- Seed9 Games “Magyechon Online” starts OBT on February 14.
- NHN Hangame 3D action RPG “Kritika” starts OBT on February 26.
- Maiet Entertainment action game “GunZ 2” holds final test from February 28 to March 3.
- Nexon “Pro Baseball 2K holds CBT from March 14 to 23.
- Entwell MMORPG “Core Online” enters pre-OBT on February 14.
Friday, February 15, 2013
Korean Beta Test Announcements
Battle Camp Preview
Battle Camp Preview:
It seems like almost every week now, mobile gamers are treated to yet another developer’s attempt at recapturing the magic of the Pokemon series. And why wouldn’t they try? After all, I haven’t met another gamer who could deny the lasting appeal of scouring the countryside and battling your way to the top with a crew of fun-loving creatures who quickly become your friends.
It seems like almost every week now, mobile gamers are treated to yet another developer’s attempt at recapturing the magic of the Pokemon series. And why wouldn’t they try? After all, I haven’t met another gamer who could deny the lasting appeal of scouring the countryside and battling your way to the top with a crew of fun-loving creatures who quickly become your friends.
PlayStation 4 Must Demolish The Walled Garden
PlayStation 4 Must Demolish The Walled Garden: Sony's next-gen strategy needs to rethink the business model, not the hardware specifications
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions makes the jump to Android
Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions makes the jump to Android: Square Enix is about to bring Final Fantasy Tactics: The War of the Lions to Android.
The game is a port of the enhanced...
The game is a port of the enhanced...
Zombie Minesweeper arrives on Android
Zombie Minesweeper arrives on Android:
Frogtoss Game’s tongue-in-cheek survival horror game Zombie Minesweeper has officially launched for Android, approximately 16 months after it launched for iOS.
Zombie Minesweeper is a twist on the classic Minesweeper game. The game is broken up into sprawling levels, the landscape of which is divided up via a Minesweeper grid. Players have to guide a young girl through this map while avoiding both prowling zombies (who will eat her if they get too close) and “suburban landmines” that must be identified and marked. An interesting mechanic in the game was that players could lure zombies across a square with a mine on it, detonating the mine and giving the protagonist some breathing room. At the time of launch, the game was also noteworthy because of how it leverages Twitter to share progress through the campaign.
Frogtoss Games is now run by Mike Labbe, while the Zombie Minesweeper team is composed of Lara Kehler and Graham Jans. These days, Zombie Minesweeper is a side project for both: Kehler now works as an artist and game/UI designer at mobile social developer East Side Games (prior to this, she was on the Triple Town team at SpryFox), while Jans works at Klei Entertainment.
When asked why it took so long to get the game over to Android, the answer is twofold: Kehler tells us that since the game was originally developed in Unity, there wasn’t an option to port the game to Android at the time. When Unity could port to Android, both Kehler and Jans found free time limited between their full-time jobs. However, Kehler tells us getting the game onto that platform was “kind of just another ‘notch’ in the belt. We wanted to say we did it.”
Zombie Minesweeper originally launched for iOS in August 2011 and served as an example of just how tough it is for small developers to succeed in mobile markets. The game was critically hailed, both on mobile and mainstream game sites, but it only managed to break into the top five puzzle games in a few countries overseas like France. In North America, the game remained largely unknown, despite the praise showered on it from press outlets.
When asked why the game never really found much of an audience, Kehler tells us she isn’t sure but it might have something to do with the title’s name. “We often wonder if it was the fact it has the name ‘minesweeper’ in it,” she notes. “For example: We found that on the Steam Submission guidelines page, it suggests not even bothering to submit your “Minesweeper clone” game; they won’t even look at anything with the name ‘Minesweeper’ in it. That would explain the fact they never looked at our submission.”
Still, even though the game hasn’t proven a runaway hit on mobile devices yet, Kehler is happy for the experience she’s gained working on the project. Additionally, she tells us Zombie Minesweeper has provided both her and Jans with some serious credibility among independent game developers.
“Zombie Minesweeper was designed out of the pure fun of the idea and desire to just finish making a game,” she says. “I’d rather be known for making a good game that’s not popular than a bad game that is.”
Frogtoss Game’s tongue-in-cheek survival horror game Zombie Minesweeper has officially launched for Android, approximately 16 months after it launched for iOS.Zombie Minesweeper is a twist on the classic Minesweeper game. The game is broken up into sprawling levels, the landscape of which is divided up via a Minesweeper grid. Players have to guide a young girl through this map while avoiding both prowling zombies (who will eat her if they get too close) and “suburban landmines” that must be identified and marked. An interesting mechanic in the game was that players could lure zombies across a square with a mine on it, detonating the mine and giving the protagonist some breathing room. At the time of launch, the game was also noteworthy because of how it leverages Twitter to share progress through the campaign.
Frogtoss Games is now run by Mike Labbe, while the Zombie Minesweeper team is composed of Lara Kehler and Graham Jans. These days, Zombie Minesweeper is a side project for both: Kehler now works as an artist and game/UI designer at mobile social developer East Side Games (prior to this, she was on the Triple Town team at SpryFox), while Jans works at Klei Entertainment.
When asked why it took so long to get the game over to Android, the answer is twofold: Kehler tells us that since the game was originally developed in Unity, there wasn’t an option to port the game to Android at the time. When Unity could port to Android, both Kehler and Jans found free time limited between their full-time jobs. However, Kehler tells us getting the game onto that platform was “kind of just another ‘notch’ in the belt. We wanted to say we did it.”
Zombie Minesweeper originally launched for iOS in August 2011 and served as an example of just how tough it is for small developers to succeed in mobile markets. The game was critically hailed, both on mobile and mainstream game sites, but it only managed to break into the top five puzzle games in a few countries overseas like France. In North America, the game remained largely unknown, despite the praise showered on it from press outlets.
When asked why the game never really found much of an audience, Kehler tells us she isn’t sure but it might have something to do with the title’s name. “We often wonder if it was the fact it has the name ‘minesweeper’ in it,” she notes. “For example: We found that on the Steam Submission guidelines page, it suggests not even bothering to submit your “Minesweeper clone” game; they won’t even look at anything with the name ‘Minesweeper’ in it. That would explain the fact they never looked at our submission.”
Still, even though the game hasn’t proven a runaway hit on mobile devices yet, Kehler is happy for the experience she’s gained working on the project. Additionally, she tells us Zombie Minesweeper has provided both her and Jans with some serious credibility among independent game developers.
“Zombie Minesweeper was designed out of the pure fun of the idea and desire to just finish making a game,” she says. “I’d rather be known for making a good game that’s not popular than a bad game that is.”
US game sales climb 9% in 5-week January period
US game sales climb 9% in 5-week January period: Call of Duty continues to top the charts as 2013 gets off to slow start
Nexon announces Ghost in the Shell online FPS
Nexon announces Ghost in the Shell online FPS:
Filed under: Sci-fi, New titles, MMOFPS
Nexon has announced today that its new Ghost in the Shell online game, in conjunction with its recent licensing agreement with Kodansha Ltd., is expected to launch in the first half of 2014.
Based on the Ghost in the Shell animated television productions, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is said to be an online FPS with cooperative battle mode which allows players to fight along side both AI and other players.
Be sure to read tomorrow's The Firing Line column to learn more about the game.
[Source: Nexon press release]
Nexon announces Ghost in the Shell online FPS originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Sci-fi, New titles, MMOFPS
Based on the Ghost in the Shell animated television productions, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex is said to be an online FPS with cooperative battle mode which allows players to fight along side both AI and other players.
Be sure to read tomorrow's The Firing Line column to learn more about the game.
[Source: Nexon press release]
Nexon announces Ghost in the Shell online FPS originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Xbox 360 sells 281,000 in US during January
Xbox 360 sells 281,000 in US during January: The console continues its dominance in the US market
Game Closure launches mobile development suite for free, makes it open source
Game Closure launches mobile development suite for free, makes it open source:
Two years after it was founded, Game Closure has finally released its mobile game development suite, the Game Closure DevKit (GCDK), today. The technology in the suite is designed to let web developers build high-quality native titles for iOS and Android, and it’s being released for the low, low price of absolutely free.
Two years after it was founded, Game Closure has finally released its mobile game development suite, the Game Closure DevKit (GCDK), today. The technology in the suite is designed to let web developers build high-quality native titles for iOS and Android, and it’s being released for the low, low price of absolutely free.
An interview with Ron Meiners, veteran community manager
An interview with Ron Meiners, veteran community manager:
Community management is becoming an increasingly important component in game development, particularly as studios learn to thrive without publisher support. Veteran Ron Meiners shares his thoughts. ...
Community management is becoming an increasingly important component in game development, particularly as studios learn to thrive without publisher support. Veteran Ron Meiners shares his thoughts. ...
Debonair Jayce will steal your League of Legends' heart
Debonair Jayce will steal your League of Legends' heart: From Jayce’s very announcement to modern times, I have always said he has the most chiseled chin I have ever seen. I...
Journey dev "excited" to look into free-to-play and mobile
Journey dev "excited" to look into free-to-play and mobile: Jenova Chen on his desire to prove artistic games can be hugely profitable, and why he won't be Kickstarting games anytime soon
Looking For a Launch Game For Ouya...
Looking For a Launch Game For Ouya...:
"At the end of the day, Ouya is beautiful, but people don't buy consoles," the woman behind the Android-based home console that is coming out next month recently said to me. "They buy content." More »
Asura Force: No Effort Required
Asura Force: No Effort Required:
Asura Force is a free to play title that we've been checking out for the last few weeks. We've got our full review after the jump so head through and then talk about the review in the comments.
Steam Box phase one complete: Steam's Linux client is out now
Steam Box phase one complete: Steam's Linux client is out now:
Valve has made its first real move toward its vision of having a "Steam Box" in every living room: a native Linux client for its popular game and software digital community. ...
Valve has made its first real move toward its vision of having a "Steam Box" in every living room: a native Linux client for its popular game and software digital community. ...
'Kickstarter is starting to wear itself out. It's a numbers game.'
'Kickstarter is starting to wear itself out. It's a numbers game.':
Gas Powered Games founder Chris Taylor reflects on his failed Wildman Kickstarter campaign ahead of today's acquisition by Wargaming. Backers are shying away as they await delivery of their games, he says. ...
Gas Powered Games founder Chris Taylor reflects on his failed Wildman Kickstarter campaign ahead of today's acquisition by Wargaming. Backers are shying away as they await delivery of their games, he says. ...
Trapping Ranger Class Arrives in Elsword
Trapping Ranger Class Arrives in Elsword:
Kill3rCombo, publisher of the hit free-to-play action MMORPG Elsword, has revealed its newest class, Trapping Ranger, for the popular character, Rena.
Kill3rCombo, publisher of the hit free-to-play action MMORPG Elsword, has revealed its newest class, Trapping Ranger, for the popular character, Rena.
Race Track Rivals review
Race Track Rivals review:
Race Track Rivals is a new Facebook game from Digital Chocolate. Unlike many of Digital Chocolate’s other recent titles, it is not a strategy game; rather, it is a 3D racing game featuring the opportunity for users to create their own content, and is available now in open beta on the social network.
Race Track Rivals is a new Facebook game from Digital Chocolate. Unlike many of Digital Chocolate’s other recent titles, it is not a strategy game; rather, it is a 3D racing game featuring the opportunity for users to create their own content, and is available now in open beta on the social network.
I Knew From the Start That I Would Love Rock Runners
I Knew From the Start That I Would Love Rock Runners:
Have you ever played a game that just feels right — a game where the controls and challenge immediately click, making playing it an almost instinctual thing? Rock Runners is that kind of game. More »
Renaissance Heroes Launches February 19
Renaissance Heroes Launches February 19:
ChangYou has announced that Renaissance Heroes will be released on February 19th, 2012 in both North America and Europe.
ChangYou has announced that Renaissance Heroes will be released on February 19th, 2012 in both North America and Europe.
Prepare to drown in a sea of new details about Scattered Entertainment's The Drowning (iPad)
Prepare to drown in a sea of new details about Scattered Entertainment's The Drowning (iPad):
 | |
Generally speaking, FPS games on smartphones and tablets leave a lot to be desired. Much of the aiming precision and ease of movement capable on a physical controller gets lost in the shuffle, leaving the player with a virtual control scheme that’s passable at best. With The Drowning, Scattered Entertainment is hoping to change that. A lofty goal, no doubt, but having had a chance to both see the game in action (video enclosed!) and speak with studio head Ben Cousins about it, I’m inclined to believe they just might pull it off. | |
City of Steam: Games of 2013 - City of Steam
City of Steam: Games of 2013 - City of Steam:
Part of our ongoing effort to keep our readers informed is to make sure they have the knowledge they need to be excited about a game. We've reached out to every developer releasing a game this year to have them talk a bit about why their game is special. Next up in this ongoing series is City of Steam. Read our mini-interview and then talk about it in the comments.
Hackycat Review (iPhone, iPad)
Hackycat Review (iPhone, iPad):
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Blog: When switching to free-to-play works, and when it doesn't
Blog: When switching to free-to-play works, and when it doesn't:
Free-to-play design has become a major consideration in the continued future of online games. Gamasutra blogger Josh Bycer looks at how one game switched to free-to-play and grew, while another shrank. ...
Free-to-play design has become a major consideration in the continued future of online games. Gamasutra blogger Josh Bycer looks at how one game switched to free-to-play and grew, while another shrank. ...
Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update
Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update:
Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, Previews, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes, Crafting
While we've had several occasions to check out Marvel Heroes' journey through the beta process, Gazillion Entertainment wanted us to know that our previous glimpses are now obsolete. The makers of this superhero action-RPG have implemented a major beta update that has virtually transformed the look, feel, and function of the game.
We spoke with Gazillion about the update, which clearly is a major step toward a finalized release version. The most obvious change to Marvel Heroes is a revamp of its user interface. The UI has been streamlined and modernized, with a crisper look and more color overall. The placeholder minimap has been scrapped and replaced with a new radar that functions in perspective, a friends list is now in place, and new arrow icons float around the edges of your screen to direct you to nearby events. And since loot is quite vital to the appeal of the game, the devs made sure to color-code all of the icons so that telling item rarity is an instant and effortless process.
There are a few more surprises that were announced today, so hit the jump and we'll walk you through them!
Continue reading Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update
Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.
Filed under: Betas, Super-hero, Previews, Free-to-play, Marvel Heroes, Crafting
We spoke with Gazillion about the update, which clearly is a major step toward a finalized release version. The most obvious change to Marvel Heroes is a revamp of its user interface. The UI has been streamlined and modernized, with a crisper look and more color overall. The placeholder minimap has been scrapped and replaced with a new radar that functions in perspective, a friends list is now in place, and new arrow icons float around the edges of your screen to direct you to nearby events. And since loot is quite vital to the appeal of the game, the devs made sure to color-code all of the icons so that telling item rarity is an instant and effortless process.
There are a few more surprises that were announced today, so hit the jump and we'll walk you through them!
Continue reading Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update
Brushing up on Marvel Heroes' super-sized beta update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.Permalink | Email this | Comments
Hotel Story Review (iPhone, iPad)
Hotel Story Review (iPhone, iPad):
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WBIE to distribute Codemasters in North America
WBIE to distribute Codemasters in North America: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to handle 2013 releases from racing specialist, including GRID 2 and F1 2013
Merlin's Rage Review (iPhone, iPad)
Merlin's Rage Review (iPhone, iPad):
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Rage of Bahamut -- fluke, or birth of a genre?
Rage of Bahamut -- fluke, or birth of a genre?:
Thanks to Rage of Bahamut's success, Cygames' collectible card game hit has spawned imitators. Gamasutra talks to developers and publishers to find out if this is a viable new genre or an ephemeral fad. ...
Thanks to Rage of Bahamut's success, Cygames' collectible card game hit has spawned imitators. Gamasutra talks to developers and publishers to find out if this is a viable new genre or an ephemeral fad. ...
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