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MV Guide: August 15-21, 2011
MV Guide is a weekly rundown of the MMO gaming events planned on Massively's Livestream channel. Every week, the Massively staff logs in to play various MMOs live and in person, and we'd love for you to drop by the channel and visit. We have a combination of regular weekly games and new surprises, so you'll find a variety of titles to take a look at. During livestream events, you can participate in the live chat, ask questions to learn about the game, and simply spend some time with Massively staff and readers. (Of course, livestream events are subject to the whims of outside forces like server-side gremlins once in a while.) Follow along after the jump to see what's scheduled for this week!
Drakensang Online open beta is live
Bigpoint Games, makers of Battlestar Galactica Online and Lord of Ultima, announced today that its newest creation, Drakensang Online has entered open beta. The game puts players in the shoes of one of two classes -- the fearless Dragonknight or the arcane Spellweavers -- and sends them to battle against the fierce monsters of the Anderworld. Action-RPG fans will be familiar with Drakensang's formula of grouping up, finding bad things, and hitting them until they stop moving in hopes of getting some shiny new loot. For gamers on the go, however, Drakensang offers one distinct advantage: It runs in your browser. Anyone interested in giving this new game a test run can join the beta over at the official website.
Jump into Drakensang Online with a closed beta key from Massively [Updated]
Last week we brought you the news that Drakensang Online is entering open beta next month. However, if you don't want to wait that long to try it, we've got just the thing for you: 2,000 closed beta keys! All you need to do is head over to our giveaway page to pick up a key. Then go to Drakensang Online's main page, click "play now for free" to register, and enter your key in the field at the bottom of the registration window. Drakensang Online is browser-based, so once you're registered, you're free to jump right in and start playing! [Update: The techies for our giveaway page have let us know that there was an IP tracking issue with one of the servers. The problem has been fixed, and keys will now be distributed correctly. We've raised the IP lock for now, so even if you got a key before, you're clear to claim another one. Thanks for your patience!]
Drakensang Online open beta coming in June
It wasn't too long ago that we announced the impending arrival of Drakensang Online, an MMO iteration on Radon Labs' quirky Drakensang single-player RPG. Today, Bigpoint has confirmed that the title is even closer to release than we thought and that the open beta will be kicking off next month (in five different languages, no less). Bigpoint's Bernd Beyreuther is enthusiastic about the browser MMO's chances. "The closed beta's smooth progress has enabled us to take the next step in June and open the game up to everybody. The switch from classic PC game to browser game was a huge leap forward for us filled with many new possibilities," he explained. Drakensang Online will initially offer two playable classes, the Dragonknight and the Spellweaver, as well as over 100 hours of content including quests, dungeons, and exploration around the Anderworld.
Controlling share in Bigpoint purchased for $350 million
The prolific MMO developer Bigpoint is answering to couple of new bosses today. According to Gamasutra, Summit Partners and TA Associates have banded together to heavily invest in the company -- and by doing so, to take a controlling share in Bigpoint. The two firms, which are now on the board of directors, have jointly invested $350 million into Bigpoint. These funds will recapitalize the studio and expand its presence worldwide. Bigpoint founder and CEO Heiko Hubertz, who controls 30 percent of the company, appears optimistic: "The investment by TA Associates and Summit Partners is a validation of Bigpoint's leadership position within the gaming industry, and will give us a huge boost toward becoming one of the most successful gaming companies worldwide." Bigpoint has a wide portfolio of titles including Battlestar Galactica Online, DarkOrbit, and the upcoming Drakensang Online.
Drakensang Online moving into closed beta
If game development had trending topics a la Twitter, "play in your browser" would be at the top of the list. After all, a game you can play in your browser takes all of the slow download and install times out of the equation. Drakensang Online is the latest such game in development heading for a release, with the closed beta having just begun. If you've never heard of the game before now, don't fret -- applications for testers are still being accepted. How much social interaction will be present in the game remains to be seen, although the game's page boasts that players can engage in battle with and against other players around the world. There's a definite Diablo vibe to the screenshots and the trailers, so if that's up your alley, it might well be worth taking a look at the game during its beta testing phase. [Thanks to B1GG1N for the tip!]
Bigpoint talks Drakensang Online
Never heard of Drakensang? You're not alone, as the German-made CRPG from Radon Labs is a title that exists pretty far outside the mainstream occupied by the Dragon Ages, Fables, and Oblivions of the world. While it may end up falling short of household-name status, free-to-play MMO maker Bigpoint is nonetheless looking to bring the Drakensang saga to browsers everywhere. Drakensang Online is being billed as an action RPG/MMORPG hybrid, and a recent Bigpoint press release makes numerous references to the speed of the battles as well as the quick and easy access afforded by the browser-only platform. Bigpoint is also highlighting the game's "endless customization options" and "profound and enthralling story." This last bit will be a departure from the source material, as critics generally found the original Drakensang narrative to be lacking when compared to the combat mechanics and the game's overall presentation. You can read more about Drakensang Online at the official website, and don't forget to check out the game's teaser trailer after the cut.
