browser-based-mmo
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League of Angels starts closed beta on December 4th
Who doesn't need a guardian angel watching over their party at times? In the upcoming turn-based League of Angels, players get just that -- a literal angel as a member of the party providing buffs as well as firepower. If that sounds intriguing, you don't have long to wait before you can check it out for yourself; today, GTArcade announced that closed beta testing will commence on Wednesday, December 4th. Additionally, the studio will be providing daily updates on the game's progress starting this week. Some of the features of this browser-based game include mounts with buffs, fishing (which provides soulstones that can enhance your heroes), a daily match-three game that can net you gems for gear enhancement, and dragon races. For a look at some artwork and screenshots of the game, check out the gallery below. Then for a chance to test out the dynamics, sign up for beta on the official site. [Source: GTArcade press release]
Eldevin launching on November 30th
Browser-based fantasy title Eldevin announced today that it will be launching globally on November 30th. Those who have supported the game by purchasing a founder's pack may get into the game as early as November 27th, however. The team's been hard at work patching in improvements including auto-attack, new abilities, an improved tutorial, server-wide chat, a revised UI, and additional crafting items. The game's first open-world PvP area will be part of this launch package as well. Eldevin claims to provide a robust AAA-like game experience as a free-to-play title that runs great in a browser.
Fantasy MMO Eldevin enters closed beta
Last month we introduced you to Eldevin, a new browser-based fantasy MMO being developed by Hunted Cow Studios. If you're looking for a story-driven game filled with quests, PvP, and dungeons, all set in a corrupt fantasy world, Eldevin might be the place for you. And now, you can jump in and experience the world as the game moves into the closed beta stage. Developers are also very eager for player feedback. John Stewart, the studio manager of Hunted Cow, stated: "The closed beta test is a very exciting milestone for us in our development of Eldevin, our goal was to create the best browser-based roleplaying game on the market. Our small studio has been working on Eldevin diligently for the best part of 8 years and we're incredibly proud of what we've accomplished. We hope players enjoy the close beta test and we're looking forward to finding out what they think of the game!" The first wave of invitations for beta testing has already been sent out, but more will be sent over the course of the beta. Players wishing to participate should head on over to the official site to apply. [Source: Hunted Cow Studios]
Total Recall Online trailer shows off the game for the first time
It's been exactly a year (from tomorrow) since we last reported on the Total Recall MMO, back when it was confirmed by SEE Virtual Worlds as part of its acquisition of several popular intellectual properties. Now, thanks to an exclusive video interview over at Lorehound, we learn more about what Chinese developer ZQGame is looking to do with the browser-based title. The two factions -- The Resistance and The Federal Government -- are said to be set up with good and bad on both sides, opening up the world of morality and ethics to players. Producer K.J. Lin speaks about the features we can most look forward to, including vehicles like magnetic hover cars and motorcycles, companions to act as bodyguards, three main classes that will grow and change according to your faction and game choices, and much more. Give the entire video trailer a look after the cut below and check out some tracks from the game's soundtrack while you're at it.
Aeria Games blends sci-fi and fantasy in new MMORPG Starlight Story
Aeria Games, the free-to-play publisher known for a variety of browser-based games, adds a new title to the mix. Starlight Story mixes technology and magic in a realm where players must try to save their dying planet. To aid them in preventing the destruction of their world, players will have pets that will fight at their side as well as double as mounts. Both players and their pets will be able to transform into previously slain bosses, giving stat boosts on top of the cosmetic changes. Catch a glimpse of the game in the trailer after the cut. Sign-ups for the closed beta are also going on now; players can sign up by visiting the official site. [Source: Aeria Games press release]
Free for All: Becoming a mediocre trader in several free titles
I often find myself achieving little things in many different games while other gamer buddies of mine are busily conquering actual gods or dragons within one or two particular titles. Sure, I would love to join a group of battleworn adventurers as they took down one of the final bosses in almost any game, but I rarely find the time to work a character into the ranks of the ascended. OK, so I have time, but not if I wanted to do what I do here. That is to say, I am not dedicated to one game because it is my job to tell you readers about several games. About every game. About as many games as possible. I can't do that while maintaining a high DPS score. It's a give and take, but I love to explore, fortunately. Let me tell you about how I love to trade or craft in some of my favorite titles and why it's important to me.
Bigpoint's A Game of Thrones MMO to debut at GDC 2012
Brace yourselves; GDC is coming. And with it comes the first ever public demonstration of Bigpoint's upcoming MMO title based on George R.R. Martin's hit fantasy series, A Game of Thrones. For the first time ever, players will be able to get a look at the world of Westeros brought to life in all its browser-based glory. Bigpoint CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz is understandably optimistic about the title, stating that the devs "intend to build a game that resonates intimately with its diehard community of followers, while also creating an authentic gaming experience that attracts newcomers to the franchise." So if you're heading to GDC 2012 and you want to take a look, just make a trip on over to Bigpoint's booth and see for yourself. What's that? You're not going to GDC this year? Well, then it's a good thing we're going for you! You can look for more info from our impressions coming later next week. Andremember: When you play the game of thrones, you win or you corpse run. [Source: Bigpoint press release]
Rise and Shiny recap: Fiesta Online browser version
Fiesta Online is getting pretty long in the tooth. Heck, it's a game I have played and returned to several times over the years, and I've never quite stuck with it. Don't get me wrong -- the game is quite nice-looking for its style and always seems to have a ton of players on, but there are a lot of titles I would love to be spending time with. Unfortunately, I have to pick and choose, and a game like Fiesta Online will normally land on the list of games that I play very infrequently. I had a great time recently when I toured some high-level content with the developers and was more excited to hear about a browser version of the game coming out soon. Why would a browser version matter? I have predicted (and I am still sticking by this prediction) that most MMO content will be delivered via the browser within five years. The truth is that most MMO players probably play a browser game already, especially when you consider games like RuneScape, Dark Orbit, Battlestar Galactica Online, Club Penguin and scores of others, but I mean to say that the browser will become the accepted way to get your MMO content. Yes, one day we will look back, giggle, and say, "We used to download and install massive files just to play a game!" So how does Fiesta Online's browser version perform, and what is the point of having one in the first place?
MMObility: Let's make a mobile game, part three
Last week we continued our discussion about how to make a mobile game, and the Massively readers offered up some great input. I wish I had the space to write up every single comment, but instead I will pick some of my favorites and we can discuss it from there. Unfortunately, real life has pushed development on the game back just a bit. Dave Toulouse, my indie developer partner-in-crime in this series, not only has two games of his own to run, Star Corsairs and Golemizer, but is now dealing with my silly emails. So while last week's column got some great ideas in the comments section, we were really only able to switch out the artwork, name the game, and add a tad bit of lore. Fear not, fair readers! I will break down the development that is still planned on being pushed into the game over the last week, and it's important to note that Dave and I plan on coming back to the experiment over time. I'd like to update the game and continue discussion since it has been so interesting so far! In the meanwhile, click here to go to the official game page!
MMObility: Let's make a mobile game, part one
I thoroughly enjoy reading your comments, especially when the discussion turns to game design or suggestions for development. I decided it was high time that I sat down and experienced, even if just a little, how the design process goes. I've had plenty of peeks at different studios, but I wanted to know what it is like to actually make a game from basically beginning to end. So for the next four weeks, I will be doing something special. I invited indie developer Dave Toulouse, maker of Golemizer and Star Corsairs, to help me in this journey. If you'd like to find out more about Dave, you can visit his official website, follow him on Twitter, or even read an interview I did with him a while ago. He really is the epitome of the indie spirit, and I am so thankful that he volunteered to do this with me. The goal is to start with a basic idea and framework, and using input from our discussions and from reader comments, assemble a very basic working mobile MMO. So let's get started!
MMObility: Tiny Speck explains Glitch's big unlaunching
If you've kept up with Tiny Speck's unusual browser-based game Glitch, then you might be familiar with The Announcement. The developers have decided to unlaunch the game in the hopes of retooling and redesigning many of its core features. I'd bet that this decision was not made lightly, not at all, but I wanted to get more of an insight into the decision. Thankfully, Tiny Speck's Stewart Butterfield was prepared to give us just that. Even after speaking to him, though, I am still a bit confused about the announcement. Is my confusion due to the fact that many developers would never do such a thing as going back to beta, or is it the offer for full credit and subscription refunds that boggles me? Either way, players have to find their comfort zone with the announcement and decide what they want to do. Click past the cut for my thoughts on the interview and feel free to leave your own in the comments section!
Cliffhanger Productions shares some details on Shadowrun Online
Almost any veteran of pen-and-paper games is at least passingly familiar with the setting for Shadowrun Online, currently under development by Cliffhanger Productions. It's a big setting with plenty of space for many different player types, so the real question comes down to what the developers want to do with the upcoming browser-based game. A recent interview puts forth just that question, with the development team answering some questions about what potential players can expect. Of course, all of the answers are provided with the caveat that the development process has only just begun. But the game is currently set up to split between a tactical action map for missions such as infiltration and assault, with a city map and a more text-based interface for negotiating contracts and managing your character. There are also plans to keep the game's plot evolving based on character actions, such as which side players favor during a corporate war -- something that should keep players interested even with the admission that beta is at least a year out. [Thanks to Onyx for the tip!]
Snail Games' next strategy: A Ministry of War expansion
Snail Games debuted its real-time strategy MMO in November of last year, making it a landmark browser-based game. Ministry of War allowed us to travel back in time to command the great civilizations of Rome, Persia, Egypt, or China. Since the game's launch, the developers have experienced great success and are extremely excited about the community's reaction to the features of the game. Today, the MMO developer is proud to announce the first expansion to Ministry of War: The Arcadian Ladder. This update, featuring a 50-level battle instance, will launch tomorrow, January 22, 2011. The Arcadian Ladder will debut on the new Rage server with the legacy servers receiving the update in early February. With this expansion, players will be able to trade via a newly developed auction house, gamble for a chance at rare drops in the Levers of Fortune slot machine, and experience a better battle view with a fresh user interface. This expansion also features 40 new shop items, online time rewards, experience capsules, and many other epic gear drops and experience rewards. Time-travel to the official website to find more information or try out the game for yourself.
Rise and Shiny recap: MilMo
If there's one thing I think many developers need to learn, it's to keep games accessible. No, I'm not talking about making a game "easy" -- I'm talking about making it available to as many different players as possible. This means making a game that can run on many different PC setups and does not require a degree of some sort to play. Yes, there is a time and a place for uber-realistic, theory-crafting, nerdy-wonderland games, but bear in mind that good design does not automatically translate into complicated design. As I played through MilMo this week, I realized how much potential this new generation of browser-based games has. The new engines, Unity in particular, give developers the ability to make beautiful games that can be accessed directly through the browser. I was surprised to find a good-looking "kid's game" that presented plenty of challenge and fun for kids of all ages (including 36-year-old game writers like myself). Read on for more details.
Battlestar Galactica Online goes closed beta, releases new screens
It looks like Bigpoint is stepping closer and closer to launching the browser-based Battlestar Galactica MMO. Open beta is due this December with launch exclusively on SyFy.com this fall. (Sci-fi on SyFy? Yes!) Fans will be happy to know that the game will be firmly set in the popular television show's universe complete with warring factions, exploration, mission-based PvE and lots of player-obliterates-player combat! Ah, the joys of exploring the unique sights and ships of the Battlestar universe. Right now, closed beta players are being asked to finish a tutorial mission -- as either human or cylon -- then are sent off to freely explore the universe. They can experiment with mining, PvE or PvP content, or even exploring the Battlestar, space outposts, planet bases or a Cylon basestar! We all know that Cylons rule and humans drool, so this is good news. Read on!
Get your MMORTS on because we have Ministry of War beta keys!
Look, we know that all of you have plans for world domination. That's nothing to be ashamed of. But what good are those plans when you don't have the chance to put them into action, right? Well, that's where Ministry of War comes in. Ministry of War is a browser-based MMORTS that lets you step into the shoes of one of history's great nations: Egypt, Persia, Rome, or China. From there, you'll build your empire humbly at first. You'll build structures, study war techniques, and prepare your army. Then, when your enemies on the game's huge world map least expect it, you can launch a strike into their lands! Here's where the game becomes less like Civilization and more like Age of Empires, as you'll find yourself commanding your units on an RTS battlefield. That's right, no more having battles decided for you -- you control the fight. The good folks over at Snail Games USA have allotted us 100 beta keys to give away to you fine folks. However, there is a catch: The keys will be distributed at random, much like one of our contests. Interested and want to know more? Charge after the break for all of the details and where to sign up for a beta key! %Gallery-99802%
E3 2010: Might and Magic Heroes Kingdom preview
On Tuesday, we caught up with Chris Early, Ubisoft's Vice President of Digital Publishing, to chat about Heroes of Might and Magic's future with a new browser-based MMO. I must admit, I'm personally a bit skeptical about whether browser-based games can supplant full-fledged applications, but after talking with Chris, I'm sold on the concept -- at least insofar as Might and Magic Heroes Kingdom is concerned. First up, the basics. Just what is MMHK? Ubisoft calls MMHK a "strategic casual MMO." It's turn-based with more of real-time strategy vibe than we've seen in other MMOs and it's designed with people who may only have a few minutes a day to play in mind. Think of something along the lines of multiplayer Civilization with thousands of other people and you'd be near the mark. Now, whether "casual" turns into hours of "just one more turn" is another matter entirely. Gameplay and lore from the Might and Magic franchise we all know and love -- the goal with MMHK is just to throw more players into the mix. Want PvP? You can do that. Want PvE? You can do that. Want to advance as a merchant-type character purely for the pursuit of wealth without killing your fellow players? You can do that, too. Browser-based, which means you can play it on your PC, your Mac, or even your shiny new iPad -- wherever you've got an internet connection.This means there's no software to download or install. Free to play with an optional subscription fee. (Though Ubisoft hasn't announced pricing for the game's North American release, it's currently live in France, where a monthly subscription runs five euros.) If that sounds like something that might be up your alley, read on for more details. %Gallery-95376%
