Monday, January 28, 2013
Chinese console ban under review - report
Chinese console ban under review - report: Government source claims 13-year console ban is being reassessed by Chinese ministries
Nexon Allstars – New PvP mobile game announced
Nexon Allstars – New PvP mobile game announced:
Nexon Korea today announced its latest mobile title, Nexon Allstars. The game features a multi-player 3 Vs 3 mode, but did mention about a single-player mode as well. Nexon Allstars launches for the Android OS later this month (Korea only). I am wondering if Mabinogi Heroes characters will make appearances as well instead of just MapleStory one…
Nexon Korea today announced its latest mobile title, Nexon Allstars. The game features a multi-player 3 Vs 3 mode, but did mention about a single-player mode as well. Nexon Allstars launches for the Android OS later this month (Korea only). I am wondering if Mabinogi Heroes characters will make appearances as well instead of just MapleStory one…
Path of Exile developers discuss open beta success
Path of Exile developers discuss open beta success:
Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, News items, Free-to-play
Open betas are stressful for developers. Not just because it's the moment that the game is suddenly available for public discussion and evaluation, but also because it's time to see how well the infrastructure holds up under an onslaught of new players. Path of Exile's development team recently went through that stress, and in a new letter to the community, players and onlookers alike can see how the game weathered the transition. Here's the quick summary: Very well.
At the time of the letter, the game's peak concurrency was at 56,700 players, more than had been expected but very close to what the servers could handle. The game struggled a bit with patch downloads due to the CDN system immediately after launch, and there have been some crashes with various realms, but by and large the team seems happy with how the game is going and with overall sales figures. If you want more of the hard details on what a 30-hour open beta launch day looks like, read the full letter. And then get back to clicking things for money and loot.
[Thanks to tandarighttanon for the tip!]
Path of Exile developers discuss open beta success originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Betas, Fantasy, Launches, News items, Free-to-play
Open betas are stressful for developers. Not just because it's the moment that the game is suddenly available for public discussion and evaluation, but also because it's time to see how well the infrastructure holds up under an onslaught of new players. Path of Exile's development team recently went through that stress, and in a new letter to the community, players and onlookers alike can see how the game weathered the transition. Here's the quick summary: Very well.
At the time of the letter, the game's peak concurrency was at 56,700 players, more than had been expected but very close to what the servers could handle. The game struggled a bit with patch downloads due to the CDN system immediately after launch, and there have been some crashes with various realms, but by and large the team seems happy with how the game is going and with overall sales figures. If you want more of the hard details on what a 30-hour open beta launch day looks like, read the full letter. And then get back to clicking things for money and loot.
[Thanks to tandarighttanon for the tip!]
Path of Exile developers discuss open beta success originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Age of Wushu: Beta Key Giveaway!
Age of Wushu: Beta Key Giveaway!:
Snail Games has given MMORPG.com special beta keys that will grant full and unlimited access to the Closed Beta 2 phase for Age of Wushu! Get your key now while supplies last!
Snail Games has given MMORPG.com special beta keys that will grant full and unlimited access to the Closed Beta 2 phase for Age of Wushu! Get your key now while supplies last!
SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution
SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution:
Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Massively Event Coverage, PlanetSide 2
Yesterday we told you about SOE's new PlanetSide 2-focused partnership with Major League Gaming. Following the announcement, Joystiq scribe Mike Schramm managed to corner principals from both companies at Friday's PlanetSide 2 Ultimate Showdown event in LA to ask what, exactly, is in store for fans of Auraxian e-sports.
Join us after the break as CEO John Smedley, creative director Matt Higby, and MLG's Sundance DiGiovanni give us an early look at PS2's competitive evolution.
Continue reading SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution
SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
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Filed under: Sci-fi, Events, real-world, Game mechanics, Interviews, MMO industry, PvP, News items, Free-to-play, MMOFPS, Massively Event Coverage, PlanetSide 2
Yesterday we told you about SOE's new PlanetSide 2-focused partnership with Major League Gaming. Following the announcement, Joystiq scribe Mike Schramm managed to corner principals from both companies at Friday's PlanetSide 2 Ultimate Showdown event in LA to ask what, exactly, is in store for fans of Auraxian e-sports.
Join us after the break as CEO John Smedley, creative director Matt Higby, and MLG's Sundance DiGiovanni give us an early look at PS2's competitive evolution.
Continue reading SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution
SOE's Smedley and Higby on PlanetSide 2's e-sports evolution originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
TERA outlines free-to-play restrictions in a new chart
TERA outlines free-to-play restrictions in a new chart:
Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, TERA
By this point, we're all familiar with how transitions happen from subscription games to subscription-optional games. There are usually three tiers of membership; subscribers get the most stuff, and former subscribers get a few extra perks. In TERA's case, however, the restrictions outlined in a handy new chart suggest that it's not just subscribers getting a lot of extra benefit out of the change, as anyone who purchased the game in the past will get hefty rewards.
Founders (that is, players who had purchased a boxed or digital copy of the game) will have access to eight character slots, a special title, and a special mount. Subscribers who had not previously purchased the game will be limited to two slots with more purchasable. Of course, subscribers also get shortened dungeon cooldowns, more auction house listings, and several bonus daily items. Looking to get in on the Founder benefits? You'll have to move quickly; digital sales of the game will be discontinued upon free-to-play launch, and no further boxes will be produced, so you'll want to buy soon to secure your benefits.
[Thanks to Justin for the tip!]
TERA outlines free-to-play restrictions in a new chart originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Permalink | Email this | Comments
Filed under: Fantasy, Business models, Previews, News items, Free-to-play, TERA
By this point, we're all familiar with how transitions happen from subscription games to subscription-optional games. There are usually three tiers of membership; subscribers get the most stuff, and former subscribers get a few extra perks. In TERA's case, however, the restrictions outlined in a handy new chart suggest that it's not just subscribers getting a lot of extra benefit out of the change, as anyone who purchased the game in the past will get hefty rewards.
Founders (that is, players who had purchased a boxed or digital copy of the game) will have access to eight character slots, a special title, and a special mount. Subscribers who had not previously purchased the game will be limited to two slots with more purchasable. Of course, subscribers also get shortened dungeon cooldowns, more auction house listings, and several bonus daily items. Looking to get in on the Founder benefits? You'll have to move quickly; digital sales of the game will be discontinued upon free-to-play launch, and no further boxes will be produced, so you'll want to buy soon to secure your benefits.
[Thanks to Justin for the tip!]
TERA outlines free-to-play restrictions in a new chart originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 26 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Akaneiro: Demon Hunters launch moved to Jan. 31 at the earliest
Akaneiro: Demon Hunters launch moved to Jan. 31 at the earliest: American McGee's Akaneiro: Demon Hunters Kickstarter is halfway to its goal of $200,000 with eight days...
The Blockheads (iOS) review
The Blockheads (iOS) review:
The Blockheads is a new iOS game from Majic Jungle Software. The title, which is a free download from the App Store, enjoyed a brief stint at the top of the charts shortly after release, and has been positively received by press and public alike.
The Blockheads is a new iOS game from Majic Jungle Software. The title, which is a free download from the App Store, enjoyed a brief stint at the top of the charts shortly after release, and has been positively received by press and public alike.
Layoffs at PlayStation fighting game developer Superbot
Layoffs at PlayStation fighting game developer Superbot:
An unknown number of employees were laid off at Culver City, California developer Superbot Entertainment, the developer behind last year's Sony-published fighting game PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. ...
An unknown number of employees were laid off at Culver City, California developer Superbot Entertainment, the developer behind last year's Sony-published fighting game PlayStation All-Stars Battle Royale. ...
How Many of This Week's Gaming Apps Have You Played?
How Many of This Week's Gaming Apps Have You Played?:
There are 16 games in this week's gaming app round up. Nine of them represent nifty titles we played but didn't have time to showcase this week. Seven received a full reckoning, thanks to our new app reviews. I've played each and every one of them. How about you? More »
There are 16 games in this week's gaming app round up. Nine of them represent nifty titles we played but didn't have time to showcase this week. Seven received a full reckoning, thanks to our new app reviews. I've played each and every one of them. How about you? More »
DUST 514: Dust and EVE Sitting in a Tree
DUST 514: Dust and EVE Sitting in a Tree:
Now that the DUST 514 PS3 open beta is in full swing, we thought we'd corral Brandon Laurino, Executive Producer at CCP for Dust 514 to talk more about how EVE and DUST are functioning together. Check out our exclusive interview and then talk about it in the comments.
Now that the DUST 514 PS3 open beta is in full swing, we thought we'd corral Brandon Laurino, Executive Producer at CCP for Dust 514 to talk more about how EVE and DUST are functioning together. Check out our exclusive interview and then talk about it in the comments.
One Hell of an Arcade Beat-Em Up is Coming to Facebook, and Here's Why You Should Play It
One Hell of an Arcade Beat-Em Up is Coming to Facebook, and Here's Why You Should Play It:
Console quality games are a hard sell on Facebook. Each day millions of people log into Facebook to tend their virtual farms or play colorful candy puzzle games, while the hardcore shooters or robot-powered action role-playing games attract daily users in the low ten-thousands. What's it going to take to get traditional gamers playing on Facebook? More »
Console quality games are a hard sell on Facebook. Each day millions of people log into Facebook to tend their virtual farms or play colorful candy puzzle games, while the hardcore shooters or robot-powered action role-playing games attract daily users in the low ten-thousands. What's it going to take to get traditional gamers playing on Facebook? More »
5th Planet Games’ Dawn of the Dragons poised to land on iOS soon
5th Planet Games’ Dawn of the Dragons poised to land on iOS soon:
Developer 5th Planet Games is getting ready to launch its popular social MMO Dawn of the Dragons onto iOS sometime in the next few weeks. We’ve gotten to spend some time testing the game out on our iPhones, and it looks like this is going to be a very faithful port of the web version to mobile devices.
Developer 5th Planet Games is getting ready to launch its popular social MMO Dawn of the Dragons onto iOS sometime in the next few weeks. We’ve gotten to spend some time testing the game out on our iPhones, and it looks like this is going to be a very faithful port of the web version to mobile devices.
A Smartphone Game That Tests Your Ability To Think In 3-D
A Smartphone Game That Tests Your Ability To Think In 3-D:
Typically, matching games are based on memory. You flip over two cards at a time, gradually building a mental map of what lies where until you can match pony with pony or parakeet with parakeet. Rotal, a simple game for Android smartphones, takes the same basic setup--a grid of objects, each with one mate--and presents a different sort of cognitive challenge. Instead of keeping them hidden, all the objects are out in the open, but figuring out which is identical to which is complicated by one thing: You’re dealing with 3-D objects on a 2-D screen.
If that description is already making your brain a little bit sore, well, it’s supposed to. In fact, it’s likely that you’ve encountered a similar exercise at some point before. These types of mental rotation puzzles are commonly found on IQ tests, designed to gauge individuals’ spatial reasoning abilities. The main challenge for the game’s developers--a four-person, Budapest-based tech and design collective called Binura--was trying to come up with a way to tip the scale from frustrating to fun.
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Good old spatial reasoning with a touch of interactivity--and a time limit.
If that description is already making your brain a little bit sore, well, it’s supposed to. In fact, it’s likely that you’ve encountered a similar exercise at some point before. These types of mental rotation puzzles are commonly found on IQ tests, designed to gauge individuals’ spatial reasoning abilities. The main challenge for the game’s developers--a four-person, Budapest-based tech and design collective called Binura--was trying to come up with a way to tip the scale from frustrating to fun.
Read Full Story
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is Now on iOS. It Could Use Some Work.
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is Now on iOS. It Could Use Some Work.:
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is one of my favorite puzzle role-playing games. I loved it on the DS. I loved it on Xbox Live Arcade. I've got it for my PC. This week the game finally arrived on iOS, and I grabbed it immediately. More »
Might & Magic: Clash of Heroes is one of my favorite puzzle role-playing games. I loved it on the DS. I loved it on Xbox Live Arcade. I've got it for my PC. This week the game finally arrived on iOS, and I grabbed it immediately. More »
Could The Room's success predict a new trend?
Could The Room's success predict a new trend?:
Leigh Alexander looks at Fireproof Studios' iPad hit The Room in the context of a legacy of "escape the room" puzzle titles -- and finds massive opportunity for an under-explored iOS genre. ...
Leigh Alexander looks at Fireproof Studios' iPad hit The Room in the context of a legacy of "escape the room" puzzle titles -- and finds massive opportunity for an under-explored iOS genre. ...
DayZ Standalone Update: Reworked Servers, Improved Graphics And More
DayZ Standalone Update: Reworked Servers, Improved Graphics And More:
The people working on DayZ have posted a chunky update about the game's standalone version, along with some lovely-looking new screenshots. (You can see a nice comparison between the original game and the new one using the slider up top.) More »
You Cannot Be Serious—You Can Not Be Serious—Playing Tennis in the Face
You Cannot Be Serious—You Can Not Be Serious—Playing Tennis in the Face:
My old man has been a tennis official for more than 25 years. He's seen and penalized plenty of bad behavior, both professional and college. But I doubt he's ever seen anything like Pete Pagassi, the protagonist of Tennis in the Face. More »
QwizShow review
QwizShow review:
QwizShow is a Facebook game from E-Axis Inc. It’s been available since mid-2011, but is still being promoted via an ad in the “New Games” section of the social network’s App Center, and claims to still be in beta. Just prior to Facebook’s recent changes in data reporting, the game’s MAU and DAU figures had been showing a large spike in growth, too.
QwizShow is a Facebook game from E-Axis Inc. It’s been available since mid-2011, but is still being promoted via an ad in the “New Games” section of the social network’s App Center, and claims to still be in beta. Just prior to Facebook’s recent changes in data reporting, the game’s MAU and DAU figures had been showing a large spike in growth, too.
Daredevil, Storm, and Thing Make the Marvel Heroes Free Starter List | Ten Ton Hammer
Daredevil, Storm, and Thing Make the Marvel Heroes Free Starter List | Ten Ton Hammer:
Gazillion reveals the five heroes that you'll get for free in the upcoming action RPG, Marvel Heroes.
Gazillion reveals the five heroes that you'll get for free in the upcoming action RPG, Marvel Heroes.
MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs
MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs:
Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, MMORTS, Kids, Post-Apocalyptic, Miscellaneous, MMObility, Sandbox
So here we are at the second-to-last installment of my Chromebook All-In-One experiment. This will be the last time I give you a list of games that work well on the Samsung Chromebook, but always keep in mind that some of the other Chromebooks, especially the Samsung 5 550, have more power and do not use an ARM-based chip. What does that mean? Well, some services like NetFlix will not work on an ARM-based machine yet. Spacetime Studios' cache of browser-based titles will not work on this Chromebook yet as well. Don't worry, it's coming soon. Imagine the ARM Chromebook as a tablet with a keyboard attached... it's not a normal netbook or notebook.
I also wrote up my wife's take on the Chromebook over at my personal blog. Be sure to check that out. She has been the perfect guinea pig as she pushes devices to their limits, and so the Chromebook has been getting heavy use from her and working wonderfully. Next week, my last installment of this series will be a video and article combo that covers the good and bad of the device, along with my final thoughts.
Until then, though, click past the cut and enjoy my list of pseudo-MMOs. These are games that don't quite fit into the MMO category but have a multiplayer aspect to them!
Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs
MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Opinion, Free-to-play, Browser, Mobile, Casual, MMORTS, Kids, Post-Apocalyptic, Miscellaneous, MMObility, Sandbox
I also wrote up my wife's take on the Chromebook over at my personal blog. Be sure to check that out. She has been the perfect guinea pig as she pushes devices to their limits, and so the Chromebook has been getting heavy use from her and working wonderfully. Next week, my last installment of this series will be a video and article combo that covers the good and bad of the device, along with my final thoughts.
Until then, though, click past the cut and enjoy my list of pseudo-MMOs. These are games that don't quite fit into the MMO category but have a multiplayer aspect to them!
Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs
MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
PlanetSide 2: Sony Online Entertainment Announces New Partnership
PlanetSide 2: Sony Online Entertainment Announces New Partnership:
Sony Online Entertainment has announced that it has entered into a partnership agreement with Major League Gaming. The announcement was made during this weekend's PlanetSide 2 Ultimate Empire Showdown in Los Angeles where our own Ripper X is taking part as a member of the Vanu Sovereignty Team.
Wizard101: Coleman Leaving KingsIsle
Wizard101: Coleman Leaving KingsIsle:
J. Todd Coleman has announced that he is leaving KingsIsle to pursue other "entrepreneurial" options. Coleman has been with KingsIsle since its founding and was the co-creator of both Pirate101 and Wizard101.
This Week's iPad Charts: Do the Banana Kong
This Week's iPad Charts: Do the Banana Kong:
As Temple Run 2 continues to tear up the free iPad charts, a different sort of endless running game makes its paid chart debut. Video game fans love their giant monkeys. More »
Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated]
Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated]:
Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, The Secret World
Funcom has published game director letters for all three of its MMOs this morning, and one of the topics on everyone's mind is of course the studio's reorganization. As it turns out, the dev teams for The Secret World, Age of Conan, and Anarchy Online will all be operating out of the company's Raleigh, North Carolina facility which was previously the sole domain of the Funcom customer service team.
TSW's Joel Bylos notes that the move will cause some "development turbulence," and that the game's DLC and update schedule will slow down temporarily as a result. He has more details on both the game's Issue #6 update and veteran rewards in his letter. AoC's Craig Morrison says that the fantasy title isn't going anywhere, although he also acknowledges some staff turnover due to the relocation. He also notes that having the game's dev team and community team in the same building will be a huge benefit. Finally, Anarchy Online's update echoes the first two, but game director Dave "Ilaliya" Williams writes that the engine upgrade, server migration, and new player experience are all still on the table.
[Update]: Funcom has also published an update on the restructuring process on its main website.
[Thanks to David for the tip!]
Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Fantasy, Horror, Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, MMO industry, News items, Free-to-play, The Secret World
TSW's Joel Bylos notes that the move will cause some "development turbulence," and that the game's DLC and update schedule will slow down temporarily as a result. He has more details on both the game's Issue #6 update and veteran rewards in his letter. AoC's Craig Morrison says that the fantasy title isn't going anywhere, although he also acknowledges some staff turnover due to the relocation. He also notes that having the game's dev team and community team in the same building will be a huge benefit. Finally, Anarchy Online's update echoes the first two, but game director Dave "Ilaliya" Williams writes that the engine upgrade, server migration, and new player experience are all still on the table.
[Update]: Funcom has also published an update on the restructuring process on its main website.
[Thanks to David for the tip!]
Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
- Source: AO update
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