?

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Star-studded studios originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingmmommorpgmmortsqualityra-salvatorestar-powerthe-daily-grindtigon-studiostodd-mcfarlanevin-dieselSat, 14 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Todd McFarlane talks about 38 Studios and Copernicus]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-38-studios-and-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-38-studios-and-copernicus/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/11/11/todd-mcfarlane-talks-about-38-studios-and-copernicus/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Massively has been watching what's happening with 38 Studios and their upcoming MMO codenamed 'Copernicus' -- and the most recent bit of info we turned up comes through today's interview at Gamasutra by Christian Nutt. Gamasutra has interviewed 38 Studios Executive Art Director Todd McFarlane, well-known to most of us for his work in the comics industry and for the numerous offerings of McFarlane Toys.

Indeed, a fair amount of the Gamasutra interview focuses on McFarlane Toys and its success in the action figure industry, but McFarlane spoke a bit about 38 Studios and its MMO project as well. He touched upon how 38 Studios hopes to differentiate their game from what's presently offered: "But the question is, can we make ours feel better than the other guys? And the stuff that I'm seeing relative to what's out there in the open market, the answer is absolutely, right now." While McFarlane doesn't exactly spill details on what we can really expect from Copernicus, he does offer up some hints as to what 38 Studios is doing, and more importantly, why they're taking a different approach to the MMO space than some of their competitors. For more info on Copernicus, or just to read up on what a comics legend is doing these days, check out the full interview with Todd McFarlane over at Gamasutra.

MassivelyTodd McFarlane talks about 38 Studios and Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioschristian-nuttcopernicusfantasygamasutramcfarlane-toystodd-mcfarlaneTue, 11 Nov 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios acquires MMO newsletter tailored to player characters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/38-studios-acquires-mmo-newsletter-tailored-to-player-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/38-studios-acquires-mmo-newsletter-tailored-to-player-characters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/10/03/38-studios-acquires-mmo-newsletter-tailored-to-player-characters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

As time moves on, we're slowly getting more information about MMO developer 38 Studios and their plans. 38 Studios, which brings together Red Sox pitcher (and MMO fan) Curt Schilling, comic book creator Todd McFarlane, and author R.A. Salvatore, is known to be developing a fantasy-MMO codenamed "Copernicus."

When it comes to news regarding this game studio, we're primarily interested in Copernicus here at Massively, but our sister site WoW Insider turned up something else interesting involving 38 Studios. It turns out that they've acquired Mentor Media, creators of a custom World of Warcraft newsletter called Azeroth Advisor, which offers personalized information about WoW as it pertains to your own character. Could this be a sign of what's to come with Copernicus, and would you appreciate a customized newsletter offered in tandem with your MMO of choice?

Massively38 Studios acquires MMO newsletter tailored to player characters originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosazeroth-advisorclassescopernicuscurt-schillingcustomcustomizationfantasymentor-mediammo-industrynew-titlesnewsletteropinionra-salvatoreracestodd-mcfarlaneworld-of-warcraftwow-insiderFri, 03 Oct 2008 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios welcomes Thom Ang as Director of Art]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/38-studios-welcomes-thom-ang-as-director-of-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/38-studios-welcomes-thom-ang-as-director-of-art/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/06/27/38-studios-welcomes-thom-ang-as-director-of-art/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Noted industry artist Thom Ang has started work at 38 Studios as Director of Art, according to a press release from the company. He has joined company founder and pro baseball player Curt Schilling, comic book artist Todd McFarlane, and fantasy author R.A. Salvatore to work on Copernicus, a secretive MMO project.

Ang has previously been employed by THQ, where he worked on several titles including Disney adaptations, and Electronic Arts, where he worked on the Medal of Honor series. He's just another of many samples of veteran blood the studio has attracted.

Details about Copernicus are hush-hush. We know 38 Studios is using the BigWorld and Unreal engine technologies. There have been hints in interviews about the direction the project is taking. That's about it, though.

Massively38 Studios welcomes Thom Ang as Director of Art originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jun 2008 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The motto of 38 Studios is quite ironic: "World Domination Through Gaming". This from the company that employs Curt Schilling, Todd McFarlane, R.A. Salvatore and every SOE employee they can get their hands on. We think they're getting the hang of the whole world-domination thing, but what about the direction of the company and their MMO project itself?

In a recent interview at New York Comic Con, Scott Cuthbertson, Jeff Murchie, Steve Danuser and Rich Gallup described themselves as "right on track". They discuss some recent developments, such as their licensing of the Unreal and Big World Engines for use in their game. They also mention the fact that with McFarlane and Salvatore on board, it would be no surprise to see toys, comics, and novels about the world and its characters. As we stated in the most recent episode of the Massively Speaking podcast, let's hope all this hype behind the company and game can really hit it out of the park. Yes, I went there.

Massively38 Studios continues its world domination originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Apr 2008 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Gamasutra is reporting that 38 Studios has decided to go with the Epic's Unreal Engine 3 to power their upcoming MMO (codenamed "Copernicus"). A few weeks ago 38 Studios picked BigWorld's technology suite for the back-end of things, so it's no surprise that they would grab the best graphic engine currently available. Whatever MMO "Copernicus" turns out to be (most recent game description says: "an original IP made up of fantastical elements, settings, characters, creatures, rules, and experiences") should at least look really, really good.

Massively38 Studios goes Unreal originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBigWorldscurt-schillingEpicGamasutrara-salvatoretodd-mcfarlaneUnreal-Engine-3Wed, 05 Mar 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios using BigWorld to make its big world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2008/02/27/38-studios-using-bigworld-to-make-its-big-world/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

What do you get when you get when you combine a major league baseball player (Curt Schilling), a famed fantasy author (R.A. Salvatore), and a great comic book guru (Todd McFarlane)? You get 38 Studios, and 38 Studios is working on a new MMO codenamed "Copernicus."

Now the studio has licensed the BigWorld engine for Copernicus. Since the game is at a very early stage of development, we know very little about it at this point, except that its prestigious managers are optimistic about its future. Reps from both 38 Studios and BigWorld made nondescript statements saying things like, "BigWorld provides the most proven, robust, and technically solid game engine available," and "we are thrilled to be working with such a professional and talented group of game developers." Good for them!

Brett Close described the rationale behind the choice in greater detail in an interview with Ten Ton Hammer. Excellent server-side tech and tools that will help the team get the game to market as fast as possible were the given reasons.

Massively38 Studios using BigWorld to make its big world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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w00t Studios is reporting that Curt Schilling of 38 Studios has released the title for their upcoming MMO. In an interview with Gametap at the Consumer Electronics Show going on in Vegas, Schilling said that Copernicus is a "working title" but revealed no other information regarding the game.

Given what very little we've seen from a previous news clip - possibly a knight atop a running horse - shown late last year, we can surmise that the game is going to be set in some ancient medieval era. 38 Studios' game Copernicus may or may not be associated with the Nicolaus Copernicus who lived from 1473 to 1543. Copernicus was the first astronomer to postulate that the sun was the center of the solar system and not the Earth, which had been the belief for centuries. His book, On the Revolutions of the Celestial Spheres, is regarded as the work that started modern astronomy and was pivotal to the beginning of the Scientific Revolution.

Or it might have absolutely nothing to do with the famous scientist at all. It's common knowledge that Schilling is a huge Everquest and WoW player, and during the Gametap interview the famed Red Sox pitcher admitted that he's been playing a lot of my current favorite, Tabula Rasa. So... what do you all think?

Massively38 Studios reveals: Copernicus originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 Jan 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Warcry Network reported this morning that 38 Studios has brought aboard yet another video game veteran in the form of Michael Kosenski, who will be assuming the role of Vice President of Product Development.

Kosenski was the former Senior Development Director at Electronic Arts, Los Angeles, where he worked on the Medal of Honor franchise, Command and Conquer 3: Tiberium Wars (for the Xbox 360), and Lord of the Rings: Battle for Middle Earth 2.

38 Studios just keeps on making news and adding to their stable of gaming industry vets as Kosenski is just the latest to join the team. As reported just a few short weeks ago, Jon Laff (former lead engineer at Electronic Arts) was recently hired as the company's CTO.

Obviously the triumvirate of Schilling, Mcfarlane and Salvatore know where their talents are and where they aren't. Those three are truly talented, but probably don't know the ins and outs of the gaming industry. Thus, they are surrounding themselves with people who do. What does that mean? They're dead serious about delivering the gaming goods.

Massively38 Studios hires another industry vet originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2007 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The keen eyes of Cyndre from the Kill Ten Rats blog has spotted rare images from 38 Studios top secret, as-yet-to-be-named MMO. On Friday, December 14, the Boston news channel NECN did a video interview (see above clip) with Curt Schilling (he, along with R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane comprise the new gaming company 38 Studios) regarding the announcement of their 1st Annual Game Design Challenge. Which is a very cool endeavor in and of itself.

According to Cyndre, right around the 1:16 mark of the three minute video interview you'll see images from their game. This has possibly been corroborated on the blog since someone purporting to be Curt Schilling left a comment saying that the animation shown was from pre-production, the phase they are in now.

Curt Schilling (famous professional baseball player) is an avid MMO player. Combined with supremely talented R.A. Salvatore (famous fantasy author) and Todd McFarlane (famous comic book artist and writer), the expectations for a spectacular gaming experience is very high indeed. Catching even a quick glimpse of what these guys have in store for gamers is news worthy.

MassivelyA glimpse of things to come from 38 Studios originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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In an interview recently published with Gamasutra, famous toy-maker and artist Todd McFarlane elaborated on the formation and development of 38 Studios, the new MMO venture started up by Red Sox pitcher Curt Schilling, and of which McFarlane is a part. He explains how 38 Studios and the game they're developing is Schilling's baby, and that he and author R.A. Salvatore were really only brought in after things had gotten underway to help flesh out the areas of development related to their respective disciplines. He describes his own role as more of a director -- he's done almost none of the artwork himself -- but he's been responsible for keeping the game's artists in line with the overall design philosophy. Based on the interview, he seems confident that the new project is going to be a success, even within the already heavily-populated fantasy MMO sphere.

Hearing all this noise about 38 Studios is a little frustrating, because everything we've heard from the people involved has been overwhelmingly optimistic and enthusiastic. We have to make sure to check our expectations at the door though, because we don't know a damn thing about the game. Good games, and MMOs especially, don't succeed on the pedigree of their management alone. Still, they've got a pretty captive audience at this point, it's only a matter of having something to show off.

MassivelyTodd McFarlane talks 38 Studios, his role originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 12 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingfantasy-mmogamasutrar.a.-salvatoretodd-mcfarlaneMon, 12 Nov 2007 19:00:00 EST