Friday, September 27, 2013

The King of Fighters Online to Kick Off Second Beta in Oct, Adding 10 New Playable Fighters

The King of Fighters Online to Kick Off Second Beta in Oct, Adding 10 New Playable Fighters:
As we know, The King of Fighters Online's first beta has been kicked off on

Black Desert: First Closed Beta on Oct.17th to Oct.23th

Black Desert: First Closed Beta on Oct.17th to Oct.23th:
According to the latest information from Korean media, today PearlAbyss and publisher Daum held a Lan Party for their upcoming sandbox MMORPG Black

Ragnarok Online(KR) Released 2 New Memorial Dungeons in Extra Episode Part 3 Update

Ragnarok Online(KR) Released 2 New Memorial Dungeons in Extra Episode Part 3 Update:
Korean Ragnarok Online updated the Extra Episode Part.3 of Heroes' Footprint yesterday, releasing two new memorial

World of WarPlanes: British Planes Soar Into Game

World of WarPlanes: British Planes Soar Into Game:
World of Warplanes beta testers will have the opportunity to check out the British line of aircraft thanks to their arrival in game today. Legendary planes including

You've Got Lightning Returns In My Final Fantasy XIV

You've Got Lightning Returns In My Final Fantasy XIV:
There is no greater power in the realm of Eorzea than cross-promotion, be it with Dragon Quest or the upcoming Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII. The pink-

Boson X Review

Boson X Review:
Boson X is essentially the spiritual sequel to glorious hair-pulling action game Super Hexagon. Cylindrically-shaped levels? Check. Fast-paced, randomly-generated action that keeps

Core games hit new heights, so why do they feel threatened?

Core games hit new heights, so why do they feel threatened?:
GTA V and Monster Hunter 4 prove core games are thriving

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Move Games casual RPG “Digimon Masters” starts PC cafĂ© service.
  • Uniana MMORPG “LAF” can be played using Naver ID.
  • Gamewave web MMORPG “Guryongjeon” starts formal service.
  • Bigpoint action MMORPG “Drakensang” starts OBT on September 26.
  • Antic Gameworld mobile PVP card battle game “Fantasy of Magic Card” iOS released.
  • Com2us mobile game social platform “Com2us Hub” released in Google Play and Apple Appstore.

Splinter Cell Crossover Pack Comes to Ghost Recon Online | Ten Ton Hammer

Splinter Cell Crossover Pack Comes to Ghost Recon Online | Ten Ton Hammer:
Ghost Recon Online’s latest update brings together two games in the Tom Clancy series along with a new map and

Bioshock Infinite dev forms new Bay Area 2K Games studio

Bioshock Infinite dev forms new Bay Area 2K Games studio:
Rod Fergusson is founding a new 2K studio in the San Francisco Bay Area

Blizzard drops details on Hearthstone beta wipe

Blizzard drops details on Hearthstone beta wipe:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Trading Card Games Blizzard Entertainment's Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft

Valve's Linux push: What do game developers think?

Valve's Linux push: What do game developers think?:
Valve says Linux is the future of PC games and this week, the PC game behemoth backed up that rhetoric. We spoke with game developers about what

Blog: Merging and mashing-up Big Data for game development

Blog: Merging and mashing-up Big Data for game development:
Nick Lim has argued that Big Data will be transformative to games, and in this post he explains how you can use it -- even mashing up your with other sets to

Infinity Blade III Review

Infinity Blade III Review:
If your first reaction to another Infinity Blade is "really? again?," you're not alone. I too was a doubting Thomas. As nice as it is to see a franchise doing well, I'm also a fan of letting a developer

Xbox One Kinect tracks up to six players in Just Dance 2014

Xbox One Kinect tracks up to six players in Just Dance 2014:
Microsoft has spent plenty of time hyping the new Kinect that comes bundled with each Xbox One, but up until now there...

Fading Fairytales Review

Fading Fairytales Review:
It's already common knowledge that most of Disney's feature films - Sleeping Beauty, The Little Mermaid, et al - are highly sanitized versions of fairytales penned by the likes of Hans Christian

GDC 2014 opens call for Summit talks through Oct 23

GDC 2014 opens call for Summit talks through Oct 23:
The GDC 2014 call for lectures and panels for topic-specific Summits focused on free-to-play, indie games, narrative, mobile, QA, education, and

Natus Vincere and Virtus.pro launch $50,000 online Dota 2 league

Natus Vincere and Virtus.pro launch $50,000 online Dota 2 league:
Esports clubs Natus Vincere and Virtus.pro have collaborated on a $50,000 Dota 2 league. Ukranian eSports team

Gang Lords Review

Gang Lords Review:
So much of Gang Lords seems derivative. Players collect a menagerie of character cards, upgrade and evolve their forces, and create a team of the most powerful gangsters they can find so that

Candy Crush Saga publisher appoints new CFO

Candy Crush Saga publisher appoints new CFO:
Hope Cochran joins King as its new chief financial officer

GameStop encouraged by industry's big investments in new IP

GameStop encouraged by industry's big investments in new IP:
Executive vice president Mike Hogan sees the influx of new IP as "a great sign of health"

CCP Announces EVE: Rubicon Expansion Coming November 19th | Ten Ton Hammer

CCP Announces EVE: Rubicon Expansion Coming November 19th | Ten Ton Hammer:
CCP reveals new details, screenshots and release date for the 20th free expansion for the EVE Online universe.

Second Life Turns 10, Gets Creepy Facelift

Second Life Turns 10, Gets Creepy Facelift:
Yes, Second Life still exists. Yes, there's enough money left in it to upgrade the engine. No, I don't know anyone who has touched this thing since 2006 either, so if

King files for IPO

King files for IPO:
Get ready, investors: Candy Crush is coming to Wall Street. The Telegraph are reporting that King has filed the preliminary paperwork with the Securities and Exchange Commission that will

OpenKit, the open-source successor of OpenFeint, is now live

OpenKit, the open-source successor of OpenFeint, is now live:
Following social feature SDK provider OpenFeint's surprise closure in late 2012, the service's original co-founders

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Zeptolab touts 415M downloads as Cut the Rope 2 is revealed

Zeptolab touts 415M downloads as Cut the Rope 2 is revealed:
As Cut the Rope studio Zeptolab today revealed the next step for its behemoth mobile franchise, the company said that its games have seen more than 415

UK fair trade body threatens 'enforcement action' over in-app purchases

UK fair trade body threatens 'enforcement action' over in-app purchases:
The Office of Fair Trading has concluded its in-app purchase investigation, stating that some games are utilizing "potentially

Sega's Japanese mobile network free to developers

Sega's Japanese mobile network free to developers:
The "Noah Pass" already has 30 devs signed up, could bring down ad costs by 80 per cent

Priori Targets App Data

Priori Targets App Data:
A big issue in the mobile and online space is trying to understand the size of the market and the potential for products in the marketplace.  This information is critical for developers and investors looking to make smart decisions.  Unfortunately there has been a great deal of hype and misinformation when it comes to accurate mobile data despite there being quite a few companies looking to provide analytics on mobile games.  After examining most of them DFC Intelligence decided to partner with Priori Data GmbH out of Germany.  Priori provides download estimates for individual apps and even more impressive they have developed a detailed taxonomy that can categorize apps into many categories and sub-categories.  For example, games alone have 120 different sub-categories.

ArcheAge Russian Publisher to Announce Beta Detail on Sep.28th

ArcheAge Russian Publisher to Announce Beta Detail on Sep.28th:
ArcheAge Russian publisher Mail.ru will hold a big meeting in Moscow on September 28 to show the beta version

Lunaria Story To Launch Its 7th Server on Sep 26

Lunaria Story To Launch Its 7th Server on Sep 26:
Lunaria Story will soon open its 7th server at 2:00AM Sep. 26th (EDT). If you are looking forward to a splendid game and making more friends to adventure

Battle Camp Review

Battle Camp Review:
Social games get a bad rap, but in condemning them, critics often miss the creativity and fun to be had from such games. New match-three RPG Battle Camp has to plead guilty to everything the

Sidescrolling MMO Excalibur available for download on Android devices

Sidescrolling MMO Excalibur available for download on Android devices:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Mobile Have you recently found yourself playing a

Gaining insight into Game Insight: A conversation with CEO Alisa Chumachenko

Gaining insight into Game Insight: A conversation with CEO Alisa Chumachenko:
It's a tale everyone has heard before: woman plays a lot of MMOs, joins a gaming start-up with some of the

Amazon Tries (Again) To Unsettle The iPad, With Kindle Fire HDX

Amazon Tries (Again) To Unsettle The iPad, With Kindle Fire HDX:
Amazon has unveiled two new tablets, the Kindle Fire HDX 7–inch and the HDX 8.9–inch. The machines are the next

New iOS Games Tonight: Trouserheart, Pocket Trains and more!

New iOS Games Tonight: Trouserheart, Pocket Trains and more!:
Wouldn't it be cool if there was some way we could actually visit the many vast and wonderful places that we experience in

DDM glues together Comcept's Mighty No. 9

DDM glues together Comcept's Mighty No. 9:
The talent agency on its new publisher-like role in the industry

New Website Launches for Aura Kingdom

New Website Launches for Aura Kingdom:
You guys must remember the Taiwanese animated MMORPG Fantasy Frontier, now the game has entered western market. Today pubulisher Aeria Games

EA: "We've asked for too much time, too much skill, too much money"

EA: "We've asked for too much time, too much skill, too much money":
Players learning from mobile, not Miyamoto; user content more important than in-house devs, says Hilleman

Dragon Ball Online: Korea and Taiwan Servers Shutting Down

Dragon Ball Online: Korea and Taiwan Servers Shutting Down:
The classic Japanese manga based MMORPG Dragon Ball Online recently announced the closure of the Korea and Taiwan servers. The Korea server will

Valve Announces 'Steam Machines,' Hopes To Improve Living Room Gaming

Valve Announces 'Steam Machines,' Hopes To Improve Living Room Gaming:
Hope you weren't too attached to the name "Steam Box"—Valve is partnering with various companies to release

This Probably Isn’t the New Legacy of Kain Game You Were Expecting

This Probably Isn’t the New Legacy of Kain Game You Were Expecting:
Nope. No sign of Raziel or any Soul Reaver here, folks. Just a bunch of super-powered vampires and medieval human

From Death To DuckTales: It's The Week In Gaming Apps

From Death To DuckTales: It's The Week In Gaming Apps:
They say there are only two things you can count on in life — death and DuckTales. Add The Week in Gaming Apps to that list. Read more...

FIFA Online Spat in South Korea Leads to Developer Lawsuit

FIFA Online Spat in South Korea Leads to Developer Lawsuit:
Korean game company Neowiz filed a lawsuit against EA Korea over FIFA Online, reports Korean site Gamemeca (via tipster Sang). Read more...

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • YJ Network strategy action RPG “God’s Move” starts open beta service.
  • Webzen MMORPG “Arch Lord 2” starts formal service on October 17.
  • Wargaming “World of Tank” starts PC cafĂ© service on September 26.
  • Mgame MMORPG “Darkfall” holds 2nd CBT from September 26 to 29.
  • EA “FIFA 14” mobile version released worldwide.

Vindictus celebrates two years in Europe with wings

Vindictus celebrates two years in Europe with wings:
Filed under: Fantasy, News Items, Free-to-Play, Vindictus, Promotions, Anniversaries It's not always easy for a game to make it to the second year of

Defiance: Committed to Improving the Game

Defiance: Committed to Improving the Game:
Defiance is a game with a massive amount of potential, potential that Trion Worlds is committed to bringing to fruition for players. We chatted with Creative

Deconstructing the free-to-play design of Madden 25 mobile

Deconstructing the free-to-play design of Madden 25 mobile:
EA's juggernaut franchise looks great on mobile -- but how advanced is its free-to-play design? F2P consultant Benjamin Sipe puts it under the microscope. ...

Perfect World International: Crimson Imperium Patch to Go Live Today

Perfect World International: Crimson Imperium Patch to Go Live Today:
Perfect World International players will want to check into the game later today after the Crimson Imperium patch goes

Jagex introduces RuneScape bonds, new business model

Jagex introduces RuneScape bonds, new business model:
Filed under: Fantasy, Business Models, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, RuneScape, Browser Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard has posted a new video to

Stardock jumps into new territory with Stardock Mobile

Stardock jumps into new territory with Stardock Mobile:
The PC developer and publisher reveals its first three mobile games

IndieGameStand: Another marketplace option for your games

IndieGameStand: Another marketplace option for your games:
Pay-what-you-want service IndieGameStand is branching out with a permanent marketplace feature, and is

Ultraman comes to Android in card-based match-3 RPG

Ultraman comes to Android in card-based match-3 RPG:
Today Animoca brought the humanoid space hero Ultraman to Google Play in a free-to-play, collectible-card/role-playing...

GTA Online microtransactions confirmed

GTA Online microtransactions confirmed:
Rockstar Games confirms players will be able to spend real-world money on "GTAquot; through an in-game store, warns of "growing pains" at launch. Rockstar

Defeat Bardiel! C9 Releases the Second Raid for The Extreme Dungeon

Defeat Bardiel! C9 Releases the Second Raid for The Extreme Dungeon:
Webzen finally launches the long-awaited second raid for The Extreme Dungeon: Bardiel Seal in C9 Seal. After killing the 3

Journey dev sees "huge market" for new game genres

Journey dev sees "huge market" for new game genres:
"Right now the game industry is still at a very young phase. There is a lot of space for people to go deeper on emotion," says Jenova Chen

Neverwinter's Velasquez on lockboxes, Foundry, and Module 2

Neverwinter's Velasquez on lockboxes, Foundry, and Module 2:
Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, Previews, Free-to-Play, Neverwinter Here's an interesting thought we've all

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

[Review] Heva Clonia CBT

[Review] Heva Clonia CBT:
Heva Clonia is a Cel shading Anime style F2P MMORPG developed by Windysoft and published by OGPlanet. The subgenre is rather hard to define. Continue reading [Review] Heva Clonia

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Liveplex MMORPG “Kungfu Hero” holds 1st test from September 24 to 28.
  • YJ network strategy action RPG “God’s Move” starts OBT on September 26.
  • SG Internet web RPG “Gods & Hero” starts open service on September 25.
  • Uniana MORPG “LAF” starts open service on September 25.
  • Nexon signs Taiwan service contract with Gamania for FPS “Warface.” 
  • Wowsoft oriental MMORPG “Shinryonggo” holds open CBT from September 25 to 27.
  • Nox Game MMORPG “EZ Online” holds final test from September 25 to 28.

With "Autofill," Facebook Is Making It Easier For You To Buy Stuff On Your Smartphone

With "Autofill," Facebook Is Making It Easier For You To Buy Stuff On Your Smartphone:
Facebook rolled out a limited trial of its new mobile payments service yesterday with a select list of retailers and users.

Strategy Card Game Faeria Kicks Off Closed Beta

Strategy Card Game Faeria Kicks Off Closed Beta:
A brand new strategy card game Faeria is announced by Abrakam, the team crosses the trading card game tradition with tactical battles, resource

Alpha gameplay video introduces Finnish fantasy MMO WarCaster

Alpha gameplay video introduces Finnish fantasy MMO WarCaster:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Video, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser, Mobile If you didn't have the

World of Tanks Assistant app adds achievements and more

World of Tanks Assistant app adds achievements and more:
Filed under: Historical, Video, War, Free-to-Play, World of Tanks The fact that World of Tanks has an app is nothing new; World of Tanks Assistant came on

School of Dragons Review

School of Dragons Review:
With all the hand-wringing that goes on about schools to educate our kids, at least we don't have to worry about a proper place to send our winged reptilian friends. That's because JumpStart's free-

Scopely Finds Hit Apps The Same Way Hollywood Lands Blockbusters

Scopely Finds Hit Apps The Same Way Hollywood Lands Blockbusters:
You might know the name Scopely, but a whole mess of you know its games. In the last year, the 2–year–old startup has

Free-to-play Xbox Live game Ascend out tomorrow

Free-to-play Xbox Live game Ascend out tomorrow:
Microsoft-published Ascend: Hand of Kul releasing tomorrow as free download on Xbox Live. Xbox Live's portfolio of free-to-play offerings will expand tomorrow with

Making A Living Off Of YouTube

Making A Living Off Of YouTube:
Over the years YouTube has proven to be a vital tool in the growth of gaming communities. Call Of Duty is one game that has been instrumental in developing new personalities through gameplay

EverQuest II Producer Reveals More About Heroic Characters | Ten Ton Hammer

EverQuest II Producer Reveals More About Heroic Characters | Ten Ton Hammer:
Producer Holly Longdale offers more details about the free level 95 character that new players can claim in EverQuest II

Elder Scrolls Online: Bringing In The Non-MMO Gamer

Elder Scrolls Online: Bringing In The Non-MMO Gamer:
We here at MMORPG might be what you call an MMO studio's "target audience". We're the folks who keep games going for years after launch. But we're not the

What's Next? Ultima Online vet Starr Long bets on user-generated content

What's Next? Ultima Online vet Starr Long bets on user-generated content:
Ahead of GDC Next, GDC interviewed Portalarium executive producer and Ultima Online vet Starr Long about user-

Fallen Earth State of the Game and Anniversary Events | Ten Ton Hammer

Fallen Earth State of the Game and Anniversary Events | Ten Ton Hammer:
Fallen Earth celebrates its fourth anniversary with a week of in-game events, exclusive items, prizes, and a GM

How to get into the Battlefield 4 beta

How to get into the Battlefield 4 beta:
Battlefield 4's beta is coming soon -- like next week soon. So for those of you wondering how you can get in, DICE has...

Game devs ditching mobile in favor of PC, console?

Game devs ditching mobile in favor of PC, console?:
“I wouldn't touch mobile with a ten foot pole” - we chat with several devs about the challenging mobile market

FIFA 14 Review Round-up

FIFA 14 Review Round-up:
As most soccer fans are aware, FIFA 14 releases today in North America (September 27th worldwide). As is the case with most...

Legacy of Transylvania Review

Legacy of Transylvania Review:
In Legacy of Transylvania, players will embark on a harrowing tale of vampires and hidden objects, as they work their way towards becoming the king or queen of an old Gothic castle. They'll be guided

Nexon: Market optimization key to free-to-play

Nexon: Market optimization key to free-to-play:
Nexon's Min Kim explains the thinking behind its partnership with Splash Damage for the shooter Extraction

EA does the executive shuffle

EA does the executive shuffle:
EA promotes Soderlund to EA Sports head, hands Gibeau the mobile division

Portugal: The rise and fall of a video game industry

Portugal: The rise and fall of a video game industry:
Even though the video game industry is rapidly shifting away from physical goods and expanding into digital realms that know no boundaries, the game industry

EverQuest's Call of the Forsaken lands October 8th

EverQuest's Call of the Forsaken lands October 8th:
Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest, Expansions, News Items, PvE, Free-to-Play, MMORPG Call of the Forsaken, the next expansion for the original EverQuest,

Don't worry, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is coming to Android in October

Don't worry, Plants vs. Zombies 2 is coming to Android in October:
Polygon has sources... sources that I don't have. So I report to you that Plants vs. Zombies 2 will be coming to...

Dragon’s Prophet Post-Launch Plans Q&A with Todd Carson

Dragon’s Prophet Post-Launch Plans Q&A with Todd Carson:
We’ve seen a number of meaningful changes and improvements made to Dragon’s Prophet throughout the open beta period this summer. These run the gambit from easing the dependency on a character’s Charisma attribute for dragon captures, to the addition of the massive Wintertide region. Most recently there have even been additions such as a much needed increase to the number of potential inventory slots that can be unlocked for your characters.

CROSSFIRE SEA Is Now Commercialized in Malaysia and Singapore

CROSSFIRE SEA Is Now Commercialized in Malaysia and Singapore:
Gambooz has announced that CROSSFIRE SEA is now commercialized in Malaysia and Singapore - 25th

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

Ubisoft buys Digital Chocolate Barcelona

Ubisoft buys Digital Chocolate Barcelona:
Ubisoft confirms acquisition of 47-strong team

Xbox One: "Our long term vision hasn't changed at all"

Xbox One: "Our long term vision hasn't changed at all":
Microsoft's Phil Harrison discusses why there will be no indie games at the Xbox One launch, digital price parity and the cost of next-gen development

Heroes of Camelot Review

Heroes of Camelot Review:
Kabam's latest free-to-play venture is both an amalgamation and distillation of a lot of other iOS collectible card games. Heroes of Camelot has the looks. It has the gameplay. Perhaps most importantly,

Toca Cars Review

Toca Cars Review:
Toca Boca has become a byword for quality in children's apps. Their games encourage exploration and experimentation, yet come without any hidden in-app purchases or other hidden

Captain's Log: It's speculation time in Star Trek Online

Captain's Log: It's speculation time in Star Trek Online:
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Patches, Opinion, Star Trek Online, Free-to-Play, Rumors, Captain's Log It's that time again, folks: that time when the Star Trek Online

The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's big missed (business) opportunity

The Nexus Telegraph: WildStar's big missed (business) opportunity:
Filed under: Business Models, MMO Industry, Opinion, WildStar, The Nexus Telegraph, Subscription, Buy-to-Play

WildStar's Gaffney on why the game isn't free-to-play

WildStar's Gaffney on why the game isn't free-to-play:
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, MMO Industry, News Items, WildStar, Subscription, Buy-to-Play It's not enough any longer to simply say that your game

Microsoft partners to create Chinese game console

Microsoft partners to create Chinese game console:
Microsoft and BesTV are planning a new joint venture to create a new game console

Get your free EverQuest II heroic character starting October 1

Get your free EverQuest II heroic character starting October 1:
Filed under: Fantasy, EverQuest II, Game Mechanics, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play SOE is putting the finishing

Angry Birds Star Wars II Review

Angry Birds Star Wars II Review:
Rovio has released Angry Birds Star Wars II for mobile phones and tablets. We all knew it was going to happen. It was as inexorable as the final struggle between Luke and Darth Vader. After all,

Eldevin: Largest Patch Ever Deployed

Eldevin: Largest Patch Ever Deployed:
The Eldevin team has let us know that the largest-ever patch has been deployed into the game. Among other things, the level cap has been increased, new armor

Perfect World reassures players regarding the future of RaiderZ

Perfect World reassures players regarding the future of RaiderZ:
Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play There are certain things that trigger instinctive fears from MMO players. Things like

Not So Massively: D3's auction house closing, Star Citizen salvaging, and new MOBA heroes

Not So Massively: D3's auction house closing, Star Citizen salvaging, and new MOBA heroes:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Video, Business Models, Expansions, Game

Cavemania Is A Grab Bag of Genres in Casual Game Form

Cavemania Is A Grab Bag of Genres in Casual Game Form:
What happens when you take a real time strategy game and an RPG, and wrap it all up in the package of a casual match three game? A huge stinking mess

Valve reveals SteamOS

Valve reveals SteamOS:
Half-Life and Portal studio announces its own Linux-powered operating system; designed for the TV and the living room; will be available "soon" as free download. Half-Life and Portal developer Valve

Raptr: Dota 2 overthrows League of Legends as most played game

Raptr: Dota 2 overthrows League of Legends as most played game
It's unofficial, but Raptr, a website which tracks player stats and gameplay time, has found that Dota 2 has overthrown...

Apple sells 9 million new iPhones in three days

Apple sells 9 million new iPhones in three days:
Company touts record-breaking launch of iPhone 5s and iPhone 5c models; more than 200 million iOS devices now running iOS 7. Apple sold a record-breaking 9

Blog: Why mobile is perfect for the strategy MMO genre

Blog: Why mobile is perfect for the strategy MMO genre:
Galaxy on Fire: Alliances developer Fishlabs thinks mobile has become the premier platform for strategy MMOs, and CEO Michael Schade explains why -- and

GDC Next adds Cryptic on avoiding pay-to-win MMOs, Animoca talks

GDC Next adds Cryptic on avoiding pay-to-win MMOs, Animoca talks:
'Future of games' conference GDC Next has added talks by Animoca on picking your next game platform, and D& D:

The pyramid of free-to-play game design

The pyramid of free-to-play game design:
F2P consultant Nicholas Lovell offers a quick "what you need to know" guide to free-to-play design, including pointing out the biggest mistake that developers

Blog: Is DAU the ultimate vanity metric?

Blog: Is DAU the ultimate vanity metric?:
A lot of people are obsessed with their Daily Active User counts, but Tom Farrell argues that of the metrics you can track, it's among the least useful. He explains

Final Fantasy XIV MMO Log Three: Play Us Out, PlayStation 3

Final Fantasy XIV MMO Log Three: Play Us Out, PlayStation 3:
Welcome to the third and final MMO Log before we slap a review on Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn and call it the better

App devs facing major problems with piracy, profitability

App devs facing major problems with piracy, profitability:
New App Developer Conference survey finds 26% of devs have had their apps pirated, and many struggle to make any profit

New survey shows that piracy and discoverability are still pressing issues for game developers today

New survey shows that piracy and discoverability are still pressing issues for game developers today:
It's no secret that developing a successful mobile game isn't easy in

Monday, September 23, 2013

Heroes of Loot Review: Prepare to Grind Your Thumbs to Dust

Heroes of Loot Review: Prepare to Grind Your Thumbs to Dust:
Heroes of Loot by Pascal Bestebroer is not just another fantasy RPG. I hadn’t played an old-school crawler like this in

Tokyo Game Show - just another game event

Tokyo Game Show - just another game event:
Independent game developer and Gamasutra senior contributing editor Brandon Sheffield examines what the shrinking size of the Tokyo Game Show

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Liveplex MMORPG “Kungfu Hero” signs Naver channeling service, Naver Game users can participate in its 1st test on September 24.
  • YJ Network strategy action RPG “God’s Move” open official homepage, holds 1st test from September 23 to 24.
  • SG Internet “Gods &Hero” grand opens on September 25, results from last test: 70% are in their 30s, about 35% are females, average playtime is 200 minutes.

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn General Article: Review in Progress #4

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn General Article: Review in Progress #4:
So it is dear readers with great sadness that I inform you that we are coming upon the end of our sojourn together known as the Final Fantasy XIV:A Realm Reborn review in progress. Some of you are probably overjoyed by this news, while still others are lamenting the death of this series as much as I am. Regardless of your emotional status on a written review next week MMORPG.com will finally present our official review of FFXIV: ARR and replace that 5.1 score that version 1.0 did so well to earn. This week on the RIP we will talk about quests, heists, leves, grand companies, and the economy.

Some Assembly Required Extra: The scoop on Albion Online

Some Assembly Required Extra: The scoop on Albion Online:
Filed under: Game Mechanics, Interviews, New Titles, PvP, News Items, Some Assembly Required, Sandbox, Housing, Player-Generated Content After

The unlikely fusion of eSports and HTML5

The unlikely fusion of eSports and HTML5:
Project Atlas, Artillery's first collaboration with eSports star Sean "Day[9]" Plott, is meant to bring a high-quality RTS experience to browsers in HTML5. Here's

MOBILE: What is Fantasica exactly?

MOBILE: What is Fantasica exactly?:
Some people probably heard of this game, but a large majority of you probably just glanced over it and continued to browse the pages among pages of apps.

Rise and Shiny: Ensemble Online

Rise and Shiny: Ensemble Online:
Filed under: Video, Business Models, Game Mechanics, New Titles, PvP, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Browser, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream, Sandbox,

Fallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday

Fallen Earth celebrates its 4th birthday:
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Fallen Earth, Free-to-Play, Post-Apocalyptic, Sandbox, Anniversaries Fallen Earth is turning four years old today, and you know what that

PlayStation 4 exclusive Deep Down to be free-to-play

PlayStation 4 exclusive Deep Down to be free-to-play:
Capcom-developed fantasy role-playing game to expand Sony's push into the free-to-play market. Capcom has announced at Tokyo Game Show 2013

Let's Analyze This Week's Weirdest Nintendo News In a Positive Way

Let's Analyze This Week's Weirdest Nintendo News In a Positive Way:
Two days ago, Nintendo revealed how two of their biggest Wii franchises, Wii Fit U and Wii Sports, would be returning on

Darkfall's Duelist update also ushered in treasure map changes

Darkfall's Duelist update also ushered in treasure map changes:
Filed under: Fantasy, Darkfall, Classes, Game Mechanics, Patches, PvP, News Items, Sandbox With a brand new

Combat Monsters Preview

Combat Monsters Preview:
I've been playing a game called Combat Monsters recently, and although it's still in beta, I have to say that I'm very impressed. Rubicon Development, the studio behind the game, describes it as a

Mobile entertainment platform NARR8 launches on Facebook

Mobile entertainment platform NARR8 launches on Facebook:
Image via NARR8 Mobile entertainment platform NARR8 has expanded from mobile to Facebook, bringing a wide array of interactive novels, comics and

iPhone Life, Appsolute Genius press & business talks added to ADC

iPhone Life, Appsolute Genius press & business talks added to ADC:
Newly-announced App Developers Conference talks include tips for getting your app covered by tech press and

Shadow Cities closing down October 7

Shadow Cities closing down October 7:
Filed under: Fantasy, Real-Life, Sci-Fi, Sunsets First announced in 2010, Shadow Cities was set to be a completely new experience in MMO

What's going to happen to Atlus, post-Sega?

What's going to happen to Atlus, post-Sega?:
The Japanese giant has acquired Atlus -- and with it, change is inevitable. What course might it take, and why? Gamasutra's Christian Nutt shares his

TERA: Rising: Checkin' Out the End Game

TERA: Rising: Checkin' Out the End Game:
En Masse Entertainment has announced a new "Level Up" event in which every player will be granted a permanent level 58 character, complete with all gear, if the

Happy 16th birthday, Ultima Online

Happy 16th birthday, Ultima Online:
Filed under: Fantasy, Events (In-Game), Patches, News Items, Ultima Online, Anniversaries, Subscription, MMORPG I've taken my share of ribbing from the

World of Warplanes Release Pushed Back to November | Ten Ton Hammer

World of Warplanes Release Pushed Back to November | Ten Ton Hammer:
The war for the skies will have to wait. World of Warplanes will be getting launched a little later than expected.

The 12 Best Games on the iPhone

The 12 Best Games on the iPhone:
You've got yourself an iPhone and you want to play some games on it. You might not want to just plunge into the App Store. It's a jungle, and it is full of bad

Blog: Make in-app purchasing easier

Blog: Make in-app purchasing easier:
Monetization design consultant Ethan Levy explains why Bejeweled Blitz easily gets money out of players while Ascension makes it way too hard. ...

Take on X-Defense Mode in Marvel Heroes | Ten Ton Hammer

Take on X-Defense Mode in Marvel Heroes | Ten Ton Hammer:
New challenge mode tests player endurance with endless waves of powerful enemies in Marvel Heroes.

Betawatch: September 14 - 20, 2013

Betawatch: September 14 - 20, 2013:
Filed under: Betas, MMO Industry, News Items, Betawatch, Miscellaneous It's hard to make a free-to-play Eastern-style fantasy MMO stand out amidst a sea of

Valve adds new maps, weapon skins to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive

Valve adds new maps, weapon skins to Counter-Strike: Global Offensive:
Valve introduces eight new maps and fifteen new weapon skins through Operation Bravo. Yesterday, Valve

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn – Leveling Process, Review – Part 1

Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn – Leveling Process, Review – Part 1:
Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is the newest online sensations that almost everyone keeps talking about, we all

[TGS 2013] Final Fantasy XIV Has Over a Million Players

[TGS 2013] Final Fantasy XIV Has Over a Million Players:
Over the Tokyo Game Show 2013, Square Enix has unveiled lots of detail information about Final Fantsy XIV: A Realm Reborn. As the hottest MMORPG

Guild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1st launch

Guild Wars 2's Twilight Assault trailer announces October 1st launch:
Filed under: Fantasy, Trailers, Video, Patches, News Items, Guild Wars 2, Buy-to-Play You may not be finished putting

XAOC Japan Publisher Announced, To Release in Japan This Year

XAOC Japan Publisher Announced, To Release in Japan This Year:
USERJOY JAPAN recently announced that they will publish Winking Entertainment's latest MMORPG, XAOC,

Make My MMO: Crowdfunding September 8 - 21, 2013

Make My MMO: Crowdfunding September 8 - 21, 2013:
Filed under: MMO Industry, Massively Meta, Miscellaneous, Crowdfunding, Make My MMO In the oft changing world of crowdfunding hopefuls, faces come and

Friday, September 20, 2013

40% of Xbox Live users female

40% of Xbox Live users female:
“That's a giant change from when we launched our platform”

G-Star 2013 - B2C Area Now is Lack of Exhibitors

G-Star 2013 - B2C Area Now is Lack of Exhibitors:
G-Star is a big game feast for the players who like Korean games since we can get lots of info about Korean MMOs from it. As usual, G-Star 2013 will be held in Busan

Tokyo Game Show 2013: Quiet on the Eastern Front

Tokyo Game Show 2013: Quiet on the Eastern Front:
Japan's games market is in fine health, but Makuhari Messe has never seemed so empty. What's gone wrong?

Latest Steam Greenlight victors include fastest greenlit game yet

Latest Steam Greenlight victors include fastest greenlit game yet:
Another batch of games has made it through the Steam Greenlight process, including bullet-time shooter

Final Fantasy Tactics creator announces new project

Final Fantasy Tactics creator announces new project:
Vagrant Story and Final Fantasy Tactics creator announces new series, Unsung Story; first game will be a tabletop-like card game for mobile devices. Mobile

How Amazon is preparing game developers for its microconsole

How Amazon is preparing game developers for its microconsole:
It's one of the games industry's worst kept secrets that microconsoles are coming from big-name companies. Gamasutra has learned details about

Amazon's GameCircle and Whispersync features come to iOS

Amazon's GameCircle and Whispersync features come to iOS:
Amazon's GameCircle and Whispersync mobile games functionality has finally come to iOS, having previously only been

Kamcord unveils gameplay video recording for Android

Kamcord unveils gameplay video recording for Android:
Kamcord, a set of tools that can be built into your iOS mobile game to allow users to record and share gameplay videos with friends, launched for Android today.

Cavemania Review

Cavemania Review:
Cavemania is the long-awaited result of what happens when developer BonusXP partners up with publisher Yodo1 to release Yodo1's very first global game: and let me tell you, this thing is more

Closed beta begins for Heva Clonia Online

Closed beta begins for Heva Clonia Online:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play Why should only a select few classes get to play around with pets? That's a question

PlayStation App to launch alongside PS4 in November

PlayStation App to launch alongside PS4 in November:
The previously announced PlayStation App, which will link your smartphone to your PS4, will release alongside Sony's...

Defiance Names “Play the Game, Join the Show” Winner | Ten Ton Hammer

Defiance Names “Play the Game, Join the Show” Winner | Ten Ton Hammer:
After weeks of voting, Defiance has chosen the player that will have their character featured in a Season 2 show

A (measured) defense of the MMO subscription model

A (measured) defense of the MMO subscription model:
In the wake of Elder Scrolls Online sticking with a traditional subscription model, economist and PhD student Isaac Knowles explores whether that can still

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online: Gazillion Celebrates 6 Million Registrations

Marvel Super Hero Squad Online: Gazillion Celebrates 6 Million Registrations:
Gazillion Entertainment is celebrating the six million registrations for Marvel Super Hero Squad Online with a free one week

While The World Plays GTA V, I'm Playing Deer Hunter 2014. Man.

While The World Plays GTA V, I'm Playing Deer Hunter 2014. Man.:
The biggest game of the year is sitting in my PlayStation 3, and I'm sitting on my back porch, shooting wolverines on my

Zynga brings speed-MOBA Solstice Arena to Mac

Zynga brings speed-MOBA Solstice Arena to Mac:
Here's something you might not have expected to wake up to in the world of Mac gaming this morning: Zynga has taken their popular mobile speed-MOBA

Mark of the Ninja, Walking Dead devs join up under new studio

Mark of the Ninja, Walking Dead devs join up under new studio:
Mark of the Ninja lead designer Nels Anderson, as well as three other industry veterans from studios including Telltale have come together under a new

Diamond Dash unveils league system

Diamond Dash unveils league system:
Taking advantage of the amazing new features of iOS 7, Wooga has unveiled today a new global league system update for their popular gem-matching game,

Japan War Machines Join World of Tanks | Ten Ton Hammer

Japan War Machines Join World of Tanks | Ten Ton Hammer:
Wargaming brings the ingenuity of Japan to the warfront with new Japanese armor in World of Tanks.

Huge Update Brings GLaDOS Into Dota 2. Awesome.

Huge Update Brings GLaDOS Into Dota 2. Awesome.:
Last month, we learned both that a GLaDOS announcer pack would come to Dota, and that we've all apparently been pronouncing 'Dota' wrong this entire time.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Sony Online Entertainment: Trolls and Tribulations

Sony Online Entertainment: Trolls and Tribulations:
Director of global community relations Linda Carlson on the ambiguous power of the online audience

Japanese News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Browser game "Garden of Shikihime" has passed the 50,000 player milestone.
  • Gameloft's operational income for January to June increased by 91% compared to the same period last year.
  • Square Enix will release Chaos Rings Sigma for mobile devices in 2014.

Nintendo explores new monetization angles with Wii Fit U, Wii Sports Club

Nintendo explores new monetization angles with Wii Fit U, Wii Sports Club:
Nintendo continues to experiment with its monetization techniques, this time with its popular Wii Fit and Wii Sports

EA's Wilson on games as services: "Don't force anything"

EA's Wilson on games as services: "Don't force anything":
Before he was appointed CEO, Andrew Wilson already played an instrumental part in evolving EA's games as services strategy

Puzzle Trooper Review

Puzzle Trooper Review:
Everybody loves Puzzle & Dragons. So much so, that everybody else has tried their hand at making something similar. In Kabam's case, it's Puzzle Trooper: the same match-3 puzzle game/pseudo CCG

MLG board adds Houston Rockets GM

MLG board adds Houston Rockets GM:
Major League Gaming brings on a new board member and two executive hires

Blizzard LFM: eSports Director needed for Blizzard All-Stars

Blizzard LFM: eSports Director needed for Blizzard All-Stars:
Filed under: Fantasy, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA When I say Blizzard, you say MOBA! OK, chances are that's not the first thing you

Panzer General Online Rolls into Closed Beta | Ten Ton Hammer

Panzer General Online Rolls into Closed Beta | Ten Ton Hammer:
Ubisoft announces the start of closed beta for the free-to-play adaptation of the classic Panzer General saga.

CastleVille Legends Review

CastleVille Legends Review:
While the original CastleVille fits snuggly in the history of Zynga's Ville games as the spiritual successor to The Pioneer Trail, CastleVille Legends sets out to be something ambitiously new. Designed

Gamebrain wants to make metrics tracking easier for smaller devs

Gamebrain wants to make metrics tracking easier for smaller devs:
Recently unveiled cloud-based development and delivery platform Gamebrain has announced a partnership

Syntertainment: Will Wright's new $5M startup venture

Syntertainment: Will Wright's new $5M startup venture:
Will Wright has announced his latest startup venture, dubbed Syntertainment. Staffed in part by members of his previous company, Wright says

SimpleRockets Review

SimpleRockets Review:
In the deep reaches of space, no one can hear your spacecraft explode. Unless you're playing SimpleRockets: then it makes a very satisfying "bwoosh!" sound. Developer Andrew Garrison, of

Disney Infinity: Toy Box app launches on iPad

Disney Infinity: Toy Box app launches on iPad:
Now you can take your Disney Infinity adventures with you on the go. Disney announced today the release of the Disney...

Nvidia's Tegra Note Platform Is The Shield Without All The Shield Bits

Nvidia's Tegra Note Platform Is The Shield Without All The Shield Bits:
Nvidia's portable gaming system is neat, but there are several things it does — playing media, running games in portrait

Dragon's Prophet: Not 'Dragon' Its Heels

Dragon's Prophet: Not 'Dragon' Its Heels:
Now that the official launch day for Sony Online Entertainment's and Runewaker's Dragon's Prophet has finally arrived, it is worth taking a few minutes to catch up on

New iOS Games Tonight: Angry Birds Star Wars II, Infinity Blade III and more!

New iOS Games Tonight: Angry Birds Star Wars II, Infinity Blade III and more!:
While most gamers out there this week are still trying to catch up on all of the lost sleep from Grand Theft Auto V's big

Here's what's new for game developers on iOS 7

Here's what's new for game developers on iOS 7:
With the iOS 7 rolling out today, Apple makes a play to evolve game development with three new or improved features for game devs: the Sprite Kit, a

MMO Family: Are kid-friendly MMOs doomed to extinction?

MMO Family: Are kid-friendly MMOs doomed to extinction?:
Filed under: MMO Industry, Opinion, Kids, MMO Family, Family, Miscellaneous Recently, the family-friendly segment of the MMO industry suffered a bit of a blow

What's Next? Thomas Bidaux says it's cloud computing

What's Next? Thomas Bidaux says it's cloud computing:
Ahead of GDC Next, GDC interviewed ICO Partners CEO Thomas Bidaux about cloud computing, crowdfunding, and next-generation content production

SMITE unveils Thanatos, Hand of Death

SMITE unveils Thanatos, Hand of Death:
Filed under: Fantasy, Video, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA SMITE's roster of gods just got a little deeper with the addition of Thanatos, Hand of Death.

Warhammer Online shutting down

Warhammer Online shutting down:
EA Mythic to pull plug December 18 as licensing deal with Games Workshop runs out

RIFT 2.4: Beyond Infinity Goes Live | Ten Ton Hammer

RIFT 2.4: Beyond Infinity Goes Live | Ten Ton Hammer:
Secure the Infinity Gate and battle new raids and dungeons in RIFT’s 2.4: Beyond Infinity update.

RIFT Shutting Down in China | Ten Ton Hammer

RIFT Shutting Down in China | Ten Ton Hammer:
As RIFT’s 2.4 update rolls out in NA, Trion prepares to bring service for their flagship MMORPG to a close in China.

GTAV generates $800 million in 24 hours

GTAV generates $800 million in 24 hours:
Global day-one retail sales outpace Grand Theft Auto IV by healthy margin, good for highest launch-day mark in history of Take-Two Interactive and Grand

Blog: The surprising way League of Legends monetizes players

Blog: The surprising way League of Legends monetizes players:
League of Legends success comes down to some very specific factors, argues free-to-play developer Andrew

Angry Birds Star Wars II Could Have Been A Great Shameless Cash-Grab

Angry Birds Star Wars II Could Have Been A Great Shameless Cash-Grab:
Making a mobile game crossover is easy. Just take your popular game and re-skin it to resemble whichever pop culture

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

PlayStation 4 will launch in select Asian markets in December

PlayStation 4 will launch in select Asian markets in December:
Sony said today that the upcoming PlayStation 4 console will launch in select Asian markets, including Hong

Guns and Robots Revealed Features and Changes of Upcoming First Season Update

Guns and Robots Revealed Features and Changes of Upcoming First Season Update:
Masthead Studios has revealed the new features and changes of the upcoming First Season of Guns and

Brand New MOFPS Extraction to Begin Closed Beta on Oct.1st

Brand New MOFPS Extraction to Begin Closed Beta on Oct.1st:
Nexon America has announced that its all-new MOFPS Extraction will kick-off the closed beta test on Oct. 1. This follows the game’s recent unveiling at this year’s

The Best-Looking Mobile Game Rises Again, More Powerful Than Ever

The Best-Looking Mobile Game Rises Again, More Powerful Than Ever:
The hero of the Infinity Blade series never really dies. Each time he falls he is reborn, accruing skill and power until he's

Sega confirms that it has taken over Atlus' parent company

Sega confirms that it has taken over Atlus' parent company:
Sega today announced that it has taken over the operations of Index Corporation, the Japanese company that owns video game developer and publisher Atlus. ...

Sometimes game consoles are a better place for indies, says Retro City Rampage dev

Sometimes game consoles are a better place for indies, says Retro City Rampage dev:
Brian Provinciano, creator and (mostly) sole developer of Retro City Rampage, thinks consoles are actually a pretty good

Newell: Steambox, Linux and the future of games

Newell: Steambox, Linux and the future of games:
Valve's president teases hardware reveal, describes the importance of Linux to the future of games

Arkadium reveals new study on cross-play gaming habits

Arkadium reveals new study on cross-play gaming habits:
As a gamer today in 2013, there are now more ways to play our favorite games than ever before: whether on home consoles, mobile devices like

Skylanders hits $1.5 billion lifetime revenue

Skylanders hits $1.5 billion lifetime revenue:
Skylanders Giants sold 500,000 units in its first two weeks on sale

Prime World: Jack of All Trades, Master of None

Prime World: Jack of All Trades, Master of None:
Prime World, developed by Nival Interactive, is one of the latest entries into the growing MOBA genre. But it's more than just a MOBA at the same time. In our

Valkyrie Crusade Review

Valkyrie Crusade Review:
I have to admit; I'm rather shocked and mystified by Valkyrie Crusade. It's a combination collectible card game and town builder, which in itself is an odd match; but both elements support each

Infectonator: Hot Chase Review

Infectonator: Hot Chase Review:
Pop culture's love affair with zombies would have you believe the creatures are slow, shambling, and stupid. For your own safety, don't be fooled. George Romero's zombies can really book it if

What's Next? Move to mobile, or fall behind!

What's Next? Move to mobile, or fall behind!:
Ahead of GDC Next, GDC interviewed Ubisoft Blue Byte's Teut Weidemann about the future of the mobile games industry - with some interesting results! ...

Blizzard Kills Diablo III Auction Houses

Blizzard Kills Diablo III Auction Houses:
Diablo III's most despised feature will soon be no more. Blizzard has just announced that they're stripping the game's controversial auction houses,

MechWarrior Online: Launch Day Arrives

MechWarrior Online: Launch Day Arrives:
MechWarrior Online has hit a seminal day in its development thanks to today's launch. To celebrate the occasion, Creative Director Bryan Ekman has

Ghost ’n Goblins Online Hits Steam Greenlight | Ten Ton Hammer

Ghost ’n Goblins Online Hits Steam Greenlight | Ten Ton Hammer:
A free-to-play action RPG of the classic Ghost ’n Goblins game appears on Steam Greenlight this week.

Guild Wars 2 Tequatl Rising Update Launches Today | Ten Ton Hammer

Guild Wars 2 Tequatl Rising Update Launches Today | Ten Ton Hammer:
ArenaNet unleashes the fury of Tequatl along with a few new features in Guild Wars 2’s latest update.

General: My Time with Hearthstone

General: My Time with Hearthstone:
Hearthstone is Blizzard's latest addition to its stable of games, a trading-card game to boot. In his latest column, Matt Miller talks about his experiences in

Massively Exclusive: Reloaded Games' CEO explains APB's layoffs

Massively Exclusive: Reloaded Games' CEO explains APB's layoffs:
Filed under: Fallen Earth, Events (Real-World), Interviews, MMO Industry, News Items, Free-to-Play, All Points Bulletin,

APB: Reloaded loses more staff, teases upcoming threat changes

APB: Reloaded loses more staff, teases upcoming threat changes:
Filed under: MMO Industry, Free-to-Play, All Points Bulletin, Crime As announced in the game's official forums last night,

EA's new boss vows cost management will "feature prominently"

EA's new boss vows cost management will "feature prominently":
In his first interview as new CEO, Andrew Wilson also notes that "there is absolutely growth in consoles"

Andrew Wilson named EA CEO

Andrew Wilson named EA CEO:
EA Sports veteran appointed Chief Executive Officer at Battlefield, Mass Effect publisher, replacing John Riccitiello; says he envisions EA as the "world's greatest games company;" will

Pirate101 begins testing on Mac client

Pirate101 begins testing on Mac client:
Filed under: Fantasy, News Items, Free-to-Play, Kids, Family, Pirate101 A life of adventure on the high seas is the sort of thing that appeals to everyone, even

Report: Atlus Is Becoming Part of Sega

Report: Atlus Is Becoming Part of Sega:
Atlus will soon be a Sega brand, reports Japan's Nikkei. Read more...

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Mobile MMORPG Ragnarok: War of Gods Now Available

Mobile MMORPG Ragnarok: War of Gods Now Available:
Animoca today is announcing the launch of Ragnarok: War of Gods, a mobile MMORPG that is officially licensed from NEO CYON Inc. and based on the

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Fortuna Games action RPG “Dungeon Hero” to become available via Naver Game channeling service.
  • Inplay Interactive signs NA contract with Aeria Games for FPS “Fear Online.” 
  • Gamevil Facebook game “Train City” starts formal service.
  • Mgame MMORPG “Dark Fall” releases 3 new screenshots, holds 2nd test from September 26 to 29, ends tester recruitment on September 24.

Warhammer 40k: Eternal Crusade Presentation Video from Montreal ComicCon | Ten Ton Hammer

Warhammer 40k: Eternal Crusade Presentation Video from Montreal ComicCon | Ten Ton Hammer:
Behaviour Interactive headed down to Montreal’s ComicCon this weekend. Get

Sonic The Hedgehog F2P, Tom Hall, future of AR talks added to GDC Next

Sonic The Hedgehog F2P, Tom Hall, future of AR talks added to GDC Next:
November's GDC Next has added talks on Sega's move to free-to-play with Sonic and veteran Tom Hall (DOOM, Rise Of

Google's Ingress adopts achievement system, awards badges

Google's Ingress adopts achievement system, awards badges:
Filed under: Real-Life, Patches, News Items, Mobile It's been a while since we have heard any news about Google's

General: Nether: A Survival Game & Much More

General: Nether: A Survival Game & Much More:
Nether is a game that, according to Blake Morse, defies description. On one hand, it is a survival game. On the other, it embodies world building, community and

Schappert: What I Learned from Zynga

Schappert: What I Learned from Zynga:
Industry exec lays out plan for free-to-play startup Shiver, says consoles are undergoing a bigger change than music CDs to mp3s

Video: Don Daglow on next-gen transition 'traps and treasures'

Video: Don Daglow on next-gen transition 'traps and treasures':
How do you prepare for the next-gen transition? In this GDC Europe talk, industry luminary Don Daglow revisits game dev history lessons from past

Valve, SteelSeries, and DreamHack to host $250,000 Counter-Strike tournament

Valve, SteelSeries, and DreamHack to host $250,000 Counter-Strike tournament:
Valve's community-funding eSports initiative leads to to largest Counter-Strike tournament prize pool in the game's

Disney Infinity sales off to 'strong start'

Disney Infinity sales off to 'strong start':
Disney Infinity is off to a "strong start," according to a spokesperson from publisher Disney Interactive...

General: The Impact of Loot

General: The Impact of Loot:
Loot is probably one of the biggest driving forces for player involvement in any MMO. In today's Social Hub, we take a look at the impact that loot has on a game and on its community. Read on before leaving

Ninjin Review

Ninjin Review:
There's nothing worse than a gang of samurai thugs who appear in your peaceful rabbit village and abscond with your stockpile of carrots. Seriously--rabbits like carrots! So if such an

Boom! Tanks Review

Boom! Tanks Review:
For the most part, tanks have found a home among large-scale multiplayer games, thanks to games like World of Tanks. Players who've desired a more isolated and casual trip on these

Rockstar releases GTAV app

Rockstar releases GTAV app:
Free iFruit app hits iTunes, allows users to stay up to date with Grand Theft Auto V news, train Franklin's dog Chop, and customize cars. Rockstar Games today released an iOS app called Grand Theft

There Is No Escaping This Week In Gaming Apps

There Is No Escaping This Week In Gaming Apps:
The coast looks clear. There are certainly a lot less android roaming the streets than there were last week, but what if it's just a ploy to lead you out into the open?

NetEase's New League of Legends Clone Is Disappointingly Uninspired

NetEase's New League of Legends Clone Is Disappointingly Uninspired:
A Three Kingdoms-based multiplayer online battle arena has long been over due. However, NetEase's attempt at

Not So Massively: Star Citizen hits $19M, Elite's trailer, D3 datamining, and LoL's World Championship

Not So Massively: Star Citizen hits $19M, Elite's trailer, D3 datamining, and LoL's World Championship:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Trailers, Video, Business Models,

Square Enix resumes Final Fantasy XIV online sales

Square Enix resumes Final Fantasy XIV online sales:
Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, New Titles, News Items, Consoles, Final Fantasy XIV, Subscription, MMORPG Despite ongoing server issues, queue

Red 5 Confirms Layoffs Ahead of Firefall Launch | Ten Ton Hammer

Red 5 Confirms Layoffs Ahead of Firefall Launch | Ten Ton Hammer:
Red 5 Studios sheds 10% of its staff as part of a restructuring plan to transition Firefall development for launch.

Where's My Water? 2 Review

Where's My Water? 2 Review:
There's always an alligator, there's always water, and there's always dirt separating the two. The infinite loop of Swampy's bath time in Where's My Water? was charming and challenging,

Silent Hunter Online Dives Into Open Beta | Ten Ton Hammer

Silent Hunter Online Dives Into Open Beta | Ten Ton Hammer:
Silent Hunter Online goes on the hunt. Ubisoft Blue Byte’s World War II submarine combat simulation leaves dock to wage war on the open sea.

Warframe Shadows of the Dead Update Goes Live | Ten Ton Hammer

Warframe Shadows of the Dead Update Goes Live | Ten Ton Hammer:
Warframe’s latest update adds more weapons, game modes, Nekros Warframes, and new areas to wage

Monday, September 16, 2013

Oblivion Online Debut, To Start CBT Soon

Oblivion Online Debut, To Start CBT Soon:
Taiwan game publisher, Mooli Digital recenlty made a debut of its latest MMORPG - Oblivion Online. The game is based on the western mythology and

PS4 $1,136 in Argentina

PS4 $1,136 in Argentina:
Currency fluctuations are an inescapable hurdle in operating globally. Case in point is what the PlayStation 4 will cost in Argentina come November. Sony Computer Entertainment has listed the new console in its official Argentine store at 6,499 pesos ($1,136). The PS4 arrives there on November 29 as well as in other Latin American countries including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama and Peru.

The King of Fighters Online Unveiled 5 New Characters, Including Kim, Choi etc.

The King of Fighters Online Unveiled 5 New Characters, Including Kim, Choi etc.:
The King of Fighters Online's Thailand official site announced 5 new characters and their skill demo recenlty. They are

Dragon Age Legends developer's tips and tricks for free-to-play

Dragon Age Legends developer's tips and tricks for free-to-play:
Ethan Levy, recently of Quarter Spiral, shares his tips and tricks for building free-to-play games, from smooth

US digital games market update: August 2013

US digital games market update: August 2013:
During their respective quarterly earnings review, the major publicly traded publishers all emphasized the importance of digital sales. Take-Two Interactive saw its digital revenues grow to $75 million, or 52% of total revenue. For Activision that number was 63%, and for EA 76%. Lastly, Ubisoft revealed that digital represents approximately 12% of total sales. The overall digital games category was $846 million in the month of August, an increase of 4.1% year-over-year.

Japanese News and Beta Test Announcements

  • X-LEGEND ENTERTAINMENT's fantasy MMORPG “Gensou Shiniki –Fantasy Frontier” will be released in this autumn in Japan.
  • MMORPG “Scarlet Blade” increased testers for CBT by 1000. 
  • A Team announced their consolidated financial results for July 2013, showing significant growth and increased success.
  • SEGA released mobile dance game “GO DANCE.”

Why I don't want every game I play to last forever

Why I don't want every game I play to last forever:
CEO of nDreams writes for GamesIndustry International on the problems with free-to-play

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Hanbit Soft rhythm game “World in Audition” starts OBT on September 16, starts formal service on October 2.
  • Nvius MMORPG “EOS” already at Top 9 in Gametrics ranking after start of service on September 11.
  • Wowsoft oriental MMORPG “Shinryonggi” opens CBT site, holds open CBT from September 25 to October 1.
  • Liveplex MMORPG “Kungfu Hero” holds 1st test from September 24 to 28.

BlackRaisons' HeroesGO overdue impressions.

BlackRaisons' HeroesGO overdue impressions.:
I'm sure a few of you have been following the announcement of the OBT for HeroesGO. It's already been a few weeks since OBT has begun for HeroesGO, and

Hyperspace Beacon Extra: SWTOR's expansion 'refunds'

Hyperspace Beacon Extra: SWTOR's expansion 'refunds':
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Business Models, Expansions, Opinion, Free-to-Play, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Hyperspace Beacon, Subscription, MMORPG On

Rise and Shiny: Vega Conflict

Rise and Shiny: Vega Conflict:
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Video, PvP, Opinion, War, Free-to-Play, Browser, Hands-On, Casual, Rise and Shiny, Livestream You might be familiar with Kixeye for many different reasons, but this week I am

Getting to market fast, the lean development way

Getting to market fast, the lean development way:
Lean development concepts have been moving through startups in Silicon Valley for some time, but haven't made much headway in game development.

General: Sub Standard

General: Sub Standard:
The talk about subscription-based games has been ongoing for the past several weeks since several major titles announced their intentions to utilize subs. In our latest Devil's Advocate, we revisit

MMObility: Perfect World's new mobile lineup

MMObility: Perfect World's new mobile lineup:
Filed under: Fantasy, Interviews, New Titles, Previews, PvP, PvE, Free-to-Play, Mobile, Casual, Miscellaneous, MMObility, MOBA When I first heard that

Predict the future by preparing for change

Predict the future by preparing for change:
The future is unwritten, but preparing for, or at least thinking about multiple potential eventualities can help you be ready for that future, says Don Daglow,

Teamwork: It's the key to fighting monsters.

Teamwork: It's the key to fighting monsters.:
Teamwork: It's the key to fighting monsters. Of course, "teamwork" online usually means yelling "Oh shit!" at one another over and over. But the guys in this

An early look at Phosphor's survival pseudo-MMO Nether

An early look at Phosphor's survival pseudo-MMO Nether:
Filed under: Betas, Horror, Galleries, Screenshots, Video, Business Models, Game Mechanics, New Titles, Previews, PvP, PvE, Opinion, First Impressions,

New Assault PvE Mode Added to Third Person MOBA Cyphers

New Assault PvE Mode Added to Third Person MOBA Cyphers:
Cyphers is a Korean third person MOBA from Nexon, which is one of the hottest 3D titles in Korea for many months now. Essentially somewhat similar to SMITE,

Gloria Victis shows off latest update in screenshots

Gloria Victis shows off latest update in screenshots:
Filed under: Fantasy, Historical, Galleries, Screenshots, Game Mechanics, New Titles, Free-to-Play, Sandbox The last Gloria Victis update

Final Fantasy XIV Adds New World and Third Duty Finder Group

Final Fantasy XIV Adds New World and Third Duty Finder Group:
Following yesterday's gear score launch in Final Fantasy XIV forum, today the second part for the further server and

Blog: Contrasting Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo's pitch for indies

Blog: Contrasting Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo's pitch for indies:
James Coote recently attended an Indie Collective event in London where the big three console makers all had reps

Heroes of Loot Review

Heroes of Loot Review:
I've played my fair share of dungeon-crawling roguelikes, with their turn-based tales of slow, tight progression, treasure a-plenty, and endless floors of bloodthirsty enemies. Heroes of Loot,

ADC adds Tumblr talk on bad dev habits, Mixpanel analytics talk

ADC adds Tumblr talk on bad dev habits, Mixpanel analytics talk:
ADC announces new talks for its LA-based November event, with Tumblr's mobile engineering manager reviewing

Shanda Talks about Dragon Nest 2 Developement Progress

Shanda Talks about Dragon Nest 2 Developement Progress:
First revealed by Shanda Games a few months back, another top executive has now given an update in a chat with the community. Mr Xiangdong Zhang, CEO of

Strata Review

Strata Review:
Simplicity, elegance, and challenge: the three features developer Graveck has emphasized in their latest gaming excursion, Strata. The one-touch gameplay of this minimalist-designed

Joust Legend Review

Joust Legend Review:
First things first: If you're older than two decades' worth of gaming, then you should be informed right off the bat that this has nothing to do with riding ostriches over lava pools as you (attempt

Clash of Clans might finally be coming to Android

Clash of Clans might finally be coming to Android:
Clash of Clans is huge. It's a monster of a game; the kind of success that other mobile developers could only dream of. It's been the #2 top grossing app for as

LotRO: Helm's Deep purchase required to continue the epic story

LotRO: Helm's Deep purchase required to continue the epic story:
Filed under: Fantasy, Lord of the Rings Online, Expansions, Free-to-Play, Dev Diaries Lord of the Rings Online's epic

Second Wind: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, part one

Second Wind: Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, part one:
Filed under: Fantasy, Classes, Game Mechanics, Opinion, Hands-On, Final Fantasy XIV, Dungeons, Second Wind The time is finally upon us, everyone:

Terraria is now on Android, complete with robot mascot exclusive

Terraria is now on Android, complete with robot mascot exclusive:
There was a time when Terraria looked like it was getting ready to step into the sunset. But that was 19 months ago, and

Chair's Donald Mustard on the Apple console threat

Chair's Donald Mustard on the Apple console threat:
Infinity Blade III developer excited for iDevices' living room potential, addresses increasing time and cost of mobile development

One Of The World's Best Developers Is Down To 17 Staff

One Of The World's Best Developers Is Down To 17 Staff:
Criterion, the guys behind the Burnout series and the good Need For Speed games (not the movie), are going through what you could call a transitional period.

Pitbull opens third UK studio in the Midlands

Pitbull opens third UK studio in the Midlands:
Specialising in Unreal Engine 4 and Epic Games' projects

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: Review in Progress #3

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: Review in Progress #3:
Now that Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has "matured" to nearly three weeks since release, we have more thoughts to offer about the game play and

Ragnarok browser game renamed for English market debut

Ragnarok browser game renamed for English market debut:
Filed under: Fantasy, New Titles, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser A Ragnarok here, a Ragnarok there -- there are

Battlefield 4 beta starts October 1

Battlefield 4 beta starts October 1:
Open beta for upcoming DICE-developed military shooter launching next month for Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC; next-gen versions get release dates. An open

Prime World patch slips you some skins

Prime World patch slips you some skins:
Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Free-to-Play, MOBA Call out "New skins! New skins!" to the MOBA crowd and just watch as they come a-runnin'. Nival's added a

Betawatch: September 7 - September 13, 2013

Betawatch: September 7 - September 13, 2013:
Filed under: Betas, MMO Industry, News Items, Betawatch, Miscellaneous If you're reading this, odds are you're going to have to wait quite a while for Black

Friday, September 13, 2013

Nexon to acquire Thingsoft

Nexon to acquire Thingsoft:
South Korean company will buy FIFA Online developer

Report: Samsung Galaxy phones grab over 90% Android gamer marketshare

Report: Samsung Galaxy phones grab over 90% Android gamer marketshare:
According to the NativeX game network, which tracks the Android platforms players use, Samsung phones

Get in on the Action as Crytek's Warface Builds Towards Launch

Get in on the Action as Crytek's Warface Builds Towards Launch:
After positive feedback from players at gamescom 2013, free-to-play FPS Warface has been edging closer to launch with a fresh round of Closed Beta

Opinion: Snuffing out disruptive microconsoles won't be so easy

Opinion: Snuffing out disruptive microconsoles won't be so easy:
if you're thinking one of the big three console makers will just swoop in and snuff out an entire disruptive innovation, you're missing the big picture. And if

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Hanbit Soft rhythm dance game “World in Audition” starts open service on September 16.
  • Valve AOS “Dota 2” opens “Korea beta service” from September 13 to 26 without beta key.
  • Gamewave web MMORPG “Guryongjeon” holds CBT from September 12 to 14.
  • Studio9 FPS for 2014 release “Crack Shot” brand image released.
  • Ndoors mobile 3D strategy MMORPG “Legion of Heroes” holds 1st CBT from September 13 to 17.

Vita TV points the way to Sony's future

Vita TV points the way to Sony's future:
If the hardware giant is to survive, networks and software are key

There's One Major Free-To-Play Problem With Where's My Water? 2

There's One Major Free-To-Play Problem With Where's My Water? 2:
During an interview with Where's My Water? creator Tim FitzRandolph last week, I found myself excited over the new

In Case Any of You Were Wondering Just Who This Character Is...

In Case Any of You Were Wondering Just Who This Character Is...:
If any of you caught the Japanese Sony press conference on Monday, there was a moment when they were showing a

The Freebie Gamer Bundle is now available (with Spicy Horse games)

The Freebie Gamer Bundle is now available:
Psst. Hey, you. Yeah - YOU. Want some free games? How about exclusive content? Well then you're in luck - you can get both in Gamezebo's newly launch

Sony has no plans to launch PS Vita TV in US, Europe

Sony has no plans to launch PS Vita TV in US, Europe:
Andrew House says streaming device not planned for release in Western markets, at least not yet; could support PS3 and PS4 streaming. Sony has no plans to

War of the Immortals: Latest Update Deployed

War of the Immortals: Latest Update Deployed:
War of the Immortals has been updated with the latest patch that brings the new Faith System online which allows players to receive special buffs and more. In

Crowdfunding becomes crowd-developing with Big Viking Games' Tiny Kingdoms

Crowdfunding becomes crowd-developing with Big Viking Games' Tiny Kingdoms:
Who wants a free t-shirt or a measly "Thank You" note in the game credits for your hard-earned pledging dollars, when

Despite $6 App Store price, 868-HACK is selling well

Despite $6 App Store price, 868-HACK is selling well:
"You're trying to tune one number to maximise another number, and you lose sight of the fact that you're experimenting on actual human beings." - 868-HACK

How PlayJam plans to shake up the microconsole market

How PlayJam plans to shake up the microconsole market:
GameStick isn't the be-all and end-all in the UK-based PlayJam's microconsole plans. Other companies might be looking at how best to sell their own hardware,

You Will Believe In Browser-Based Games After Playing Card Hunter

You Will Believe In Browser-Based Games After Playing Card Hunter:
Assembled by a magical gathering of collectible card and video game talent, Card Hunter is a truly unique of deck

Card Hunter Review

Card Hunter Review:
Time is precious. Especially gaming time, which means video games, collectible card games, and tabletop games are all vying against each other for yours. Happily, Blue Manchu has a

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: The FFXIV Economy Issue

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: The FFXIV Economy Issue:
Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn has some economic issues that need addressing and we're breaking it all

Imagine Dragons debuting new song through Infinity Blade III

Imagine Dragons debuting new song through Infinity Blade III:
Rock band's new song "Monster" will see worldwide debut in Chair Entertainment's new iOS game out next week. Rock band Imagine Dragons will debut their

Archlord II KR Released a Teaser Trailer Showing New Battlefield, Dungeons and Scenes

Archlord II KR Released a Teaser Trailer Showing New Battlefield, Dungeons and Scenes:
Today, Webzen KR released a Archlord II pre-teaser, showing battlefield,

Retail game sales up 21% in August - NPD

Retail game sales up 21% in August - NPD:
Madden, Saints Row IV, Disney Infinity push sales as Wii U gets first exclusive on the chart with Pikmin 3, but hardware down 40%

Fargher swaps PlayStation for Call Of Duty

Fargher swaps PlayStation for Call Of Duty:
SCEE's senior UK PR Manager to start new role at Activision

Perfect Ten: MMO industry moves I didn't see coming

Perfect Ten: MMO industry moves I didn't see coming:
Filed under: Asheron's Call, City of Heroes, Dungeons and Dragons Online, EverQuest, MMO Industry, Opinion, Star Wars Galaxies, Vanguard, Final Fantasy

Hi-Rez CEO: Without SMITE, Tribes would have 'closed down'

Hi-Rez CEO: Without SMITE, Tribes would have 'closed down':
Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-Fi, MMO Industry, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, MMOFPS, MOBA Hi-Rez co-founder and

Black Desert (KR) to Kick Off Closed Beta on Oct.1st

Black Desert (KR) to Kick Off Closed Beta on Oct.1st:
According to the latest news from Korean media, the long anticipated 3D Korean sandbox MMORPG Black Desert will kick off Closed Beta Test in Korea in 19 days,

UK studio Blitz Games to close after 23 years

UK studio Blitz Games to close after 23 years:
At least 125 jobs go; new company will form as management hopes to save 50 positions

LOTRO’s Helm’s Deep Expansion Launches November 18th | Ten Ton Hammer

LOTRO’s Helm’s Deep Expansion Launches November 18th | Ten Ton Hammer:
Turbine sets the release date for LOTRO’s Helm’s Deep expansion and offers two new pre-order options.

Rift: Beyond Infinity - Something For Everyone

Rift: Beyond Infinity - Something For Everyone:
Rift's 2.4 patch, Beyond Infinity, will launch soon with enough content to make even the biggest curmudgeon sit up and take notice. We have a great

Firefall: PvP 'Shut Off' for the Time Being

Firefall: PvP 'Shut Off' for the Time Being:
According to a post by Red 5's Mark Kern on the official Firefall forums, PvP has been taken out of the game for the time being. The team indicates that PvP wasn't

Star Wars: The Old Republic update 2.4 'The Dread War' releasing Oct. 1

Star Wars: The Old Republic update 2.4 'The Dread War' releasing Oct. 1:
BioWare announced today that The Dread War, game update 2.4 for Star Wars: The Old Republic, will be released

Age of Wushu previews its winter content

Age of Wushu previews its winter content:
Filed under: Fantasy, Historical, Patches, Previews, News Items, Free-to-Play, Sandbox, Age of Wushu Winter is coming. Literally. We're almost halfway

Thursday, September 12, 2013

Japanese News and Beta Test Announcements

  • SCE announces online service termination for White Knight Chronicles.
  • Eighting's stock surges with the success of Tetris Monsters.
  • Mobile game platform company Unicon attracts more investment money.

Korean News and Beta Test Announcements

  • Pearl Abyss MMORPG “Black Desert” holds CBT tester recruitment from October 1.
  • Eyasoft MMORPG “Legend of Edda” opens Ggamnol channeling service.
  • Webzen MMORPG “Arch Lord 2” game video released, starts formal service this fall.
  • Mgame MMORPG “Dark Fall” starts 2nd CBT tester recruitment, holds 2nd Korea-Japan CBT from September 26 to 29.
  • Hanbit Soft signs Taiwan publishing contract with Wayi International for “World in Audition,” to be released in 1st half of 2014.

WorldAlpha: Checking Out WorldAlpha

WorldAlpha: Checking Out WorldAlpha:
In today's Independency column, we take a look at WorldAlpha, a collaborative, free to play, real-world style browser game that isn't quite as scary as it sounds.

General: Windborne: Explore, Dig and Build On Your Own Island

General: Windborne: Explore, Dig and Build On Your Own Island:
Windborne is a new game that is said to be a social featured MMO with sandbox elements. During PAX Prime, we took

Unity Technologies: Growing Without The Pains

Unity Technologies: Growing Without The Pains:
David Helgason on Unity's relentless progress, and its first steps into the ambiguous world of publishing

Apple vs. Samsung: Market Fragmentation is Apple’s Biggest Ally

Apple vs. Samsung: Market Fragmentation is Apple’s Biggest Ally:
The global mobile device and content arena has evolved into a major battleground for the world’s biggest digital companies. Google’s acquisition of Motorola, Microsoft’s acquisition of the Nokia handset business and rumors about a Samsung operating system could point to the end game, with all five owning their own hardware, operating system and content store.

The Final Fantasy "Agito" Name Returns!

The Final Fantasy "Agito" Name Returns!:
Before Final Fantasy Type-0 was Final Fantasy Type-0, it was Final Fantasy Agito XIII. The "Agito" name lives on in a new iOS and Android Final Fantasy title.Read

Alan Wake developer Remedy pushes toward mobile

Alan Wake developer Remedy pushes toward mobile:
Finland-based Alan Wake and Quantum Break developer Remedy Entertainment is looking to the coming console transition and market fragmentation as a

Remedy CEO Sees New Golden Age for Indie Studios

Remedy CEO Sees New Golden Age for Indie Studios:
Matias Myllyrinne on his studio's "just right" size, adding Mike Capps and Christian Fredriksson to board of directors

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: Are Seasonal Events Really Fun?

Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn: Are Seasonal Events Really Fun?:
With the recent debut of Final Fantasy XIV: A Realm Reborn, the first update was, naturally, a seasonal event. In our latest

Uplay confirmed for Xbox One and PS4

Uplay confirmed for Xbox One and PS4:
Uplay, Ubisoft's digital store and social service, will be used to support Ubisoft games on next-gen consoles, the...

Akamon Studios adds Akamon Video Slots to its Facebook game lineup

Akamon Studios adds Akamon Video Slots to its Facebook game lineup:
Image via Akamon Entertainment Barcelona-based social game developer Akamon Entertainment has released its

RIFT gives Beyond Infinity update overview

RIFT gives Beyond Infinity update overview:
Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, Previews, Free-to-Play, RIFT Get ready to blast off beyond infinity and just you shush if you're already starting to argue with that

SmashMuck Champions MOBA Hits Steam Early Access | Ten Ton Hammer

SmashMuck Champions MOBA Hits Steam Early Access | Ten Ton Hammer:
Another MOBA hits Steam early access this week as SmashMuck Champions arrives with exclusive items and new

Smartphones, mobile devices overtaking traditional gaming consoles, NPD survey finds

Smartphones, mobile devices overtaking traditional gaming consoles, NPD survey finds:
Despite the sales success of the Nintendo 3DS, results from an NPD Group survey indicate a much more

Your Vast Knowledge of Trivia Is Your Greatest Weapon In Quiz RPG

Your Vast Knowledge of Trivia Is Your Greatest Weapon In Quiz RPG:
What RPG-based genere mash-up could be more satusfying than GungHo Entertainment's wildly popular Puzzle &

New Racing Rivals game promotion comes to Car Town

New Racing Rivals game promotion comes to Car Town:
Cie Games' Racing Rivals has already sped its way to the top of the App Store charts after its release last month, quickly becoming the number one racing game

Racing Rivals Review

Racing Rivals Review:
Apple's App Store is no stranger to drag racing games, perhaps owing to the very simplicity of their design, and thus you could be forgiven for approaching Racing Rivals with a heavy dose of skepticism.

Her Interactive's Megan Gaiser departs

Her Interactive's Megan Gaiser departs:
"I will forever remain a Her Interactive ambassador"

Apple's iPhone Event: Everything You Need To Know

Apple's iPhone Event: Everything You Need To Know:
Apple, as it promised, has just managed to "brighten everyone's day" with a big news conference that revealed the iPhone 5S and the iPhone 5C to the

Ragnarok Online 2 Brings Noel Race on Sep 11st

Ragnarok Online 2 Brings Noel Race on Sep 11st:
WarpPortal announced to release an update called 'Noel' for Ragnarok Online 2 on Sep 11st. Noel is the first playable non-human race in franchise history. The

Aion: A Month of Celebration Planned

Aion: A Month of Celebration Planned:
Aion debuted in the West four years ago. To celebrate the momentous occasion, Aion players will be treated to an entire month's worth of activities and in-game

Smite: Zeus, God of The Sky, gets a reveal trailer

Smite: Zeus, God of The Sky, gets a reveal trailer:
Being the king of gods in the Greek pantheon gives you a hell of a lot of power and hell of a lot of freedoms. When Zeus was...

Soon You'll Be Able To Share And Borrow Steam Games

Soon You'll Be Able To Share And Borrow Steam Games:
You'll soon be able to borrow digital PC games like you would disks—Valve has just announced a program called Steam Family Sharing that will let up to ten

Owen O’Brien Joins CCP’s EVE: Valkyrie Team | Ten Ton Hammer

Owen O’Brien Joins CCP’s EVE: Valkyrie Team | Ten Ton Hammer:
CCP adds industry veteran Owen O’Brien as the new executive producer of the EVE: Valkyrie project.

New iOS Games Tonight: Joust Legend, Heroes of Loot, and more!

New iOS Games Tonight: Joust Legend, Heroes of Loot, and more!:
If I had to take four of tonight's most anticipated new mobile games and wind their premises together into one

Infinity Blade III is "truly a next-gen gaming experience," says dev

Infinity Blade III is "truly a next-gen gaming experience," says dev:
Chair Entertainment creative director Donald Mustard says upcoming mobile game is a "console-quality experience";

CROSSFIRE SEA Launches Open Beta Testing on 12th Sep 2013

CROSSFIRE SEA Launches Open Beta Testing on 12th Sep 2013:
Gambooz has announced that CROSSFIRE SEA will kick off Open Beta Testing on the 12th September 2013,

World of Warcraft is thinking of microtransactions, and that’s a good thing

World of Warcraft is thinking of microtransactions, and that’s a good thing:
Following on the heels of another reported loss of 700,000 subscribers, there’s been buzz lately of Blizzard discussing that the stalwart subscription-based MMO World of Warcraft will be introducing in-game microtransactions in the future. While this might be an Azeroth-shattering revelation to those who have been used to shelling out the same number of dollars— and nothing more—each month to play their game, to others it’s a wise move, if handled well.