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ESPN debuts Dirt 3 in action
The first trailer for Codemasters' upcoming rally game, Dirt 3, debuted last night on ESPN's X-Games. It offers a glimpse at several environments and promises the return of chilly weather effects to the series -- well, right before a truck explodes and heats things back up. Dirt 3, which is supposed to turn all that EXTREME showboating down a notch, is due in 2011. Have a look at the trailer just after the break. [Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
Ben Gilbert08.01.2010
Operation Flashpoint: Red River revealed in upcoming OXM
It appears that we'll see another addition to the Operation Flashpoint series in the coming year, with Operation Flashpoint: Red River being outed recently by OXM UK (via CVG). Other than revealing the title, OXM UK editor John Hicks also noted that the game is a sequel to last year's Dragon Rising and feels "tighter, more focused" than the last game. Presumably, Red River is being developed by Codemasters' Southam studio, as revealed by Codies VP Gavin Cheshire just last week. Unfortunately, no other details are known on the title -- other than a wide open "2011" intended release window -- so we'll have to assume the "Red River" name is in reference to a secret war fought on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, near the Red River of the North. No? Perhaps a shadow insurgency on the Red River Cereal plant? Fine -- we give up then! If you want to know more about the game for real real, the upcoming issue of OXM UK will have all the details.
Ben Gilbert07.31.2010
Codemasters offering free LotRO store points at Gamescom
If you're attending Gamescom this year, you've probably got a pretty heavy schedule planned. There will be plenty to do, but you might want to carve out some time to head to the Lord of the Rings Online booth, because Codemasters has a nice gift for those attending. The news of LotRO's impending free-to-play status was pretty big, and Codemasters will be offering signups at its booth this year. If you've not signed up to join the game when it becomes F2P, do so at the Codemasters booth in hall 8.1, booth A31 and get a little thank-you gift in the form of 10 € worth of LotRO store points. The offer is available every day of Gamescom.
Rubi Bayer07.27.2010Codemasters dishes on acquisition, expansion and forthcoming games
Codemasters employees worried about having to pack up their stuff and head for Bangalore should probably relax, as VP of studios Gavin Cheshire denied such plans in a Develop interview. After a recent 50 percent acquisition by Indian company Reliance Big Entertainment, worry apparently spread about the possibility of Codemasters relocating development to its new parent company's home country. "I can safely say that this is absolutely not the case," Cheshire said. "There are obviously some 'strategic' moves for both partners, but in terms of development at the level we're at, it's very much about Reliance investing in our skills and abilities over here in the UK." Let's hope Reliance is investing lots, as Cheshire spells out a whole mess of titles currently in development at the UK-based publisher's trio of development studios. "Our Guildford studio is working hard on Bodycount, and we will be looking to take that franchise further and further with the addition of more IP. In Southam it's full steam ahead with the next iteration in our Flashpoint series, as well as the next Dirt and Grid." Thankfully, with all those games in development, the publisher has a plan -- and an upcoming game engine, EGO 2.0 -- for helping to manage it all. "We are focused on EGO 2.0 at the moment, which will be coming in with a massive title that we can't talk about just yet. That will really keep us cutting-edge." Cutting-edge, you say? Figure skating sim confirmed?! We think so!
Ben Gilbert07.26.2010
Beta journals testify about the LotRO store
While the new version of Lord of the Rings Online is still under NDA lockdown, Turbine's opened a crack in the door to allow a few beta testers to jaw about the LotRO store. On the EU site, beta testers were encouraged to submit their thoughts and experiences with the new store for non-testers to assimilate, with four stories chosen to be posted. Although these stories come with the caveat that they were hand-picked to be shared, they seemed free to share both likes and dislikes about the store. Some of the positive mentions include the speed of the store's delivery to player inventory, the sheer amount of items available, fun items like emotes and mounts, and general ease of use. They report that cosmetics are a big hit with beta testers. On the flip side, the authors were critical of the unfinished feel to the store and the fact you can't see the items you're purchasing in the dressing-room window. Generally, however, the four testers are upbeat about this new LotRO feature. You can read their full thoughts at LotRO EU's site.
Justin Olivetti07.23.2010
DDO Europe to go free-to-play on August 20th
While fans of Dungeons & Dragons Online in North America have had good reason to celebrate the game's transition to a free-to-play model and its subsequent revival, European players have had to make do with the regular (i.e. subscription-based) version of the game under Codemaster's rule. Like angry twins facing each other across a crowded cafeteria, the two versions of this MMO created an uncomfortable tension in the air over the past year. This is about to change, however, as Eurogamer reports that Turbine is taking operational control of the game from Codemasters. With this move, Turbine is bringing DDO Europe in line with its North America sibling, transitioning the game to free-to-play on August 20th. This transition includes bringing European players together with NA players with global servers. Looking to calm any apprehensions by the players, Turbine plans to pave the way to their new global servers by giving current DDO Europe players 5000 Turbine Points to spend in the DDO store. While there will only be an English service initially, French and German account services are in the works.
Justin Olivetti07.20.2010
Stuart Black to leave Codemasters this October, Bodycount still on for early 2011
Black and Bodycount developer Stuart Black has announced intentions to vacate his current position at Codemasters this October, Eurogamer reports. "He's got all his design work to do but he's going to finish before he leaves the team to complete the game, which takes him through to October," Codemasters says. Apparently an "80-strong team" will remain working on Bodycount after Black's departure, seeing through the game to its planned "early 2011" release window. Though Eurogamer claims Black's choice to leave is predicated on "post-E3 fallout," Codemasters has denied as much to Develop, saying, "It isn't really the case that Stuart has left from 'E3 fallout,' there's nothing like that going on. E3 coverage was actually very good." We've followed up with Black for clarification of his reasons for leaving, but for now, Codemasters assures us that "progress continues" on Bodycount. %Gallery-95082%
Ben Gilbert07.19.2010
Summer festival returns for European LotRO players
June 29th is just a few days away, and if you're a Lord of the Rings Online player in Europe, that means it's almost party time! The Summer Festival is returning to Middle-earth, bringing all of your old favorites such as Keg Racing and Taste of Hobbiton. You've got plenty of time to participate in the celebration, because it's going on for quite a while. Events will last until July 29th, and you'll find celebrations taking place at several locations throughout Middle-earth. Visit the Shire, Ered Luin, Bree-land and Thorin's Hall to participate. Check out the Lord of the Rings Online official announcement for all of the current information.
Rubi Bayer06.25.2010
MMOs campaign for a Golden Joystick
After a busy month of shortlist voting, the 2010 People's Gaming Awards -- otherwise known as the Golden Joystick Awards -- has finalized the ballot and opened the polls to the gaming public. These awards are trumpeted as "by the players, for the players," with hundreds of titles whittled down into a shortlist of finalists. While many single-player console and PC titles are represented across the 16 categories, several MMOs have waded into the fray looking for your vote (ironically, few of them can be played with a joystick). Star Wars: The Old Republic is nominated for the "One to Watch" award, Jagex and Codemasters have a shot at "UK Developer of the Year," and 2029 Online, Aion, Allods, Champions Online, Dragonica, Fallen Earth, Global Agenda, Star Trek Online and Lord of the Rings Online: Siege of Mirkwood are some of the MMOs vying for "Online Game of the Year." As for the "Ultimate Game of the Year" award, only one MMO made the cut: Aion. You can cast your votes in the 28th Golden Joystick Awards from now through October 25, and watch the results on October 29. With over 1.2 million votes cast last year and current voting in the six digits, this year's Golden Joystick Awards look to be one of the most popular award ceremonies for 2010.
Justin Olivetti06.14.2010
Preview: Bodycount
When the finishing touches are placed on Bodycount, Stuart Black's follow-up to last generation's Black, it has the potential to be a fun, sexy, arcade FPS. Unfortunately, the pre-E3 demo that I played wasn't ready for the limelight. It's refreshing to see a more light-hearted take on the genre, with a focus on the sheer fun of firing weapons. I certainly wouldn't mind a change of pace from the gravitas and machismo of games like Call of Duty and Killzone. Bodycount's colorful, spy-themed world reminds me of Monolith's No One Lives Forever series -- and that's a good thing. The world of Bodycount is heavily influenced by TV's Alias, with the player assuming the role of a reluctant operative, thrown into unstable areas of conflict. For reasons unknown to the player, he's become a member of "The Network," an organization whose slogan -- "Your Safety is our Concern" -- comes off as more than a little disingenuous. His objectives come courtesy of an unidentified female handler, and the game promises to explore the evolving relationship between the two. %Gallery-95082%
Andrew Yoon06.14.2010
Interview: Bodycount creative director Stuart Black
Codemasters' upcoming Bodycount is a rather curious project, building upon the foundations of last generation's Criterion Games-developed FPS Black with inspirations as varied as Alias, Star Trek and Lady Gaga. The eccentricities of Bodycount appear to be a reflection of its creator, Stuart Black -- a man that shares his game's energetic, in-your-face attitude. Joystiq: First off, the title: Is there a deeper meaning behind the obvious implication of the name "Bodycount?" Stuart Black: You shoot a lot, a lot of people. You're going to kill a lot of people in this game, achieving that body count. We're not going to be apologetic about it. That's not what the game is about; it's about firing guns -- and what are guns for? Killing people. We want you to understand that everyone you kill in this game ... they deserve it! They're all nut-jobs. I didn't actually come up with the title Bodycount. It was actually one of my other designers in the studio, and soon as he said it, I was, "Of course, it totally fits." %Gallery-87733%
Andrew Yoon06.04.2010
The Road to Mordor: Forum diving
[Special note: Obviously, the news that LotRO is going free-to-play hit after this article was already written, so stay tuned as we dissect what it means for existing and potential new customers next week!] Lately, it feels like we're in a holding pattern for Lord of the Rings Online. The last major content patch, Volume III: Book 1, is fading into distant memory, and we're pushing into summer without definite news of the next update -- or better yet, the next expansion. Players are also nervous about any changes or new directions the game may take after the recent acquisition of Turbine by Warner Bros., and the silence certainly doesn't help any. However, there's always hope in the darkest places of Middle-earth, and the same can be said for the game itself. The Summer Festival should be around the corner, and as for new news, Sapience handed out a bit of vague encouragement on the forums: "You guys know we're preparing an announcement. I can't give you a specific date as to when we'll make it, but I can say I just ran into Adam Mersky coming out of an E3 planning meeting and he was pretty stoked!" While we continue the wait for the next step forward for LotRO, I thought it'd be a good idea to head over to the official forums and do a little diving for some of the more interesting topics and discussions bouncing around the LotRO community today.
Justin Olivetti06.04.2010
[Updated] Lord of the Rings Online going free-to-play this fall
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/gaming_news/Lord_of_the_Rings_Online_goes_Free_to_Play'; There's been a lot of speculation that was largely wishful thinking, but it's been confirmed this morning: Lord of the Rings Online is going free-to-play. Yes, you heard that right. "LOTRO will introduce Turbine's innovative new pricing model that allows players to download the game and play for free, purchase expansions, quest packs, items, and account services a la carte from the new LOTRO Store, or join the VIP program to get unlimited access to all of the game's content for one low price." The news gets even better, as the offer is not restricted to Turbine players. The update will launch this fall across North America and Europe -- Codemasters will also be adopting the pricing structure. The beta program for the new free-to-play model will launch June 16th, and anyone interested in participating can sign up on the LotRO site. [Update] The Loyalty Rewards Program has been updated to reflect the upcoming free-to-play model. [Update 2] We've caught up with Turbine and scored an interview with them, answering many of your burning questions!
Rubi Bayer06.04.2010
Codemasters offers free week for LotRO's EU players
When North American players are treated to special promotions and events that are denied to our friends in Europe -- usually due to different publishers -- we often hear a bit of grousing (and rightly so). So it was with a recent Welcome Back Weekend that benefited only NA players, while EU gamers tiptoed up to the table and held out their empty bowl, saying, "Please, sir, I want some more." Happily, Codemasters is doing the EU community one better, by offering a Welcome Back Week from May 10-17. This only benefits former players, however, who may jump back in the game for an entire week of play. On top of the free game time, all players will enjoy the benefit of a 5% bump in XP gain, as well as free travel at the stables. So grouse no longer, fair folk of Europe -- enjoy your full week of play with no strings attached!
Justin Olivetti05.06.2010
Jumpgate Evolution team plans meet and greet at E3
News about Jumpgate Evolution was scarce for a very long time, but we're finally seeing some hopeful signs. We got a large development update earlier this year, and now it looks like fans are going to get to chat with the NetDevil team in person during E3. There is a new poll on the Jumpgate Evolution forums asking for fan input on a meet and greet time, complete with an option for "I can't go and I hate you" (no, really). If you're going to be in the area, you definitely want to visit the poll and keep up on the scheduling, as the NetDevil crew will make it well worth your time: you'll be spending time with the NetDevil guys, of course, but you'll also get to play the game, see the very latest build, and come away with some swag. So what are you waiting for? Check out the poll and post your preferred time.
Rubi Bayer05.03.2010
Codemasters extends LotRO spring festival
European Lord of the Rings Online fans are getting a treat this week in the form of an extended Spring Festival. Everyone loves a good party, and if you've been enjoying the spring festival in Middle-Earth, a few extra days of celebration are a great way to welcome spring. The Spring Festival on the European Lord of the Rings Online servers was set to wrap up today, but Codemasters announced that their community will be enjoying an extra week of partying. Keep your shrew-stomping boots on a bit longer, and make sure your favorite racing horse is well rested because the Spring Festival will continue until the 26th. All of the festival events will remain open until the end, so check out all of the details in the Spring Festival developer diary, and then enjoy the extended party!
Rubi Bayer04.19.2010
One Shots: Two adventurers are better than one
With the weekend here, it's time for many groups to head out adventuring! Whether that be a group of friends, couples, families, or something else entirely, the social aspect is what MMOs are really all about. That's why we're glad to hear from Ultherond (aka Alanc) who plays Lord of the Rings Online with his other half on Laurelin (EU). Perhaps their beautiful screenshot taken in the early moments of a dungeon will inspire some other couples (or groups) to snap some screenshots of their adventures and send them in to us as well! On with the story: "This is a picture of my Warden, Ultherond, and my girlfriend's Minstrel, Saelurien, on the European Laurelin server. Aiming to complete her class deeds as soon as possible, she has a knack for pulling out her theorbo at the most inappropriate of times, like when I have gotten us hopelessly lost in the Silvertine Lodes and there is a myriad of other things we should be worrying about, altogether. Like darkness, Gredbyg, Goblins, mine shafts so deep you can't see the bottom, or all four combined..." If you're heading into MMO territory this weekend -- either alone or with friends -- why not grab a quick screenshot for us! We'd love to hear what adventures you're having. Just email those in to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com along with your name, the name of the game, and a brief description. Please make sure your image is at least 1024px wide, and has no visible UI elements. It could be the next one we feature here on One Shots! %Gallery-85937% [Edit: We apologise for the fault in the caption. Those responsible have been sacked.]
Krystalle Voecks04.09.2010
Reliance Big Entertainment acquires 50% stake in Codemasters
Reliance Big Entertainment -- a subsidiary of Reliance Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group -- is a pretty big deal in India, handling a variety of different media and entertainment businesses in the region, including movies, sports, music, internet and video games. That last item is what's most important to this story, as Reliance now has a 50 percent stake in UK-based firm Codemasters, publisher of games like Operation Flashpoint: Dragon Rising, Dirt, Overlord and Grid. Zapak Digital Entertainment, Reliance's gaming division and India's largest gaming company, will oversee Reliance's investment in Codemasters. The company also runs an online gaming portal. "Reliance and Zapak have immense resources and will help us realize the full potential of our game coding and online excellence across so many platforms, and especially in the world's fastest growing markets," said Codemasters' CEO Rod Cousens. "The future of Codemasters has never looked brighter." [Via Develop]
David Hinkle04.05.2010
Codemasters VP casually reveals Dirt 3
Up until now, we hadn't the slightest inclination that Codemasters was hard at work on a third installment in the rallycross racing series, Dirt. According to a recent interview with Edge, though, studio vice prez Gavin Cheshire confirms not only the game's development, but also says, "there's some really great stuff coming from Birmingham that's going into Dirt 3." Cheshire was being interviewed on the subject of Codemasters as one of the last "big British publishers" when he revealed the publisher's development plans for the sequel. The exec hopes to see more of the company's home of origin (and its culture) leak into the next Dirt game, saying "Dirt 2: brilliant game, but it's all American accents, so maybe we're a little over the top with those ... maybe we should fly the flag a bit more." In addition to this week's announce of Bodycount, that brings the publisher's GDC new game reveals up to two. Will we see more before the week is out? We just dont know. [Via VG247]
Ben Gilbert03.12.2010
Codemasters hits the track this September with F1 2010 for PC, Xbox 360 & PS3
[IF1 2009; Wii] Having dominated the rally track with DiRT and DiRT 2, and taken a lap around the street-racing arena with GRiD, Codemasters has announced it's now tossing its hat into the Formula One ring with F1 2010. Yeah, we kind of expected some weird capitalization, too. It'll run on Codemaster's EGO Game Technology Platform engine, so at least we know it'll have that in common with its predecessors. This new title will release on the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC this September, the press release states. F1 2010 will be the official game of the 2010 FIA Formula One World Championship, containing "all of the official teams, drivers and circuits from the coming season." There will be a career mode, along with championship, grand prix and time trial modes to keep you busy putting rubber to asphalt. Look for F1 2010 this September on Games For Windows Live, Xbox 360 and PS3. [Via Big Download]
David Hinkle03.10.2010