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Faxion Online studio hit with layoffs
If you're a fan of Faxion Online, the last thing you want to hear about is members of the game's development team getting the axe. Unfortunately, that's exactly what happened today -- UTV Ignition has reportedly cut staff from the division responsible for much of the game's programming and maintenance. Exact lists have varied, with Don Choi (vice-president of UTV's online division) claiming that only a small fraction of employees were let go while employees affected have claimed that the majority of the studio has now been cut. The affected team members have claimed that the game's customer service and support are also being cut and outsourced, while Choi maintains that the game will still be running and receive updates and improvements. Which version of events is the honest one is a bit unclear at the moment, but we offer our condolences to Faxion Online development members affected by these layoffs.
GDCO 2010: UTV True Games wows with three new titles
One of the most thrilling aspects of this job is visiting game studios. It's essentially like stepping into a toy factory, complete with strange noises and funny personalities. Nerf guns are a staple, and each desk or station is decorated with all types of toys, posters, and other trophies from Nerd-dom. UTV True Games is no different, so when we were asked to sit down with three (count 'em, three) different teams to preview some new titles, we knew we were in for a good time. Of course, our professionalism prevented us from actually clapping and going "sqqquuueeeee!" every time a new product was shown, but it's very possible that the teams would not have cared anyway. So what did we see? What do we have to look forward to from the same people that brought us Mytheon? Well, click past the cut and let's take a look!
Mytheon gets EU publisher, shows off new screens and video
With the US launch of Mytheon slated to hit its official launch date of July 13th, and the lawsuit seeming to be a thing of the past, the teams behind Mytheon have been working on trying to send this upcoming free-to-play fantasy MMO across the pond. Well, today we've gotten news that Gamigo will be picking up the overseas publishing while UTV True Games handles the North American servers. Yes indeed -- those across the pond who were waiting to see if they'd have an option to check out Petroglyph's MMO based on various bits of world mythology will get a chance to play as well. To add to this news, they've also released a video and a bundle of new screenshots for people who may not have seen the polish put on Mytheon as it nears launch. EU players can register for the closed beta on the Gamigo site, whereas US players should head over to the UTV True Games site to get in on the action. Meanwhile, as those clients are downloading, don't forget to check behind the break for the video, or click through the gallery below for all the new eye-candy. %Gallery-68215%
Mytheon introduces lifetime subscription package
After months of wrangling over development and source code followed by a lawsuit that was settled in record time, True Games and Petroglyph are moving quickly to meet Mytheon's planned launch date of July 13th. The latest announcement from Mytheon comes in the form of the "Champions of Mytheon" purchase option, a lifetime subscription offer with plenty of extras. There are 2,000 Champions packages available, and well worth it for those who pay the $129.99 price tag. Champions of Mytheon includes a long list of extras both in-game and out, from a t-shirt, hat, keychain, and poster, to early game access, exclusive weapons, and even a mention in the game credits. Check out the Mytheon site for the full list of items included with the lifetime package.
Petroglyph and True Games resolve lawsuit, announce launch date for Mytheon
The last major news we heard about fantasy MMO Mytheon was regarding a legal skirmish. Publisher True Games was suing developer Petroglyph for the Mytheon source code, citing a long list of actions on Petroglyph's part which prevented the game from seeing release. In a surprise announcement, the two companies announced today that they have resolved their differences and are set for a July 13th launch. While it seems like a dangerously short leap from lawsuit to launch, keep in mind that Mytheon was originally scheduled to be ready for release last November. Chuck Kroegel, CEO of Petroglyph, sums up the decision: "From the beginning, we have been committed to creating a critically and commercially successful online game that brings something fresh to this space. Despite the fact that neither company acknowledged or admitted any wrongdoing, both companies recognized this mutual agreement as the right step, especially for the players with the official release of Mytheon to the world this summer. We've received a great deal of positive feedback on the game, from both the media and the community, and we encourage online gaming fans to jump into the ongoing open beta test and experience Mytheon's unique gameplay and amazing mythological world." Beta signups are available on the game's site.
True Games Interactive sues Petroglyph for Mytheon source code
MMORTS Mytheon has hit a development snag: True Games is suing developer Petroglyph, claiming that the company has failed to deliver what was promised -- a working game -- and is preventing True Games from doing so as well by refusing to release the source code. According to the court documents, the original agreement required Petroglyph to deliver a "Gold Master" (ready for distribution) copy of the game by November 15th, 2009 -- a delivery date later amended to February 1st, 2010. In mid-March, Petroglyph stated that a Gold Master version of Mytheon should be ready by the end of March, but additional funding was needed. The publishable copy was not received by the end of March. True Games' complaints can be summed up in a short paragraph from the official document: "The repeated, unreasonable demands by Petroglyph for additional funds and concessions, combined with Petroglyph's apparent unwillingness or inability to deliver the final product, poisoned the working relationship between TGI and Petroglyph, such that the entire multi-million dollar venture is in danger of collapsing." For Petroglyph's part, CEO Chuck Kroegel claims: "It was NEVER conceived to be a full-blown MMO, which costs upwards of $15 million and three to five years to complete. The trend, however, over the last months has been to move this game to the scope of a full-blown MMO." The full court document has all the details.
Warrior Epic expands to Facebook and iPhone
Warrior Epic, the free-to-play MMO from True Games, is joining what very well may be the next big thing for MMO gaming: they now have an iPhone app. They follow in the footsteps of games like Fallen Earth and Crime Craft, who led the charge earlier this year by announcing that they were working on iPhone apps. Now while we know you'd never play while you were in class or at work, this is a handy way to get your Warrior Epic fix during your lunch hour or between classes. The game is available free of charge at the iPhone App store and is a quick and easy way to check out the game if you haven't yet, or to expand your gameplay if you're already a fan. The iPhone app isn't the only new direction True Games is taking with Warrior Epic. If you're on Facebook, there will be an app for Warrior Epic there very soon as well.
Mytheon site launches with trailer, game to release in Q1 2010
Mytheon from Petroglyph Games is a title we've mentioned in the past, as it's a different take on the type of games we cover at Massively. Essentially it's an MMORTS, and as such may be comparable to titles like Dreamlords the Reawakening or even Atlantica Online. As its name implies, Mytheon is rooted in ancient world myths, which could be a nice departure from the numerous pure fantasy games on the market. At launch Mytheon will have content based in ancient world Greece and Egypt. The game mechanics seem to be heavily tied in to power stones, which provide different benefits to the game's three classes. According to Petroglyph: "The collection and casting of Power Stones is the backbone of Mytheon. Power Stones initiate every in-game effect possible, from summoning minions and structures that fight for the player, to conjuring fireballs and lightning bolts and healing a party." Mytheon can be played solo, but will also have group and PvP gameplay options. The game's first trailer might give you a better idea of what to expect. It's embedded on the new game site, and offers some of the first glimpses at Mytheon's gameplay as well as the setting of Hades.
Warrior Epic officially launches today
As was announced just recently, today is the day that Warrior Epic will officially launch -- by 5PM PDT if things go to schedule. The client can be obtained here ahead of time in preparation for the launch. Bob Drobish, CEO of the game's publisher True Games Interactive, made a statement to mark the occasion: "During the closed beta, we worked closely with the community to deliver an immersive and challenging game play experience. Now as we pull the trigger on the launch of the game, our development team is committed to continuing to deliver new and exciting content as our community continues to grow."The launch will feature a few things that weren't around during the betas. For one, the item shop will be ready for business, offering things like potions and vanity pieces. A guild system will be in place, and new introductory sequences will greet players. A new Random Map Generator also made it in for launch day, and will do exactly what it sounds like it should do and create differing dungeons for groups of players to explore. Warrior Epic is a free-to-play MMO, so giving it a try when it launches today won't cost you a dime. Let us know what you think if you do.
Warrior Epic set to launch on the 19th
After going back into closed beta no less than three times to work out pre-launch bugs and continue to polish the game, the folks at Possibility Space have announced that the time has come for the launch of Warrior Epic. This free-to-play game will be available at 5pm Pacific on Tuesday the 19th for everyone to get their warrior fight on. Jeff Lujan, Founder and Chairman of True Games remarked on the launch. "Our beta testers have given us a lot of great feedback and we are confident that the game is now reaching a point where we can provide the Warrior Epic community an engaging and compelling experience." What we're waiting to see more of is this "intriguing death mechanic" we've heard about that will allow players to become free-roaming spirits that can be bound to weapons to increase stats. Should be interesting!
Warrior Epic enters closed beta today
Warrior Epic is a free-to-play fantasy MMO in development at the Austin-based studio Possibility Space. It seems that Possibility Space went back to the drawing board on some aspects of the game, hence another iteration of closed beta, but the influx of capital through their new publisher, True Games, has allowed them to add new classes and areas to the game that would not have been seen in earlier beta testing. We do have a sense of déjà vu in making this announcement but to the best of our knowledge, Warrior Epic's closed beta will go live today at 5:00PM PDT.
Microtransactions 'way of the future' for Mytheon
One of the newer titles coming to the massively multiplayer online game market is Mytheon, a game that is based on real-world myth rather than pure fantasy, currently in development at Petroglyph. This fresh angle on lore and setting isn't the only difference between Mytheon and its fantasy MMO competitors -- Petroglyph is banking on the hope that microtransactions will prove more successful for Mytheon than the standard subscription model. Edge Online recently interviewed Petroglyph's general manager Chuck Kroegel, who's also the producer for Mytheon. Kroegel spoke with Edge Online's Kris Graft, and explained Petroglyph's outlook on this alternative business model: "This is a serious commitment on our part... we find it intriguing because we do feel there is a notion of how this could be the way of the future. And if not, it's certainly going to be part of the future. It may not be the only way things are done in regards to the model, but right now it looks to be viable."
True Games Interactive interview discusses Mytheon MMO
The fantasy genre reigns supreme in the MMO industry, but even die-hard fantasy enthusiasts have to admit though... there's a lot of it out there in the MMO space. A new twist on fantasy, in the form of myth, could be a breath of fresh air for gamers looking for a different type of setting. At least, Petroglyph and True Games Interactive are banking on this with Mytheon, their in-development MMO title. Rather than conjuring up a brand new setting, Mytheon looks back to real world mythology and crafts a game around it. The game's introduction makes reference to the Greek Pantheon and Norse mythology, highlighting the core struggle in the game: the time of the Gods is ending, as decreed by the Fates, and it's time for humankind to live on its own terms. Mytheon will be be a game that will have solo, group, and PvP gameplay modes, with elements of 'real-time combat and extensive customization features', according to John Callaham at Massively's sister site, Big Download. The game will center around Power Stones which fuel or unlock powers and abilities in Mytheon; the title's three character classes will be attuned with certain types of Power Stones, allowing for abilities such as summoning and healing. Callaham recently had a chance to interview the Director of Product Development at True Games Interactive, Peter Cesario, about what we can expect from Mytheon. Cesario discusses the decision to go with the micro-transaction business model, and how combining the elements of action, strategy, and roleplaying in Mytheon creates "a whole new genre unto itself."
Petroglyph reveals 'online microtransaction game' Mytheon
Petroglyph, the warmongers behind both Star Wars: Empire at War and Universe at War, this morning revealed details behind the studio's next project, Mytheon, which publisher True Games Interactive describes as a "micro transaction game that...." Hey, where are you going? Using the myths of Ancient Greece as a foundation, the free-to-play game promises to blend the "best" elements of action, role-playing and strategy with a "heavy emphasis" on combat and collecting. Additionally, Peter Cesario, the director of product development at True Games, tells Big Download that future expansions will "eventually branch out to several unique and interesting mythologies from around the world." Until then, players can look forward to grinding towards the Golden Fleece in Fall 2009.
Petroglyph Games speaks about their new MMO
Not long after the first official announcement concerning the partnership of Petroglyph Studios and True Games to develop a new MMO, we now get treated to an interview with company co-founder Joe Bostic. In this interview, we learn about some of the company's plans for their new MMO, and how it will be different than every MMO we've seen thus far.If you're wondering why this is such big news at the moment, let us remind you that Petroglyph studios are the developers of Star Wars: Empire at War and Universe at War. This in itself leads the logic-minded individual to believe that their MMO project may have an RTS flavor, although Mr. Bostic neither confirms or denies this in his interview. They do mention the fact that this game will be based on a micro-transaction business model, and they will begin releasing early-stage testing opportunities for players to get involved in the development process.
