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GDC 2013: Chris Roberts expounds on Star Citizen's crafting, economy
This week we have a special GDC edition of Some Assembly Required. I had the opportunity to sit down with Chris Roberts and talk about his highly anticipated space sim sandbox, Star Citizen. We talked lore, the game's PvP/PvE sliders and living universe concepts, guilds, and when players can expect to get in some dogfighting. Roberts also delved deeply into the crafting and economic aspects of the game. If you miss the days of carving out a name for yourself and your wares and/or cornering the market and building an economic empire, you'll definitely want to keep an eye on Star Citizen.
GDC 2013: Dean Hall on the pillars of DayZ's design
Dean Hall talks about DayZ as a scientist would a Petri dish gone grotesque. He knows perhaps what the game's strengths and appeal might be, knows why it hosts over 1.7 million players. Still, he meets the success with some bemusement, especially considering how notoriously difficult the mod is to install. Now Hall is working with Bohemia Interactive on a standalone DayZ title (to be released, he apologizes, "when it's ready"). In Hall's "Designing DayZ" lecture at GDC this week, the focus was on his philosophy in shaping the game.
GDC 2013: PlanetSide 2's new app and the future of Forgelight
On Tuesday, SOE shared a trailer highlighting its Forgelight engine. The proprietary engine not only runs PlanetSide 2 but will also be the foundation for all the studio's future games, including EverQuest Next. The same press release also introduced the upcoming PS2 app. Although it won't be available to the public for a a bit, I had a chance to sit with senior art director Tramell Issac to see the app in action as well as discuss the Forgelight engine and what's coming up for PS2. The app provides easy access to a ton of gameplay info, from personal stats to weapon information to real-time in-game map updates, and consequently there could be a marked decrease in workplace productivity in store for PS2 fans!
GDC 2013: James Ohlen on how F2P saved SWTOR
If you've been following BioWare for any length of time, then you know James Ohlen. When I interviewed him a couple of years back at PAX East and again last year at the Star Wars: The Old Republic guild summit, I could feel his sincere passion for the game. Ohlen joined the SWTOR project at its inception and held the creative director position for well over half a decade. SWTOR is as much his game as anyone's. As is common at the Game Developers Conference, developers speak candidly to other future game-creators about the inner workings of their studios' biggest projects. Sometimes those tales are cautionary; some are inspiring. This time, Ohlen's told the story of SWTOR, the game that currently holds the record as the second largest subscription MMO ever, and how free-to-play turned what could have been a tale of utter failure into a story of success.
GDC 2013: Bungie shows off Destiny character concepts and animation
Want a look at some of the characters in Bungie's new Destiny IP? You're in luck, because the company showed off a two-minute video crammed with creature concepts and animation at this week's GDC in San Francisco. Joystiq has the scoop, and you can check out the Hive, the Fallen, the Vex, and the Cabal in the clip after the cut. Massively sent its ace reporters to San Francisco to bring you back the biggest MMO news from this year's GDC, the largest pro-only gaming industry con in the world! Whether it's EVE Online or Star Wars: The Old Republic or that shiny new toy you've got your eye on, we're on the case, so stay tuned for all the highlights from the show!
GDC 2013: Age of Wushu's world is your playground
As Age of Wushu is just a couple of weeks away from launch at this point, catching up with Snail Games at GDC this year was one of our highest priorities. We tagged and bagged Associate Producer Colin Miller for a brief interview about the latest pre-launch decisions and preparations that the team is making. Miller had a lot to say about the tweaks and improvements that have been done to this martial arts sandbox. A huge amount of work has been poured into cleaning up the localization over the beta period, not to mention the interface. "Most of our feedback was pretty negative on the UI that we had in place, so we've been trying to rework that a bit," he said. "Hopefully there's going to be some improvements there." All systems are go for an April 10th launch, Miller assured us. Keep reading after the break for more on what Snail Games plans for Age of Wushu after it goes live.
PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community
How many times have you found yourself asking, "Why won't the devs just listen?!" For any loyal MMO fan, it can be extremely frustrating to see feedback seemingly get ignored, and sometimes it feels as if there's a huge wall separating the fans from the developers. Linda Carlson, SOE's Director of Global Community Relations, spoke with Massively at this year's PAX East to talk about SOE's efforts to break down that wall and improve the relationship between players and developers into something that's more collaborative, rather than contentious. Whether you're the most loyal SOE fan or someone who's vowed never to play another SOE game, you might be surprised at what she has to say.
GDC 2013: DCUO's Andersen talks housing, hints at league version
We first learned about DC Universe Online's housing system last fall at SOE Live, where we got the scoop on the personal lairs coming in the Home Turf DLC from creative director Jens Andersen. At that time, he also shared his vision of expanding to include league housing sometime in the future. While sitting down with Andersen for a chat at GDC yesterday, the conversation turned to the now two-month-old housing system. The discussion included how the community was utilizing this unique blend of housing and PvP duels. Andersen then shared some tips for decorating with an eye towards battles; he also hinted that league housing may be slated for making an appearance in one of the game's upcoming DLCs.
GDC 2013: Dragon's Prophet demo and hands-on
Last fall, Runewaker and SOE announced Dragon's Prophet, a free-to-play fantasy game focused on -- you guessed it -- dragons. Since then, we've been treated to various videos detailing the classes, the starter zones, and other gameplay. Just last week the game entered closed beta in North America, allowing select folks the chance to get in and test out the current stage of the game. This week, I joined those folks in-game during my hands-on and demo at this year's GDC. I was also able to talk with senior producer Todd Carson and associate producer Rod Haza as they demonstrated different aspects of the game at the convention. What delectable tidbits of information about classes, housing, and (of course) dragons did I uncover? The answer awaits after the break.%Gallery-169367%
GDC 2013: Dragon's Prophet video reveal
As Dragon's Prophet flaps and flies toward a closed beta weekend, the SOE crew have put together a reveal trailer for this week's GDC. Set against the backdrop of some fairly epic music, the trailer shows off dragons, dragons, and even more dragons (with a heavy dollop of the world and combat). Our intrepid reporter MJ is putting together a meaty article on Dragon's Prophet for later today, so consider this trailer something to tide you over until the full course is delivered. Enjoy!
GDC 2013: DUST 514's Uprising update conquers your PS3 on May 6
Although DUST 514 is still in open beta, a big update will soon deliver some significant changes to the game, changes that will bring it more in-line with the CCP's vision for this MMOFPS companion to EVE Online. During a presentation at GDC 2013, Thor Gunnarsson (VP of business development) and Halldor Fannar (CTO) shared more details about this update, dubbed Uprising after a merc revolt in the title's lore. Fannar explained that Uprising focuses on two main themes. "The first theme we are calling 'making it matter.' It's about creating a more meaningful connection between DUST 514 and EVE." While the Caldari Prime event was the first step on that journey (20,000 battles took place on the ground), the planetary conquests system in this update will introduce features that will further intertwine the two games. "The other theme is basically visual improvements," Fannar explained, "making the graphics look better, making the graphics run faster, and also adding more graphics." Players will get to see for themselves exactly how these themes play out when the updates releases on May 6th. In the meantime, enjoy our impressions from GDC.
GDC 2013: Hands-on with Infinite Crisis
We just learned of Infinite Crisis' existence on Monday, but don't expect a long wait to get your hands on the game's various DC Comics characters. The new title is well beyond the here's-an-idea-for-you stage -- in fact, it's already playable! So what did this MOBA noob think of the game? Does it do justice to the Justice League? When is beta going to happen so others can get in on the action? And how on earth did Turbine keep Infinite Crisis a secret so far into its development? After my play session I sat down with Creative Director Cardell Kerr to discuss some of these burning questions.
PAX East 2013: How video games can save education
Quick! Choose the statement that best describes your high school education: A) School prepared me perfectly for everything I would experience once I got out into the real world. B) I feel that high school had one or two useful things to offer but otherwise was pretty useless. C) I feel that high school was completely pointless and had no bearing on my life today. If you picked B or C, you're in good company, based on the audience panel on games and education at this year's PAX East. During the panel, game developer and teacher Steve Swink gave a talk about both the state of education today and how video games can play a role in saving it.
PAX East 2013: Hands-on with The Repopulation
Ever since its successful Kickstarter campaign, The Repopulation has been progressing along at an impressive pace. And if PAX East was any indication, the game shows no signs of slowing down as it approaches beta and zeroes in on a launch date. This weekend, I had a chance to speak with lead developer Joshua Halls, who took the time to walk me through the sandbox MMO and give me an update on what's new and what's still in the works.
PAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming
If there's one pastime that MMO fans share, it's making predictions. Which games will succeed, and which ones will struggle? Which will go free-to-play, merge servers, or even shut down? And will there ever be an MMO that's crowned as the WoW-killer? But what about the bigger picture of online gaming in general? We've seen it come a long way over the past decades, and it's not always easy to see where it's headed. SOE's director of development of the EverQuest franchise, Dave Georgeson, sat down with Massively at PAX East this year to prognosticate on the future of online gaming. And of course, part of that future includes EQ Next, and while he still can't talk specifics, he did shed some light on the philosophy behind the game's design, with some hints about what players might see when it's revealed at SOE Live this summer.
PAX East 2013: Red 5 on Firefall's new gaming TV channel
Red 5 Studios' MMOFPS Firefall is probably familiar to the Massively family, but it presentation Friday at PAX East was a chance to get a look behind the curtain at how far it's come and how far it has to go during testing. CEO Mark Kern and Lead Game Designer Scott Youngblood presented a little history of the game's development so far, with a look to the future. But if that's not enough to get you to gear up and plant a Thumper, maybe their announcement about a brand-new video channel devoted to everything and anything involving gaming will catch your interest.%Gallery-183638%
MacTech BootCamp Seattle: Includes Kelly G and Microsoft
If you're an IT professional supporting Apple software and hardware, or you are an Apple Consultant, you might want to check out the MacTech series of BootCamp events. Actually, I'm going to upgrade that to you should check out the MacTech BootCamp events. They take place all over the country, and as with any conference, you're absolutely going to get your money's worth just on the hallway track alone. Interacting with other technicians/consultants is always valuable time. Not only do you get to chat up fellow Apple tech types, you also get sessions with a variety of topics. MacTech's first BootCamp of 2013 is in Seattle on March 6, and this one adds an interesting feature. Those familiar with MacTech's conference later in the year may recall the opportunity to test for Apple Certification at the end of the conference. Earlier this week, MacTech announced the Microsoft Office for Mac Accredited Support Professional accreditation pilot program. This is a half-day program the day before each BootCamp event. Microsoft's program will cover information for supporting Microsoft Office for Mac and Microsoft Office 365, particularly for Apple users. And it's free, MacTech's gift to you as part of attending MacTech BootCamp. Let's be honest, there's not a lot that Microsoft gives away, particularly when it comes to Apple or certifications. If a free certification wasn't bonus enough, MacTech BootCamp Seattle will now include yours truly. I'll be there looking for stories, so if you have something you want to pitch to TUAW (and you've read the book to know how to do this properly), now's your chance! I know budgeting can be a concern, so I have a deal for you. If you register using this extra special TUAW link, you'll get a pretty fantastic deal (regular price is $499, TUAW reader price is $299 with six months of MacTech magazine). I will see you in Seattle!
MacTech Insight coming to CES in January, tickets available now
The good folks at MacTech have announced a special dedicated conference track at 2013's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, called MacTech Insight. The track, which takes place on Thursday, January 10, will feature a full keynote and a series of talks from experts on the Apple marketplace, where it's been, and where it's headed. There are talks on the cloud and storage, home automation and how Apple's devices fit into that growing market, and even talks on how to "take app concepts to reality," to design and develop for the huge population of people who've picked up an iOS device already. This sounds like a full day of Apple insight, and as you probably know from our coverage of MacTech conferences before, they always make sure the shows are interesting and informative. MacTech is registering for this special event at CES in Las Vegas right now: The cost is $350 during pre-registration until January 2, and then $500 if you register right there on site. Plus, MacTech has provided a discount code just for TUAW readers: Just plug in the code "MT25P" (without the quotes) at checkout and you can save 25% off of registration. TUAW will be around CES all week as well, so do get in touch if you'll be there with an app or something Apple-related to show off. MacTech's shows, as we've said, are always very helpful, so this should be an excellent addition to your CES trip.
360|intersect 2013 set for April 27-28 in Seattle
The latest in the line of 360|conferences has been announced, and it's an interesting mix of technology and inspiration. 360|intersect is a small event focused on energizing creators to come up with the next innovative game or app by spending time with each other listening to inspirational speeches. The schedule is an interesting mix of how one speaker has learned to stop overworking, how rescue dogs helped another speaker learn to improve her personal and business life, a talk on robotics and more. 360|intersect a 2-day event in Seattle that's limited to 100 people. The event is $450, but past supporters of 360|MacDev will get a $100 discount. You can register now.
Made For iPhone manufacturers may have to comply with Apple's supplier responsibility code
There's no gaggle of satellite trucks or eager liveblogs documenting every moment, but one of the most important Apple-related events is going on right now in Shenzhen, China: the annual MFi (Made For iPhone/iPad/iPod) manufacturers' conference. This multi-day meeting is the interface, so to speak, between Apple's mobile products and the vast ecosystem of accessories, gadgets and peripherals that swarms around them. Only MFi-licensed vendors can use the "Made for iPhone" logo on their packaging, and they are the only ones who get access to Apple's internal documentation for interfaces and connectivity. With the advent of the Lightning connector across the iOS product line, this year's conference is a key opportunity for vendors to get the intelligence they need for 2013 and beyond. In fact, reports last month revealed that Apple intends to control the supply of Lightning connector pins directly, rather than allowing third parties to make the parts themselves. The cone of silence surrounding the MFi meeting is intense, unlike the rather leaky WWDC experience. That's understandable: there's way fewer MFi companies than iOS/OS X developers, and the technical information under discussion at the MFi conference could provide Apple competitors with valuable intel. Nevertheless, during the meeting this week a few interesting tidbits have made their way to us through the Great Firewall. Most are trivial (did not know: the Lightning connector is waterproof!) but one big one is not. According to our source at the event, Apple intends to make compliance with its supplier code of conduct a condition of MFi licensing. The supplier code, which has been implemented and expanded over the past few years as Apple and manufacturing partner Foxconn have come under increasing scrutiny for working conditions, currently applies only to Apple's manufacturing supply chain partners and component vendors. Pushing it out to the larger accessory ecosystem would be a concrete example of Apple using its 800-pound-gorilla status in the consumer electronics space to influence more companies to behave ethically on worker rights, environmental issues and more. Of course, there may well be MFi participants who see this move as heavy-handed and unnecessary. It's not yet clear what the schedule, audit requirements or penalties for non-compliance might be -- but there may be some vendors at the margins who feel that the additional effort and expense to comply decreases the overall value of participating in the iOS accessory market. Even if you don't believe the DigiTimes rumor that Foxconn is considering building out LCD TV manufacturing plants in the US (and we don't), accessory makers which have US-based operations may have a leg up on compliance over those in China and elsewhere. We'll keep an eye out for official word of these policy changes in MFi over the next few weeks.
