CityOfHeroes
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AMD throws down gauntlet, pits Zacate netbook chip against Intel's Core i5 in City of Heroes duel (video)
We knew AMD planned to upstage Intel in San Francisco this week, but we didn't realize just how far Chipzilla's rival would go -- the company's demonstrating the power of its new Zacate APU by having it trounce an Intel Core i5-520M in a graphical superhero showdown. Though we've never really thought much of Intel's integrated graphics anyhow (though we're giving Sandy Bridge's technique the benefit of the doubt), watching a netbook part beat a 2.4GHz Core i5 at anything is truly something else. While AMD won't speak to the clockspeed or price of its new dual-core chips, it says the 18W Zacate and 9W Ontario should appear in devices with over 8 and 10 hours of battery life respectively when they likely ship to consumers early next year. Video after the break. %Gallery-102207%
Redefining MMOs: Player developers!
A few weeks ago, we at Massively started the weekly "Redefining MMOs" series, a collection of articles examining how the MMO genre has been redefined during the current generation of games and where it's headed in the next. So far, we've looked at the terminology we use to refer to MMOs, how the art of storytelling has changed over the years, and the rise of the "massively singleplayer" online game. In this week's article, I examine what happens when players are given the reigns of an MMO or have a hand in part of its development. If you have something important to say on the topic, feel free to post a comment on page 3 or even write your own "Redefining MMOs" blog post and leave a comment with the URL. Traditionally, all content for an MMO is designed by the game's development studio and players have no direct influence on its creation. The idea of handing the reigns of an MMO to its players is considered heresy and we shudder to think of what horrible quests and areas players would construct if given a chance. But is our aversion justified or is it something developers should strive to overcome? Certainly Second Life has successfully capitalised on letting players develop almost every aspect of its virtual world but could successful mainstream MMOs make use of it too? City of Heroes, EVE Online and even World of Warcraft are prime examples which suggest they can. All three of these games have handed at least some part of the game's development over to players, with incredibly promising results. In this article, I look at these three successful examples of players being allowed to develop aspects of an MMO. I then go on to explain why this works and how the next generation of MMOs could learn from these pioneering feats.
A shortcut of sidesteps
While there are some exceptions, the majority of MMOs present the player with a clear and defined long-game task; the advancement of levels through the acquisition of experience points. It is a time-honoured tradition stretching right the way back to EverQuest and beyond. The journey from brand new character at level one through to seasoned veteran at level fifty was presented as the main thread which bound separate play sessions together, and for most, was the game.Over its decade long lifetime, and particularly prior to World of Warcraft's emergence, EverQuest had always stood as something of a bastion of the substantial time commitment in MMO gaming. Slaying a path to ultimate glory was always a somewhat serious proposition in those times, and tales of a two thousand hour trek to the top were not uncommon. Ten years, twenty-five extra levels and fifteen expansions later, it seems surprising that as a result of a recent player poll, the grand dame of the grind itself will soon be offering a new type of server on which players start life not at the beginning but in the middle, at Level 51. Is this a lamentable admission that the early levels and original content are now no longer relevant, or a pragmatic shift in attitude acknowledging that more and more, the real game only starts when the levels end?
Cryptic Studios appoints former SOE exec as CEO
There's a new set of massively multiplayer hands on the wheel at Cryptic Studios, as the developer has announced the appointment of MMORPG industry vet John Needham as the company's new CEO. For those playing catch up, Cryptic, which is known for its infatuation with superheroes, developed the popular City of Heroes and City of Villains MMOs, properties it sold off to publisher NCSoft late last year before moving on to develop the decidedly not-Marvel MMO Champions Online. Needham is not completely out of his element at Cryptic, having worked as a senior exec at Sony Online Entertainment since 2001. However, while he handled a wide range of duties at SOE, from business development to QA testing, it remains to be seen if this prepared him to don spandex and wield executive powers at the Los Gatos, CA based MMO dev. [Via Big Download]
City of Heroes, City of Villains IPs sold to NCSoft
Independent developer Cryptic Studios has announced the sale of its intellectual and proprietary rights to super-powered MMO duo, City of Heroes and City of Villains. NCSoft, having acted as publisher for both franchises, will be taking ownership and will further license Cryptic's technology for future games. If all goes according to plan, both parties hope to make the transition invisible to currently playing saviors and psychopaths. In a separate FAQ, Cryptic notes that this sale of two cities was prompted by the studio's desire for "complete creative freedom" and resources to delve into new titles and worlds. No changes to existing accounts are foreseen, as Cryptic believes the franchise is "in good hands at NCSoft." In fact, many of the same hands will still be involved, with NCSoft offering Cryptic members employment and forming a team dedicated to providing new content for each title. Seemingly content with what it accomplished with City of Heroes and City of Villains, Cryptic likely made a wise decision by letting NCSoft maintain the game while it explores new territory. Bring on City of Morally Ambiguous Freaks, None of Whom Resemble Marvel Characters (Especially Not Wolverine)!
City of Heroes going back in time
NCsoft has pulled the glasses off of its next update and revealed its secret identity. Issue 11, "A Stitch in Time," will allow players to travel into the past of the City of Heroes universe and relive (or live for the first time) some of the major events that helped to shape Paragon City. Of course, there will also be the requisite new power sets ("Dual blades" is obvious, but we're curious about "Willpower") and enhanced customization of weapons to match the depth of the costume creation system in the game. It all sounds cool, but we're curious: Are any of you still playing CoH?[Via TVG]
Jail guard busted for incriminating City of Heroes forum posts
Not all villains wear the proper attire. Take 30-year old David B. Thompson, for example, who posts on the City of Heroes message boards as Trafalgar (and has since changed his name to Deadwalk). In real life, Thompson is a corrections officer from Portland, Oregon with a penchant for using his taser, perhaps an unnecessarily excessive amount, and bragging about it online during work hours.Thompson is currently being investigated after a fellow message board member tipped off the Portland Tribune for some disturbing messages, such as this one from August 25: "I don't know about that. I crushed a dude's eye socket from repeatedly punching him in it, then I charged him with menacing and harassment (of me) he took a plea to get away from me."Also of concern is the amount of posting, which might average 13 posts per shift. In one 24-hour period in particular, Thompson posted 64 times across across 13 threads, according to the Tribune.[Thanks, Bill]
MMO Art expanding, artists wanted
Our good friends at MMO Art are growing, and if you're an artist that's interested in working on commissions of MMO characters, they might be looking for you. They're working on a site called MMO Art Studio, which will consist of a stable of artists selected by Jomaro Kindred (glad to hear he's back) to work professional commissions under the MMO Art banner.To submit, they're looking for a couple of examples of your work, sent in via the web form. We've linked to their gallery before, but you can see examples of exactly what they're looking for over there. And even if you aren't an artist, their work is worth a look, and they've got some new art up as well. Unfortunately, most of it is City of Heroes-- WoW is woefully underrepresented, which I guess means that WoW players aren't commissioning portraits that much.But it's still great art, and the Studio site offers a pretty unique opportunity to get paid professionally for something you might already be doing for free.
WoW versus City of Heroes
Recently a friend of mine bought me a game card to reactivate my City of Heroes/City of Villains account, and I was quite grateful. Two years ago I had really enjoyed the game, and when I logged in to play after such a long absence I remembered the excitement that I originally had as the character selection screen came up. Playing CoX again was a lot like watching some of my favorite television shows again, the ones I had originally enjoyed as a child. The first time around it was a blast, but the second time, I had my experience in WoW to compare it too.
NCSoft pledges Sony support, exclusive PS3 online games
During Sony's E3 2007 keynote, President and CEO Jack Tretton announced a new partnership with developer NCSoft, creators of online titles like Lineage, Guild Wars, and City of Heroes. As part of the partnership, NCSoft will begin developing exclusive online titles for the Playstation 3 and its Playstation Network.This exclusivity can apply to both new and current IPs, although no specific games were mentioned. "Only the Playstation Network can support the types of games that NCSoft has become famous for" says Tretton. At the moment, it is unknown whether NCSoft will continue to support other platforms.
City of Heroes soaring to film, TV
Movie studio execs, we need to have a talk. We just don't understand the video game properties you're turning into movies now. First, there was The Sims, which still has us throwing up in our mouths a bit. Now, Transformers producer Tom DeSanto has picked up the rights to the City of Heroes MMORPG. There are apparently plans to turn it in to a big budget film and then into a TV series. Honestly, what are you guys doing?Now, don't get us wrong, we'd love to see the first good superheroes vs. aliens flick since Independence Day (you didn't know Bill Pullman was a superhero?). And we can certainly understand the financial motivation. But what are you really buying with City of Heroes? Is it the name recognition? That won't help you with the mainstream moviegoers. Is the characters? Are you really dropping coin for The Statesman? We just don't get it, why call it City of Heroes? You know, you make a movie called Flying Town or Metropolis of Super-hard Punching, and you don't have to pay a dime. It can be the exact same thing, just with a different title. This, of course, comes as bad news for producers of Sims movie, as there's already a film about people speaking gibberish for 90 minutes and then dying in a room filled with their own fecal matter. It's called White Chicks.[Via Sci Fi Wire, Thanks, Ryan Gioia]
Today's just thought of game video: City of Heroes inventions
Today's video pick shows the new inventions system in City of Heroes. This overview explains how players can create superpowers that are new to the game, as part of the recent update. Are you still playing City of Heroes or City of Villains? What do you think of the new system?See the video after the break.
New City of Heroes & Villains update lets you invent 'stuff'
For it's ninth "Breakthrough" City of Heroes update (also compatible with City of Villains), NCsoft has introduced the 'Invention System,' whereby tinkering types can create new items out of in-game resources. Enhancements, costume pieces, new powers, and gadgets are possible to produce. And if anyone else is still lurking around the server, you can take your new wares to the 'Auction Houses' and try to get paid.We applaud NCsoft for its continued support of City of Heroes, but it's hard to get excited about CoH (even when the new content is free) when facing the simple truth that many players have been moved on to World of Warcraft. With Burning Crusade captivating the world, will anybody show Paragon some love? Anybody?
Cryptic may bring heroic MMO's to consoles
Recently IGN released some news regarding City of Heroes and City of Villains creator, Cryptic. They have announced they are looking for programmers and artists for new PC titles and consoles. The MMO-related jobs open include Lead Designer, Lead Programmer, and Associate Producer. The rest are listed at Cryptic Studios website, for anyone interested.The only confirmation Cryptic has let out is they have multiple projects in the works. City of... Mutants? The Lead Designer position calls for interest in mythology and history, both ancient and current. Don't worry -- they say there's no Rome or Greece involved. Hopefully they also don't intend on World War 2. All three of those are very, very overdone. What kind of City of... would you like to see come to consoles? Cleverness is quite appreciated. City of Zombies would be neat, even though most zombie games (excepting a few, like Resident Evil) are sort of lacking in gameplay.
NCsoft Austin shows 70 workers the door [update 1]
Perhaps fueled by the disappointing performance of Auto Assault and other MMOs under NCsoft's control, the company has confirmed that they have indeed made a round of cuts to their Austin office -- 70 employees have been pink slipped. According to a statement on the company's Lineage II boards:"NCsoft's Austin business has announced an immediate restructuring within its organization that included the difficult task of reducing members of its workforce. ... the company sees a slowdown in its launch pattern and the need to streamline its business. For this reason, NCsoft has reduced its 300 person workforce in Austin by approximately 70 people to accommodate this change. This decision has no impact on the schedules of any projects currently in development and service to NCsoft's current games will continue without interruption."While some have blamed the subscription numbers of AA and City of Heroes/Villains, an NCsoft rep assured GameSpot that those rumors were false. A rep said the figures shown were incorrect, and "not just barely wrong, but all wrong." NCsoft's Guild Wars may be enjoying some real success, but it seems the others may be holding the company back. Who knows how this will affect their upcoming venture Tabula Rasa, but considering this recent news, it can't be all positive.[via MMORPG.com][Update 1: The Austin chapter of the International Game Developer's Association (IGDA) is looking to help any recently laid-off game designers. They write, "There are plenty of employers around town who would like to snatch you up as soon as possible because of your previous work experience. We'll be displaying the resumes on our website along with an announcement of this opportunity for other employers around town."Interested? Stop by their website and see what they need from you.]
MMO players convene after E3
Those of us heavily invested in massively multiplayer games are part of a community, just as FPS clans have a brotherhood borne out of hours of playing together. Events like BlizzCon provide an opportunity for MMO guilds and players to meet up -- for the unknown to meet the infamous.E3 may have been over, but that didn't stop NCsoft arranging a player get-together last Saturday. Over 400 players signed up, some travelling from as far as Arizona for this one evening. While NCsoft had rented out a LAN centre for the event, players spent just as much time talking as they did playing, with a sizeable contingent of developers and community managers on hand to help the event along. NCsoft celebrities including Richard Garriott and Matt "Positron" Miller attended the event, showing a pleasing commitment to the player base.
Create a superhero - offline
Accompanying NCsoft's launch of City of Heroes in Asia, the game's character creator is now free to download for Korean players. One of the most fun toys in the game, the character creator in City of Heroes differs from most other MMOs in the fact that you can create pretty much any superhero costume you can think of, rather than sticking to one or two hairstyles and faces.With games like The Sims 2 offering up their character creation module as a teaser before the game's release, we're surprised City of Heroes didn't pursue a similar tactic. The downloadable creator is in Korean, but 1up points to a site with instructions on how to run it in English.
Hacky Holidays, says City of Heroes intruder
'Tis the season of goodwill and friendship, and what better way to celebrate than by hacking into a popular MMOG? Just as everyone at Cryptic and NCsoft started winding down for the holiday, a hacker managed to gain unauthorised administrative access to two City of Heroes servers, sending broadcast messages to all players and shutting down the servers a number of times. Fortunately, the issue was fixed quickly, and neither the intruder nor anyone else will be able to repeat the feat. Also, official sources have announced that account data was not compromised. What's interesting is that since the City of Heroes/City of Villains holiday event is centred around a trickster character called the Gamester, several players immediately thought that the intrusion was related to the Gamester and made up part of the festivities. The intruder's plugging of his own website managed to shatter the illusion, but without that, players could still have been wondering about it today.
City of Heroes Halloween HDTV contest
Do you play City of Heroes, want the City of Villains expansion pack, an HDTV, and an iPod nano? Man is this your lucky day, just surrender all self respect, enter this contest and you could win all three of those, as well as Tivo Series2 DVR's or iPod nanos for the runner-ups.The rules below:Before November 7th (a week after Halloween), send us an in-game screenshot of your hero, and a no more than 250 word description of your hero’s Archvillain (who they are and why they’re the Archvillain, plus any other info you want to provide). Along with the screenshot and description, send us a couple digital pictures of the unique Archvillain costume you created for this contest and wore out on Halloween. Those that submit the best descriptions and Archvillain costumes will be handsomely rewarded!Now, where did I put those Spiderman pajamas.......
