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Interview: Zipper's Alan Van Slyke on MAG's past, present and future
The folks at Zipper Interactive have been in an unenviable position for the past eighteen months. Ever since the studio's flagship PS3 title MAG was revealed during Sony's E3 2008 press conference, the gaming populace's collective expectation (or, alternatively, apprehension) for the title set an impossibly high bar for the developer to clear. We first spoke to the game's producer, Alan Van Slyke, during PAX 2009, when he explained a bit of the techno-wizardry which powers the game's internal servers. Yesterday, we got a chance to speak with Van Slyke once more -- this time about the pressures associated with developing a game of this (forgive the pun) magnitude, whether the game's rigorous beta testing paid off, and how one of MAG's three factions has evolved into an unstoppable victory machine. Joystiq: When did Zipper Interactive decide on making a multiplayer game with 256 players? None of your studio's earlier games are nearly that large in scope – what kind of factors led to that decision? Alan Van Slyke: Well, I think that specific number actually came more from design than it was just an arbitrary number -- but definitely the early thinking was we want to build something big. %Gallery-51370%
MAG designed to be a 'platform,' balancing patches coming soon
We recently got a chance to speak with Zipper Interactive's Alan Van Slyke, who produced the company's recently released multi-multi-multiplayer FPS, MAG. When asked about ongoing support for the title, Van Slyke responded that the developer won't let the game go stale -- in fact, he explained that Zipper sees MAG as a platform on which new content can be added in the future. Van Slyke explained, "we made a big investment, we had a lot of learning, we built a lot of tech, and we have this awesome multiplayer platform that we can build upon and add new gametypes to." He later added, "the possibilities are endless for us, and in many ways, even though we just released the game, looking forward for us is super exciting, knowing what we can do with the engine we have today." The producer also addressed concerns many players have had with balancing issues -- particularly that the ragtag S.V.E.R. faction is far too overpowered. "It's something we're definitely aware of, and we've already got a number of fixes in the pipe. We're definitely committed to making sure all the maps, factions and gear is perfectly balanced." For more information on MAG's past, present and future, check out our full interview with Van Slyke when it goes live tomorrow afternoon.
Dragon Quest VI remake approaches 1m Japanese sales in first week
The debut of the Dragon Quest VI remake for DS proves that a Dragon Quest game doesn't have to be entirely new to sell like crazy in Japan -- just new enough. In its first week at retail, January 25–31, the new version of the classic Super Famicom RPG sold 906,458 copies, according to Media Create, making it by far the top-selling game of the week. A pair of other newly-released RPGs also did quite well: the PS3 version of tri-Ace's shooty-RPG End of Eternity (we call it "Resonance of Fate") landed in second place on the weekly software chart with 118,088 units sold (the Xbox version charted respectably at #8, selling 27,048 units) and Ar Tonelico 3 hit #4 with 81,633 copies sold. Even the Japanese release of MAG managed to make it into the top ten! See the complete weekly top ten sales list after the break.
Mass Effect 2 enjoys effective debut in UK
Mass Effect 2 has warped to the top of Chart-Track's UK sales chart, revealing that Britain isn't just about Just Dance (which still stepped its way into second place, by the way). Comparing debut weeks, the Normandy crew's second outing sold twice as well on Xbox 360 than the original did back in 2007 and three times higher on PC. EA is expecting a good financial return from Mass Effect 2, having already shipped 2 million copies. Taking the bronze this week on the all-formats chart is Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and in fourth is ... MAG. Yes, coverage of the PS3-exclusive may have been totally eclipsed by BioWare's space opera, but it still managed a strong debut -- have a look at our review to see if it's worth the attention. The rest of the list features the usual suspects, though Dragon Age: Origins has made a return to the top 40. It seems Mass Effect 2 wasn't the only BioWare game casting a spell over consumers last week. Source – Mass Effect 2 gravitates to No1 [GFK Chart-Track] Source – Latest UK Software Charts [GFK Chart-Track]
MAG review highlights strengths and flaws of the console MMOFPS
MAG is a PlayStation 3-exclusive MMOFPS title we've been keeping our eyes on at Massively. The inevitable debate aside about whether Zipper Interactive's title is an MMO or not -- yes, tanks and guns replace dragons and magic spells -- the game accommodates up to 256 players in a zone at a time. The idea of FPS gameplay with that many people at such a high degree of graphical detail is pretty mind-boggling, and it's something we've explored a bit in the MAG beta. Our parent site Joystiq recently sat down with the game now that it's officially launched and wrote a short MAG review. Joystiq's Griffin McElroy gives a brief overview of MAG's gameplay and his assessment of the title's merits and flaws. That idea of 128 players per side doesn't mean you'll all be charging towards your opponents in one awesome wave, he notes. Rather, you'll typically be interacting with your fellow soldiers on a squad level (4-8 people) to achieve objectives, with multiple squads comprising platoons, and four such platoons forming an army.
MAG's Veteran Mode explained
MAG's official launch was only a few days ago, but developer Zipper Interactive is already explaining some of the benefits to having a high level character in the MMOFPS. Players who hit the level cap of 60 can enable "Veteran Mode", which Zipper Interactive has mentioned in the past. Now, they've clarified what exactly the advantages to doing so are in a blog post -- essentially it's an incentive to reroll once you've maxed out your character, and experience more of the game. If you're looking to try something new, you'll be able to keep your past accomplishments (medals, ribbons, and related stats) when you reset your character to level 1. Even though your experience counter resets to zero, your lifetime experience will show everything you've ever earned -- a permanent record viewable on the stats page of your barracks. Players after trophies for hitting max level in all private military companies (PMCs) in MAG will want to take advantage of Veteran Mode and the experience boost it imparts. Veteran Mode gives players a permanent 10% bonus added to the experience total for each match, provided that players sticks through the entire round. Other players can easily recognize a Veteran by the gold insignia displayed beneath that character's rank. While we suspect it'll be a while before most players hit that level cap, Zipper Interactive detailed MAG's Veteran Mode on the game's official blog.
Review: MAG
MAG is one of the most ambitious, innovative games I've played over the course of the past year -- and considering the past year has seen the introduction of a disc-jockey simulator and a game you play exclusively with your feet, I think that's a braggable claim. If you're coming over to MAG straight from an extended tour of service in Modern Warfare 2, the transition is going to be a rough one. While the former rewards mad skillz and high K/D ratioz, Zipper Interactive's 256-player battles ultimately aren't affected by your personal performance. No one player can pull his team to victory -- and, alternatively, no one player can be blamed for his team's loss, which really takes the pressure off of mediocre soldiers like me. Instead, battles are won with communication, teamwork and leadership. When all three are present in your squad, MAG is one of the most enjoyable multiplayer shooters you'll ever play. When just one of them is absent, it's a total nightmare. %Gallery-51370%
The Daily Grind: What MAG faction are you?
It's MAG's launch day! Yaaaaay! The servers are up, the sides are being formed, and the never-ending Shadow War and contract tossing has begun. Another MMO action game has invaded the console realm and that's a good thing, even if you may not be a huge fan of MAG. Even if MAG isn't your thing, you can still participate in today's question, dear readers! MAG prominently features three different armies -- Raven, VALOR, and S.V.E.R. Each army has its own style and way of getting things done. Raven Industries leans heavily on technology, preferring to use devices and upgrades to carry out the mission in a suave, European style. Meanwhile, across the pond, VALOR Company recruits ex-soldiers from the American military, preferring to win conflict through grit, determination, and large guns. Then, coming from the cold climate of Russia, Seryi Volk Executive Response (S.V.E.R.) is all about finishing the mission with what you have available. They cobble together their weaponry, their uniforms, and whatever they need to get the job done. Of these three factions, which one are you joining, or would you join in MAG? Why does that army pop out at you over the other two? Take your time, think it through, and then declare your allegiance in the comment threads. Go go go!
The Daily Grind: Going out to pick up MAG tonight?
So today's the morning of the 25th, dear Massively readers, and that means tonight is the midnight release of MAG! The PS3 is going to get a little more MMO this evening as thousands of players log in for intense "I don't know where I got shot from" action with 256 players. So, we'll make this short and sweet for you guys. Are you visiting the midnight release tonight to pick up your copy? If so, how early are you going to be there to take part in the "late night festivities?" Are you going to camp out at 10 PM or are you just going to show up 5 minutes before midnight? Bonus question: If you're getting MAG tonight, are you going to go home and spam it, or are you saving it for Tuesday? Take your opinion, load it in your keyboard, and then fire it directly into the comment box below. We're waiting, maggots!
MAG dev calls Xbox Live 'more juvenile' than PSN
Zipper Interactive's Ben Jones has some fighting words against Xbox Live users. At a recent European press event for MAG, he told Gamerzines that "Xbox Live [is] the more juvenile of the two," blaming "the things that are being said over Xbox Live." Certainly, anyone that's played a match of Halo 3 or Modern Warfare 2 on Xbox has had to endure trash-talking bigoted 12 year olds, like this one. But, we'd disagree with Jones. Uncharted 2 and Modern Warfare 2 on PS3 play home to players that are just as foul-mouthed as the ones on Xbox. Here are just a few examples. Imagine how terribly offensive the service would be if more players used headsets! If only there were more people like PlayStation VP Kevin Butler playing games online. At the very least, the online world would be a funnier place. Check out his new ad after the break. [Via VG247] Source - Zipper: Xbox Live "more juvenile" than PSN - Gamerzine Source - It Only Does 256 Players - PlayStation.Blog
Valkyria for $20 with MAG or ME2 purchase at Toys R Us, other games on clearance
Be honest -- regardless of which of the Great Console War's factions you side with, you're either going to purchase MAG or Mass Effect 2 at some point next week. While you're doing so, Toys R Us will be running a pretty sweet promotion: purchases one of those games and also grab Valkyria Chronicles on PS3 for just $20. Now, we realize the 360 diehards out there will have little use for this game. However, we suggest sending it to your favorite PS3-loving comment-sparring partner. Think of the hours of entertainment they've brought to your life! If tactical RPGs aren't your area of expertise, we also suggest checking out the rest of Toys R Us' site for a killer clearance sale on a number of games and accessories. You'll have to dig through a disheartening pile of Imagine titles to find the valuable chunks of ore -- don't let it break your spirits! It's worth it, we promise.
Heavy Rain, God of War III PS3 bundles listed for Europe
If you're in Europe, you'll have the option to buy an even bigger, more expensive, but less crazy God of War III box than the "Ultimate Trilogy Edition." An Amazon.fr listing for a God of War III PS3 bundle has been spotted, complete with very believable image. According to Amazon, it'll be available March 17 for €349.95 (roughly $490) and will include the game and a 250GB PS3. A similar bundle will also be released for Heavy Rain on February 24 for the same price, according to Amazon France -- and wouldn't you know, the bundle box image is classier than the North American game box. There's also a supposed MAG bundle due out January 29, but Amazon just shows the bundle as a regular 250GB PS3 and a copy of MAG. [Via Kotaku; thanks francisco dang!]
Final MAG beta statistics released, over one million served
The last beta phase for Zipper Interactive's pseudo-MMOFPS MAG has ended, and the developer has compiled some facts and figures you may find fascinating. According to a recent post on the studio's blog, over one million people downloaded the MAG beta client worldwide. Of that group, around 619,000 people gained at least one point of experience, 52,846 became eligible for Squad Leader status, 10,249 became Platoon Leaders, 3,181 hit the rank of Officer in Charge, and only 143 players reached the level 60 experience cap. Zipper also broke down the populations of the three factions: Raven and Valor each netted about 38 percent of the game's player base, while SVER only picked up 24 percent. However, despite its smaller size, SVER ended up winning out overall for the Sabotage gametype. Well, now we know which private military contractor is the plucky underdog.
MAG Trophies revealed, not a walk in the park
If you were looking for the more punishing end of the "Trophy Difficulty Spectrum," you've found it: PlayStation.Blog recently revealed the full list of Trophies for Zipper Interactive's MAG, which will require completionists to get a character to the level cap for each of the title's three factions. Based on our time with the demo, we estimate that process will take you about until MAG 2: Now With 257-Player Battles comes out. Click past the jump to see the rest of the game's unlockable accomplishments.
MAG release dates announced for Europe, Australia & New Zealand
Though Americans have known for some time when they'd be getting their hands on Zipper Interactive's 256-soldier battlefest, MAG, would-be troopers living in other countries haven't been so fortunate. Luckily for these poor souls, a SCEE community manager recently confirmed the game's release dates for a few territories: According to a forum thread created by the Sony rep, the game's coming to Europe on January 27, Australia and New Zealand on January 28 and finally, to the U.K., on January 29. We don't think it's very fair to give the rest of Europe a two-day head start on the U.K., but we really can't complain -- by that point, our characters will have become three-day-old murder machines.
First Impressions: MAG
It's a technical marvel, really, to be able to shoot at 256 people at once. Very few games have been able to get this many players into one enclosed space, and even fewer have been able to do it without having everything lock down in lag. But Zipper Interactive's MAG is taking the bull by the horns and is following in the footsteps of games like PlanetSide to deliver a true "war" experience to the PS3. With the impending release of MAG to the shelves of stores everywhere, my editor wanted me to get down to the front lines of combat and find out what the fuss was all about. To that end, I've joined up with Shadow Raven Industries to get a taste of the combat that MAG has to offer. Follow after the break, and let's break down how this "Massive Action Game" plays out.
MAG in open beta until January 10th
It's last minute, we know, but if you're a PS3 owner then you might want to scoot over to the PlayStation Store and download the MAG open beta client. The system's MMOFPS will be online until the 10th, when they take the game off the store and prep it for the official January 26th launch. Beware you have room on your hard drive and time to leave your PS3 on to download, however, as you'll be looking forward to a 2 GB download. A headset is nice to have too, so you can communicate with your squadmates (they'll appreciate it,) but it's not required to play the game. So this weekend enjoy conducting a war with 255 other people on the battlefield with you. Try not to get shot too much!
PSA: MAG open beta starts today
If you haven't managed to weasel your way into the MAG beta through the dozen or so channels that have popped up over the past few months, you've now got a sure-fire way to enlist in the Shadow War. Starting today, anyone can download and play MAG, without the cumbersome requirement of a GameStop pre-order or Qore subscription. If you're interested, hop on it with a quickness -- the beta's only running until January 10!
MAG beta open to all on January 4
Exciting news for those of you who were unable to get into the MAG beta via Sony employee status, email invitation, Qore subscription, GameStop pre-order, Europe-only signup, or Joystiq contest! Now Sony has announced a MAG beta for everyone -- including the people who, somehow, didn't get into it already! The new beta file will be available for download on PSN starting January 4. Existing beta members will be able to update their files now to prepare for the upcoming trial -- which means that you shouldn't delete your MAG data yet! The beta is short-lived, lasting only until January 10, so be sure to get your fill of 64-player "Sabotage" and 256-player "Domination." Or, at least, be sure to play enough to tide you over for sixteen days. %Gallery-51370%
MAG: Massive Amount of Game data
Click to MAG-size. There's been some confusion about MAG, Zipper Interactive's 256 player super-multiplayer game. Some had wondered if the game would be made available as a PSN download, similar to Sony's other online efforts, like Warhawk and SOCOM Confrontation. However, Jeremy Dunham replied on the PlayStation.Blog confirming that the game will be "disc-based only." Dunham also added that "the game is so huge when moving everything off-disc, your hard drive is secretly thanking us." Anyone that participated in the beta will likely complain about the massive amounts of data that had to be downloaded during each game update. Considering the beta is but a taste of what's to come in the full game, the necessity for a retail-only release seems all the more evident. %Gallery-51370%
