flagship-studios
Latest
Hellgate London status: Purgatory
There have been so many twists and turns with the future of Hellgate: London (and Mythos) that it's hard to know what will happen next. We've heard on a few occasions that Hellgate: London was about to face its demise, only to be saved. Adding to the confusion was the dispute over who even owned Hellgate: London, Flagship Studios or HanbitSoft. After Flagship folded, HanbitSoft's claims seemed to be genuine, and the IP was left in the hands of T3 Entertainment. Subscriptions, however, were then suspended. Shortly afterwards Namco-Bandai swept in, prominently featured HG: L on its site... and subsequently removed it. Despite this, the game has been kept running ever since, although Namco-Bandai's stated that the servers will shut down at the end of January, 2009.Gaming site HellForge has picked up on what we're not ready to call anything more than 'rumor' at this point, but something that perhaps bodes well for the future of the game. Another company name has been thrown into the mix: Redbana (based in Taiwan, connected with the aforementioned T3 Entertainment). HellForge writes: "Further research leads to findings of a new San Francisco office for the company, which is where Hellgate offices were located previously." This seems to be in line with what we reported about the future of both titles in August. While we hope this information could be a positive sign for Hellgate: London and perhaps Mythos as well, at this point it's still largely conjecture. [Via Blue's News]
Hellgate: London to shut down in February
The game's official site has the news that Hellgate: London is going to go sunset at the beginning of next year. February will see the closure of all of the game's servers. Until that point, the service will continue to be free of charge. All the way back in July we reported on the suspension of new subscriptions and the acquisition of the property by Namco-Bandai. Now it appears as though the company has decided to cut its losses. The announcement on the game's site spins it in a very upbeat way, stating that they would "continue to support customers of PC game Hellgate™: London with online server support and play through January 31, 2009 despite the closure of Flagship Studios." We've heard no further details on the service since the middle of the summer; hopefully we'll have further details for you soon.
Namco closing Hellgate on Jan. 31
Namco Bandai has issued a statement saying that, come Jan. 31, the servers for Flagship Studios' stillborn online RPG, Hellgate: London, will, like its developer, disappear forever. In effect, Namco will be closing the gate door on one of the more disappointing launches in role-playing history.In what the company calls a "gesture of support," those wishing to continue playing the game online until the lights come on and the bouncers shoo them out on Feb. 1 will be able to do so on the house.
Ex-Flagship execs recruited for new Turbine studio
While Flagship's maiden voyage may have ended up as splintered wreckage at the bottom of the massively multiplayer ocean, a pair of its former crew have found safe harbor at fellow MMO studio, Turbine. The Lord of the Rings Online developer announced that former Flagship execs Dave Brevik and Jeff Lind have joined the company, and will help spearhead a newly opened studio in Redwood City, CA. The pair is joined by industry vet and former Sniper Studios president and CEO, Matt McKnight, who will serve as the new studio's Director, while Brevik and Lind will take on roles as creative director and engineering director respectively. We offer congratulations and best of luck to all three gentlemen, though we're particularly interested in seeing what Brevik does with his new position. Creative director marks a change from his previous role as Flagship's chief visionary officer, a wise course correction given that his foresight apparently stopped just short of predicting his former employer's impending doom.
Anatomy of a disaster: Flagship Studios founder speaks
Flagship Studios' founder Bill Roper recently spoke with 1Up about how the Hellgate London developer ended up becoming another cautionary tale for young developers out there. Roper explains that the revenue model on Hellgate was broken and much of the money coming in went into keeping the game online, instead of expanding content like it should have.Roper also admits the quality of the title wasn't great. He blames the PC market for being "lousy last year" and concedes Flagship didn't have unlimited money to hold on to Hellgate any longer. He also confesses that the company overreached trying to make "an MMO and an RPG and a shooter," attempting to please everyone and (obviously) satisfying very few at the end. Roper explains the Flagship Studios disaster in 1Up's interview in detail -- definitely worth a read for any aspiring studio head.
Flagship Studios' founder finally speaks
If you've been wondering just exactly what happened with Flagship Studios over the past year or so, then you should really give a listen to the thoughts of Bill Roper, founder of Flagship. The poor guy pretty much spills his guts to 1up.com's Jeff Green about everything that happened and is happening with the people and projects from Flagship. It's a surprisingly lengthy interview, clocking in at eight pages. It's totally worth the read if you want a gritty insight into just how much went into not only Hellgate: London and Mythos, but the team that put those titles together.It's not often that we get such a wide and deep look into a developer. We're counting ourselves lucky that Bill seems to be such a open and forthcoming guy, otherwise we might have never known anything beyond rumors and speculation. If everyone previously involved with Flagship lands on their feet, it will be in no small part due to Bill Roper's efforts.
Just to be clear: Flagship Studios is dead
Despite playing along like nothing was wrong not too long ago (making the image above more than appropriate), Flagship Studio's co-founder Max Schaefer tells Gamasutra that "for all intents and purposes" the company is closed down. It is no more. It has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker ... etc., etc.Some former Flagship employees have gone on to start a new studio, but what they'll be working on is anyone's guess as the rights for the deceased developer's IPs were gobbled up by other companies. Now, let's all move on and learn from Flagship's mistakes and try not to repeat them. Writing stories about lots of people losing their jobs is never fun.
From the ashes of Mythos, Runic Games is born
The fate of the former Flagship Studios staff is something a number of our readers have been wondering about, particularly after the confusion and drama surrounding the Hellgate: London and Mythos IPs. The writers at Massively have been curious about this as well, until now. We've gotten word from Joystiq that former Flagship Studios Seattle staff -- specifically, the Mythos team -- have formed a new company called Runic Games. Max Schaefer and Travis Baldree are at the helm of Runic Games, and have stated that their forthcoming projects will be announced in the coming days. There are no further details at this time, but Runic Games now has a site where the announcement of their resurrection is posted. Massively extends its congratulations on making a quick comeback, and here's hoping Runic Games will bring some of that Mythos magic to their new projects.
Former Flagship Studios Seattle team becomes Runic Games
Since the very first word was uttered concerning the firing of nearly all of Flagship Studios' staff, the story has unfolded into a twisted bramble of confusion regarding IP ownership and disappointment for the Mythos and Hellgate: London developer. Today, however, we got the first bit of somewhat uplifting news on the matter -- Flagship's Seattle chapter (the group formerly in charge of Mythos) was recently reformed and remonikered into a new development team: Runic Games.This news came from a brief press release on the newly formed company's website. While the release promises further details in the coming days concerning properties Runic will be working on, little else is explained -- such as the fate of the former employees of Flagship proper, or whether or not the team plans to regain control of their "highly anticipated" MMO. We'll keep you updated, provided these announcements will be as prompt as the reborn developer suggests.[Via Evil Avatar]
New North American development studio hiring help for Mythos, Hellgate: London
Following the closure of Flagship Studios, the fate of their two intellectual properties, Mythos and Hellgate: London, seemed cloudy at best. Immediately after Flagship let go of nearly all of their staff, HanbitSoft (a large investor in Flagship) claimed to have possession of the two titles. Shortly thereafter, Flagship exec Bill Roper announced that his company still clung to life, as well as to all their technology and IPs, much to HanbitSoft's chagrin. Two weeks ago, Namco-Bandai reportedly picked up Hellgate, though the game's page on Namco's site mysteriously vanished a week later.However, a recent help wanted ad posted by T3 Entertainment, the Korean developers of casual music game Audition Online (and major stockholders for HanbitSoft), might put an end to the confusion. The ad calls for developers for a new San Francisco-based studio who wish to "passionately continue development of Hellgate: London and Mythos, along with other new games." As much as we'd love to believe that Mythos will reach North America, we're not quite sure if this dispute has truly been settled, or if another developer has simply entered the IP melee.
Mythos lives!
These have been some turbulent times for both Mythos and Hellgate: London. Following the closing of Flagship Studios, recent news revealed Namco-Bandai Games as Hellgate: London's saviors, while the fate of Mythos remained uncertain, but grim. However just over a week later, the Hellgate: London page at Namco-Bandai has already disappeared. In another turn of events, Gamasutra reports that Korea's T3 Entertainment, perhaps best-known for their online music game Audition, is seeking programmers for its new development studio in San Francisco: "T3 Entertainment is searching for creative minds to passionately continue development of Hellgate: London and Mythos, along with other new games, which are being published by HanbitSoft Inc." This may put to rest the dispute over IP which HanbitSoft was engaged in with Flagship Studios, as T3 Entertainment is HanbitSoft's largest stockholder. With any luck, the opening of a North American studio signifies a healthier future for both Mythos and Hellgate: London. We'll keep you posted, once more details become available.
Hellgate: London saved by Namco-Bandai
Didn't really think we'd be talking about this game ever again, but it's nice to be wrong. Tipster Matt let us know that a Senior Director for Business development has posted to the official Hellgate:London forums letting everyone know that 'word' is coming soon. On Monday Ping0 employee Tiggs posted to the same thread, telling folks not to worry. Now it appears that, via this post by Namco's Zack "Ozuri" Karlsson, there really is nothing to worry about. Says Karlsson, "The game is up, the servers are not going away in the short term and any major changes to status will be communicated in advance. I'd like to ask for your patience as we try to figure it all out and chart a new course. We value your community, your commitment, and your passion for Hellgate and we will make sure that any solution that we architect will support all of you as best as we are able. Thanks again. We hope to have a real announcement shortly." Vague, yes, but one thing isn't vague at all: Hellgate: London now has an official game page on the Namco-Bandai site. Looks like the legacy of Flagship will live on!Thanks for the tip, Matt!
The Daily Grind: Were you going to play Mythos?
We hope you knew what Mythos was -- or is, depending on how things play out -- because the game was a whole lot of fun even in beta. In fact it really seemed ready for prime time and that was several months ago. We really don't know what the future holds for the game, but right now it's on indefinite hiatus and that makes us wear our sad faces. So for today's The Daily Grind we're asking you: Did you plan on playing the game once it came out of beta?As a free-to-play game, Mythos stood a chance to become a wonderful "instead" game. What we mean is that it was the perfect game to play instead of your regular evening or weekend getaway game. Don't feel like grinding through more dungeons in Lord of the Rings Online or World of Warcraft today? Play Mythos instead, it's easy-going hack n' slash fun! The examples are beyond several. Well, they were beyond several. We truly hope to see a rushed revival for those of you (us included) that were planning on playing the game once it launched.
Mythos is dead but its memory lives on
The announcement blared last Friday. The Mythos beta would shutdown and placed on hiatus that very night. It didn't leave much time to say goodbye, the suddenness left many unable to attend but Massively was present in your stead. "Farewell friends, farewell Mythos" echoed throughout the Stonehill Market. Players congregated and crowded the area to praise Mythos and say their goodbyes. "I don't know what game to play next," cried several others. It's the people behind the characters that matter, the emotions are real, honest, and believable. The death of any MMOG is always a disheartening experience but it also brings cause to celebrate and forge a lasting adventure into a lifetime memory. Several appreciative and ever thankful Mythos developers were of course present. Lead Developer, Travis Baldree spawned a cataclysmic event for the players to partake in that lasted well into the night. Mythos players joked that it took a crashed server to defeat them as they settled in for the fireworks. Mythos CM, Tiggs made her presence felt by continually talking and laughing with the community. As the final seconds approached the world quaked, and before Mythos collapsed offline the lasting words ringed out: "You will be remembered." It was a very fitting tribute and gracious sentiment indeed. It was a good nine months, and we hope to see Mythos back again one day. %Gallery-10781%
Max Schaefer thanks Mythos community
It wasn't long ago that Max Schaefer, a Flagship Studios cofounder and operations chief, admitted to mistakes that the company encountered with Hellgate: London. Now, in a strange twist of irony the players are learning firsthand the lessons of Flagship's failures. The Mythos beta ended as it was placed on hiatus last night, possibly being the last time players will grace the world of Uld. Not long after that the Mythos beta forums went dark but before they did Max Schaefer left a wonderful message to the community. "They say it's not so much the destination as it is the journey that's important. We're really hoping that's the case around here these days. I can't really believe I'm writing a post like this, but here we are faced with the unpleasant task of taking a hiatus from this crazy project. Unlike most games, Mythos has been running with our testing community for almost its whole life. I really feel like we've all done this together. And despite this bump in the road, I think we've succeeded wildly. This is undoubtedly the best game community I've ever seen. This is the best game development team in the world, in both Seattle and San Francisco. The things we've learned here, and with you all, will be with us forever.
The Daily Grind: Which deceased MMO do you miss the most?
It's official: Flagship Studios' Mythos beta has ceased to be. It's expired and gone to meet its maker. Bereft of life, it rests in peace. It is, in fact, an ex-MMO. Hellgate London subscriptions have halted, and it might soon join Mythos in the great void. There are hopes that they'll be back under a different banner -- or that Hellgate might not close at all -- but if only the worst happens, these two games will certainly be missed by many.They are not the first ones we've lost, though. Underlight, Earth & Beyond, and Asheron's Call 2 have all gone the way of the 8-track tape. Saga of Ryzom went under as well, though it looks like it might make a comeback. Think about those games for a moment, or any others you've lost; which lost MMOs do you want back the most? Do you want them back because you played them and now you miss them, or because you never got to play them at all?Consider this the Flagship Studios memorial Daily Grind!
Hellgate: London subscriptions suspended
Exploring and fighting in post-apocalyptic London used to require a subscription but not anymore. Flagship Studios has announced that active Hellgate: London subscribers will not be billed nor will any new subscriptions be accepted. Normally, this would be welcoming news to players, but it's not because there is a chance that Hellgate: London could shutdown operations. Staff went first, and the forums are going next, tonight both the official Mythos and Hellgate: London forums will be pulled offline at 12AM. Due to financial circumstances Flagship Studios has come under hardships and had to layoff almost its entire staff. Ping0, an online services subsidiary was also affected. The fallout is a huge confusing mess, and Flagship used the rights to its intellectual property as collateral on loans for operating expenses. Now that Flagship is more or less collapsing HanbitSoft is stepping in trying to reign in both intellectual properties, Hellgate: London and Mythos, due to Flagship Studios defaulting on their original agreement.
Mythos beta is shutting down tonight
The woes continue at Flagship Studios. It was just announced that the Mythos beta will shutdown tonight. The official time slotted for its cease of operations is at July 18th, 2008 at 11:59 CST. Community manager Tiggs left the message on the forums which are also due to close at the same time. "We, the ancient elders of Uld are issuing this warning to all citizens and travelers. Hurry! The great darkness that once plagued Uld is returning. Everyone is ordered to close down their shops and prepare. We predict the when night is at its peak the darkness will arrive. The ancient elders of Uld will be leaving immediately in order to preserve the lore of this wonderful world. Citizens please prepare thyself and know that the elders will be back from their travels some day."Flagship Studios claims that the Mythos beta is going on a hiatus. That's pretty vague term associated with the closure of a beta that stems from a financial and legal crisis at a development studio. It does signal a possible return later, and we do hope Mythos continues development in the near feature and sees a well-deserved release. Lead developer on Mythos, Travis Baldree recently posted on the forums expressing his thanks and gratitude along with his uncertainty for how long the Mythos beta would remain operational. Now we know, and so soon.
HanbitSoft barbs Flagship Studios
A few days ago, Bill Roper exclaimed Flagship Studios still has a pulse, but only the founders and core management remain employed. There was no official word on what role the company will encompass now but a focus on casual games is rumored. The statement also noted that Flagship Studios owns the rights to all its technology and intellectual properties, including Hellgate: London and Mythos. HanbitSoft doesn't think so, and the verbal spar is heating up. In the latest war of words taking place on the Korean gaming site ThisIsGame, translation by Hellgate Guru. HanbitSoft is making it known that they are preparing for a legal battle. A lawsuit against Bill Roper and the founding directors of Flagship Studios is already underway. HanbitSoft will also be visiting Comerica bank next week in order to secure to the Global intellectual property rights to Hellgate: London. HanbitSoft also stated, "Flagship not only lacked effort, but were only looking for personal gain. Firing all of the Flagship employees in order to protect the personal interests of its founding members only shows how selfish and irresponsible they are." HanbitSoft owns a 9.5% stake in Flagship Studios and went on record to state they tried to bailout Flagship Studios numerous times.
Mythos, Hellgate forums scheduled to die tonight
Flagship Studios rep Tiggs announced last night on the official Mythos and Hellgate London forums that both forums will be shutting down effective midnight tonight. The message was very brief, and didn't give any specific clues as to when, if ever, the forums will be back. Tiggs simply said: "We would like to thank everyone for being a part of this wonderful community and we hope to see you all again soon."This comes after Flagship was forced to lay off almost its entire staff. Presently, HanbitSoft is trying to get its hands on both projects, but both companies face legal hurdles that must be overcome before the plan can move forward. Lead Mythos developer Travis Baldree made a forum post earlier this week expressing his hope that the team will be able to get back together and resume work on its game. We hope so too![Via WarCry]
