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Dave Perry 'stunned' by Marvel MMO cancellation
Dave Perry believes Microsoft may have made the wrong choice in canceling Cryptic Studio's Marvel Universe MMO. In a recent interview with Eurogamer, the Shiny Entertainment founder expresses his surprise at the decision to halt the game's development, saying it was "absolutely stunning."According to Perry, the Marvel license easily eclipses the mass-market popularity of World of Warcraft, and for that reason could be an actual competitor to Blizzard's behemoth. Though he is disappointed by Microsoft's decision, he understands that the cancellation was likely due to financial concerns, as it's difficult for large companies to ascertain whether sizable investments in MMOs will ever see any return.Dave Perry is currently developing free-to-play MMOs at Acclaim, as well as tackling a number of side projects, including the direction of a entirely user-generated racing game. We like your ambition, Mr. Perry, but we do recommend picking a less intense photo for your "about" page (as seen above). It scares us a little.
Marvel MMO officially dead
In our effort to become your official Shane Kim news aggregator comes another tidbit from a DICE Summit interview with the Microsoft Game Studios corporate VP conducted by Stephen Totilo from the MTV Multiplayer blog. In the interview Kim confirmed longstanding suspicions that the announced Marvel MMO, Marvel Universe Online, for the Xbox 360 has been canceled. Strange as it may seem, the reasoning behind this cancellation is probably the smartest move on Microsoft's part. "If you really look at the data," Kim explained, "there's basically one [subscription based MMO] that's successful and everything else wouldn't meet our level or definition of commercial success." Of course the MMO he is referring to is Auto Assault.[via Joystiq]
EA Marvel fighting game no longer in development, partnership dissolved
Bad news for true believers (or maybe good news): EA and Marvel have dissolved their game development partnership, discontinuing development on EA Chicago's Marvel fighting game, as well as confirming that no further Marvel titles will be developed under Electronic Arts.The partnership was first entered back in early 2004, and resulted in 2005's critically-derided Marvel Nemesis: Rise of the Imperfects. The EA Chicago-developed fighter would have been only the second title developed in the Marvel/EA partnership. GameTap speculates that the deal may have fallen through after the recent resignation of EA Chicago studio head Kudo Tsunoda. Despite the setback, Marvel still plans on pursuing further video game projects in the future (good news for true believers? Or maybe bad news).
The Digital Continuum: A Cryptic future
These days, if you don't keep your head down, a rumor about Cryptic Studios is bound to hit you in the face. In fact, quite a few of them probably already have at this point. It all started with a letter to the community. After that plural hit, it wasn't just Marvel Universe Online that people were chattering about, but upcoming "projects" from Cryptic Studios as well. Ever since they managed to take one of my favorite things in the world -- superheroes -- and turn that world into a fun and successful massively game, I've loved the people at Cryptic.So it was with plenty of excitement that I discovered Cryptic would be handling the Marvel Comics license for their next massively game. Unfortunately for all of us excited fans -- of Cryptic, Marvel or both -- the entire operation went into super-secret-silent mode. Aside from CoX news, (which came from a different team at Cryptic, now NCsoft NorCal) we haven't heard even a faint murmur of information. After a while, this leads to lots of speculation about whether or not Marvel Universe Online is canceled. So far, there still hasn't been any additional official information on the game and all we are left to is pure speculation.What could be in the future for Cryptic Studios? Nobody knows except them, but that shouldn't stop anyone from guessing.
Ten Ton drops the Hammer on 2008
Almost all gaming sites this time of year weigh in with their predictions for what the new year will bring, but I particularly like what TenTonHammer has seen in their crystal ball. Plus, I just like saying "Ten Ton drops the Hammer." It's fun. Try it.A few of their eight predictions hit close to home with me. In particular, their first prophecy regarding Jumpgate Evolution. I was a huge fan of NetDevil's now defunct MMO, Auto Assault. Not because their shop is only an hour north of me here in Colorado, or that I seemingly enjoy virtually everything NCsoft puts out, but because it was as close to a Mad Max movie as there was. I'm a post apocalyptic junkie. Sadly... it went the way of the Cuban Missile Crisis and died enigmatically. So I can't wait to see how they update their cult sci-fi game, and... well, see how it jumps out of the gate! Oy. Next up, they forecast that Cryptic Studios will at long last release some information about Marvel Universe Online. If I was a gambler I might bet against this, but stranger things have happened. As an obsessed City of Heroes player (and confirmed alt-aholic), my love of the game grew from my passion for comic books. In particular, Marvel comic books. I want to see what the creators of my favorite spandex covered game can do with yet another spandex covered game that's different from the first one, and how are they going to get me to play that one just as much as this one. Confused? So is Britney, but she's doing fine. Sort of.Anyway, be sure to check out Hammer's other prognostications and let us know what you think 2008 holds for this oh so massive industry!
The Digital Continuum: Concerning superpowers
It's been a long time since City of Heroes launched and up to the sale of the CoX property to NCsoft, Cryptic Studios added quite a bit more into the game. Not just City of Villains with its slew of additional content but also additional levels, tailors for extra costumes/costume redesigns, epic archetypes, plenty of new zones, PvP elements, game balances, new powers, an item system that allows players to invent all sorts of things and even an alien invasion or two. Just recently players were given with another set of new powers that they themselves were able to help choose via the official forums! While that laundry list of additions is quite well and good, for me it still feels like something is missing from my super hero game.Largely, I think the problem lies with what the game engine is and isn't capable of rendering. The recent inclusion of customizable melee weapons and guns/bows has made me realize something. What about the guy who shoots fire or throws punches full of pure energy? What if I want to create a magic character ala Dr. Strange and green magical fire sounds really cool to me? Well too bad, my fire looks like everyone's boring red fire and there's not a thing that I can do about it. Yet in a game where customization is king, personal touches like green fire or red and purple energy blasts seem to me an incredibly important feature. I've paid a lot more than one or two months of subscription fees just to design myself some characters in CoX and I only manage to get them to around level 14. Just imagine how much more money and time someone would spend given further customization choices.
Big surprise: Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, and Tony Hawk 11 confirmed
Activision's biggest pre-merger franchises are all (GASP!) getting sequel treatment. In a fact sheet concerning the Activision Blizzard deal (PDF file), the publisher lists Guitar Hero 4, Call of Duty 5, a new Tony Hawk title (which would be its 11th iteration), a James Bond game and a racing title with the recently-acquired Bizarre Creations, as well as licensed titles with Dreamworks and Marvel.None of these sequels come as a surprise, as they are all critical and commercial successes, but this is the first official confirmation of their existence. According to Activision Blizzard's earlier conference call, 50% of Activision's revenues are derived from franchises it owns outright, including Guitar Hero and Call of Duty. It should be noted that as well that all three franchises also have competition from rival Electronic Arts in the form of Rock Band, Medal of Honor and Skate. No word on project release dates for any of the sequels.Read - Fact sheet [Warning: PDF file]
Marvel MMO may be our rumored canceled game
Ah ha! We think we've come across the unlucky winner of this week's canceled Microsoft game search. And unlike the Price is Right, this winner doesn't get a new dishwasher, car or get to play Plinko. Instead, it's (possibly) getting canceled.According to whispers into 1UP's ears, the rumor is true and we'll soon find out that (wait for it ...) Marvel Universe Online will be getting axed. This game collaboration between Marvel, Microsoft and Cryptic Studios has been years in the making, but hasn't been openly discussed since an interview way back in 2006. And the odd thing about this Marvel MMO is that nobody (and we mean nobody) is confirming that the game is even in development. Microsoft refuses to talk, Marvel is very hush and Cryptic Studios sidesteps questions when asked. Only time will tell, but even if Marvel Ultimate Online isn't the rumored canceled game, it should still be watching its back. There's definitely some management and development issues going on there. Or maybe they're just being super secret.[Thanks, EC]
Marvel Universe Online source of cancellation rumors
No doubt amused by a ridiculous process of elimination that prompted game developers to rush to their keyboards and confirm the continued existence of their upcoming third-person role-playing whatever-em-ups, 1UP has revealed that the first-party Xbox 360 title supposedly skirting around cancellation is none other than Marvel Universe Online. In an echo of True Fantasy Live Online's demise, the MMO has reportedly run into "serious, potentially stalling, development troubles," the least of which is likely to be the monotony resulting from everyone playing as Wolverine.Aside from a mysterious source, 1UP cites a suspicious inability by the project's collaborators to outright confirm the game's on-going development. Though Microsoft insists that Cryptic's recent sale of two Cities has no bearing on Marvel Universe Online, the developer hasn't so much as mentioned the game when discussing upcoming projects. Not a particularly convincing chain of evidence, but it does seem a tad quiet when shook.
EA shutting down Chicago studio
Well, so much for "routine" restructuring. Gamespot reports that monolithic publisher EA has decided to close down its EA Chicago studio. Over 150 employees are affected by the decision, as are future Def Jam games (oh noes!) and a second attempt at a Marvel fighting game. Citing an internal memo from EA Games president Frank Gibeau, the article notes that EA is looking to offer many EA Chicago employees opportunities at its other studios, as well as outplacement assistance."We're willing to take risks, make long-term investments, and to support teams and individuals between launches," reads Gibeau's alleged memo. "But each team is responsible for staying on a reasonable path to profitability. Sticking to that strategy is what gives us the financial resources and flexibility to take risks on new projects. Unfortunately, EA Chicago hasn't been able to meet that standard." If left unchecked, EA Chicago was not expected to become profitable until FY 2011 "or later."
Iron Man game designers using ILM model
The Iron Man video game has two strikes against it, by merit of being (1) a licensed product and (2) poised to be released alongside a movie. However, there are some benefits to the movie connection. Speaking to USA Today, Sega of America Senior Producer Mike McHale revealed that they had received the CG model for Iron Man himself created by Industrial Light & Magic for use in the film.The game, according to McHale, will extend beyond the movie's storyline and also include classic villains from the comics. Whether or not this game succumbs the fate of most licensed titles remains to be seen. Iron Man, the game, is set for release "just before the film arrives in theaters May 2."%Gallery-9214%
Marvel Vs. Capcom on XBLA? Marvel hopes so
Speaking to Gamasutra, Marvel vice president of interactive media Justin Lambros intimated that he would like to see classic Marvel fighting games hit game download services like Xbox Live Arcade. Producing games like X-Men: Children of the Atom, Marvel Superheroes and massive fighting mashups like X-Men Vs. Street Fighter and Marvel Vs. Capcom, fighting fans have fond memories of the collaboration between Capcom and Marvel. When asked about the possibility of such games hitting a service like XBLA, Lambros said, "Yeah, those are among my all time favorites. I'm a huge 2D fighting fan... the Marvel Vs. Capcom stuff has a definite close place in my heart, so we definitely wanna see that stuff live on." It seems that there aren't any firm plans to bring back any specific titles, so don't get your hopes up just yet.Still, if Puzzle Fighter and Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix make an impact on XBLA, maybe we'll see the same kind of attention paid to the Marvel classics.[Via Joystiq]
Marvel vs. Capcom for digital download hopes Marvel exec.
In an interview with Gamasutra, Marvel's VP of interactive media Justin Lambros says he hopes to see Marvel vs. Capcom make its way to digital download. The main focus of the story for Gamasutra is supposed to be about EA's new Marvel Fighting Game, but following EA's aptly named Rise of the Imperfects, which was far beyond imperfect, you'll bear with us as we don't get excited about that and focus on Marvel vs. Capcom.Lambros answers Gamasutra's questions about Marvel vs. Capcom appearing on Xbox Live by saying, "I'm a huge 2D fighting fan ... the Marvel vs. Capcom stuff has a definite close place in my heart, so we definitely wanna see that stuff live on." He says that there are no deals in place, but they may be considering it. Maybe when Capcom has Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix (with a side of cole slaw) completed, they can get to work updating Marvel vs. Capcom, let's keep Udon working.
Halo: Uprising #1 comic is (finally) available
Halo fans who like to dabble in some comic book reading every now and then have been eagerly anticipating the Halo: Uprising comic book series since its targeted July 18th release. And after a few delays for which we don't know the reason for Bungie and Marvel are ready to release the first of four in the Halo: Uprising comic book series. The first comic officially went on sale August 22nd and its story will fill in the gap between where Halo 2 ended and Halo 3 begins. We're sure the story and artwork are top notch, so fork over your $4 and purchase a copy whenever you visit your local comic book shop. That is, if comic book shops still exist (kidding!).[Via Xbox 360 Rally]
Sega reveals The Incredible Hulk development teams
Sega sent us a note, letting us know that the publisher is again working on a Marvel franchise, this time it's the video game for next year's The Incredible Hulk. They've announced that developer Edge of Reality – who are also working on the new-gen Cipher Complex due for PS3 and Xbox 360 later this year – are handling console development duties while Amaze Entertainment – known for recent licensed games like Eragon and Pirates of the Carribean – will be handling handheld duties. The announcement answers what Edge of Reality's mystery project was and, considering Sega's Iron Man game isn't looking too shabby and Hulk has had some video game success previously, we're more hopeful than we might otherwise be. According to a Sega representative, the game "will be released in the same timeframe as the film," due to smash theaters on June 13, 2008.
First footage of Sega's Iron Man, with developer walkthrough
Despite Sega telling us not to worry, we've been concerned over the fate of Tony Stark and the latest Iron Man title. The current director of S.H.I.E.L.D. has had more than a few reasons to sneak into the bottom of a bottle over the years, his PlayStation and GBA outings not the least of his problems. Still, with the film shaping up brilliantly (so says the early reports), there may yet be hope.Check out the footage straight from Comic-Con after the break. Keep in mind that the game's release is to coincide with the films, so the folks at Sega have until the Summer of 2008 to fiddle with it.
EA's next Marvel fighter abandons 'Imperfect-ions'
With the announcement that its Chicago studio is developing a Marvel-licensed fighting game for PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 (sorry wagglers), EA has pledged to deliver what has "never truly been delivered" ... by EA (Capcom did it quite well a decade ago). Distancing itself from the Rise of the Imperfects debacle, corporate HQ has put the Marvel heroes and villains in the somewhat capable hands of EA Chicago, who had been riding high on the success of Fight Night Round 3, before sinking to mediocrity with Def Jam: ICON.According to studio GM Kudo Tsunoda the new fighter will feature "huge environments and a living world that keeps the gameplay fresh." He adds, "every battle will be unique ... every battle will be like a first edition." Yeah, but one in mint condition? Or wrinkled up with gum stuck between the pages?A behind-the-scenes preview of the game will air during Spike TV's Game Head on September 1st, at 1am (Friday night). The game is tentatively scheduled for release next year.[Via press release]
New Marvel fighter promises top-tier fighting experience
Even though our Dreamcasts are still humming to the sounds of Marvel vs. Capcom 2, we've been wondering for a while if any decent Marvel-licensed fighting games will ever exist again. We weren't surprised when we heard that EA took up the challenge to create a game utilizing their Marvel license. What are you mumbling? Is it "oh no, not EA, anyone but them?" Perhaps they'll step up to the plate and deliver a solid gaming experience, perhaps not. Let's wait and see before we judge.The game is going to feature an "all-star cast" of heroes and villains across the Marvel universe (we hope this means a "large" cast instead of the dozen or so popular lads and lasses), with huge environments and some sort of way to keep every match fresh. Destructible environments, Power Stone-like level mechanics, or aerial-to-ground combat? Who knows. We'll keep an eye on this as EA leaks details through their solid gold pipes.
Weekly Webcomic Wrapup: criminal comic edition
The Irredeemable Ant-Man (issue #9) returns home to find an older gentleman has broken into his house. What does he want? A partner to play Nintendo Wii with, of course ... Marvel Comics has gone off the deep end.Here are our picks for the week's best game-related webcomics, be sure to vote for your favorite! Pac-Man secrets Requiescat In Pace Quest Flags of our worms My Cup Runneth Over I'm open! Dreamy Super String Theory Silence is golden (congrats on the new design!) [Via NWF]
The Wii makes its way into print comics
var digg_url = 'http://digg.com/nintendo_wii/Wii_Makes_Its_Way_Into_Comics_PICTURE'; According to Marvel, even the bad guys enjoy the Wii. Sent in to us by reader Ken, who's apparently quite the comic fan, in issue #9 of Irredeemable Ant-Man, it's perfectly alright to break into someone's house, wait for them to come home and then engage them in some Nintendo Wii. It's not like it isn't anything we'd endorse. [Thanks, Ken!]
