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Playboy teams up with BigPoint, forming new games label in late 2010
Playboy, otherwise known as "that stack of mags you hide from your mom under the mattress," is stretching out beyond the flesh game and into the online gaming game. A press release (past the break) announces intentions to offer online games through a new games label, which Playboy will formally announce later on this year. In the meantime, Playboy is teaming up with Bigpoint, which is currently working on Battlestar Galactica Online yet offers other free-to-play games via its own web portal -- which Playboy will now also distribute through its domain. The first game to get the red carpet treatment is Poisonville (link is probably NSFW) with "select titles" available in the future. Playboy also mentions other "development partnerships" in the coming months." "Gaming is a growing, mainstream area. And part of our plan is to extend Playboy's brand into the mainstream," Paul H. Lee, Playboy's managing director for new digital ventures, told PaidContent. "Previously, Playboy's gaming interests included a few licensing deals and some editorial in the form of gaming reviews. But there was no clear, over-arching strategy in place. With Bigpoint, we've established a clear path in terms of where we want to go." Apparently, the 18-35 male audience Playboy has is also into gaming. Hey, we're just as surprised as you guys! Jokes aside, Lee said that Playboy is investing a "significant" amount in this new venture. Here's hoping it works out for 'em, because we're not really sure what they could fall back on if things go south -- oh, right.
So say we all: Battlestar Galactica Online's blueprints revealed
Whether you're a human, a Cylon, a human working for the Cylons, a Cylon working for the humans, or a slightly off-kilter Massively editor, Battlestar Galactica Online promises to appeal across a wide spectrum. Ten Ton Hammer got in the good graces of Bigpoint at Gamescom this year and smuggled out information vital to the war effort. While it's not even in the alpha stage as of yet, BSGO is reportedly looking solid, especially for a browser-based title. The primary focus of this space-shooter MMO is the PvP conflict between human and Cylon forces. Players should expect to handle ships from the series (such as the Viper), but Bigpoint is planning on creating new spacecraft unique to the game. Each ship will handle differently, forcing users to adapt on the fly or die. Although the main stage of the game is the struggle to control systems (and their precious, precious resources), you'll be able to explore areas on foot, such as the titular Galactica, although this is mostly for atmosphere and storytelling. For players worried about the game's microtransactions model, Bigpoint promises that everyone will be able to experience the game from beginning to end without being forced to spend a penny.
Has the iPhone App Market already crashed?
At GDC Europe earlier this week, Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz claimed that the iPhone app market "has already crashed. You cannot sell your game for 99 cents and expect a return." Apple has said that developers are collectively making more than a billion dollars on the App Store, but Hubertz knocks that figure down a few notches, suggesting that because there are over 250,000 actual apps on the store, no one developer is making enough to cover the development costs of any game worth making. Is he right? In a sense, he is -- it's already pretty clear that for a number of reasons, prices have raced to the bottom on the App Store. And while the audience is still growing (people are buying more and more iPhones every day), so is the pool of developers and apps. While there are definitely some runaway hits, the average developer isn't going to see profits that will keep an EA-level game afloat. That said, the market certainly hasn't "crashed." Apple wanted an app ecosystem that anyone with a Mac and some knowledge and time could join, and that's what they've got -- a developer who puts a worthy amount of time and talent into an app, with some help and promotion from sites like ours, can likely turn over a profit, if not make a good amount of money. Sure, the App Store's not very friendly to big budget producers, but that's probably not what Apple wanted in the first place anyway.
Bigpoint announces key characters in Battlestar Galactica Online
Bigpoint, the creator of upcoming browser-based MMO Battlestar Galactica Online, has revealed a part of the game that fans have been speculating on for a while. The names of key characters have been announced, and you'll certainly see plenty of familiar ones. These characters will be NPCs, placed in the game to "create a deeper connection to the storyline, provide quests and accentuate the dramatic tension that the series is known for delivering expertly." On the human side, you'll find William and Lee "Apollo" Adama, Starbuck and Apollo and Galen "Chief" Tyrol. The Cylon roster will be made up of One, Two, Six and Eight. (Sorry guys, no Three.) Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz is pleased with these additions to the game: "These characters brought to life the story and captured the imaginations of a whole new generation of Battlestar Galactica fans and we felt strongly that they needed to appear in the game." You can sign up for the game newsletter and receive more updates through the BSG Online site. [Editor's Note: Whoops, we made a mistake in our list! Fixed that for you. ~Sera]
Browse these new details and screens from Battlestar Galactica Online
Our MMO-centric sister site Massively received a whole mess of gameplay details and screenshots from Bigpoint's promising browser-based MMO, Battlestar Galactica Online. Players will be able to choose between the Human and Cylon factions, will be able to create their own out-of-ship avatars, and will progress through individual quests and story-based missions exclusive to their own factions. For instance, Cylons might be tasked with preparing a fresh slice of toast. (Because Cylons look like toasters. Obviously.) For more details, check out the info Massively managed to glean from Bigpoint. For visual images you can see with your eyes, check out the gallery below.%Gallery-98092%
Exclusive: New gameplay details and screenshots for Battlestar Galactica Online
When it comes to new MMO titles, a significant portion of the MMO community will hear the the phrase "browser-based" and dismiss the game in question as unworthy without even looking at it. The folks at Bigpoint have big plans to banish this stereotype with Battlestar Galactica Online. If CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz has his way, turning your nose up at a game because of what you think a browser-based f2p is will become a thing of the past: "Bigpoint's goal is to raise expectations on what can be achieved in a browser-based game. Battlestar Galactica Online is the perfect license to help us elevate the consumer's understanding of this genre of gaming and reach gamers who have never tried a free-to-play game." Bigpoint shared some exclusive new gameplay information and screenshots with us that give a picture of a much more complex game than you might be expecting. Follow along after the jump to see what they had to say. %Gallery-97984%
Preview: Battlestar Galactica Online
When it was first announced we were less than enthused about the Battlestar Galactica series being developed into a free-to-play browser-based MMO. Although we're still scratching our heads at the direction the license-holder's decided to go in, what we saw of the "still in development" title has calmed our nerves. Slightly. %Gallery-95714%
Captain's Log: Should Star Trek Online fans fear the competition?
Good afternoon, cadets and admirals. Welcome to this week's edition of Captain's Log, your ever-expanding guide to Star Trek Online. Last time, we discussed some basics of ground combat, and I promised more to come. But I've decided to change course a bit, so we'll cover those next week. Instead, I thought it might be fun to discuss what's on every Earth nerd's mind right now: E3! The Electronic Entertainment Expo has engines on full impulse this week in Los Angeles, and amid all the grand news we don't care about -- I was counting on the 3DS to not be totally awesome so I wouldn't have to replace my DSiXL! Curses! -- the MMO news is flying fast and furious. With all the news and shiny images of forthcoming space-based MMOs, should fans worry that STO's days are numbered?
E3 2010: Bigpoint offers more info on Battlestar Galactica Online
As we saw earlier this year at GDC, Bigpoint has something very big indeed planned for their next game: Battlestar Galactica Online. However, outside of hearing that the game would be a free-to-play, browser-based title, and a handful of other details, there have been only teasers (well, and a tasty trailer earlier this month) for the game. Thankfully, we got a chance to sit down at E3 with Philip Reisberger, Head of Games for Bigpoint, and learn a bit more about what players can expect from this fan-favorite IP game. Some of the features they mentioned to us are the use of Unity as their primary platform to create a gorgeous 3-D setting; the intent to set the game within the tail-end of the second season of the BSG series without tying it too closely to the series' storyline; and their ambitious goal to launch by the end of this year. So if you'd like to check out our juicy Q&A, hit the frakkin' break already! Also be sure to check the gallery below for a sweet selection of screenshots we managed to snag, offering a first look at the in-game graphics. %Gallery-95434%
Battlestar Galactica Online trailer is out of this world
Some of us may scoff at a browser-based Battlestar Galactica MMO, but for those who just want to see something BSG related on a screen, there's hope in the form of the embedded trailer. It shows a large scale space battle between the Cylons and human survivors, and if that doesn't give you the warm fuzzies then you're probably a frakkin' toaster.
Bigpoint turning The Mummy franchise into browser MMO
In what may be the most puzzling film-to-video game adaptation partnerships in the history of mankind, free-to-play game developer Bigpoint and Universal Studios have announced plans to create a browser-based MMO set in The Mummy film franchise. We've been sitting here, staring at that sentence for a good ten minutes now, and we still don't know what to make of it. A recent press release announcement describes The Mummy Online as "a free-to-play Action-RPG MMO game" where players "take on heroic roles as adventure seekers," all the while exploring the tombs and crypts of Egypt in the early 20th century. Players will interact with characters from the films, will engage in battle against "ancient evil," and, presumably, will periodically be forced to exclaim some variation on the following: "Man, I really hate mummies!" "Oh no, not mummies again!" "I'm getting awfully sick of all these mummies!"
Rock like an Egyptian: The Mummy Online announced!
If the unique yet satisfying blend of horror, comedy and Brendan Fraser are your thing, then you're probably a big fan of The Mummy movie franchise. Nothing uplifts ancient Egyptian culture like making a mockery of their dead while looting their final burial place. In any case, Bigpoint and Universal Studios are teaming up to bring The Mummy Online, an action-RPG MMO, to gamers this fall. The title will be set in the same 1930's time period as the feature films, and will feature PvE and PvP play. Interested gamers should be pleased to note that it will be both browser-based (powered by Unity technology) and free-to-play, so there's no legitimate objection to giving it a try. Unless you're a scaredy-cat, of course. Universal's Bill Kispert chimed in with the announcement: "The Mummy franchise is chock full of exotic settings, supernatural enemies, exciting quests, and over the top action. It is ripe with gameplay possibilities, and we look forward to extending our relationship with Bigpoint to bring the world of The Mummy to life for gamers." Right now the official website is a little sparse, but you can still sign up for The Mummy Online's newsletter. We're guessing it'll be sent out in hieroglyphics. [Thanks Kai!]
Bigpoint announces launch of Emporia
MMO developer Bigpoint has announced the launch of its newest venture: the English-language version of Emporea. Emporea is a browser-based flash MMO set among a familiar background of elves, orcs, and dwarves with a bit of undead thrown in for variety. Bigpoint describes Emporia as a "unique gaming experience" thanks in part to the overall game design. While the game carries traditional fantasy role-playing elements, it offers some pretty good customization and variety -- especially in the context of a browser-based game. You'll be able to interact with other players through diplomacy or force as you choose your path during the game: would you prefer to win them over via trading or alliances, or are you more of a conquering-nation type? The choice is up to you. Emporia offers strategic items such as buildings and military units along with the traditional spells and skills, further widening the opportunity for individual play styles. The Emporea site shows the game as being in open beta rather than a full-fledged launch, so we assume things are subject to further change and polishing. In the meantime, it's definitely worth a look.
GDC10: Vivox's Monty Sharma interviewed
While often overlooked among gamers due to the prevalence of Ventrilo and Teamspeak, integrated MMORPG voice chat is a service that is steadily gathering steam, and leading the charge is Vivox, Inc. Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Framingham, Massachusetts, Vivox has pioneered integrated voice technology in games as diverse as EVE Online, EverQuest II, and Second Life. We sat down with Monty Sharma, Vice President of Product Management and Marketing at this week's Game Developer's Conference to talk about the company's past, present and future. Hit the jump for the full interview.
GDC10: Welcome to Poisonville
Fast stolen cars, brutal gang warfare and a large city to explore and conquer -- sounds like Grand Theft Auto, does it not? Actually, it's Poisonville, a new browser-based 3D MMO where you'll jump into a gangster's shoes (it's okay, the former owner totally didn't need them) and join one of four gangs struggling to control the titular city. After a gang indoctrination ceremony, Massively was allowed in Bigpoint's hideout to talk about Poisonville with CTO Jan Wergin and media consultant Erik Reynolds. Bigpoint, the same developer that recently announced their upcoming Battlestar Galactica MMO, claims that Poisonville is the most expensive browser MMO built to date, with a budget of over $2 million. While browser MMOs sometimes get a bum rap, this one looks to be fairly impressive, allowing up to 4,000 players to experience fast-paced twitch battles in the same instance of a city. %Gallery-87929%
GDC10: An in-depth look at Battlestar Galactica Online
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/pc_games/GDC10_An_in_depth_look_at_Battlestar_Galactica_Online'; Yesterday at GDC, Bigpoint announced their upcoming Battlestar Galactica MMO. Today, we had the opportunity to speak with Jan Wergin, the Chief Technology Officer from Bigpoint for a closer look at the game. The initial announcement was met with a bit of apprehension from fans -- they love the IP but aren't sure how well it will translate into an MMO, particularly a browser-based MMO. Follow along after the jump as we take a look at that and much more in our interview with Bigpoint.
Battlestar Galactica MMO announced (don't get too frakkin' excited)
This is the type of news that just hurts to report: Battlestar Galactica is becoming -- wait for it -- a browser-based MMO. We know! It's painful, right? The "game" is being developed by Bigpoint, which operates several titles in the genre. Battlestar Galactica Online will infect your internets like a Cylon-based virus sometime this autumn on the Syfy(lis) website for an exclusive 30 day period. Battlestar Galactica, and its fans, deserve better. We're not saying they deserve a BioWare RPG version of Wing Commander but ... actually, that's exactly what we're saying. [Via Big Download]
GDC10: Battlestar Galactica MMO coming
German game-maker Bigpoint has just announced its forthcoming MMORPG based on the SyFy Channel's popular Battlestar Galactica reimagining. The company, owned in part by NBC Universal which also owns SyFy and consequently the Galactica brand, plans on releasing the game later this year. Bigpoint representatives broke the news at GDC today. "We believe in the value of IP, and the second thing we believe in is cross-platform," said Bigpoint CCO Nils-Holger Henning. Hit the link to read the full write-up courtesy of Gamasutra's Christian Nutt. Stay tuned to Massively this week as we'll have an interview with Bigpoint and more details as GDC rolls on.
Bigpoint is poised and ready to invade US markets
USA Network and the SCI FI Channel are getting ready for a blitz of online games coming their way from Bigpoint. Peacock Equity Fund, which includes NBC Universal, recently bought a majority stake in the German game producer and are planning to distribute their browser-based, free-to-play titles on network sites.Previously planned titles, including a game based on the hit series Next Top Model, are still in the works. Bigpoint is also expanding across Europe through partnerships with MTV Networks International to promote their 26 browser games to users in nearly a dozen countries. They also offer a handful of downloadable games and a veritable plethora of mini games to over 43 million registered users.
Browser-based Pirate Galaxy announced
Just how massive can free-to-play MMOs be when there seem to be just as many of them as there are people living on Earth? This we wondered when we learned of yet another new browser-based game. This particular game is called Pirate Galaxy, and it's under development by a German company called Splitscreen Studios. The company employs some folks who used to work at Bigpoint, a leading name in browser games that's also based in Europe.Players of Pirate Galaxy pilot starships which can be upgraded both by things acquired through normal gameplay and through -- you guessed it -- an item mall. Splitscreen's press release stresses that the game's big selling point is how easy it is to pick up and play. "The swift registration process, streamlined interface and seamlessly integrated turorial ensure that the game appeals to beginners and experienced gamers alike," it says.Pirate Galaxy is slated to release later this year. Oh, and it's 3D. Splitscreen claims the graphics "push the envelope in the browser-based games segment." That's not saying much, but of course gameplay is what matters. Unfortunately we don't know much about that yet.
