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Gazillion Entertainment hires David Bass
Back in February, David "Daeke" Bass, the Community Manager for Champions Online, parted ways with Cryptic. He was replaced by Cryptic_Stormshade, and all was quiet on the Daeke front until today. Massively received word from Gazillion Entertainment that Bass has been hired as their new Community Coordinator. Bass posted the information on Twitter as well: "Hey look! I'm the new Community Coordinator at Gazillion Entertainment! Glad I got that off my chest, finally." Finally, we received a bit of clarification from the man himself: "At Gazillion, I'll be working closely with Stephen Reid (aka Rockjaw) to coordinate all our community efforts across all products. I'll be focusing on all of them, rather than on a specific one." Not many more details are known at the moment, but it's worth noting that this is the second hiring announcement to come from that direction in just a few short days. Can we expect more news from Gazillion soon? Time will tell, but for the moment we'll settle on congratulating Daeke on his new position and wishing him all the best.
Lead Game Designer Lee Hammock leaving Fallen Earth
Fans of Fallen Earth found a startling announcement on the game's site this afternoon, revealing the news that Lead Game Designer Lee Hammock will be leaving the Fallen Earth team: "Though we will miss Lee, this is an exciting opportunity for him to work on a new property that is near and dear to his heart and we are thrilled and blessed to have worked with him over the past four years in shaping the story of Fallen Earth." The (ex) Beard Man is leaving Icarus to join Gargantuan Studios as their Story Designer, and don't be surprised if the Gargantuan name sounds a bit familiar. They're the ones behind the upcoming Marvel Universe Online MMO, scheduled for release in 2012. (Editor's Note: Gazillion Entertainment's community director, Stephen Reid, would like us to clarify that the Marvel Universe MMO currently has no set release date at this time.) The Fallen Earth team will continue their push toward Sector Four in Lee's absence, and we join everyone at Icarus in wishing him the best in his new venture. You can read the full announcement on the official site.
A significant update on Jumpgate Evolution's progress
NetDevil's Scott Brown has emerged from the black depths of development on Jumpgate Evolution to give an update to the commmunity. In fact, he's given quite a substantial -- if not brief -- update about the various game elements being hammered into proper working order. The topics covered are Battlespace, mission structure, faction definition and improvements being made to the previously lackluster enemy AI. So basically, NetDevil has been working to revamp the game ever since its June 2009 release date was changed into a To Be Announced state, leaving fans wondering when they'd be able to get their space fighter action on. We've posted Scott's bullet point update beyond the break, for those interested.
LEGO Universe gameplay footage full of 'imagination'
It's been a long time coming, but we've finally got a good look at early alpha footage of LEGO Universe thanks to CES10. Gametrailers has a four part video of a developer walkthrough given by NetDevil's Scott Brown, and boy is it ever full of multicolored brick-y goodness. digg_url = 'http://digg.com/playable_web_games/Great_New_LEGO_Universe_Developer_Walkthrough_footage_Vids'; We're impressed by how much this game looks similar to its console brethren, especially where action and platforming elements are concerned. Of course, it wouldn't be an MMO without social elements, some of which we get to see here. More importantly, we get a look at how the developers are handling building with LEGOs in-game. The game simulates a kind of personal bubble around the player's avatar, which is strikingly similar to the metaphorical one all kids experience when sitting on the floor with a big pile of the toys. Hm, we're pretty sure NetDevil is on the right course with this one. Check out the video walkthrough after the break.
The Digital Continuum: Socialize, now
Socialization is dead! Isn't it? Well actually, that's a tough one. Certainly, the perception that socialization is becoming a lesser factor to more and more developers has become the norm among most people. That doesn't necessarily mean they're correct. So, let's examine the general landscape of yesteryear and beyond to see what's really going on when it comes to human interaction in our massively multiplayer online games.
Jumpgate Evolution brings on a new Executive Producer
Any of you die hard Dark Age of Camelot fans out there? We hope you're paying attention, because NetDevil just brought Lance Roberston aboard their Jumpgate Evolution team as executive producer. For those not in the know: Lance's career blossomed as he rose through the ranks at Mythic Entertainment while working on Dark Age of Camelot. As such, he possesses extensive experience developing MMOs with both PvP and PvE focuses. He also helped to ship Warhammer Online as a senior producer, before the unfortunate events we're all aware of over at Electronic Arts. Jumpgate Evolution is a three faction game that deals with PvP and PvE. Sound familiar? It should, as DAoC's tri-factions were one of its selling points back in the day. Lance also benefits from having experience in the "what do do" and "what not to do" areas of PvP/PvE MMO development, so we're certain he'll prove to be an immensely useful member of the JGE team.
The Digital Continuum: Five exciting MMOs in 2010, part 2
Mmm, Star Wars made into an MMO by BioWare. The scope and breadth of what BioWare is looking to accomplish makes me the most excited, if I'm being honest. Star Wars: The Old Republic really needs to hit before the next World of Warcraft expansion.
Progression and building in LEGO Universe
Information on LEGO Universe has been somewhat thin as of late, but that's beginning to change. Over at 1up you'll find a meaty preview that covers quite a bit of ground, including basic MMO features like progression to LEGO specific stuff like building quests. The building mode is of course the keystone to this game, and the fact that a player cannot be harmed when entering the mode speaks volumes about its importance. Aside from building mode, zones in LEGO Universe are likely to be distinctly memorable due to the licenses' ability to have pirate, ninja, robot or even Star Wars themed planets -- assuming they're capable of using any of their real world toy lines within the game. And as for combat? If you've played any of the console LEGO games, then you'll know what to expect, which is essentially action-based combat. There's a lot more detail in the actual preview, so check it out if building with bricks is how you get your kicks.
Romero remains head of Slipgate following layoffs
Parent publisher Gazillion Entertainment has confirmed that John Romero will remain with Slipgate Ironworks following a round of layoffs that struck the development studio this month, reports Joystiq sister site Big Download. As previously detailed, a smaller staff will be left intact to complete an unnamed MMO project, which has undergone a change in "format," according to Gazillion.Co-founded by Romero in 2005, Slipgate once boasted a staff of about 80 veteran developers -- now reportedly reduced to around 30 -- that had combined to work on 16 MMO titles for other studios. Their seventeenth and first MMO for Slipgate, however, remains an elusive undertaking.
Gazillion layoffs hit Romero's Slipgate Ironworks
Whatever Gazillion Entertainment's secret mastermind plot is, their next step has been to create an unfortunate situation for a suspected 50 now ex-employees at Slipgate Ironworks. The reasoning? According to Gazillion, "As part of our focus on reaching the widest possible audiences with breakthrough MMO entertainment, we decided to change the format of our project at Slipgate Ironworks to better achieve this aim," So, whatever unannounced MMO the team was working on is now canned, it would seem. At least there's a silver lining, in some sense. Gazillion also stated, "-the other Slipgate staff are already in discussions around the many open positions across our slate of projects." You know what? We'd make another world conquering joke here, but that'd be too easy. Instead, we're just going to sit in our chair, pet our cat and sip this lovely whipped latte. Oh, whoops, guess we just can't help ourselves sometimes.Seriously though, next year is going to be interesting, because the official statement alludes to something being released from the publisher next year. Unless they're just talking about Jumpgate Evolution -- at least, we hope that comes out by next year -- and then we're not really sure why they just didn't say as much.
Gazillion Entertainment and Abu Dhabi Media form joint MMO studio
When Gazillion Entertainment's existence was first revealed to the public, the immensity of the company made many of us wonder whether or not their ultimate goal was world domination. Which brings us to today and Gazillion's newly announced joint MMO studio project with Abu Dhabi Media, a partnership aimed at bringing massively multiplayer online games to Arabic countries in the Middle East.Well played Gazillion, well played. We can just see their CEOs now, stroking their skinned cats, arching a single eyebrow. What will their next project be? Our guess is a death ray on the moon, or maybe an asteroid rigged with massive jet engines and aimed at the Earth until their villainous demands are met.Whatever Gazillion Entertainment's future plans are, we're pretty sure they involve some kind of space-located doomsday device.
Diablo creator to lead Marvel MMO development
We're not ones to assume that past performance is a definitive indicator of future output, especially in the games industry (Volition goes from Saint's Row to the radical Red Faction: Guerrilla? Who saw that coming?). But we can't help but be encouraged by the news that former Blizzard North boss and Diablo creator David Brevik has joined Gazillion to lead development on the Marvel Universe MMO.We're more excited about the hire because we hope it indicates the title's gameplay direction. A more action-influenced MMO take on the world of Marvel sounds like it's been bitten by radioactive awesome.
E3 2009: Jumpgate Evolution's E3 trailer evokes that space opera drama
When attempting to entice potential players with your game it never hurts to remind them of that television show or movie they love so very much, and how that it's possible to live out their fantasies of said other property in your own. This rule of thumb is why the E3 2009 trailer for Jumpgate Evolution over at G4TV's website is so very good. The trailer is quite successful in making us want to pop in our Battlestar Galactica reboot DVDs and watch them all over again.Release day may no longer be in June -- or any month for that matter -- but our hopes are set in beta expanding sometime soon. You can find the full trailer after the break, in all its evocative and dramatic glory. Massively is on the ground in Los Angeles this week and covering all the latest E3 MMO news coming from the convention. Check out our breaking coverage (or all the Joystiq network E3 reporting) and keep your eye on Massively's front page for the latest developments.
The Digital Continuum: Summertime MMO alternatives
You, much like myself, may have had summer MMO plans a month or so ago. But like many things in life, circumstances changed and both Champions Online and Jumpgate Evolution were met with delays in their schedules -- making any plans to play them over the summer null.It's a bummer, but not all is lost. Another thing I'm certain we all share is our love of gaming in general. I've been thinking of a list of games I plan to play through this summer in lieu of shiny new MMOs to delve into, with an emphasis on filling the void left by a lack Cryptic's and NetDevil's still forthcoming titles. I'm sure I'll play more than just three, but these are the ones I'll definitely play the most of overall.
The Daily Grind: Delay or play?
Delays are synonymous with MMOs, so while we never like to hear them announced we're usually all too surprised. Every new year brings both new MMOs and new delays, and 2009 is no exception. First it was Champions Online not too long ago, and then most recently Jumpgate Evolution was pushed from June until, well, sometime in the future.Sometimes two or three months of more development time makes all the difference, and most would agree that such a choice is desirable in that case. Then again, some games are delayed too much. There is such a thing as overdeveloping, and sometimes a game's direction can get derailed with numerous delays.So what's it worth? More than one reason exists for an MMO delay, but ultimately the game has to be released.
Jumpgate Evolution jumps back into development, won't make June release
Jumpgate Evolution will not be making its scheduled June release. What, you've nova heard of a delay before? Anyway, following three years of development, NetDevil noted on its forums that the game is going back into the darkness of development to emerge at some point in the future. The company doesn't even plan on announcing a new release date until it has "established [its] road map for the next few months."The delay was caused after response during the "Friends & Family" phase of testing brought up a lot of feedback. Considering how competitive the MMO market is now, the company is probably taking the wise approach by polishing the "feature complete" title to a shine before release. MMOs don't get a second chance to make a first impression anymore.
Massively interview: Jumpgate Evolution and the art of ship design
We recently had a chance to speak with Darren Klein, NetDevil's art director for Jumpgate Evolution. He's got plenty to say about the design process that goes into creating the ships for their upcoming space shooter MMO. It's a very interesting read, too. Example: you wouldn't have guessed that it only takes about five days to design a ship from start to finish.Not only do we have an interview, we've got a couple exclusive new screens from the game to check out in our gallery. Follow the link below for the complete interview.%Gallery-18375%
Gazillion Entertainment Names Stuart Moulder as VP
Gazillion Entertainment have announced that their expansion into the MMO market continues with hiring Stuart Moulder as their new Vice President of Studios, with responsibility for game development across all of their studios. Gazillion recently announced that they had purchased Netdevil, who are developing Jumpgate Evolution and LEGO Universe. They also announced that they are developing two games based on the Marvel superhero licence.Moulder has most recently worked as Senior Vice President at Screenlife where he was responsible for bringing the Scene It? license to games as helping with the sale of the company to Paramount Digital. He also spent eight years at Microsoft where he was responsible for acquiring and managing companies such as Halo developer Bungie, Age of Empires and Halo Wars developer Ensemble Studios and veteran developers FASA of Mechwarrior and Shadowrun fame, although since he has left Microsoft we have seen Ensemble Studios and FASA shut down and Bungie has become independent.
Gazillion adds Microsoft exec to its roster
Gazillion Entertainment has picked up former Microsoft Game Studios exec Stuart Moulder to be VP of studios. He'll be tasked with management of all Gazillion development studios. Back in Xbox land, Moulder managed Bungie, Ensemble and FASA. Um, we'll take this as the wrong time to point out that two of those studios are dead and the third broke off in a successful coup.On a more positive note, Moulder has over 20 years of experience and started his career at Sierra ... okay, that's not helping either. We wish Gazillion and Moulder all the best in efforts to make a successful MMO publishing house.
Firesky confirms Dan Elggren's departure
We reported earlier this week about rumours that Stargate Worlds' Executive Producer Dan Elggren had left Cheyenne Mountain Entertainment/Firesky for Gazillion Entertainment. However, the reasons for his decision were left rather vague aside from excerpts from Elggren's family blog. Firesky's Kevin Ballentine officially commented on his departure in an MMORPG.com blog post:"While we are saddened by Dan's departure, we believe that Stargate Worlds will benefit from this unforeseen change. Dan's guidance has been crucial to getting Stargate Worlds to this point, but we believe fresh eyes may find ways to improve the game moving forward. We wish to express our appreciation to Dan for all he has done for our company and wish him the best of success in his new endeavors. Dan will be transitioning his responsibilities to Rod Nakamoto, senior vice president of product development, over the next week."
