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GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft join ESA
The Entertainment Software Association's membership grew by three members this morning, as the ESA announced GREE, Mad Catz, and NetDragon Websoft to have joined its "membership roster." The ESA notes that this brings its membership up to 34 member companies, representing both publishers and developers.The addition of GREE and Mad Catz is no surprise – both companies have taken a more aggressive approach to game industry visibility in the past few years, and joining the ESA seems like a logical step. NetDragon Websoft, according to our brethren at Massively, is a Chinese MMO developer signed on to bring Ultima Online to China, Hong Kong, Macau, and India with Electronic Arts.Now that all three companies are card-carrying ESA members, perhaps a congrats are in order? We'll consider sending a fruit basket.
Conquer Online now available on iPad
NetDragon Websoft claims that Conquer Online was the world's first free-to-play MMO. Given that it debuted way back in 2003 when MMOs (nevermind F2P) were decidedly uncool, we're a little fuzzy on whether it was in fact the first of its type. What we do know is that Conquer Online is now available in the iTunes Store, and NetDragon says that the game is "the first ever completely free MMORPG arriving on the iPad; [there's] no charge to download and no monthly subscription fee." The game is set in ancient China and features six martial arts-based classes, player housing, and plenty of questing and monster-killing. There's even a player marriage mechanic if you tire of more traditional MMO gameplay. We've got a launch trailer for you behind the break, and you'll find more info at the iTunes Store and the game's official website.
Conquer Online's upcoming expansion introduces new zone, Pirate class
Watch yer booty, mateys! No, I meant your treasure, you freaks. Jeeze. NetDragon WebSoft has announced a new expansion for its free-to-play MMORPG, Conquer Online. This update does what it says on the tin: Invasion of Pirates. Players will find themselves on a brand-new map, facing off against new monsters, discovering new quests, and playing the Pirate class. The new class brings an entirely new playstyle with new weapons and abilities to use. And players will need every bit of firepower they can get, as bands of evil pirates arrive upon a newly discovered island in search of a dark and mysterious treasure. Of course, it's up to players to ensure that the pirates do not succeed in their mission. The expansion will go live in January 2012, so you've got plenty of time to head over to the game's official site and sign up. [Source: NetDragon WebSoft press release]
Transformers MMO primed for 2011 release in Asia
The Transformers license, much like the car-shaped robots contained within, is adapting into a new form: an MMO game. NetDragon, a Chinese online game developer also responsible for the "new" Ultima Online, has worked out a deal with Hasbro to develop an MMO based on the Robots in Disguise, due next year. Unfortunately, pretty much the only detail announced about this game is that it's "expected to officially roll-out in 2011 in China as well as other select markets in Asia, MENA and Russia/CIS." If you're an American and were already dreaming about building a custom carbot avatar and giving your friends metal high fives, sorry! Why make a Transformers game for Asian markets? "As a brand and a cultural icon," NetDragon Chairman and Executive Director Liu Dejian said, "Transformers is already a household name in China, and we are extremely honored to be able to join hands with Hasbro to bring the excitement and fanaticism of Transformers into the online gaming sector." A household name in China! Who knew ... besides, apparently, every household in China. [Image: Nakatomi Inc.]
EA crafting new Ultima Online for Asian market
Yes, that Ulima Online. Specifically, EA has announced that it's planning to create a new MMO "based on" Ultima Online for the Asian market. The game is to be developed by Hong Kong's NetDragon Websoft, which will be collaborating with Mythic Entertainment, the studio behind Warhammer Online. The game will be made available to China, Macau, India and Hong Kong, where NetDragon will hold the exclusive operating license.It's unclear if the game will be entirely new, or simply a redesigned version of the nearly 12-year-old MMO (which is actually getting a new expansion this year), but Mythic's involvement certainly implies the former. Regardless, shoving out a new version of an estabilshed MMO is probably an easy way to horn in on a market that's currently bereft of World of Warcraft.
EA licenses Dungeon Keeper MMO, for China
"So I've got a great idea!" says executive Bob at Electronic Arts, "Lets license out the Dungeon Keeper property for an MMORPG!" John, who happens to be a puppet on Bob's hand, says, "That's a brilliant idea, old chap!" The apparently British imaginary friend makes an awkward smile. Bob continues, "We'll give it to a Chinese developer who can release it all over the Asian markets." John the British puppet responds, "Wonderful, will you bring it to Western markets?" Bob replies with, "Who cares?" and they both laugh -- at least in Bob's twisted mind.This is honestly the only sequence of events that, in our minds, makes sense when considering the fact that Electronic Arts has licensed out the Dungeon Keeper property as an MMO to Chinese-based developer NetDragon Websoft with the intent to eventually bring it overseas. While we're sure it'll do fine in the eastern markets, it just baffles the mind to think that EA is taking an RTS title originally designed for the west -- the original game was steeped in British humor -- and having an eastern developer create an MMO out of it that will more than likely appeal primarily to easterners only.
