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FACTIONS: Origins of Malu opening early access in 'a couple weeks'
After Origins of Malu got the green light on Steam, developers went to work getting the sci-fantasy sandbox ready to release to players on that platform. All that work is about to come to fruition: Producer Michael Dunham told Massively that the early access release for the game's PvP build is only a couple of weeks away. FACTIONS: Origins of Malu is launching an invite-only closed release to ensure the systems are in check as far as user capacity, client integration, and the like today, February 1st, 2015; the EA will follow shortly after. Dunham anticipates early access to open before the 15th. To learn more about FACTIONS and future plans, read our exclusive interview with Dunham, then check out MassivelyTV on Monday, February 2nd, at 9:00 p.m. EST for a special Stream Team sneak peek of the game with devs.
Massively Interview: Burning Dog on Origin of Malu's do-over
When last we heard of the the indie sandbox Origins of Malu, Burning Dog Media had gone back to the drawing board for a do-over. The studio switched game engines, effectively starting the development process over again (again). But despite what some fans may fear, that isn't nearly as bad as it sounds! In fact, it's rather good news because players will be getting a far better game, and they won't have to wait very long to get it. I sat down with Producer Michael Dunham to talk about the changes and get a look at the progress the team has made.
Origins of Malu's Dunham talks phased release, Unreal 4, and more
So, what's going on with Origins of Malu? Quite a lot, as it turns out. Recall that the sci-fantasy game recently updated its website and hinted at huge upcoming changes. Lead developer Michael Dunham then took to YouTube over the weekend to talk about what's basically a complete revamp of both the game and the development process. The dev team has switched to the Unreal 4 engine as well as DirectX 11, which of course involves plenty of labor, testing, and the like. Dunham also mentions that OOM's original scope was way too big, and even though the team has already spent nearly five years and 60,000 hours on the project, a "much smaller scope for initial release" is driving the current plan. There's a "much, much higher focus" on combat at the moment, Dunham explains, though he says that the end goal is still a skill-based sandbox. You can watch the full devlog after the break.
Origins of Malu goes 'back to the drawing board'
Long-gestating sci-fantasy sandbox Origins of Malu has an updated and now rather cryptic website teasing something called Project: Hail Mary as well as some "upcoming changes" for the game. Burning Dog says that it has gone "back to the drawing board so to speak and in the next couple of weeks, we'll be unleashing just what OOM has become during our hiatus!" There are also PlayStation, Xbox One, Mac, and Windows logos prominently displayed on the teaser page. Finally, the revamped landing page mentions a video blog scheduled for Sunday, August 17th. [Thanks Dystopiq!]
Make My MMO: May 11 - May 17, 2014
This week in MMO crowdfunding, Shards Online officially launched its Kickstarter and revealed its gameplay to the world via its first livestream event. Some other crowdfunding stuff probably happened too, but really, we're all Shards all the time in these parts, and we'll be your best friend if you go give Citadel some money so that we can eventually make a Massively server filled with love and world domination. In case objectivity is your thing, we've included the rest of the week's crowdfunding news after the cut.
Origins of Malu will offer F2P with limited lives and permadeath
Origins of Malu has a few interesting ideas regarding its business model that Burning Dog laid out today in a post. The studio prefaced the plan by assuring fans that the title will have "no pay-to-win, no matter what." The game will offer a hybrid business model, with both subscription and free-to-play options. Sub fees will be "low" and come with bonuses and store currency. If you opt for the free-to-play angle, you'll only have a certain number of lives per day. Spend all of your lives, and you'll either need to stop playing for the day, buy more, or play with the risk of facing permadeath. Free-to-play won't be restricted otherwise, but may contain ads on the loading screen. Burning Dog said that some of the items that it will sell in its cash shop are housing items, vanity gear, lives, and pets.
Origins of Malu back on Kickstarter, aiming to release 'within the next few months'
Indie sci-fantasy sandbox MMO Origins of Malu is back on Kickstarter. We say "back" because you may remember Burning Dog's first crowdfunding drive from October of 2012. The dev team canceled it less than a day after it began due to talks with outside investors. Said talks eventually dissolved, but work continued and Burning Dog says it's looking to "release this long-gestating game out to the public within the next few months." To do so requires "very specific skill sets," which the current Kickstarter funding will facilitate. If you want an early look at the game, check out MJ streaming the alpha with Burning Dog devs. [Thanks Cody!]
Origins of Malu moves beta start to May 4th
Origins of Malu fans have been twiddling their thumbs after Burning Dog announced a week ago that the start of the beta would be delayed. Today the studio has put a firm date for that start up front and center: May 4th. There is a possibility, however, that the beta may begin before that if all goes well. Burning Dog apologized for the delay and said that it will be careful the next time it promises a set date that it can make the mark. "The pressure to not let the community down is high and we take this very seriously," the team said. In the meantime, beta players with keys can go ahead and download the client in preparation of the test.
Burning Dog announces Origins of Malu beta delay
Origins of Malu fans, we feel your pain. We've been looking forward to the sci-fantasy sandbox for over a year now, but because of a beta delay we're going to have to wait a few more days. Burning Dog has posted a brief explanation on its website, saying that it has not had "adequate time to polish the game and complete the necessary internal testing" despite meeting its March production goals. The client will be made available for download this week, the firm says, and a new beta date will also be announced in short order. If you've already registered a beta account, check your email today for further info. [Thanks GJH!]
Get your Origins of Malu beta key from Alienware
If you're interested in beta testing Burning Dog's Origins of Malu sci-fantasy sandbox, you'll want to hurry over to the key giveaway currently happening on Alienware's website. As of press time there were just over 2,200 keys remaining. Origins of Malu is an open-world title with no class restrictions, player-controlled factions, and a deep crafting system that impacts the world both physically and economically. [Thanks Bartillo!]
Origins of Malu gameplay vid shows house construction
If you've got nine minutes of free time and a predilection for sandbox MMOs and player housing, you might want to check out a recently released Origins of Malu clip. The sci-fantasy title features open-world housing and the ability to build your humble abode from the ground up, and the video features footage of a player doing just that. We get to see the avatar place a foundation as well as walls and doors, a roof, and some basic furniture items. Head past the cut for a look-see.
Origins still eyeing March 30 beta, signups coming soon
Burning Dog is "cautiously optimistic" about its March 30th beta date for Origins of Malu. The indie dev house posted an update on the sci-fantasy MMO's website yesterday that tells followers what to expect over the next few weeks. Signups will be done via a partnership with Alienware and should happen the week of March 11th. The post also notes that this will be a real beta beta type of beta as opposed to the usual pre-launch marketing tool. "This is an old-fashioned cross-your-fingers-and-hope-the-server-gods-are-not-vengeful" undertaking, according to the dev team. For more info, check out the post and the beta FAQ. [Thanks Sharvis!]
Some Assembly Required: Kick(start)ing the sandbox genre
Sandbox aficionados are known to reminisce about the "good old days." You know, that time long lost in the past when the greats of open-world play like Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies (pre-NGE of course) enjoyed their heyday. Many a lamentation has also been heard about how things have never been the same, or how nothing has filled that void. Of course, the sandbox never died. In 2012 we started the year off with a guide to games sporting sandbox features to scratch a variety of virtual world itches and we ended with a look at some promising upcoming titles for 2013. With plenty of choices abounding, why are sandbox fans still decrying the lack of a home? It could be because they want one home for everyone to settle in together, basically one game to rule them all. But how realistic is that? Even with the plethora of offerings now, many folks want to play their ideal sandbox, and everyone has their own idea of what the perfect one would be (and conversely, what would kill it). Perhaps the answer, then, is to forget about a single universal home that accommodates the masses and actually create a number of niche games where people find exactly what they are looking for. Wait, that's already happening? Enter Kickstarter.
Origins of Malu beta coming March 30, signups in February
Ready for another round of indie sandbox updates? Good, because this time the title in question is Origins of Malu. The devs at Burning Dog have posted an extensive blurb on the game's official site that touches on various tweaks to the client as well as a bit about beta. The closed testing period has been moved to March 30th and it will focus on systems, scalability, combat, and faction wars. Testers will have access to nearly 100 square kilometers of the game world. Signups will become available toward the end of February. The website update also clarifies the game's financial situation, and contrary to popular belief, Origins is not currently funded. The team originally launched a Kickstarter project last October before canceling it the same day due to what was assumed to be an angel investor. As it turns out, Burning Dog is still negotiating a deal but had to pull out of Kickstarter "due to the chance of scope- and date-change of deliverables to our community." [Thanks to Christian for the tip!]
Leaderboard: The Repopulation vs. Origins of Malu
So last week we asked which upcoming sandbox you'd most likely play, but as was correctly pointed out by an astute commenter, we inadvertently omitted a couple of promising indie projects. First up is The Repopulation, a game that features extensive city building, an entertainer skill set, and a bunch of other stuff that will probably remind you of Star Wars Galaxies. Next is Origins of Malu which boasts scary stalker AI, a gorgeous sci-fantasy aesthetic, and interesting takes on PvP and, gasp, possible permadeath! Today's Leaderboard asks which of these upcoming indie sandboxes you'll support. Cast your vote after the cut! Ever wish that you could put to rest a long-standing MMO debate once and for all? Then welcome to the battle royal of Massively's Leaderboard, where two sides enter the pit o' judgment -- and only one leaves. Vote to make your opinion known, and see whether your choice tops the Leaderboard!
Burning Dog updates Origins of Malu website, beta dates to be announced next week
Burning Dog Media has posted an end-of-the-year update for its Origins of Malu MMORPG. The sci-fantasy sandbox title has been in the works for a while now, and the post says that the dev team is committing to weekly website updates as beta approaches. When is the beta, you're probably asking? Well, hang on for another few days, as the team will announce the official testing dates before the year is over. In the meantime, the site's screenshot section has been updated, and there are plenty of new environment shots to tide you over. [Thanks to Cody for the tip!]
Origins of Malu secures funding, cancels Kickstarter project
So, forget that whole thing we said yesterday about Origins of Malu's new Kickstarter project. Burning Dog Media has canceled the funding drive less than a day after it began, but the situation isn't as dire as it sounds. In fact it sounds pretty positive, as the indie outfit has secured funding for its sci-fantasy sandbox title and lead developer Michael Dunham has updated the Origins website with an explanation. "We did not want to disappoint anyone. We know this seems like a strange turn of events, but we are learning just how fast the game industry can change. And all I can say is this will give us the ability to deliver what you have been asking and begging for for years," Dunham writes. Burning Dog will refund the pledges of Kickstarter contributors and provide them with a substantial list of in-game bonus items for their trouble.
Origins of Malu Kickstarter launches today [Updated]
Hey look, it's another Kickstarter project! We know, it's a cliche at this point, but we thought we'd point out Burning Dog Media's foray into the space because its Origins of Malu title predates the whole crowd-funding phenomenon. To recap, Origins is a sci-fantasy sandbox with an ambitious feature set that aims to give players full control over an expansive open world. It's also more than a pipe dream, and we've already gotten our hands on a build of the title to prove it. All that said, indie sandbox development is expensive, and Burning Dog is looking to raise $1.2 million to help fund the project. The Origins Kickstarter initiative just launched today and it concludes on December 8th, so you've got plenty of time to learn about the game and the various pledge-related incentives. [Update: We've added a new trailer past the cut!]
PAX Prime 2012: Hands-on with Origins of Malu
PAX Prime is gone and passed, but our coverage isn't done quite yet. As it happens, we've saved one of the best for last. Burning Dog Media's upcoming MMO, Origins of Malu, has been making a few waves in the sandbox-craving community. Boasting features such as brick-by-brick player-house construction and exploration-focused gameplay, Origins of Malu is a game that I've had my eye on for some time. So of course I was rather excited to be able to go hands-on with the game at PAX, where Burning Dog had set up a small alpha-build PvP battleground in which players could battle head-to-head in a slightly twisted version of the traditional capture-the-flag gametype. Now, I don't know about y'all, but PvP isn't exactly on the top of my list of Origins of Malu features I'm looking forward to, but there were definitely some surprises to be had in the demo, plus I got to have a bit of a chat with Burning Dog's president of media, Michael Dunham. What did I think? Find out for yourself after the cut.
Origins of Malu to have playable demo at PAX Prime
If things have seemed quiet on the Origins of Malu front, it might be because Burning Dog Media has been working on a special treat for attendees of this year's PAX. Folks lucky enough to be milling about the convention this year have the opportunity for some hands-on experience with the up-and-coming sandbox! Teaming with Alienware, the studio is bringing a mini-game version of Origins of Malu to give players a peek into the world. Two eight-man teams will fight over the Chochobi (a true scaredy-chicken) for 20 minutes in a head-to-head battle. Players will be able to choose from the Toljon, Qulinta, or Jolah races and will have the chance to get used to the variety of spells, skills and talents they will be playing with before diving into the fray. This mini-game is only a glimpse of what's to come when the game releases (think 300-man battlegrounds), but is a great opportunity to sneak a peek first-hand. To participate, find Burning Dog at the Alienware arena. And we'll keep you posted on any further details as they come in.
