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'Endless' series crosses one million copies sold
The "Endless" series of games reached over one million copies sold, Iceberg Interactive announced. The series consists of three games, Dungeon of the Endless, Endless Legend and Endless Space, and the trio combined to sell 1.2 million units to date. All three games were created by Amplitude Studios, the latest being October's Dungeon of the Endless, a retro-styled roguelike for PC and Mac. Amplitude kicked the series off with Endless Space in 2012, a 4X space strategy game that served as a precursor to Endless Legend, which launched in September. Those that pick up the $20 Crystal Pack for Dungeon of the Endless on Steam receive an additional playable faction for Endless Space's Disharmony expansion as well as extra unit skins for Endless Legend. [Image: Iceberg Interactive]
Endless Legend gets modding tools in new add-on
The team at Amplitude Studios is having a busy week, having just launched Dungeon of the Endless in full on Steam a few days ago. Now, it's offering a "Shades of Alteration" add-on for another game in its strategy series, Endless Legend. The free DLC adds a Halloween-themed quest to the 4X fantasy-strategy game called "A Tale from the Dark Season," which rewards players with an undiscolsed prize. The update also introduces modding tools to the game, allowing players to create and tweak a number of game elements to their content. Players will be able to add new faction traits, items, skills, city improvements, technology and quests to Endless Legend, as well as adding or changing resources, text and 2D assets in the strategy game using the new mod tools. Endless Legend launched on Steam in September after its near five-month stay on Early Access. The game's Classic Pack is available on PC or Mac for $35, whereas the $45 Emperor Pack adds bonus in-game items. [Image: Iceberg Interactive]
Endless Legend exits Steam Early Access on September 18
Endless Legend will exit Early Access and launch in full on Steam on September 18, Iceberg Interactive announced. The 4X strategy game entered its alpha phase on the PC distribution platform in April, receiving new factions, "fully functional" multiplayer and other updates in July. The game's soundtrack is also available at a name-your-price rate on Bandcamp, courtesy of Game Audio Factory. Endless Legend is currently 10 percent off ($31.49) while still in its beta state. Buying in to the Founder Pack ($40.49) grants players some assorted bonus goods, including half-off Steam coupons for Amplitude Studios' Endless Space and Endless Space Disharmony. One of the developer's other games, Dungeon of the Endless, was among a list of games confirmed for Xbox One at Gamescom last month. Come to think of it, we're pretty sure there's a pattern to Amplitude Studios' recent naming conventions. [Image: Iceberg Interactive]
Tactical space sim Starpoint Gemini 2 enters beta on Steam Early Access
Iceberg Interactive, a publisher best known for releasing meticulously detailed games set in the void of space, has announced that Starpoint Gemini 2 has entered beta testing via Steam's Early Access program. New to this incarnation of the tactical space simulation are wormholes that allow for faster travel while threatening to destroy ships with their instability, and the more helpful T-Drive which speeds transit times without the danger of killing travelers in a messy implosion. Additionally, Iceberg has added new classes, new events, new music and has improved the game's loading times and overall balance. Those who would like to join the Early Access beta test can do so on Steam at a cost of $25. As with all Early Access games, that purchase price not only enters you into the beta test, it also guarantees you access to the final, retail build of the game once that comes available. [Image: Iceberg Interactive]
Space strategy sequel StarDrive 2 set for September
StarDrive developer Zero Sum Games announced the sequel to the 4X space strategy game. Due out in September, StarDrive 2 places players in a procedurally-generated galaxy with real-time battles. Players also lead an alien race from planet to planet, researching technologies and populating worlds and take on AI opponents in a battle arena mode. The game will also include Steam Workshop support, adding ease of use to the series' current mod support. StarDrive 2 will launch on PC, Mac and Linux on Steam and other retail channels for $29.99. Those that played the original StarDrive will receive a 33 percent loyalty discount on the sequel. [Image: Iceberg Interactive]
4X strategy game Horizon enters Steam space in February
L3O Interactive-developed Horizon will launch on Steam in full in February. The strategy game's beta version was added to Steam Early Access in July 2013, and is still available to purchase for $24.99. Horizon belongs to the 4X strategy genre, which emphasizes universe exploration and conquest. In Horizon's case, players partake in turn-based tactical space combat, developing colonies that interact with ten alien races in industry, trade and sciences. The game is being published by Iceberg Interactive, which brought about another popular 4X space strategy game in 2012, Amplitude Studios' Endless Space.
4X strategy game Star Lords available now on Early Access
Iceberg Interactive launched its 4X strategy game Star Lords on Steam via Early Access. Star Lords promises "deep and complex gameplay" set in a large universe, in which players take part in turn-based space battles involving eight separate races. The studio behind Star Lords is Portuguese developer Arkavi Studios, who created diplomacy, trade and intelligence tools that players use to weaken enemies and build an empire. Players can colonize worlds in the game, which includes a "randomly generated universe, tech tree and units." The alpha version of Star Lords costs $19.99 for PC players to check out, and does not include features like "multiplayer, huge galaxies and domestic policies" at the moment.
PSA: Endless Space adds free 'Search for Auriga' DLC
Endless Space isn't quite endless, but it is still a very large strategy game that just grew a bit bigger thanks to the addition of the free Search for Auriga DLC pack. As we reported when the DLC was announced, Search for Auriga adds new heroes, a new planet type, a special wonder and a number of AI and balance improvements to Endless Space. Full details on the DLC's additions and changes can be found on developer Amplitude Studios' website. Before you rush over to Steam to download the DLC - the addition will be automatically downloaded and installed the next time you start Endless Space - keep in mind that it requires you own both Endless Space and the game's Disharmony expansion. Both items can be found on Steam.
Dark Matter pulled from GOG as developer retools ending
Trouble continues to mount for InterWave Studios' side-scrolling survival horror PC game Dark Matter, which has now been pulled from multiple online storefronts following player allegations that the game was released as an incomplete product. Dark Matter players were greeted with an abrupt ending after reaching a specific point during gameplay, offering no resolution to its storyline or any buildup to a conclusion. The game was removed from Steam following a barrage of consumer complaints, and Good Old Games issued refunds to affected players. Good Old Games has since removed Dark Matter from its database entirely, at publisher Iceberg Interactive's request. "We were actually contacted by the publisher about this: They asked us to take it down while the developer renovated the ending," GOG's Head of PR and Marketing Department Trevor Longino told Joystiq. "We had already decided that offering our users their money back if they bought the game before we updated the description to reflect the game more accurately was enough for the moment -- although we were still investigating the matter and seeing if further steps were necessary -- but were happy enough to agree to the publisher's request when they asked us." Dark Matter failed to meet its Kickstarter goal earlier this year, leading developer InterWave Studios to repackage the game as an episodic series. The finished product was not advertised as the first episode of a series, however, spurring complaints over its sudden ending.
Report: New devs at work on Dark Matter following mass dismissal
Though a new ending for the controversial Dark Matter is supposedly in the works, a Gamasutra report claims that the game's development staff has already been laid off. As reported yesterday, players were incensed by the cliffhanger ending seen in Dark Matter. Instead of a satisfactory conclusion, the game simply offers players an abrupt "To be continued ..." despite a notable lack of current plans for a sequel. Complaints about the ending poured in so rapidly that both Steam and Good Old Games opted to give customers refunds for the game. In a message posted to the Dark Matter community on Steam, CEO of publisher Iceberg Interactive Erik Schreuder blames the problematic ending on the failure of the Dark Matter Kickstarter effort. This is crucial, as Gamasutra claims that the fundraiser's collapse not only crippled the game, but also led to the dismissal of the majority of Interwave Studios' staff (including almost all of the developers who worked on Dark Matter). Gamasutra's report claims that a new developer has been handed the task of building a better ending for Dark Matter, but that this unnamed studio includes none of the original development staff. It's currently unknown when (or if) this hypothetically improved finale will appear.
Dark Matter temporarily removed from Steam, GOG offering refunds
Dark Matter is not available on Steam for the apparent time being, following complaints over the game's incomplete story and lack of labeling as an episodic adventure. The game was removed this morning, with a notice going up on its Steam page saying "Currently there is a known issue at the end of the game. The developer is aware of the issue and they are working on a patch as a solution." Meanwhile, GOG.com is offering refunds to those who bought the game before its description was updated on the site. Now GOG's listing indicates Dark Matter is the "first half" of a story, an update that "adequately reflects the game" according to the retailer. Dark clouds circled around Dark Matter over the weekend, when players vented their anger over its "to be continued" ending, accusing developer InterWave Studios of seemingly releasing an unfinished product. Erik Schreuder, CEO of publisher Iceberg Interactive, responded by clarifying that the 2.5D horror platformer is the first episode of a larger overall saga, one that was originally planned as standalone game. InterWave Studios brought Dark Matter as that standalone game to Kickstarter earlier this year, with plans to sell it for $30. The game wasn't funded, and a few months later Iceberg Interactive released the now controversial first episode, also called Dark Matter, for $15. Schreuder said Dark Matter is "exactly as described on Steam," but the store page makes no mention of the game being episodic. Schreuder was forced to concede the ending "may cause confusion and is not satisfactory," and noted a "more conclusive and satisfying ending" is in the works - as perhaps indicated by the new notice on Steam. At the time of writing, the game remains on sale at GOG.com
Dark Matter publisher: Game is meant to be 'episodic series'
Dark Matter recently found itself in a dark space of criticism after a player posted on the game's Steam discussion page about its "To be continued" ending. After a developer from InterWave responded and said the "full story is indeed not complete," they clarified that it is a "complete game in itself." Erik Schreuder, CEO of Dark Matter publisher Iceberg Interactive, has posted a follow up on the game's Steam discussion forum to address accusations that the game is unfinished. The message describes an initial Kickstarter pitch for a game with "significantly more levels" that would have been sold for $30. This plan was discarded once the Kickstarter campaign obtained less than a fifth of its £50,000 fundraising goal. "The idea was then formed to make Dark Matter an episodic series, with episodes selling at a budget price of $14.99," Schreuder said. "The first installment is what has launched recently on Steam and is simply called Dark Matter." Schreuder wrote that the game is "exactly as described on Steam (including that it contains 14 levels)" and explained that the version of Dark Matter players are experiencing is "not the $30 full-priced game, but the episodic budget version." The game's Steam page, as of writing, makes no note of the game being episodic in nature. Schreuder conceded that Dark Matter's current conclusion "may cause confusion and is not satisfactory" and stated that they are working on a "more conclusive and satisfying ending."
Endless Space: Disharmony settles on June 26
Ampltude Studios' Endless Space will launch its first premium expansion, Disharmony, on June 26 through Steam. Publisher Iceberg Interactive will also have an English retail version – key-only box with 16 page artbook – two days later. The expansion is priced at 10 in both $ and € Earth currency forms. The Disharmony expansion will add a new faction ("The Harmony") to the 4X strategy game, as well as new ship types, targeting and redesigned weapon systems, better AI, along with an "enhanced invasion mechanics." Endless Space has sold over 300,000 copies and the developer has been quite generous with free add-ons, having done four since last year's July launch. %Gallery-191675%
4X space strategy game StarDrive out now on Steam
Zero Sum Games' StarDrive is now available on Steam for $26.99. The game is currently 10 percent off until May 3.StarDrive is a new entry in the "4X space strategy" genre, and has players "starting with a single planet and a small number of space-worthy vessels" before seeking out new worlds to conquer and colonies to build and defend. The game features real-time gameplay, eight playable alien races and customizable fleet formations.StarDrive's publisher is Iceberg Interactive, which published another popular 4X game, Endless Space. %Gallery-186958%
Endless Space warps onto Mac
Endless Space, the 4x space strategy game that launched in July for PC, is available now on Mac. Those who already purchased the game on PC automatically own the Mac version through SteamPlay. Endless Space also features cross-platform multiplayer between both platforms."We are hugely excited with the digital success of Endless Space so far and the acclaim by the press for the game," said Amplitude Studios CEO Mathieu Girard. "We hope to welcome many players and expect to see some cross-platform multiplayer rivalries pop up."Endless Space is easily one of the best strategy games of the year. It's not as adept as Civilization 5 in getting new players adjusted, but it's the type of game that has a lot going for it once you're acquainted.%Gallery-154587%
Tiny Troopers coming from mobile to PC and Mac on Friday
Tiny Troopers came out on mobile platforms (including iOS) a little while back, but the pint-sized real-time strategy RPG is now headed to the PC and Mac this Friday, August 24, courtesy of developers Kukouri and Iceberg Interactive. The game has you guiding small soldiers of various classes through a series of 30 missions, with objectives like destroying enemy structures or saving hostages.As you can see from the screenshots below, the PC version of the game looks practically identical to the mobile version, though of course you'll be controlling the proceedings with a mouse and keyboard rather than a touchscreen. Tiny Troopers will be available for purchase on Steam or any other fine digital stores near you.%Gallery-163149%
Endless Space blasts off July 4
Endless Space is set to launch (har har) next week on July 4. Created by Amplitude Games – a Paris studio made up of ex Ubisoft and EA vets – Endless Space is a 4X strategy title. In other words, players expand their outer space empire, building relationships with the game's eight civilizations (or just conquering them outright).Endless Space will be available on PC digital distribution platforms with an asking price of $30.%Gallery-159247%
SOL: Exodus flying to all digital distribution systems, European retail this summer
Space combat invigorater SOL: Exodus is heading to European boxed retail this summer and all digital distribution systems shortly. Developer Seamless struck a deal with publisher Iceberg Interactive to the bring the game to physical shelves in the UK , Ireland, Scandinavia, Benelux and other territories beginning June 22."SOL has definitely been a labor of love for us, and we can't wait to hear from fans and players from around the world." Seamless Studio Director Dan Magaha said, "As a small indie developer working in the town where Wing Commander was born, it's been an enormous honor to build our homage to the classic space games we loved when we were young, and we hope that passion comes through in the quality of our work."SOL: Exodus launched on Steam earlier this year and, for whatever hiccups it may have as an indie project (many smoothed since launch), it's still totally worth it for $10.%Gallery-145245%
APB now available at European retail stores
The writing may be on the wall for lovers of the physical game box, but not every company is giving up on retail altogether. GamersFirst has just announced a partnership with Iceberg Interactive to distribute APB Reloaded to brick and mortar stores across the UK, Ireland, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Scandinavia. The box sells for £20 and features £30 of bonus items including a permanent hi-performance vehicle, weapon, and 30 days of premium access (which in turn provides increased cash and reputation rewards, plus a hefty discount at the cash shop). APB Reloaded is an open-world third-person shooter set in the crime-ridden streets of San Paro. The game is free-to-play, powered by the Unreal 3 Engine, and features an advanced avatar customization system that allows for personalized symbols, clothing, vehicles, and in-game music. [Source: GamersFirst press release]
Origin adds seven more publishers, Alan Wake on the way
Make way, make way! EA needs space to trot through the seven publishers joining its Origin digital distribution service. Sure, chances are you only recognize one, maybe two, of these names, but it's important when the company is trying to make a show against Steam.The seven new publishers include Remedy Entertainment, which will add Alan Wake after the Steam exclusivity window, slong with Focus Home Interactive, Iceberg Interactive, Strategy First (Disciples, Jagged Alliance), Macro Games, Selectsoft and Legendo Entertainment.EA currently boasts 9.3 million registered Origin users, with a million daily active users.
