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Make My MMO: Crowdfunding December 1 - 14, 2013
If it seems as if crowdfunding's gone into a turkey coma lately, you aren't just imagining things -- at least as far as funded games are concerned. News on that front has seemed scarce compared to the deluge of some other two-week spans, but the current campaigns are trying to make up for it. Life is Feudal canceled its Indiegogo campaign, but devs vowed to "survive according to Plan 'B'," so we'll keep an eye out to see whether it moves into personal funding as other games have done. (That route is working for Neo's Land, whose donations keep creeping higher.) Similarly, Novus AEterno scrapped its second Kickstarter campaign, but in a twist, it's already restarted another with a lower goal. Outer Worlds Online, however, just didn't make the funding cut. On the successful side, manners and dinner parties will be coming to an MMO near you; Ever, Jane got an invitation to join the funded club. A few other funded titles also saw some progress, and still others joined (or re-joined) the race for your support. And topping all that, we also bid farewell to Elite: Dangerous, who leaves Make My MMO for Betawatch now that its alpha has started. You can catch all the updates below.
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding November 3 - 16, 2013
A quiet fortnight in the land of crowdfunding these past two weeks have not been. In fact, with the popularity of this funding model, it may never be quiet again. The past two weeks have had their share of campaigns starting, campaigns closing, and campaigns obliterating goals and funding records alike. Three new prospective games have popped on the radar (including one for those with impeccable manners!), and one has disappeared. But even that game isn't gone for good; although pledges had climbed to over $86K, Trials of Ascension canceled its campaign in order to "regroup, rework, and return." Another title, City of Titans, is taking its place among the fully funded crowd. And there there is Star Citizen, which proved that a single fortnight can't go by without the game's gathering another million or two. All that information and more can be found here in Make My MMO!
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding October 20 - November 2, 2013
The news meter for crowdfunding keeps right on ticking. The last two weeks have seen a score of changes in the realm of community funding initiatives, with some titles experiencing success, others not meeting their goals, and even more joining the ranks. One big name in gaming, Brad McQuaid, is even planning on launching a campaign in the near future. The zombie-centric The Living was unsuccessful, and Story Quest Online failed for a second time. Mixmaster Online removed itself from the field and canceled its campaign. On the other hand, 8BitMMO met its first stretch goal, ensuring that a Mac edition of that game will be available for players. And then there's City of Titans, which is climbing closer to doubling its goal with only two days left. Finally, there are all the progress updates for those already-funded campaigns, conveniently rounded up right here for you in Make My MMO.
Make My MMO: Crowdfunding October 6 - 19, 2013
This was quite a fortnight in the realm of crowdfunding, and for once we don't mean just Star Citizen news! More than one game met its funding goals, with one title proving that fans can be a very passionate lot: City of Titans reached its lofty goal within days. On top of that, two other games joined the fight for funding. Conversely, Alteil Horizons pulled its campaign at literally the last minute to avoid the stigma of an unsuccessful stamp and plans to launch again. Want the scoop on all these stories and many more? Learn the latest right here in Make My MMO.
Scientists build soft, transparent contact lens displays with nanomaterials
Of the contact lens display prototypes that we've seen so far, few if any are focused on comfort -- a slight problem when they're meant to sit on our eyeballs. A collaboration between Samsung and multiple universities may solve this with display tech that's meant to be cozy from the start. By putting silver nanowires between graphene layers, researchers have created transparent conductors that can drive LEDs while remaining flexible enough to sit on a contact lens. Current test lenses only have one pixel, but they're so soft that rabbits can wear them for five hours without strain. Scientists also see the seemingly inevitable, Glass-like wearable display as just one development path -- they're working on biosensors and active vision correction. While there's still a long way to go before we reach a cyberpunk future of near-invisible displays, we may finally have some of the groundwork in place.
C-Wars Kickstarter ends with over $95K raised, heading to Wii U, iOS and Vita
C-Wars, the cyberpunk roguelike RTS by Beijing developer OniPunks Studio, raised a total of $95,574 in its Kickstarter campaign, which ended Saturday. That's $63,574 more than its initial $32,000 goal, just under 300 percent of its funding aspirations thanks to 3,348 backers. The campaign hit a number of stretch goals along the way, which will result in the PC, Mac, Linux and Android game also coming to 3DS, Vita, Wii U and iOS. C-Wars is estimated to launch in late 2013.
Otherland developer RealU lays off 'most of its staff'
Otherland developer RealU has laid off "most of its staff," according to a community manager's post on the game's official forums from earlier this month. The upcoming sci-fi cyberpunk title based on the works of author Tad Williams was set to be published by free-to-play giant gamigo. According to the post, gamigo "had and has very limited influence on this decision." RealU is a subsidiary of German publisher dtp, which "is currently in insolvency." The post indicates that RealU continues to hold the rights to Otherland in both Europe and North America, and it is currently looking into opportunities to finish the title "at another location." [Thanks Ainilome!]
Cyberpunk 2077 multiplayer confirmed, in consideration for Witcher 3
You and other cyberpunks can play together in CD Projekt Red's upcoming-ish near-future RPG. Speaking to Eurogamer, managing director Adam Badowski said Cyberpunk 2077 "will be a story-based RPG experience with amazing single-player playthroughs, but we're going to add multiplayer features."As Eurogamer notes, Cyberpunk 2077 doesn't have a pre-defined hero, which maybe makes the game more suitable for multiplayer than CD Projekt's The Witcher series. However, when CD Projekt advertised last year it was looking for a multiplayer programmer, it wasn't clear if that was just for its cyber-RPG and not also for the now revealed Witcher 3.CD Projekt's Badowski was coy enough to keep multiplayer a fair possibility for Geralt's third adventure, telling Eurogamer "we're thinking about something."
CD Projekt Red introduces REDengine 3, latest iteration of in-house tech
CD Projekt Red has shown off the first image of REDengine 3, the third iteration of its in-house technology for open-world RPGs. Boss Adam Badowski says REDengine 3 is unique because it's able to create and combine a vast game world with player choice-driven stories – he says most RPGs can do either a massive game world or immersive story, but seldom do both well."With the REDengine 3 we combine the positive aspects of both approaches for the first time, creating an open environment with a complex, multi-thread story. Together with believable characters, a captivating tale and a world where players can roam freely without loading times, we will be able to move gaming to a new level with a realistic feel and full player immersion." The first iteration of REDengine powered The Witcher 2 on PC, while REDengine 2 allowed CD Projekt Red to port The Witcher 2 onto Xbox 360. And now with REDengine 3, CD Projekt Red is currently building Cyberpunk 2077, its adaptation of the popular pen-and-paper RPG series."Cyberpunk 2077, the second project the studio is working on, will have prime examples demonstrating that REDengine 3 is the perfect tool for creating immense universes filled with exciting, nonlinear adventures. The advanced technology of the REDengine 3 makes RPGs comparable to top-shelf shooters, both in terms of game world presentation and the epic proportions of events that the player is drawn into." CD Projekt Red also notes the engine is ready for next-generation consoles and features improved REDkit mod tools, which were first introduced late last year.
CD Projekt RED talks tentative Cyberpunk 2077 launch window, 'other project' in secret message
If there are two things we love around the Joystiq office, it's clandestine communication techniques and robot ladies with big praying mantis-style arm blades. Obviously, we were chuffed to bits when Cyberpunk 2077's ultra-stylized teaser trailer gave us a big ol' dose of the latter, but it turns the former was in there as well, waiting to chuff our bits even further.A single frame at the end of the trailer contains a message from developer CD Projekt, which states that the game's release date is "currently scheduled way off in 2015, but in truth the delivery date is more like 'when it's done,'" which was the "date" officially given in the trailer.The missive goes on to say that CD Projekt's "other project," which is also a "fully open-world game with an intense story," is much closer to completion and that further information will be delivered on Tuesday, February 5. Here's hoping said information is contained within a floppy disk buried in a secret location that can only be discovered by dialing into a BBS, whose number can only be found by decoding the hexagon string written in Morse code on a scroll strapped to the leg of a pigeon. But which pigeon?!
Otherland enters phase two of closed beta testing this Friday
Gamigo has announced that the upcoming Otherland MMO, based on the popular cyberpunk series of the same name, is about to enter phase two of beta testing. The new phase of testing is bringing with it a number of improvements and fixes for testers to enjoy. The new beta build includes a revamped tutorial, a new starter zone, a "refined" combat system, and more. If you're in the Otherland beta and can't wait to check it out, you'll have your opportunity when a "short preview and feedback round" begins Friday, December 14th at 4:00 a.m. Eastern time. The testing period will run until Monday, December 17th, so you've got all weekend to see what the new build has to offer. For all the delicious beta details, check out the game's official site.
CD Projekt RED's 'Cyberpunk' now 'Cyberpunk 2077'
CD Projekt RED's in-development future-RPG Cyberpunk is now Cyberpunk 2077, the developer has just announced during a GOG livestream. Beyond its new title, the game was also revealed to be a sandbox game set in Night City, a location from the original Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop pen-and-paper RPG on which the new game is based.Cyberpunk 2077's official website launched today as well, containing a development blog and wallpaper-sized pictures of a blood-spattered half-naked robot women with blades coming out of her arms. Think there's a dexterity penalty for using those things?
GDC Online 2012: Gamigo showcases Otherland and Grimlands
This week at GDC Online, Gamigo showed off the progress in not one but two of its upcoming titles. Otherland, based on the novels by Tad Williams, has begun to pick up pace lately, with a series of closed beta events in Europe. Meanwhile, Grimlands has also made quite a bit of progress and is working out the finer details as it nears release. Massively sat down with Gamigo CEO Patrick Streppel to get a firsthand look at both games. Read on for highlights from both the Otherland and Grimlands demos!
New name for CD Projekt RED's 'Cyberpunk,' Witcher news to stream live Oct. 18
CD Projekt RED has enough announcements to fill up an entire Facebook wall post, and is streaming a live Special Event on October 18 at 2 p.m. ET, with news regarding Cyberpunk, The Witcher 2 modders and Mac users. The stream will be available on The Witcher Facebook page and on GOG.com.CD Projekt RED will announce the official name of its Cyberpunk project, hopefully as something that doesn't sound like a dangling adjective when spoken. Mac users can expect "a bunch of thrilling announcements" and details about The Witcher 2 on OSX. Last we heard, The Witcher 2 was scheduled to hit Mac this fall.Modding news may involve the REDkit mod tools program, which is accepting beta applications through September 30.The Special Event also includes news from GOG.com: GOG will officially announce plans to bring its lineup of classic PC games to "a new operating system," which we can only assume is Gentoo. OK, fine – it's probably OSX.
Otherland's first beta weekend begins on August 31st
The few, the proud, the Otherland closed beta testers! Players interested in testing the upcoming free-to-play fantasy and sci-fi mixed MMORPG should keep an eye on their email; Gamigo has announced that the first closed beta test for Otherland will be happening this weekend. From August 31st until September 2nd, select accounts will be given access to the beta. This first test weekend, however, will be kept relatively small. Otherland Product Manager Florian Hörpel stated, "A small, manageable group of accounts will be given access to the servers for the first closed-beta weekend. This is because we want to get a feel for the limits of the systems." Interested players who do not receive an invitation this time around shouldn't despair -- they will have the chance to join in future beta events. Sign-ups to participate are on the official site. [Source: Gamigo press release]
The Game Archaeologist: Neocron and Neocron 2
It's the distant future. The high-tech battle armor you wear sharply contrasts with the ruins of civilization that you traverse. You spot an enemy and raise your pulse rifle, firing off shots as you strafe to cover. Technology hasn't solved the issue of war; it's just made it that much more bloody. PlanetSide 2? Nope -- this is Neocron, the quite-forgettable MMOFPS from the way-back era. I like to call it "that game with the most regrettable cover art in the history of video games," but that isn't quite as snappy. Going into this article, I have to admit that I previously knew absolutely nothing about Neocron other than the fact that it was a sci-fi MMO that vaguely reminded me of Anarchy Online. Oh, also the fact that nobody I know or perhaps ever will know played it. Is it just a myth? A practical joke to make us believe in a MMO phantom? Only sifting through layers of dust and grime would produce results, so I rolled up my sleeves and started digging.
Shadowrun Online coming to Ouya and Linux
We don't know much about Shadowrun Online, but we do know that it's theoretically coming to the new Android-powered Ouya console as well as Linux-based PCs. We say theoretically because Cliffhanger's Kickstarter project has yet to reach its halfway point with 12 days remaining. Nevertheless, company co-founder Michael Paeck is excited about Shadowrun's cross-platform potential. You can "play the game on your tablet, switch to your desktop PC, and then later enjoy it on your Ouya-connected TV -- without ever having to switch your account or characters or suffer from restrictions based on your device," Paeck says. [Source: Cliffhanger Productions press release]
CD Projekt Red's 'Cyberpunk' inspired by System Shock, Blade Runner [Update]
The Witcher series developer CD Projekt Red is deriving its latest game, Cyberpunk, from the pen-and-paper game of the same name – but that's not where all of its direction is coming from. Cyberpunk draws inspiration from William Gibson novels, Blade Runner, the Ghost in the Shell anime and manga, System Shock and "the first part of Deus Ex," community manager Marcin Momot says.Cyberpunk will remain faithful to its source material, traversing the world but focusing on a specific venue pivotal to the franchise, Night City. Cyberpunk will have an "open, living world" with more customization options than players had with Geralt in The Witcher games. Players will be able to change their stats, equipment, implants and more.The role system comes straight from the pen-and-paper Cyberpunk, and "as opposed to the regular fantasy set-up with mages, warriors and archers, we're going for something different," Momot says. "In Cyberpunk, each character role will offer a set of special skills that will impact your stats in many different ways."Update: Yes, what was first written in the interview as "Shellshock" was supposed to be "System Shock," and CD Projekt Red has altered the text to reflect this. If you don't believe it really said "Shellshock," ctrl+f the comments in the source. We were just as confused as you.
CD Projekt Red hiring multiplayer programmer for two upcoming RPGs
A job listing for a Multiplayer Programmer over on CD Projekt Red's official site implies that at least one both of the developer's upcoming RPGs (one cyberpunk, the other dark fantasy) may support multiplayer in some capacity or another.The person hired, in addition to be gaining health care, 26 days of annual paid vacation and relocation assistance to Warsaw, will also be responsible for designing and implementing networking and multiplayer capabilities into CD Projekt Red's proprietary Red Engine, which powers both of its upcoming games. The first to be announced thus far is Cyberpunk, a nonlinear game based on the pen-and-paper RPG of the same name.
CD Projekt Red goes 'Cyberpunk' in new 'triple-A RPG'
CD Projekt Red, developer of the Witcher series, is looking into the fictional future for its next game, announcing development of a new "triple-A" game based on the Cyberpunk pen-and-paper game by Mike Pondsmith. Players will build a character from a series of classes including mercenaries or the cyberpunk-standard "hacker," load that character up with tech implants, and work through a non-linear storyline.A new CDP team, made up of Witcher vets, is working on the game, and staffing up for additional help. There's no release window yet, and it seems early in development, so don't go buy a new video card for it yet.