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38 Studios CEO Brett Close on the Big Huge Games acquisition and the Copernicus IP
Joystiq's fearless leader Chris Grant recently caught up with 38 Studios CEO Brett Close to discuss their recent acquisition of Big Huge Games, and what this might mean for the "Copernicus" MMO. Massively has mentioned Copernicus at a few points in the past, but unfortunately in terms more vague than we'd like. We know it's a fantasy MMO project that draws upon notables like R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane, but Joystiq turned up some more info about Copernicus. Close stresses that Copernicus is an IP that will exist in several channels; there will be books, graphic novels, and of course an MMO that draws upon these elements. "Rather than drilling into details about why this is going to give people something they have never experienced before... what I will tell you is that it's simply based on that talent [R.A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane] and based on our approach and our experience in building these products. There's nothing like it out there right now. And I don't believe there's anybody working on anything like this right now."
38 Studios LFM, PST!
Have artistic talent? Code talent? More properly, do you have that, some industry experience, and the desire to build an awesome MMO? If you can answer yes to those questions and the idea of working with people like Curt Schilling, R.A. Salvatore, Todd McFarlane and other really cool people like Ryan Shwayder from Nerfbat makes you happy, then you'll want to check out the job postings over on the 38 Studios site. It appears they're looking for some more people to join them on their MMO dream team! Currently, the spots open are: Graphics Engineer Senior Character Artist Technical Director Senior Environment Artist Hopefully once all the positions are filled up we'll start hearing more about 38's upcoming super-secret MMO project, codenamed 'Copernicus.' Good luck to anyone who applies, and if you get hired, be sure to tell them to keep us in mind for that eventual Copernicus alpha test. We'd appreciate it!
The Daily Grind: Star-studded studios
Maybe it's just us, but it seems more and more that it's cool for Hollywood, sports, and music stars to openly admit their love of gaming. 10 years ago? Not too many people talking about it. Now? It's everywhere. To add to this, we now have gaming companies started by the rich and famous. There's 38 Studios, owned by Curt Schilling, who has gathered Todd McFarlane and R. A. Salvatore and a hugely talented team to help build Copernicus, the code-name for their very-under-wraps MMO. Added to that, we have the news yesterday that Vin Diesel's company, Tigon Studios is saying that their previously-claimed RTS will actually be an MMO entry. (Or perhaps a true MMORTS as those are fairly rare.) It's definitely interesting to see.This morning we thought we'd ask you a fairly simple question about these two - will their star status, or star lineup, make you more interested in trying their respective games out when they hit the shelves? Does star status matter to you at all? Does it make you less interested in trying them out? Or do you just not care one way or the other about who makes a game, and will only really bother trying it if people you trust say it's fun/it has a free trial/etc?
Todd McFarlane talks about 38 Studios and Copernicus
Massively has been watching what's happening with 38 Studios and their upcoming MMO codenamed 'Copernicus' -- and the most recent bit of info we turned up comes through today's interview at Gamasutra by Christian Nutt. Gamasutra has interviewed 38 Studios Executive Art Director Todd McFarlane, well-known to most of us for his work in the comics industry and for the numerous offerings of McFarlane Toys.Indeed, a fair amount of the Gamasutra interview focuses on McFarlane Toys and its success in the action figure industry, but McFarlane spoke a bit about 38 Studios and its MMO project as well. He touched upon how 38 Studios hopes to differentiate their game from what's presently offered: "But the question is, can we make ours feel better than the other guys? And the stuff that I'm seeing relative to what's out there in the open market, the answer is absolutely, right now." While McFarlane doesn't exactly spill details on what we can really expect from Copernicus, he does offer up some hints as to what 38 Studios is doing, and more importantly, why they're taking a different approach to the MMO space than some of their competitors. For more info on Copernicus, or just to read up on what a comics legend is doing these days, check out the full interview with Todd McFarlane over at Gamasutra.
McFarlane unveils final Halo Wars figure sculpts
Recently, McFarlane unveiled the final sculpts for the mini Halo Wars figures that they announced back in September and, with the unveil, announced the pricing will be between $9.99 and $11.99. You can view all four sets of new Halo Wars mini-figures including the traditional UNSC troops along with blue and red variants as well as a set of purple Covenant. Seriously, how adorable is that purple Grunt? Each set includes three 2.5" figures with various weapons and will release to retail March 2009.[Via HBO]
38 Studios acquires MMO newsletter tailored to player characters
As time moves on, we're slowly getting more information about MMO developer 38 Studios and their plans. 38 Studios, which brings together Red Sox pitcher (and MMO fan) Curt Schilling, comic book creator Todd McFarlane, and author R.A. Salvatore, is known to be developing a fantasy-MMO codenamed "Copernicus." When it comes to news regarding this game studio, we're primarily interested in Copernicus here at Massively, but our sister site WoW Insider turned up something else interesting involving 38 Studios. It turns out that they've acquired Mentor Media, creators of a custom World of Warcraft newsletter called Azeroth Advisor, which offers personalized information about WoW as it pertains to your own character. Could this be a sign of what's to come with Copernicus, and would you appreciate a customized newsletter offered in tandem with your MMO of choice?
AGDC: Interview with Brett Close, CEO of Curt Schilling's 38 Studios
It's no secret that baseballer Curt Schilling is a huge MMO fan, but you might not know much about his 38 Studios game development company, formed with artist Todd McFarlane and fantasy writer R.A. Salvatore. They've been working on a massive MMO code-named Copernicus, which they haven't said too much about yet. This week at Austin GDC, Vivox announced that it would be providing the voice application inside the game, and five pieces of key concept art were released at Comic-Con earlier this summer.We sat down with CEO Brett Close in Austin to find out what we could about Copernicus, and what's in store for the new company. Check out the full interview after the break.%Gallery-32294%
McFarlane announces Halo Wars figures for '09
To compliment their already expansive sets of Halo 3 figures, Todd McFarlane and crew just announced that they'll be releasing Halo Wars figures to retail beginning March 2009. The first series of Halo Wars figures are actually mini-figures, 2.5 inches tall (aww, shucks!), rotatable at the waist and sold as a three pack. At release, the first series will be comprised of four different sets including Spartans, Marine Infantry and Covenant with each set packaged with various weapons. You can get learned about all four different Halo Wars sets after the break and view the work-in-progress figure sculpts in the gallery below. Lovely, aren't they?%Gallery-31539%
Win a set of Comic-Con exclusive Halo figures
Do you recall the two Comic-Con exclusive Halo action figures that Todd McFarlane announced would only be available for purchase in San Diego later this week? Do you have a painful itch to own both exclusive figures but will not be able to attend this year's Comic-Con funnery? Well, we have good news. The McFarlane crew are giving away a set of the Comic-Con exclusive Halo figures via Spawn.com and all you have to do to enter is register by July 31st. Then, if you win, you'll be the proud owner of both an EVA "HellSpartan" and a CQB active camouflage figure. Your winning odds are pretty slim, but for those who aren't attending Comic-Con (see: us) it's your only chance at owning the exclusive figures other than overpaying for them on eBay.
Series 2 Halo figures and points websites now live
After a much too long hiatus, we're proud to say that it's Halo action figure news time! Huzzah! And today we have a treat for Halo action figure fanboys, because Mr. Toddy McFarlane just updated Spawn.com with all kinds of Halo goodness. First off, the Halo 3 Series 2 mini site is now live, allowing you to view each and every figure, view photos, download wallpapers and analyze each one in super sexy Quicktime VR. But that isn't all friends, because McFarlane just updated us on the Halo Points program. Halo Points, for the uninformed, are included with each and every Halo action figure purchase. Buy enough figures, collect enough points and starting this Winter you can earn exclusive Halo swag. Want a Halo 3 lithograph? You'll need 100 points. Looking at owning a red, blue or active camo Halo figure with Recon armor? Dish out anywhere from 200-300 points and you can haz Recon. There's even a gold Master Chief for 500 points. It's either time to start making some action figure purchases or time to take up the hobby of dumpster diving. Recon figures are way worth getting banana peel in your hair.[Thanks, TMD] Source - Halo 3 Series 2 figures Source - Halo Points
McFarlane opens up H3 camo EVA pre-order
Yesterday, McFarlane opened up the pre-order floodgates, allowing Halo 3 action figure collectors the chance to pre-order the Spawn Store exclusive H3 Active Camo EVA Spartan Soldier figure. Yup, the same camouflaged figure we talked about way back in November. Each figure will cost $12.99 when they release later this year, and with each pre-order you'll be able to snatch up two figures. Don't mind McFarlane's messy online store, be strong and you'll complete your pre-order just fine.Genius idea: Active camo EVA figure is cool, but active camo Recon figure ... now that's pure marketing GENIUS!
More video game figures from McFarlane, this time it's Call of Duty
Todd McFarlane isn't sitting on his haunches, oh no. That just isn't how you create an action figure empire, you have to go after licenses like a foamy mouthed dog full of rabies and rage. And that's exactly what Toddy is doing, not only gobbling up the Guitar Hero license but now the Call of Duty: World at War franchise as well.That's right, today Todd McFarlane and crew just announced they are creating a set of four Call of Duty :World at War action figures that are (presumably) set to release later this year for around $10-$15 each. Included in the four figure set are some "highly detailed" figures including "Marine Infantry, Battle of Peleliu", "Marine Marine Corps with Flamethrower, Battle of Peleliu", "Marine Corps with Machine Gun, Battle of Okinawa" and "British Special Ops, Battle for the Roer Triangle". Overly long action figure names aside, we can't help but wonder what other video game licenses McFarlane will acquire in the near future. Our vote is for Roogoo ... we'd so support Roogoo figures.
A closer look at those Guitar Hero figures
Last week, we told you about Todd McFarlane's interesting decision to gobble up the Guitar Hero license and the subsequent creation of a set of four Guitar Hero figures that are set to release this Fall. No, we still haven't fully accepted the figures seeing that we don't have any real attachment to the characters of Guitar Hero franchise, but we do now know exactly what each figure will look like. Viewable in the gallery below are the final sculpts of the Johnny Napalm, Lars Umlaut, Axel Steel and God of Rock figures. Not horrible (except for the God of Rock's odd looking shoulder), but we'll stick with our Halo and Gears figures.%Gallery-26673%
38 Studios welcomes Thom Ang as Director of Art
Noted industry artist Thom Ang has started work at 38 Studios as Director of Art, according to a press release from the company. He has joined company founder and pro baseball player Curt Schilling, comic book artist Todd McFarlane, and fantasy author R.A. Salvatore to work on Copernicus, a secretive MMO project.Ang has previously been employed by THQ, where he worked on several titles including Disney adaptations, and Electronic Arts, where he worked on the Medal of Honor series. He's just another of many samples of veteran blood the studio has attracted.Details about Copernicus are hush-hush. We know 38 Studios is using the BigWorld and Unreal engine technologies. There have been hints in interviews about the direction the project is taking. That's about it, though.
McFarlane's Halo 3 series 2 figures get packaged
Doing away with the admittedly "chubby" packaging from the first series, McFarlane reworked and slimmed down the packaging for July's Halo 3 series two figures. And it's some pretty packaging! Added to the (super duper large) gallery below is the final packaging for all series two figures including campaign, multiplayer and store exclusive figures. We want this one, this one and this one. Oh, and if we have enough cash leftover, maybe this one too.%Gallery-7108%
Looky! McFarlane's H3 Legendary and 12" figures
Tired of the same old, little and oh so common Halo 3 McFarlane action figures that are currently at retailers? Not looking forward to the second or third series because they just don't live up to the scale or collectibility you yearn for? Well then, good news for you, because McFarlane understands your prima donna needs.Releasing this November will be a set of three non-articulated, six inch Legendary Halo 3 figures including a Flood swarmed Master Chief, a rock balancing Arbiter and an angry Brute Chieftan. All of which should fill your inner collector emptiness. Now for those who like to play with their figures, but want to go BIGGER, McFarlane also has you covered with their twelve inch series. Available this September with eighteen points of articulation, twenty-six moving parts and coming in at a full twelve inches tall are a green Master Chief and a Wal-mart exclusive Blue Spartan. They are twelve inches of pure awesomeness. And, as always, you can view photos of all three Legendary figures and the twelve inch tall Spartans in our ever-bloating gallery below. We wuv toyz!%Gallery-7108%[Via HBO]
38 Studios continues its world domination
The motto of 38 Studios is quite ironic: "World Domination Through Gaming". This from the company that employs Curt Schilling, Todd McFarlane, R.A. Salvatore and every SOE employee they can get their hands on. We think they're getting the hang of the whole world-domination thing, but what about the direction of the company and their MMO project itself?In a recent interview at New York Comic Con, Scott Cuthbertson, Jeff Murchie, Steve Danuser and Rich Gallup described themselves as "right on track". They discuss some recent developments, such as their licensing of the Unreal and Big World Engines for use in their game. They also mention the fact that with McFarlane and Salvatore on board, it would be no surprise to see toys, comics, and novels about the world and its characters. As we stated in the most recent episode of the Massively Speaking podcast, let's hope all this hype behind the company and game can really hit it out of the park. Yes, I went there.
McFarlane offers exclusive Comic-Con Spartans!
Todd McFarlane is up to his marketing trickery once again, releasing two exclusive Halo 3 Spartan figures that will only be available for purchase at this year's Comic-Con. And if you already glanced at the image above, you then already know these figures ooze bad-ass. The two Comic-Con exclusive Spartans include an Active Camouflage C.Q.B. Spartan and a super delicious Spawn inspired E.V.A. Hell Spartan (preview pictures added to the gallery below). And if you don't start drooling over the Hell Spartan then you either A) have no action figure taste, B) your Halo-fanboy'ism is lacking, or C) you have no soul. Anyway, if you're interested in picking up these two figures, make your way to Comic-Con sometime between July 24-27 that's being held at the San Diego Convention Center where they'll have both figures available (not sold separately) for an unknown price. Also, if you want to earn community brownie points, be sure to grab an extra Hell Spartan for your blogging friends at X3F.%Gallery-7108%[Thanks, TOMCATS]
H3 McFarlane series 3 and free XBLM downloads
Spawn.com just uploaded a bunch of media for their upcoming McFarlane Halo 3 series three action figures that are set for release this August. The figures (all viewable in the gallery below) include a new Jackal, Human Flood, War Chieftan Brute and Master Chief which were spotted a few weeks back during a toy expo. Also detailed are the exclusive Spartans that'll hit various retailers in various armor permutations and in various colors. Finally, to celebrate Halo 3's Legendary Map Pack's release, McFarlane will be releasing a free set of Halo 3 McFarlane gamer pictures and a theme to the XBLM tomorrow, April 14th. Download, look at those figures and keep Halo 3 on the brain, only because we're telling you to.%Gallery-7108%[Thanks, TMD]
Halo 3 series three McFarlane figures preview
Toy News International snagged a few product shots from McFarlane's third series of Halo 3 action figures and yes, you can has Recon.The series three pictures (viewable in the gallery below) show off a super zexy Master Chief, Brute Chieftain Weapon Class, Jackal Major, Human Flood, an Olive Rogue Spartan and a Red Hayabusa Spartan. The figures not pictured, but also scheduled for release in the third series are an Elite Combat and a (drum roll please!) Teal Recon Spartan! YOU WILL HAS RECON! All McFarlane series three Halo 3 figures and vehicles are slated for release in August, so check out the pics, drool over the third series and eagerly await your Recon.%Gallery-7108%[Thanks, Tommo-B]
