The San Diego Comic Book Convention is going on right now, and one of the bigger games that’s debuting there is DC Universe Online, an action MMO developed by Sony Online Entertainment, the same group that brought us the ultimately underwhelming Star Wars Galaxies. I read a rather lengthy preview of the game in this month’s Edge magazine, and SOE hired some comic book expert to make sure, bluntly, that the game doesn’t stink on ice. In the game, you make your own superhero, then lollygag about Metropolis interacting with the proper superheroes and villains from the DC universe. Batman, Joker, Superman, all the guys. The game doesn’t have a release date yet, but it’s coming out for the PS3 and PC. → Read More
Well, that’s kind of an inflammatory headline. But it’s semi-true. The Korean Times has deemed Richard Garriot’s futuristic MMO Tabula Rasa a disaster after its disappointing sales devalued developer NCsoft and cost them millions. A spokesperson for the development team downplayed both the disappointment and the downsizing, noting that MMO staffs normally decline after release, and that revenue is built up over time (the game has yet to be released in MMO stronghold Japan). Points on both sides. Only time will tell who is right, but I think I have a pretty good idea. [via videogaming247 and Rock, Paper Shotgun] → Read More
Ubisoft recently acquired the rights to author Tom Clancy’s name and they’re going forward with an MMO. It’s unclear how much Ubi was paying in royalties, but the acquisition is estimated at EUR 60 million. Ubisoft expects they’ll be saving themselves EUR 5 million a year with the rights. President of Ubisoft Yves Guillemot had this to say, “Having no fees, it’s going to give us a full return, [so] we’ve really decided now to go for an MMO on the Clancy name, which is big”, Guillemot said during a conference call. An MMO would cost anywhere from $40 to $50 million and they already have the technology to go forward so it all makes sense in the end. Right? Who’s excited for a Tom Clancy MMO? Ubisoft greenlights Clancy MMO [CVG] Publisher announces Rainbow Six Vegas 2 ships 1 million [Game Industry Biz] → Read More
http://www.dailymotion.com/swf/x4j47t So… Dragon Ball… that was popular (and relevant!), what, 10, 12 years ago? I guess all the more reason to create an MMO based on it, then, which is what Bandai is doing in Korea. I watched the video and didn’t understand it. I guess the game, Dragon Ball Online is set somewhere between the Z and Majin-Bu story lines. In other news, Prince Harry is the man. They should make an MMO based on his Central Asian exploits. Dragon Ball Online… News from Korea [Akihabara News] → Read More
I actually love NASA but seriously, what have they done lately? Where’s my jet pack? NASA is considering possibly working on a Space-themed MMO to teach kids about engineering and science. The resulting virtual space will definitely be a hit with kids who haven’t seen or cared about a Space Shuttle lift-off since 1999. “A NASA-based MMO could provide opportunities for students to investigate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics career paths while participating in engaging game-play,” said the query. Tell kids there’s Webkinz and Hannah Montana up on Mars. They’ll be flocking to engineering classes. NASA Considers Space MMO [ShackNews] → Read More
Digital Trends is reporting that a Lego MMO-style game is currently in the works. Dubbed “Lego Universe”, the game will allow you to play the roll of a Lego figure in a Lego world. I’d imagine Lego is ready to let you drive around in vehicles, smashing everything in sight. I mean, that’s what makes Legos half the fun – destroying them! MMO maker NetDevil is currently working hard on the project, but no projected release date has been given. Word is that the game will obviously feature hardcore profanity filters and intense moderation to keep kids who are playing it from getting carried away. Too bad it’ll be Windows only and the end-result will look like thrown-up Hamburger Helper. Lego Universe: The Lego MMO [Digital Trends] → Read More
If you’ve had a chance to experience the phenomenon that is World of Wacraft or have had end-on-end guild battles in Guild Wars, you know that the world of a MMO is its own reward. MMOs consume players into the depths of their mom’s basement, where they will never see the light of day again. In other words, these games are literally massive, taking players up to hundreds of hours to fully explore what the game has to offer. Produced by the editorial staff of Computer Games Magazine, Massive is a new magazine that focuses entirely on MMOs. This may seem like a dull idea at first, but if you’ve ever played a MMO, you’ll quickly realize that there are just tons of events and information that revolve in a game’s world. Massive doesn’t only cover information about the games themselves, but it goes beyond to actually cover player initiated events, player communities, guild information, player rankings and more. You’d be surprised at just how many crazy events occur in a MMO world. You can pick up a subscription for $12.99, and you’ll get a bonus DVD with your subscription. Massive Magazine [gadgetell] → Read More
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