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The Game Archaeologist: How Hellgate survived being Flagshipped
It seems that it really wasn't too long ago that I was filling in the time between night classes by boning up on video game news. I was drinking up all of the hot up-and-comers, such as Age of Conan and Warhammer Online, when I caught word that the maker of Diablo was trying to do the same thing again, only more online, in 3-D, and with a cool modern-day/futuristic/horror vibe. There's no better way to put it than to say that from the start, Hellgate: London looked all kinds of cool. Oh sure, you can scoff now with your perfect 20/20 hindsight, but I'm betting that more than a few of you thought the same with me around that time. Diablo but with guns and an online persistence -- how could we not be intrigued? One of my most vivid memories was being torn between the idea of buying a lifetime subscription deal for $150 (again, this was before the free-to-play era, but also before the era of us spending the same money on alpha access. I'm just saying that you can't judge me.). I didn't buy the lifetime sub, if you were wondering, but I did play. I even enjoyed Hellgate: London for a month or so, although something about it never quite clicked with me. It was only after I bailed that I watched with horror that one of the most infamous chapters of video game disasters took place. It's kind of like when you look at pictures of an earthquake and say to anyone near, "I was just standing there a week ago..." From its giddy heights of pre-launch hype to the crash simply known as being "Flagshipped" to its subsequent resurrections (yes, plural), Hellgate is a fascinating tale of a good idea, a terrible launch, corporate scapegoating, and improbable survival.
The Game Archaeologist: Ironman modes and elective permadeath
One facet of video games that's been around almost since the very beginning is the difficulty level. This has allowed the player to choose how hard or easy a game would be from the onset, influencing factors such as the number of enemies, hardiness of bad guys, fragility of the player character, and available loot (or lack of it). I used to love how some of those '90s shareware titles would mock me for picking easy, sometimes portraying my character wearing a baby bonnet and sucking its thumb. Real gamers, the devs implied, go tough or go home. With a few exceptions, MMOs operate on a fixed level of difficulty for all of their players. Instead of assigning blanket difficulty client-side, the game world portions difficulty into areas, usually according to level or activity. Some games have instances with adjustable difficulty levels, but past that what you get is also what I get. This might be changing. A very fringe but dedicated group of players have championed such ideas as elective ironman and permadeath modes for their MMOs, and at least one studio is responding positively to that desire. Would you choose to make your MMO experience harder than everyone else in exchange for nothing more than a bigger challenge and a more "realistic" experience?
Hellgate is back, again, this time on Greenlight
Hoo boy, Hellgate. It's back, again, this time as a Steam Greenlight hopeful sponsored by T3Fun and Redbana. The latest incarnation is called Hellgate Global, which should again sound familiar. It includes the Tokyo expansion, 24 new levels, and plenty of new monsters. T3Fun has put a couple of cinematic trailers up on its Greenlight page. You can see both of them past the break.
Jukebox Heroes: Hellgate London's soundtrack
Hellgate London was a title that I was highly anticipating back in the day. It was a post-apocalyptic MMO action-RPG brought to us by the makers of Diablo, all with techno-warriors and jaunts through the London Underground. I was on board with that. Sure, we all know how it ended and will probably kvetch about it in the comments, but I feel comfortable in saying that the concept sounded pretty awesome. Ironically, the sound is what remained with me long after my days in that game were through. It's no surprise, as the composing duo of Cris Velasco and Sascha Dikiciyan have tackled many other high-profile video game projects together, such as Prototype, Mass Effect 2, and Mass Effect 3. This score is pretty easy to get a hold of these days (try Amazon). It's a solid pick that has a few great tracks, as long as you're willing to tolerate darker themes.
The Game Archaeologist: When dead MMOs come back to life
Maybe I'm alone in this, but my jaw just dropped when I came home this past week to see that Massively posted the news that Shadowbane is coming back to life. Granted, it's only going to happen in China, but still, that's pretty incredible. Shadowbane's been in the ground for three years now, and if I had to pick an MMO that deserved resurrection, this particular one would be farthest from my mind (no offense if you liked the game; it's just that there are so many others that are even more worthy). But how can this not give you hope? Many of us have lost an MMO we loved or at least had a decked-out character populating the character select screen, and the thought of that game coming back against all odds is a goosebump-rising one. It may also smack of justice served, as some MMOs fail not because of faulty gameplay but because of mismanagement by the studio, complex legal wrangling, or bad marketing. Today let's look at a few examples of dead MMOs that were brought back to life and what this may mean for the future of the industry. Zombie MMOs! Not, you know, MMOs with zombies.
Bill Roper looking to partner with Korean companies for more MMO development
You may remember Bill Roper from Diablo. Or, more likely, you remember him from Hellgate: London and Champions Online, probably with emotions that are somewhat less than fond. Several months ago, he was appointed the Vice President of Disney Interactive Media Group, and it looks like Roper is continuing down a path he's walked many times before. As he oversees the production of games based on Marvel properties, he's also looking for partners to start developing an MMO. Specifically, Roper is looking for a partner company in South Korea to work on co-development for several titles, which include MMOs. The obvious benefit for the Korean company would be increased visibility of licensed properties, with Roper hoping that a visit to the nation will produce a better way of developing new games. No word yet on whether or not anyone is interested in the offer, but there's probably no shortage of gamers made apprehensive by anything involving Bill Roper and a new online game.
Hellgate reveals 2011 stats, hints at 2012 updates
T3Fun has released a few statistics designed to keep Hellgate Global in the public eye. Included in the data are interesting nuggets like the gender breakdown for characters created (60/40 in favor of the guys), the most-played class (Marksman), the least-played class (Guardian), and the class with the highest growth rate in terms of character creation (also the Guardian). We're not exactly sure what that last bit means, but we can tell you that Hellgate's devs have a few new wrinkles planned for 2012 (assuming the world doesn't end in a hail of apocalyptic demon fire first). Among the improvements slated for the new year are "improved services, deeper guild engagement [...] and greater challenges for the most motivated players [via] some of the biggest events yet." Hellgate Global is free-to-play, so there's really nothing stopping you from moseying over to the game's official website and downloading the client. [Source: T3Fun press release]
Hellgate is cursed... in a good way
Just when we thought we'd be stuck in London forever, Hellgate Global took us across the world to the ravaged vista of Tokyo late last month. To celebrate the good times and charred corpses all across virtual Japan, the resurrected MMOFPS is bringing a set of new challenges for players to overcome. For those who scoff at curses and camping out on top of primitive burial grounds, Hellgate dares you to activate your Curse of Dawn mode and attempt to take out Imhotep and Anaksunamun. Those who do so will be on the receiving end of rewards beyond imagination. Also, in-game currency. Other challenges heading into the game include a guild battle system, and the return of Boss Time Attack. It's not all work and no play, as players will enjoy bonus supplies, free gifts at specific levels, and XP boosts. For a limited time champion monsters will drop lucky coupons, which can then be exchanged for rare items. These will only be in the game until the end October 15th, as luck can only last for so long. [Source: T3 Entertainment press release]
Hellgate expanding to Tokyo on September 22nd
If you were wondering why HanbitSoft and T3Fun rechristened Hellgate: London as Hellgate: Global prior to resurrecting it as a free-to-play title earlier this summer, now you know. The action-horror MMO is expanding to a new burned-out husk of a metropolis, and on September 22nd, you're invited to partake in more grisly demon-slaying action in what remains of post-apocalyptic Tokyo. The city features 24 new levels as well as new monsters and boss mobs. There are also a couple of new game modes on tap, including Cow Room (which pits players against hordes of zombies) and Base Defense (which is exactly what it sounds like). Finally, Hell Mode gets an encore, and hardcore types who want better loot, more XP, and more it'll-put-hair-on-your-virtual-chest challenge are welcome to queue up and prove their e-manliness. [Source: T3Fun/HanbitSoft press release]
Hellgate announces September events
As the legions of hell march on the doorstep of London, Hellgate finds itself in need of powerful heroes to defend the last bastion of humankind. Thankfully, the month of September is strewn with events that will assist players in rising to meet the growing demonic threat. The festivities begin with an event simply called Join the Ranks. For this event, existing heroes will have the opportunity to recruit new players, which will result in delicious rewards for the the recruiter. Once a healthy regiment of soldiers has been established, it's time to begin training. The Condition System is back in full effect, and it grants each character five hours of bonus experience each day. In addition to the experience bonus, specified dates in September will see the onslaught of a Hell Rush, "effectively doubling the experience earned on those days." As players level from these bonuses, they will be eligible for the Level And Be Rewarded event. This event... well, it is what it sounds like, people. At certain leveling milestones, players will receive a variety of rewards ranging from inventory expansion to stat-boosting capsules. But what good is a hero without heroic equipment? Throughout the month, the Tools of the Trade event, which provides players with the chance to receive "premium items that aren't available in the cash shop," will be active. Players will also receive two free Resurrection Scrolls daily, in order to keep them fighting on their feet. And to top it off, once players feel prepared for a challenge, they can take part in the Boss Time Attack event, which is a special challenge mode to kill a dungeon boss within a certain time limit. Succeeding, of course, will result in fine rewards. So suit up and move out, heroes. London isn't going to defend itself.
Hellgate open beta starts tonight
Free-to-play fans are looking at a long weekend filled with new fantasy titles thanks to today's big announcements. If Age of Conan: Unchained isn't your style, perhaps Hellgate Global is. You can find out for sure tonight at 7:30 p.m. EDT as T3 Entertainment takes the wraps off Hellgate's open beta. The public testing phase will feature four celebratory events: Guild Reservoir, Daily Supplies, To Level in Hell, and Level and Be Rewarded, each of which will grant "valuable prizes" to top players. The open beta also boasts new game modes including PvP duel arenas and the zombie-infested Cow Room. As an added incentive to check things out, T3's press release mentions a "special prize" in store for everyone who logs in today.
Hellgate open beta to begin June 30th [Updated]
Hellgate's closed beta has been going on since the beginning of this month, but now it's almost time to kick open the doors and blast some monsters in open beta. T3FUN announced today that the freshly rebooted Hellgate will be entering open beta in six days on June 30th. Strap up your armor and choose your weapons and get ready to jump into the seedy supernatural underbelly of the world of Hellgate. Just make sure you come prepared by checking out our previous coverage of the game! [Update: The official announcement has been released, and it contains news of a few new features for the game. Duel Areas will be included for players who wish to take part in some team-based PvP combat, while those with a PvE inclination can test their mettle with the Cow Room (surely an homage to Diablo II's infamous Cow Level), where players face off against wave after wave of zombies in hopes of netting some rare loot. For the full press release, hit the official site.]
The Game Archaeologist and the What Ifs: True Fantasy Live Online
As an extremely amateur historian -- and an extremely attractive archaeologist -- I've always been fascinated with the "what ifs" of gaming's timeline. What if Blizzard had pulled the plug on World of Warcraft during development as it did for Warcraft Adventures? What if Hellgate: London had a lot more time and resources before it launched? What if North America had embraced the free-to-play model much earlier instead of the subscription model? What if Shawn came to his senses before he hired me? Life would've been a lot better. Or worse. That's the problem with counterfactual history: We can make educated guesses, but we'll never really know. While it's sad to see MMOs shut down due to underperformance, it's especially maddening to contemplate MMOs canceled before they even made it to the starting gate. In a new periodic series here at The Game Archaeologist, I'm going to look at a few of the "what ifs" of prematurely terminated MMORPGs. And to kick us off, I'm tackling probably one of the most frustrating, painful subjects that still linger amongst potential fans. I'm talking, of course, of True Fantasy Live Online, the game that could've shown the true potential of console MMOs. Or, y'know, not.
Hellgate shows off its new Duel Areas
No matter how bad the environmental conditions might be in Hellgate, that's no reason to eschew one of the time-honored traditions of MMOs everywhere: PvP. But the game's relaunch won't just be including the original PvP elements, and one of the newer additions has just been highlighted -- the Duel Areas. This new addition allows players to face off against one another on specially designed maps, complete with dynamic elements on each map to keep battles unique. With four different maps to choose from and a number of pre-fight variables, the Duel Areas are limited at the moment by the fact that only deathmatch games are available within. Killing opponents will reward players with PvP experience, leading to valuable rewards for future PvP matches. Check out the video previews for two of the new arenas just after the break, something that should be enough to get Hellgate players excited as the game moves toward release.
Hellgate beta videos show off character creation, gameplay
Horror fans and MMOFPS aficionados have been setting their clocks back a few years courtesy of this weekend's Hellgate closed beta event. You may recall the original Hellgate: London as something of a dud when it originally debuted in the winter of 2007. Not to worry, though, since HanbitSoft and T3Fun have revived the franchise and converted it to a new free-to-play title called Hellgate Global. MMO Culture has a trio of videos chronicling this weekend's event, and you can glimpse character creation as well as a bit of the shooter's demon-slaying gameplay. Hellgate intrigued us with its blend of action-horror and apocalyptic stylings the first time around, and we're just as curious for chapter two. Have a look at the videos after the break and share your thoughts on the beta while you're at it.
Hellgate closed beta heats up tomorrow
If it's not hellishly hot enough for you outside, T3 Entertainment is here to inject a bit more fire and brimstone into your weekend courtesy of Hellgate's closed beta. The first phase of testing kicks off Friday June 3rd at 7:30 p.m. EDT, with a wrap-up scheduled for the same time on June 5th. The new and improved Hellgate boasts additional content from the previous iteration of the game, and players who have snagged beta keys can check out either the multiplayer aspects or the single-player campaign (as well as elements of the older Hellgate: Tokyo expansion that are now included in the new version). Head to the official Hellgate website for more info on the game and the beta.
Hellgate closed beta keys now available
After announcing that Hellgate would soon rise from the ashes, T3 Entertainment has now revealed that keys for the upcoming closed beta are now available. Keys can be obtained on the official Hellgate site or on "popular online game destinations." A list of participating sites can be found here. Sadly, Joystiq's Massively already ran out of keys, so we suggest you track one down through one of those other "destinations" as quickly as possible.
Hellgate beta signup begins
We reported earlier this week on Hellgate Global's newly minted web presence. As of today it seems that the highway to hell is officially open, as T3Fun has posted a beta signup blurb on the game's forums. Closed beta testing for the resurrected title begins on June 3rd, and GM Verin says "there's going to be enough CBT keys for everyone, so don't worry about not being able to beta test." Applying is as easy as registering on the forums and clicking on the "gates of hell" graphic at the top right of the announcement post. Getting into the beta in this manner is a random event, and you'll know you've been successful if you see an image that reads "your courage has been noted." If you don't make the cut on the official forums, T3Fun has posted a list of partner sites that will be handing out beta keys in the coming days.
Hellgate Global ramps up its web presence, new trailer released [Updated]
Hellgate: London is back. HanbitSoft and T3Fun are reanimating the corpse of the post-apocalyptic horror RPG/MMO hybrid for a global release in the near future. The title is being developed in Korea, and T3Fun has recently updated its website and Facebook page with a lengthy story video and a few gameplay screens. The trailer showcases over 12 minutes of CG footage designed to familiarize would-be crusaders with Hellgate's world and their place in it. The short version is that the forces of hell have ransacked the earth. The longer version involves copious amounts of swords, machine guns, curvaceous templars and slavering demons bent on subjugating the local populace. If you know your gaming history, you'll also know that Hellgate was originally developed by ex-Blizzard staffers before collapsing under the weight of unmet expectations and financial pressures. We'll be keeping a close eye on Hanbitsoft's resurrection project and you can too, starting with the cinematic trailer after the cut. [Update]: T3Fun and HanbitSoft have officially announced North American closed beta dates for Hellgate, with the kickoff scheduled for June 3rd to June 5th. The game will launch later this year according to a press release.
Bill Roper reflects on Hellgate
How exactly does a well-funded studio composed of Blizzard veterans end up creating one of the more spectacular failures in recent gaming history? That's a question that Gamasutra attempts to answer in a new interview with former Flagship (and Cryptic) CEO Bill Roper. The debacle that was Hellgate: London stemmed mainly from over-ambition, Roper says, coupled with the lack of capital necessary to support the don't-release-til-it's-ready mentality that much of the staff experienced at Blizzard. "There was always the support there [at Blizzard] to say, 'You know what? If that's what you need to make this game great, then that's what we'll get for you. We'll figure it out.' It's obviously very different when you are an independent company, right, and not owned by somebody." The interview also touches on Flagship's involvement with Mythos as well as Roper's experiences dealing with the Hellgate fallout and extensive (and often personal) fan backlash. "It went from 'I didn't like your game' or 'I don't think your company makes good games' to the personal assault level," he says.
