Ubisoft relying on community for The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, and it's working:
With The Mighty Quest for Epic Loot, Ubisoft Montreal is building a free-to-play framework for a tower defense/action RPG hybrid, and looking for players to fill it with content they create. Betting on a large, creative user base may seem like a risky proposition, especially considering how toxic people can be online.
Friday, November 15, 2013
US digital games market update: October 2013
US digital games market update: October 2013:
The digital games category reached $1,032 million in total sales in October, up 11% from last year. Main drivers this month were the improvement of both the free-to-play MMO category, which reached $261 million, and the subscription-based MMOs, which were up 5% at $86 million in sales. Both mobile games and the social category were flat, and offset the seasonal uptick in DLC on both PC and console. We anticipate an increase in user acquisition cost unlike we’ve seen before, with publishers aggressively buying users to claim a top market position during the holiday season.
The digital games category reached $1,032 million in total sales in October, up 11% from last year. Main drivers this month were the improvement of both the free-to-play MMO category, which reached $261 million, and the subscription-based MMOs, which were up 5% at $86 million in sales. Both mobile games and the social category were flat, and offset the seasonal uptick in DLC on both PC and console. We anticipate an increase in user acquisition cost unlike we’ve seen before, with publishers aggressively buying users to claim a top market position during the holiday season.
Don’t Shoot Yourself! Review
Don’t Shoot Yourself! Review:
Don’t Shoot Yourself! Review By Jennifer Allen on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CHALLENGING DODGINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Dodge and dive in this challenging game all about avoiding the bullets
Don’t Shoot Yourself! Review By Jennifer Allen on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CHALLENGING DODGINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Dodge and dive in this challenging game all about avoiding the bullets
Evilibrium Review
Evilibrium Review:
Evilibrium Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: MALCONTENTiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Evilibrium is yet another sad example of how free-to-play games can be
Evilibrium Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: MALCONTENTiPhone App - Designed for the iPhone, compatible with the iPad Evilibrium is yet another sad example of how free-to-play games can be
Pathogen Review
Pathogen Review:
Pathogen Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: IT'S SPREADINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Want a strategy game with a board game aesthetic and the depth of chess? Try
Pathogen Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: IT'S SPREADINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Want a strategy game with a board game aesthetic and the depth of chess? Try
Garfield Kart Review
Garfield Kart Review:
Garfield Kart Review By Jennifer Allen on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: UNREMARKABLE RACINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Garfield Kart doesn’t exactly put a paw wrong, it just lacks anything to make it
Garfield Kart Review By Jennifer Allen on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: UNREMARKABLE RACINGUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Garfield Kart doesn’t exactly put a paw wrong, it just lacks anything to make it
Legion of Heroes – Nexon showcases its high-end mobile MMORPG
Legion of Heroes – Nexon showcases its high-end mobile MMORPG:
Everyone is getting into the mobile games space, and it is no surprise Nexon is in the loop as well. Legion of Heroes is a mobile MMORPG developed by Ndoors, also the creator of Atlantica Online. Nexon bought the developer
Everyone is getting into the mobile games space, and it is no surprise Nexon is in the loop as well. Legion of Heroes is a mobile MMORPG developed by Ndoors, also the creator of Atlantica Online. Nexon bought the developer
Kabam to bring China’s leading web game, JJSG, to browser in the West
Kabam to bring China’s leading web game, JJSG, to browser in the West:
Image via Kabam Social and mobile game developer and publisher Kabam has announced it has been selected as the publisher for JJSG, or “Three Kingdoms Action” in the West, a strategy role-playing title that is China’s No. 1
Image via Kabam Social and mobile game developer and publisher Kabam has announced it has been selected as the publisher for JJSG, or “Three Kingdoms Action” in the West, a strategy role-playing title that is China’s No. 1
Review: Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas
Review: Oceanhorn: Monster of Uncharted Seas:
Over the last few weeks, I've been playing 3DS adventure The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for review. These past few days, playing Oceanhorn on my iPhone was like getting a serious case of déjà vu. The
Over the last few weeks, I've been playing 3DS adventure The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds for review. These past few days, playing Oceanhorn on my iPhone was like getting a serious case of déjà vu. The
Review: Lego The Lord of the Rings
Review: Lego The Lord of the Rings:
Lego The Lord of the Rings on home console and PC was a treat. Not only did developer Traveller's Tales pull off the tonal feat of transposing Peter Jackson's grandiose trilogy into the cheerfully trivial, irreverent, jeopardy-free
Lego The Lord of the Rings on home console and PC was a treat. Not only did developer Traveller's Tales pull off the tonal feat of transposing Peter Jackson's grandiose trilogy into the cheerfully trivial, irreverent, jeopardy-free
Kingdom Under Fire II To Land On PS4, G-Star 2013 Gameplay Video Revealed
Kingdom Under Fire II To Land On PS4, G-Star 2013 Gameplay Video Revealed:
Korean game company, Blueside, announced some days ago that Kingdom Under Fire II PlayStation 4 version is under development. It's planned to release in Korea on 17th Decemeber. Kingdome Under Fire II is a 3D
Korean game company, Blueside, announced some days ago that Kingdom Under Fire II PlayStation 4 version is under development. It's planned to release in Korea on 17th Decemeber. Kingdome Under Fire II is a 3D
Dragon Sword Online Registration Tutorial
Dragon Sword Online Registration Tutorial:
I decided to play test Dragon Sword Online today for fun! Registering was super easy, though I am sure there is another step required to fully register. Since a lot of my readers and followers are asking how to play and register, I
I decided to play test Dragon Sword Online today for fun! Registering was super easy, though I am sure there is another step required to fully register. Since a lot of my readers and followers are asking how to play and register, I
Cute adventures in Alfheim Tales Online begin November 26th
Cute adventures in Alfheim Tales Online begin November 26th:
Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser If you've been sitting back and thinking, "Gee, I just don't have enough cute in my MMO diet," we've got some news for you. You'll be able to
Filed under: Fantasy, Launches, MMO Industry, New Titles, News Items, Browser If you've been sitting back and thinking, "Gee, I just don't have enough cute in my MMO diet," we've got some news for you. You'll be able to
InnoGames' The West receives item balancing patch
InnoGames' The West receives item balancing patch:
Filed under: Historical, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser InnoGames' free-to-play, browser-based, cowboy-centric MMO The West has been updated with a new patch, bringing with it some extensive item
Filed under: Historical, Patches, News Items, Free-to-Play, Browser InnoGames' free-to-play, browser-based, cowboy-centric MMO The West has been updated with a new patch, bringing with it some extensive item
Tree of Savior Online Trailer and Test Schedule
Tree of Savior Online Trailer and Test Schedule:
At last, the long awaited Tree of Savior First Look Gameplay Teaser Trailer was just released an hour ago. I'm in love with the graphics! IMCGAMES kept their promise when they meant to bring a true successor of the Ragnarok
At last, the long awaited Tree of Savior First Look Gameplay Teaser Trailer was just released an hour ago. I'm in love with the graphics! IMCGAMES kept their promise when they meant to bring a true successor of the Ragnarok
Review: Stealth Inc
Review: Stealth Inc:
There's something about Stealth Inc that makes it very difficult to dislike. For all of its cruelty and taunts, all of the bloody deaths it inflicts on your bespectacled clone, and the grim test chambers it constantly forces you into,
There's something about Stealth Inc that makes it very difficult to dislike. For all of its cruelty and taunts, all of the bloody deaths it inflicts on your bespectacled clone, and the grim test chambers it constantly forces you into,
'RPG Warlord Revival' Review - Putting The 'Japan' Back Into JRPGs
'RPG Warlord Revival' Review - Putting The 'Japan' Back Into JRPGs:
It's interesting how much a simple fresh coat of paint can improve a well-worn genre. Today's example is Warlord Revival , from the familiar faces at EXE Create, who have apparently decided to counter-program the release of their
It's interesting how much a simple fresh coat of paint can improve a well-worn genre. Today's example is Warlord Revival , from the familiar faces at EXE Create, who have apparently decided to counter-program the release of their
'Football Heroes' Review - The Awesome Gridiron Mayhem
'Football Heroes' Review - The Awesome Gridiron Mayhem:
Football Heroes by Run Games is a sports lover’s wet dream come true. Combining crazy gameplay elements from past satirical sports franchises (Mutant League Football, Blitz, and Tecmo Bowl) with simplistic and strategic
Football Heroes by Run Games is a sports lover’s wet dream come true. Combining crazy gameplay elements from past satirical sports franchises (Mutant League Football, Blitz, and Tecmo Bowl) with simplistic and strategic
In defence of data-driven design
In defence of data-driven design:
Data can never replace design genius, only complement it
Data can never replace design genius, only complement it
Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulus Review
Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulus Review:
Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulus Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: BOOM SHAKALAKAUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Tilt to Live 2 takes everything that was great about the original Tilt to Live
Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulus Review By Carter Dotson on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: BOOM SHAKALAKAUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Tilt to Live 2 takes everything that was great about the original Tilt to Live
Stealth Inc. Review
Stealth Inc. Review:
Stealth Inc. Review By Rob Rich on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: SUPER-SPLINTER-MEAT-CELL-BOYUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad This stealthy survival-platformer has made the trip to iOS with all of
Stealth Inc. Review By Rob Rich on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: SUPER-SPLINTER-MEAT-CELL-BOYUniversal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad This stealthy survival-platformer has made the trip to iOS with all of
Hunter Island Review
Hunter Island Review:
Hunter Island Review By Lucy Ingram on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CATCH. COMBINE. EVOLVE!Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Hunter Island is obviously influenced by Pokemon, but still manages to truly
Hunter Island Review By Lucy Ingram on November 14th, 2013 Our Rating: :: CATCH. COMBINE. EVOLVE!Universal App - Designed for iPhone and iPad Hunter Island is obviously influenced by Pokemon, but still manages to truly
PS4 tops Xbox One in Raptr survey
PS4 tops Xbox One in Raptr survey:
The PlayStation 4 leads the Xbox One in yet another pre-launch survey. Video game-themed social networking site Raptr today released an infographic detailing a recent study that found 33 percent of users are planning to
The PlayStation 4 leads the Xbox One in yet another pre-launch survey. Video game-themed social networking site Raptr today released an infographic detailing a recent study that found 33 percent of users are planning to
Xbox 360 outsells PS3, Wii U in October, 3DS tops them both
Xbox 360 outsells PS3, Wii U in October, 3DS tops them both:
The Xbox 360 outsold the PlayStation 3 and Wii U to become the top-selling home console in the United States during October, with 166,000 consoles sold, Microsoft announced today, citing data from the NPD Group. This is
The Xbox 360 outsold the PlayStation 3 and Wii U to become the top-selling home console in the United States during October, with 166,000 consoles sold, Microsoft announced today, citing data from the NPD Group. This is
GTA 5 and Pokemon dominate software sales in October
GTA 5 and Pokemon dominate software sales in October:
The NPD released game sales charts for the month of October, and, unsurprisingly, the top slots are dominated by Grand Theft Auto V and Pokemon. According to the NPD, GTAV was the top selling game with just
The NPD released game sales charts for the month of October, and, unsurprisingly, the top slots are dominated by Grand Theft Auto V and Pokemon. According to the NPD, GTAV was the top selling game with just
'Infinity Danger' Review - Simply Boss Fights
'Infinity Danger' Review - Simply Boss Fights:
Have you ever played a game that had particularly boring levels, but kick ass boss fights? What if you could just have a game where you fought boss after boss, ignoring all the goons along the way? That's the driving concept behind
Have you ever played a game that had particularly boring levels, but kick ass boss fights? What if you could just have a game where you fought boss after boss, ignoring all the goons along the way? That's the driving concept behind
Review: Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulous
Review: Tilt to Live 2: Redonkulous:
Tilt to Live 2 is exactly the same as the original game. Tilt to Live 2 is completely different from the original game. What gives? One Man Left's long-awaited follow-up to the 2010 original isn't so much a natural progression as
Tilt to Live 2 is exactly the same as the original game. Tilt to Live 2 is completely different from the original game. What gives? One Man Left's long-awaited follow-up to the 2010 original isn't so much a natural progression as
'Anomaly 2' Review - An Amazing Evolutionary Sequel
'Anomaly 2' Review - An Amazing Evolutionary Sequel:
When Anomaly Warzone Earth hit back in 2011, its ‘tower offense’ gameplay was pretty novel and made for a highly enjoyable experience. Fast forward to today, and games still haven’t quite hit on what made Warzone (and it’s half
When Anomaly Warzone Earth hit back in 2011, its ‘tower offense’ gameplay was pretty novel and made for a highly enjoyable experience. Fast forward to today, and games still haven’t quite hit on what made Warzone (and it’s half
'Spirit Stones' Review - Two Well-Rounded Types Of Gameplay Hugging Tightly Together
'Spirit Stones' Review - Two Well-Rounded Types Of Gameplay Hugging Tightly Together:
Given the rather obvious angle of the art direction and marketing for this title, you'll have to forgive me for having been skeptical of Spirit Stones . With top-heavy, scantily-clad women all over the place, it almost appears to be trying to
Given the rather obvious angle of the art direction and marketing for this title, you'll have to forgive me for having been skeptical of Spirit Stones . With top-heavy, scantily-clad women all over the place, it almost appears to be trying to
King's League: Odyssey Review
King's League: Odyssey Review:
The King has put forth the call for the mightiest in the realm to contest for a spot at the Round Table! The path will be difficult, but fame and glory awaits the one bold and powerful enough to seize the opportunity. From humble
The King has put forth the call for the mightiest in the realm to contest for a spot at the Round Table! The path will be difficult, but fame and glory awaits the one bold and powerful enough to seize the opportunity. From humble
'Rayman Fiesta Run' Review - Back With Another High Quality Showing
'Rayman Fiesta Run' Review - Back With Another High Quality Showing:
Rayman Jungle Run turned a lot of heads when it hit the App Store, and it's not hard to see why. The graphics were gorgeous, the music was infectious, the controls felt good, and the challenge offered something for players of all
Rayman Jungle Run turned a lot of heads when it hit the App Store, and it's not hard to see why. The graphics were gorgeous, the music was infectious, the controls felt good, and the challenge offered something for players of all
Meltdown Review
Meltdown Review:
Meltdown is one of the most unique experiences I've had playing a mobile game. Like a confused college student, it has a few ideas on what it wants to be, but it gets lost in its own search for an identity. On paper, that identity is
Meltdown is one of the most unique experiences I've had playing a mobile game. Like a confused college student, it has a few ideas on what it wants to be, but it gets lost in its own search for an identity. On paper, that identity is
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft: Changes in Blizzard’s Deck of Cards
Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft: Changes in Blizzard’s Deck of Cards:
During Blizzcon, the Hearthstone team announced some significant changes and new additions for the popular TCG currently in beta testing. We'd like to share our take on the announcements so head on through the jump to check
During Blizzcon, the Hearthstone team announced some significant changes and new additions for the popular TCG currently in beta testing. We'd like to share our take on the announcements so head on through the jump to check
Korean News and Beta Test Announcements
- NHN Entertainment signs Bundesliga license contract with Deutsche Fussball Liga for “Football Day,” planned for open beta service at the end of the year.
- AfreecaTV 2013 3Q sales: 12,800,000,000 won.
Uncharted Waters Online: Relaunch Arriving November 28th
Uncharted Waters Online: Relaunch Arriving November 28th:
Uncharted Waters Online has a new publisher and will officially relaunch on November 28th with the Age of Exploration content update. The current service for UWO will cease operations on November 25th, with the relaunch a few
Uncharted Waters Online has a new publisher and will officially relaunch on November 28th with the Age of Exploration content update. The current service for UWO will cease operations on November 25th, with the relaunch a few
Nokia Growth Partners makes $6m investment in MAG Interactive
Nokia Growth Partners makes $6m investment in MAG Interactive:
45 million Ruzzle downloads attract attention of mobile investor
45 million Ruzzle downloads attract attention of mobile investor
Smartphone sandwich: iOS risks being squashed by Android and Windows Phone
Smartphone sandwich: iOS risks being squashed by Android and Windows Phone:
The continued rise of Android and Windows Phone risks squashing iOS in the middle, with Apple's mobile market share continuing to slip during the most recent quarter. That's according to the latest statistics released by IDC,
The continued rise of Android and Windows Phone risks squashing iOS in the middle, with Apple's mobile market share continuing to slip during the most recent quarter. That's according to the latest statistics released by IDC,
Wolfknights – New faction-based PvP title opens global registration option
Wolfknights – New faction-based PvP title opens global registration option:
Wolfknights is the latest MMORPG developed by South Korean Studio IMC Games, which also created Granado Espada. The game plays differently from others, as there will be a “reset” after 1 of the 3 factions wins the all-out war. A
Wolfknights is the latest MMORPG developed by South Korean Studio IMC Games, which also created Granado Espada. The game plays differently from others, as there will be a “reset” after 1 of the 3 factions wins the all-out war. A
RaiderZ: Latest Update Introduces the Assassin
RaiderZ: Latest Update Introduces the Assassin:
Perfect World Entertainment has announced that today's RaiderZ content update will feature a new class, the Assassin. In addition, a metric ton of new Cash and Crystal Shop costumes and items have been added.
Perfect World Entertainment has announced that today's RaiderZ content update will feature a new class, the Assassin. In addition, a metric ton of new Cash and Crystal Shop costumes and items have been added.
Not so small: TinyCo secures $20 million in fresh financing
Not so small: TinyCo secures $20 million in fresh financing:
San Francisco based developer TinyCo has secured $20 million in a fresh financing round led by Pinnacle Ventures, with Andreessen Horowitz - which has previously invested in the firm - also contributing. The fresh funds will be
San Francisco based developer TinyCo has secured $20 million in a fresh financing round led by Pinnacle Ventures, with Andreessen Horowitz - which has previously invested in the firm - also contributing. The fresh funds will be
Sailfish to set sail: Jolla to launch on 27 November
Sailfish to set sail: Jolla to launch on 27 November:
A day after Jolla signed a deal with Russian search giant Yandex, the Finnish firm has announced the launch date for its first handsets: 27 November. Via a tweet on the official Jolla Twitter account, the company has announced the
A day after Jolla signed a deal with Russian search giant Yandex, the Finnish firm has announced the launch date for its first handsets: 27 November. Via a tweet on the official Jolla Twitter account, the company has announced the
Revelation – China’s No.2 reveals new oriental MMORPG at G-Star 2013
Revelation – China’s No.2 reveals new oriental MMORPG at G-Star 2013:
NetEase, China’s No.2 online games company in terms of market share, chose G-Star (business section) to reveal its latest MMORPG, Revelation. There are no details now except a trailer, with the company looking to expand
NetEase, China’s No.2 online games company in terms of market share, chose G-Star (business section) to reveal its latest MMORPG, Revelation. There are no details now except a trailer, with the company looking to expand
Exploring Spanish localization across the Americas
Exploring Spanish localization across the Americas:
The Spanish spoken throughout the Americas can be quite varied. Here's an exploration of how game localization can be very tricky, even when sticking to a single language. ...
The Spanish spoken throughout the Americas can be quite varied. Here's an exploration of how game localization can be very tricky, even when sticking to a single language. ...
Hands-on with SWTOR's Galactic Starfighter
Hands-on with SWTOR's Galactic Starfighter:
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Expansions, Previews, Opinion, Hands-On, Star Wars: The Old Republic The objective is just on the horizon. We're a ragtag group of journalists -- no, starfighter pilots -- and we're hellbent on taking a key
Filed under: Sci-Fi, Expansions, Previews, Opinion, Hands-On, Star Wars: The Old Republic The objective is just on the horizon. We're a ragtag group of journalists -- no, starfighter pilots -- and we're hellbent on taking a key
Canadian-Chinese dev Pixelmatic looks to create "truly social" mobile games
Canadian-Chinese dev Pixelmatic looks to create "truly social" mobile games:
New mobile start-up Pixelmatic sits at the intersection of three key market trends. Its co-founders come from triple-A game development companies such as Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, and Relic. Its management team is based
New mobile start-up Pixelmatic sits at the intersection of three key market trends. Its co-founders come from triple-A game development companies such as Ubisoft, Activision Blizzard, and Relic. Its management team is based
Perfect World Entertainment explains more about Arc
Perfect World Entertainment explains more about Arc:
Filed under: MMO Industry, News Items, Miscellaneous Perfect World Entertainment is pulling its games together in a big way. The company's new Arc platform is meant to integrate all of its various titles, from Star Trek Online
Filed under: MMO Industry, News Items, Miscellaneous Perfect World Entertainment is pulling its games together in a big way. The company's new Arc platform is meant to integrate all of its various titles, from Star Trek Online
Dota 2 gets new heroes, crafting, and Diretide
Dota 2 gets new heroes, crafting, and Diretide:
Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA Last week, the folks at Valve apologized to the Dota 2 community for silently skipping the game's Halloween-themed Diretide event. In the apology, the
Filed under: Fantasy, Patches, PvP, News Items, Free-to-Play, MOBA Last week, the folks at Valve apologized to the Dota 2 community for silently skipping the game's Halloween-themed Diretide event. In the apology, the
RuneScape Adds Rise of the Six Mini-Game | Ten Ton Hammer
RuneScape Adds Rise of the Six Mini-Game | Ten Ton Hammer:
Jagex beefs up the Barrows Brothers in RuneScape to offer players a new challenge with some old foes.
Jagex beefs up the Barrows Brothers in RuneScape to offer players a new challenge with some old foes.
Bless Online Heads to Taiwan
Bless Online Heads to Taiwan:
Gameflier just finished a signing a contract with Neowiz Korea on publishing rights for the Taiwanese version of Bless Online. Gameflier is grabbing a lot of awesome titles from South Korea including Kingdom Under Fire II earlier
Gameflier just finished a signing a contract with Neowiz Korea on publishing rights for the Taiwanese version of Bless Online. Gameflier is grabbing a lot of awesome titles from South Korea including Kingdom Under Fire II earlier
NetEase sees FY13 Q3 sales up 23% to $410 million
NetEase sees FY13 Q3 sales up 23% to $410 million:
Chinese internet company NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES) has announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. Total revenues were $410 million (RMB 2.5 billion), up 23 percent year-on-
Chinese internet company NetEase (NASDAQ: NTES) has announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2013. Total revenues were $410 million (RMB 2.5 billion), up 23 percent year-on-
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