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Alter-Ego: Update 3 and more in store
Good things are on the horizon in DC Universe Online, heroes, and villains! After having the chance to sit in on a roundtable discussion with Jens Andersen, Mark Anderson, and Lorin Jameson on Thursday, I am confident that the team in charge of the game's development is taking a good hard look at all the feedback it's been receiving from players. Aside from getting a chance to hear more about the soon-to-be-released Update 3, we were able to get a handful of answers for some burning questions that players have been asking about recently -- and some screenshots in the gallery below to give you a sneak peek! Additionally, we managed to get a hint of things to come, as we're certain anyone who was watching Thursday night's DC Universe Online stickam chat noticed. For those who didn't make it, don't worry -- I'll be running down several interesting points from that event too since it meshes well with the roundtable discussion. All you have to do to get the super-scoop is join me behind the break! %Gallery-50201%
Alter-Ego: Only doom in the hall
Just after my column went live last week, we saw the Sony Online Entertainment servers start to come back online. Those of us who consider DC Universe Online our MMO home were able to once again get our hero or villain on and meet up with friends we'd been relegated to catching up with on Facebook. (Don't get me wrong, Facebook is fine for what it is, but it can't compare with getting to bash virtual superhero or supervillain heads in alongside your league-mates!) As I mentioned last week, the restoration also came with a nice variety of goodies. With the added outage time tacked onto the 30 days, everyone was awarded 45 days of free play time, which isn't too shabby. I'd also note that the 45 days free applies to all Sony Online Entertainment game accounts you might have -- whether or not they were active at the time of the outage. This offers DC Universe Online players who may have opted to cancel after the first month the perfect chance to log in and check out the content updates that have gone live since launch, without having to spend a dime. The real question is this: What type of future might we see for DCUO in the aftermath of the outages, especially with so many players screaming that they were leaving? Join me behind the break as I look at our first week back on the mean streets.
DC Universe Online Update 2 is on its way!
We know you've been anxiously awaiting new content from DC Universe Online -- so have we. A couple of weeks ago, Creative Director Chris Cao talked with us about the "chance" content of the latest update. The Penguin and Two-Face are the villains of choice this time around, and we'll even see a special appearance from Mister Mxyzptlk. Naturally, we're are all excited about the new update -- now when is it coming out? We finally have the answer. On the official forums, Community Manager Tony "RadarX" Jones told DCUO fans that the update will be coming next week! He also took some time to explain that multiple exploits have been fixed, many mission bugs have been squashed, and the social UI has been overhauled. For more information about the update, don your cape and cowl, then head over to Krystalle's interview with Chris Cao. If SOE keeps to its normal update schedule, we will see the new content on Tuesday (if not Thursday). To the Batcave!
Chris Cao: DCUO's Update 2 is all about "chance"
We heard some tantalizing details of what Sony Online Entertainment has planned for DC Universe Online's March patch a few weeks ago when Game Director Chris Cao and Art Director and Mark Anderson sat down on the Stickam chat to offer a teaser of what players could expect. Following up, we had a chat with Cao to find out some more specific details on what exactly our superheroes can expect coming in March. According to Cao, the primary theme for this update is "chance," which is reflected both in our chance to face off against The Penguin as boss and in the addition of Two-Face/Harvey Dent in Legends PvP play and as an instance character. That fifth-dimensional trickster Mister Mxyzptlk is likewise being introduced to the game as part of a holiday event themed around St. Patrick's Day. We knew most of this from the Stickam chat; that's why we went digging deeper for the scoop on DC Universe Online's development. Check it out behind the break! %Gallery-50201%
SOE teases The Penguin's appearance in DCUO Update 2
Now that the first monthly patch is live in DC Universe Online, it's a good time for the development team to take a moment to reflect on what was good and not so hot in this first update -- as well as let us know what's planned for the next step. Game Director Chris Cao and Art Director Mark Anderson sat down to talk with fans about just that through SOE's Stickam account earlier today and did just that. In next month's update, which is being called Update 2, players will have the chance to face off against The Penguin as the DC Universe Online team continues the gang war storyline that is currently in game. Along with The Penguin are a series of penguin henchmen players will battle, including robot penguins! Two-Face will also show up in game to take part in the ongoing gang war and to become a new Legends character for players to unlock. Knowing SOE, we'll likely see a reveal of more information on Update 2 and The Penguin sometime in the coming weeks. We'll be certain to keep an eye out for any umbrellagrams and bring you news as it develops!
DC Universe Online developers having a chat with fans tomorrow
Are you enjoying DC Universe Online? Would you be enjoying it even more if you had a chance to speak with the developers about what's on deck for the near future and what issues will be getting addressed soon? If so, you're in luck (and you have some strangely focused sources of happiness, but that's not really germane to anything). The team announced earlier today on the game's Facebook page that this Wednesday will see the first post-launch virtual chat with development. Jens Andersen, Chris Cao, and Mark Anderson will all be on hand for this chat, starting at 8 p.m. EST (5 p.m. PST) on Facebook. The chief focus of the discussion will be on the game's recent February update, covering what went right, what needs more work, and what the team has learned from the first patch in what's sure to be an ongoing update cycle. So if you're a DC Universe Online fan, with or without the oddly specific criteria, you might want to clear out some time tomorrow evening to catch up with the development team.
Catwoman is on the prowl in a new DCUO video
The February update in DC Universe Online is live! In addition to participating in the strange Valentine's Day event, players also have the option of hunting down Catwoman and finding out a bit more about her place in the overall DC Universe Online story. However, you'll have to be quick, as she's a finicky feline who isn't too fond of being curtailed during cat-burglaring. The newest DCUO video from Sony Online Entertainment offers a better look at all the ways players can expect to encounter Catwoman in DC Universe Online. Players will race across the rooftops of Gotham in pursuit of her; as her story opens up, it'll be up to you to follow her into a strange museum instance. Upon arrival, you'll have to not only deal with a slew of cursed guards but eventually face off against a malevolent magical-Egyptian-artifact-empowered version of Catwoman. If PvE isn't your thing, you can work toward unlocking Catwoman for Legends PvP. Curious about more details on Catwoman's presence in the February update for DC Universe Online? Then quit pussy-footing around and check the video out behind the break!
DCUO examines the meta-human power suits
Is that a bird? Is that a plane? Is that Superman? No, it's you in the House of El battlesuit. This piece of iconic gear, as well as the Lexcorp Salvation suit, is available to level 30 characters in DC Universe Online. However, the suit isn't just handed to you for nothing; you have to earn it. These two suits are specially designed for heroes or villains who follow the Meta-human storyline. They contain the best stats for either tank, controller, healer, or DPS, and they can only be bought if you have the right influence with the right faction. Chris Cao, the game director for DCUO, gave Massively an exclusive video outlining exactly what it takes to get your hands on this special armor. If you are looking to follow the mega-billionaire Lex Luthor or the Man of Steel himself in the DC Universe, fly past the cut and pay close attention to this video.
Chris Cao spreads the love for the next DCUO update
DC Universe Online has become the fastest-selling game for Sony Online Entertainment. Playstation 3 and PC players alike enjoy diving deep into the world of DC comics. Developers of this highly successful MMO promised monthly content, and they are delivering in spades -- or should we say hearts? This month's update from SOE promises to be full of hearts, love, and cats. What? Cats? Yes, cats. In addition to adopting the usual MMO February/Valentine's Day theme, DCUO is featuring everyone's purrfect cat burglar: Catwoman. Game Director Chris Cao spoke with us yesterday about the new content coming out later this month. He was not shy about answering our questions about the update or about the issues players are having with the game. So follow us after the break as we visit SOE's secret Batcave to talk to Chris Cao about the past, present, and future love of DC Universe Online. %Gallery-115488%
Save the world in DCUO's endgame
The catchphrase for DC Universe Online is "the next legend is you." But what do you do when you become that legend? What is in store for you when you reach level 30? In the latest video from DCUO, Sony Online Entertainment Game Director Chris Cao proclaims, "There is no end for this kind of game." There are, in fact, many instances to run and people who need saving. Arkham Asylum has been hijacked by Mister Freeze, and the inmates have run amok. Gotham City needs your help controlling this disaster. But that's not all: T. O. Morrow has stolen The Joker's toxic gas and is using it to power his destructive robots at Ace Chemicals. If you travel to the other side of the world to Kahndaq, you'll find Faust has promised Black Adam that he will return his long dead wife back to life. However, something has gone terribly wrong. All the dead from the past are rising, and it is your job to stop Faust and Adam. Lastly, Brainiac has invaded the Batcave. Batman cannot by himself protect the Waynetech technology from falling into Brainiac's hands! Catch the action-packed trailer after the break and report to DC Universe Online if you want to take part in saving the world.
Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part two
As promised yesterday, today we have the second portion of our chat with Chris Cao, Game Director for Sony Online Entertainment's newest offering in the MMO space, DC Universe Online. Along with yesterday's talk of powers and future plans, today we get into some of the things players can expect on the near and far horizons. From immediate needs to far-flung plans of the future, this second section should give those interested in DC Universe Online some great food for thought. We'd also be remiss if we didn't note that there are some mild spoilers in the second portion of the interview, which we're going to be sure to note so you can skip that particular response. For now, join us past the break for the second part of our very candid interview with Cao!
Massively exclusive: A chat with DCUO's Chris Cao, part one
Superman. Batman. Wonder Woman. All are iconic characters, well known to fans of the DC Universe. And when it comes to DC Universe Online, Game Director Chris Cao certainly holds his own as an iconic character to fans of the game. Between Cao and DC Universe Online's Creative Director, Jens Andersen, we've had open, humorous, honest, and occasionally not-entirely-PR-cleared news of the game from the earliest days leading up through its recent launch. Even though Cao is keeping crazy long (and late-night) hours as both a passionate gamer and a developer with a freshly launched game, we had the chance to sit down with him last night for a very candid interview. Among the myriad topics covered, we spoke about his thoughts on launch, some of the team's experiences with the game, the potential differences in platforms and communities, and more. Additionally, Cao took time out to answer some of the burning questions we've heard from our readers. So without further ado, join us behind the break for part one of this superpowered interview. Also, be sure to check back tomorrow for part two -- we're sure you won't want to miss it!
Bring it on: DCUO launches new PvP servers
We can only assume it's a good day for Sony Online Entertainment when demand for its new superhero MMO, DC Universe Online, creates a need for more servers. Starting tomorrow afternoon at approximately 6:30 p.m. EST, two new PvP servers -- appropriately titled "Cry for Blood" (PC) and "Blood Will Run" (PS3) -- will be available for bloodthirsty superpeople everywhere, bringing the total number of North American servers up to 16. That's not a shabby number for a new release or for SOE in particular, which has in recent years seen a slew of server merges and closings across some of its older games. On PvP servers, villains and heroes are able to duke it out via open-world factional combat while blasting through storyline content as well as in special PvP arenas. Word to the wise: Red means dead! Massively is interviewing DCUO's Game Director Chris Cao this very evening, so expect an exclusive interview on this and other new content goodies en route for DCUO players tomorrow!
Crack a few eggheads on DC Universe Online's Oolong Island
DC Universe Online, Sony Online Entertainment's new action-MMO, has produced one more video to tempt you into joining the heroes of Gotham and Metropolis before tomorrow's launch. Today, DCUO showcases Oolong Island, a virtual hive of mad scientists and living metal men. Dr. T. O. Morrow conducts his evil experiments on the secret island base -- well, it's not so secret now. But that's not all! T. O. Morrow is just a puppet. The true mastermind is that awful orb, Chang Tzu. Tzu will use all his tyrannical technology to try to overpower you and your friends. The action-packed video raises many questions, but most importantly, it asks: How many takes did Chris Cao, the Game Director and narrator for the video, go through until he was able to say "robotic, super-egg mastermind" with straight face? Get all your ordering information from the DC Universe Online official website.
The Perfect Ten: The movers and shakers of 2010
Even though MMOs are the products of great teams of talented workers -- from sound artists to writers -- it's inevitable that a few of the people behind the curtain step out into the limelight. It's a smart move, really; it provides a personal face for people to associate with the game, it keeps messages consistent, and it draws any potential hate onto one person instead of the team at large. It stands to reason that these public figures end up being some of the major movers and shakers in the industry because of their high-profile positions. From CEOs to community managers, these are the people with power to make decisions, the voice to change opinions, and the personalities to inspire millions. Oh, that last sentence is pure poetry. Let's re-read it again, shall we? So in our last Perfect Ten of the year, I've asked the Massively team to compile a list of the 10 biggest MMO movers and shakers of this year. All of these people now owe us cupcakes of gratitude. (Legal Disclaimer: This does not signify a binding cupcake-blogger contract.)
New DC Universe video shows off Area 51 alert
It's hard to tell which pending AAA MMO release has folks more worked up around these parts. In one corner, you've got Trion's forthcoming RIFT fantasy opus, and in the other corner you've got perennial contender SOE and its heavyweight intellectual property courtesy of DC Universe Online. Score one for the crusty veteran, then, as DCUO's Facebook page has just updated with a new video that throws a stiff jab at the competition. The clip features game director Chris Cao talking about the title's alert system, a quick-grouping mechanic that allows players to jump in to action-packed scenarios for vital defense missions at locations around the globe. The video showcases the infamous Area 51 research facility and features a group of players breaching the compound in order to fend off Brainiac's nefarious takeover plans. Area 51 is the first alert mission you'll tackle as either a hero or villain character, so be sure to give the video a look-see (on the official Facebook page or right here after the cut) to get a heads up.
SOE developer addresses DCUO launch concerns
Sony Online Entertainment announced earlier today that its newest MMO DC Universe Online is going to launch on January 11th, 2011. Originally slated to release in November, the game is stepping into territory that no MMO has tread before. First, it's an action-MMO -- although it's not the first, it's still one of the few. Secondly, the game is tackling the much-loved DC Comics Universe. Lastly, the title is launching on both a PC and console (PS3) platform at the same time. The developers at DCUO are very excited about new territory, as are many of the fans. Creative Director Jens Andersen and Game Director Chris Cao have been very quick to answer fans questions regarding plans and hopes for this innovation in the gaming industry -- in fact, Chris Cao even answered a few questions for us in response to reader concerns in our comments. Follow after the break to as we ask him about the current state and the future of DCUO! To the Batcave!
DC Universe Online sets pricing and new launch date
After a much needed push-back from the original launch date of November 2nd, Sony Online Entertainment has set a new launch date for DC Universe Online. We announced a rumored launch-date move yesterday. And today, SOE has confirmed that its new action-MMO will launch on January 11th, 2011. Game Director Chris Cao sent along this statement: "Creating DC Universe Online has been a massive undertaking, and we're excited to be that much closer to launch. We're grateful to our beta players for providing us invaluable feedback in these final stages that has enabled us to put the finishing touches on a fun and exciting experience when the game launches in January." The superhero game will launch simultaneously on the PC and Sony PlayStation 3 with the MSRP of US$49.99 and US$59.99 respectively. Purchase of the game grants one month free, after which a subscription costs US$14.99 monthly. PC customers will be able to take advantage of a US$29.99 StationAccess subscription which allows access to all current SOE games. Don't miss our launch-announcement interview with the DCUO creators coming soon!
DC Universe Online enlisting recruits Jan. 11 in NA, Jan. 14 in UK
Since being pushed to an amorphous "spring 2011" release window back in October, DC Universe Online has been given a solid launch date once and for all: January 11 in North America and January 14 in the UK. Sony Online Entertainment confirmed the dates in an interview with IGN, also announcing the game's $199 lifetime subscription price (a bit over 13 months worth of sub. fees), as well as it's main pricing structure: $49.99 on PC / $59.99 on PS3 with one month subscription, $14.99 for subsequent months. "We're going to be here for far more than a single year. We've got a lot of universe to build, and we're not going to stop anytime soon," game director Chris Cao said of the lifetime subscription pricing. Cao also detailed an end-of-the-world event that will take place within DCUO before it launches in January. "Jim Lee and our friends at DC are going to join us in a live, end-of-beta event where players will fight alongside and against the iconics as Brainiac's menace yet looms," he explained, adding, "It will be an epic end and thank you for beta. And it will set the stage for the real struggle to come in live." Another struggle to come alongside the game's launch? How to get players to choose another mentor -- as expected, Superman was the favorite "by far." Of course, we'll be bucking the trend with a super villain mimicking hip-hop personality MF Doom. Too obvious?
DC Universe Online shows off more iconic armor sets
With all the evil pervading Gotham, Batman has his hands full to say the least. Thankfully, that's where you can come in, if you're willing! DC Universe Online players who are willing to help Batman out have the chance to earn a set of super-sweet, high-tech Batman armor for themselves! Of course, if heroism isn't your thing, The Joker has a crazy suit of his own, perfect for those of a more darkly twisted playstyle. If you haven't been able to get into beta to check these suits of armor out in person, SOE has you covered. The newest video in the DC Universe Online preview series offers a look at these two iconic armor sets, just perfect for those who grew up reading about Batman. Batman's Dark Spectre battlesuit grants players a full set of wicked-looking, shiny armor complete with Batman logo and a pair of metallic bat wings. The Joker's Punchline set is a screaming fashion violation (in true Joker style), boasts a bomb set to blow, and has an enormous spider back piece with a clown's face on it -- perfectly providing a plethora of phobias in one portable package. The video is featured on the DC Universe Online facebook page, so head on over and check it out!
