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Explore the Cyclops Depths on Planet Calypso
At times it might seem that Planet Calypso is all about massive cash transactions, but that's not the case. There's also a planet to explore, a planet that's gotten a little bigger with the introduction of the new Cyclops Depths. Located beneath the eponymous Cyclops Volcano, the Depths are home to a variety of creatures including the species that originally inhabited the planet... a species that's not entirely happy to find out that an entirely new species has decided to colonize its home. The Mind Reavers had locked themselves away to wait out ecological disaster, but now they're coming back up. So high-level groups of players will need to go down there and negotiate, which means fighting through a large number of mutants and Mind Reavers. New players are welcome to enter as well, but the area is primarily meant for veterans well-equipped for the process of clearing out the depths. [Source: Entropia Universe press release]
Entropia Universe players buy the moon
How would you like to own the moon? In the real world, it's not really possible. In Entropia Universe it's quite possible and has in fact already happened. A group of players purchased a moon for $150,000 as part of the game's 10-year anniversary celebration. But it's not just a super-expensive piece of property, it's a chance for the owners to make something unique and long-term in the game world. MindArk, the company behind Entropia Universe, offered the moon as a chance for players to shape something freely while sharing profits earned from the new location. That means that the investors have essentially licensed out a part of the game for their own development and customization even as it remains a part of the overall gameworld. The moon is expected to be fully added to the game in Q2 or Q3 of this year. If you're curious about the specifics in the community, you can check out the full rundown on the official site.
Entropia Universe raises a glass to its 10th anniversary
Entropia Universe, the "massively multiplayer online real cash economy," typically has been best known for its ludicrously expensive sales of virtual property and structure. Now it has another reason to be in the spotlight: The MMO(sigh)RCE has made it to its 10th anniversary. The title launched on February 1st, 2003, and has generated loads of money through the creation, sale, and purchase of its online worlds. According to MindArk, Entropia Universe is a favorite of the Guinness Book of World Records when it comes to the most valuable virtual items ever sold. MindArk recently released a mobile app for Entropia Universe and outlined a 2013 roadmap through the anniversary and beyond. [Source: MindArk press release]
Entropia lays out a roadmap for development in 2013
Did you know that Entropia Universe will be 10 years old next year? Possibly not, but if you did, you probably also know how much the team at MindArk has done to improve the game over the past year. That team is looking to make 2013 even better, and to that end they've put out a roadmap for 2013's development. Aside from the obvious anniversary celebration, the developers are hard at work fixing up areas for veteran players, trying to improve the return on several activities and making the game easier to get started with. There are also plans for new server infrastructure and an entirely new taming system, both of which should make existing players happier with the game as a whole. Beyond even that, the team has plans for shoring up the game's financial transactions in several ways. New functionality with PayPal and improved starter packs are in the works. Players can also expect to see a full rollout of the Calypso Land Deed system and accompanying political mechanics within the next year. So here's to a decade of development, and let's hope the team can manage another one. [Source: MindArk press release]
Entropia Universe adds mobile app
It's just what everyone needs: There's now a new and more convenient way to hand off your cash to a stranger, thanks to Entropia Universe's mobile app. Android users can now download the Virtual Tycoon app to gain full access to the game's Construction, Auction, Storage, Accounting, and Skills and Professions systems. You'll be able to put items up for auction, withdraw and deposit money, and bid on things while on the go. Support for iOS isn't planned until early next year, so those users will have to put up with parting from their money the old fashioned way for a while longer.
Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond renamed to Starlite with beta incoming
In the wake of NASA successfully landing a robot rover on Mars recently, you might be wondering what happened to the NASA-themed MMO titled Astronaut: Moon, Mars and Beyond. The first thing that's happened to it is that the project has been retitled Starlite. Project Whitecard Studios Inc. hopes the new name will be less cumbersome and also provide a better idea of what the game is about at a glance. Development has progressed on the game as well, with a beta expected to begin sometime before the end of 2012. Prospective players can experience the game on mobile devices and browsers to minimize barriers to entry. If you're interested in a game focused on the technical side of space travel and exploring to the boundary of our solar system, keep a close watch for news on the upcoming beta. [Source: Project Whitecard Studios Inc. press release]
MindArk giving away Entropia Universe land deeds
MindArk has given new meaning to the term phat lewt with its latest update for Entropia Universe. Players may now acquire one of a thousand Planet Calypso land deeds simply by hunting, mining, or crafting while in game. Each land deed carries a real-world value of $100 (and deeds are often sold for much more on the open market), according to a MindArk press release. The deeds also provide revenue sharing through the game's citizenship program. Deeds began dropping yesterday, and MindArk says that they will continue to do so throughout 2012. Planet Calypso is the oldest planetary playfield in Entropia Universe. The game boasts more than one million registered accounts and over $400 million in annual user-to-user transactions. [Source: MindArk press release]
Entropia Universe brings recruiting app to Facebook
Entropia Universe has always skirted the line between game and advertising scheme, and the latest evidence of this is a new social media program developed by MindArk and Socialtype that aims to reward existing players for recruiting new ones. MMO recruitment drives are nothing new, but the kicker here is that the potential recruits can experience a slice of Entropia via their Facebook accounts. MindArk is using a software app called Bamboo to connect the MMO and Facebook portions of Entropia. Bamboo "turns your players into a highly-motivated marketing army," according to the app's website. "Bamboo users become ambassadors. They earn points for promoting your game through their social network. Every action is incentivized." MindArk says that the Entropia atmosphere has been ported to the Facebook app via its UI, graphics, and lore. New users can also add to said lore via their own unique plots. [Source: MindArk press release]
Entropia Universe player drops $2.5 million on virtual land deeds
Entropia Universe is in the news again, and yes, it's because of a huge real-money transaction initiated by one of the game's players. MindArk says that a single investor bought $2.5 million US worth of land lot deeds on Calypso, which is one of the game's oldest planetary zones. Entropia's citizenship system originally launched last December with almost 60,000 land deeds up for grabs. The mechanic allows for revenue sharing among citizens; the annual return on investments is hovering around 27%. In a nutshell, the system allows players to amass weekly profits directly from the game after an initial investment of $100 for a single land deed. Investment opportunities are open to anyone with an Entropia avatar, and MinkArk also reports that the game features over one million registered accounts and over $400 million in annual user-to-user transactions. [Source: MinkArk press release]
MindArk announces Planet Calypso land grab
MindArk's Planet Calypso is certainly one of the most unique virtual worlds out there, due in large part to the fact that the game's real estate is bought, sold, and traded for real-world cash. Land management, however, has generally been an activity for the ludicrously rich, with some properties costing as much as 500,000 USD. MindArk looks to change that, however, by introducing a whopping 60,000 new plots of land (each measuring at 100 square meters) that can be bought for the (relatively) low price of 100 USD. Each deed that a player purchases "entitles the holder to a share of the 50% planet partner Gross Revenue generated by Planet Calypso." So if you've got a few hundred bucks to blow on virtual real estate and want a piece of the pie, head on over to the official site and sign up.
SEE buys Planet Calypso for $6 million, talks with Massively for an encore
For $6 million you could buy a heck of a lot of tacos -- or one virtual planet. Wisely, SEE Virtual Worlds went the latter route, snapping up Planet Calypso from MindArk and saving itself massive heartburn. The sci-fi-themed Planet Calypso operates under the umbrella of Entropia Universe and boasts 950,000 registered accounts since coming online in 2003. As part of the deal, SEE Virtual Worlds also acquired all of the assets of First Planet Company, a former subsidiary of MindArk, which has been transformed into SEE Digital Studios. Under this reorganization, SEE Digital Studios is now responsible for developing and operating Planet Calypso, Planet Michael and Universal Monsters. The company is expected to hire on additional team members for these projects. Fresh from the champagne celebration, SEE Virtual Worlds President Corey Redmond sat down with us to discuss this deal and the future of these three titles. Hit the jump to boogie with Michael Jackson, scream in terror at the Wolfman, and navigate the economy of virtual worlds.
Planet Calypso's new content takes players on a wild ride
Planet Calypso is one of the more unusual games that we cover here at Massively, mostly thanks to its real cash economy. Massively's Beau Hindman spent some time in the game recently for Rise and Shiny, giving his experience as a new player. Our newest peek at the game is a bit more advanced and a lot of fun. Planet Calypso is in the middle of the Harbinger event, an ongoing new challenge that introduces players to new areas, new enemies, and some formidable new foes. The Planet Calypso team was kind enough to invite me on a tour of the event, so follow along after the jump for a closer look!
One Shots: Wheee! *splat*
Falling damage probably isn't something many of us stop to think about, unless we play Monks, Rogues, or other classes that have the ability to level up a safe-fall type of ability. But for people who have been inhabiting Entropia Universe, falling damage is something new and shiny -- an option that was only recently put in. Today's One Shots from Razormat features the silliness that arose after falling damage was added: players tossing their avatars off the top of the tallest structures they could find! Razormat writes in to explain: "In this picture you can see the avatars in mid-air after they jumped off the Port Atlantis Tower. Recently fall damage was introduced in Entropia Universe, and the players are always looking for new ways to have fun." Do you take part in a world we don't see often? Want to show off a silly moment from your MMO day? We're always interested in what you're up to. If you'd like to take part, then send your images to us here at oneshots@massively.com along with your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here for everyone to enjoy and give you the credit for sending it in. %Gallery-85937%
Planet Calypso aims to attract new players with starting area
Planet Calypso, the long-running real-cash economy MMORPG from First Planet Company and MindArk, will soon offer a new and dedicated starting area for new players. Previously, player colonists were at the mercy of the title's veteran residents and were thrown right into Planet Calypso's considerable learning curve with little in the way of an introduction. Now, newbies can partake of the safe starting area (restricted to new players), learn the game's basics, and grab missions in the new Calypso Gateway. Players will hunt, mine, and craft using starter equipment on the secluded arrival island, and they will not be able to return once they've completed the tutorials and traveled to mainland Calypso. Check out the official site for all the details.
One Shots: Gimme
While Entropia Universe tends to only make major headlines when players buy or sell something that can translate into a bunch of real-world cash, we still like to keep up with what's going on in this interesting virtual world. For example, we noted that vehicles were coming to Entropia Universe recently -- and that freebies would be given out. Today, we have a screenshot from reader Vivian K., who was there, and tells us more about the giveaways: "Entropia was a madhouse as scores of players dashed from teleporter to teleporter today searching for Emma, who was handing out vehicles to a few lucky players. I caught up with her a few times - and in this shot she's buried under a crowd of rowdy Entropians and I'm just about to crash. I never did get a vehicle but it was fun haring after her, even though, as one player said, the amount of sheer begging was somewhat sickening. I've got other screenshots, including players making offerings and the cars themselves, but this sums up the day's event nicely." One Shots needs you! While we try to cover as many worlds as we can, we don't always get to see the interesting events. That's why we love to hear from readers who can give us the insider scoop! If you'd like to tell us more about your favorite MMO or something interesting that's happened there, then email your screenshot to us here at oneshots AT massively DOT com. Be sure to include your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing. We'll post it out here and give you the credit. %Gallery-85937%
Planet Calypso and Entropia Universe unveiling vehicles
Entropia Universe, the long-running virtual world from MindArk, has announced the introduction of in-game vehicles in their 11.2 patch which is tentatively scheduled for today. Ground-based vehicles are the tip of the proverbial iceberg, as MindArk has plans to implement boats, aircraft, and spacecraft in the near future. "With this new system, the whole community now has the opportunity to build vehicles. The features included in today's release are just the beginning of the vehicle system content. The development teams are already working with upcoming features [including] boats. It will soon be possible to cruise the lakes and oceans on the planets of Entropia Universe. Several different types of boats will be available," MindArk said in a press release. Check out the news posting over on the official Entropia Universe website.
Planet Calypso welcomes their new community manager while looking to the future
The team over at First Planet Company, the minds behind the MMO/Second Life hybrid Planet Calypso, have recently welcomed a brand new community manager onto their staff -- Hanne Einan Gulbrandsen. Gulbrandsen is the game's first dedicated community manager, bringing the virtual world in line with the company practices of other MMO companies. But, while Gulbrandsen settles into his new office and title, First Planet Company has also detailed their development roadmap for this year -- going over future additions such as vehicles, a new questing/mission system, and the addition of fish to the world (as shown above.) The mission system will finally give Calypso MMO style storyline quests, offering players a new way to play the game and experience the planet's lore. How these new quests will impact the game's real money-based economy will be interesting, especially if doing them offers in-game rewards.
Crystal Palace Space Station auction tops 330,000 US dollars
Remember a while back when we mentioned that the Crystal Palace Space Station went up for sale in Planet Calypso, marking the start of another insane bidfest to claim what could be a very real source of income? Well, the auction is over and the winner has been declared -- Buzz "Erik" Lightyear has taken control of Crystal Palace for the very, very hefty sum of 3,300,000 PED. For those of you who want to know the real world value, you're looking at a cool 330,000 dollars. While this seems insane (and it probably is, to some degree), Mr. Lightyear will be looking at revenue coming in from the hunting conducted on the space station, plus the purchases made there. In short, this space station is a walking money generator, especially as it's the only place to find alien body parts used to make high-end armor. All Buzz has to do is let the station run, set a decent tax rate, keep it stocked with things to hunt, and he can take all the PED he earns and translate it into cold, hard cash. For all of the bidding insanity, check out the full coverage of the auction over at Entropia Planets.
Entropia Universe to operate real-world bank with virtual world presence
Most of our virtual world coverage at Massively is focused on Second Life, but we're still keeping an eye on what's happening beyond the walls of Linden Lab. One significant development revealed this past week is that Entropia Universe will be the first virtual world to have a bank that's actually backed and regulated by a real-world government, called Mind Bank AB.We received word on this from MindArk's PR: "The Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority (Finansinspektionen) has granted a license to conduct banking activities to virtual universe developer MindArk PE AB's wholly owned subsidiary Mind Bank AB. The unique step of integrating MindArk's virtual universe Entropia Universe with the real world will allow Mind Bank AB to function as a central bank for all virtual worlds within the Entropia Universe."
New MMO announced from the Entropia Universe platform: Planet Calypso
It seems Entropia Universe has fully embraced the "world building" aspect of its virtual space. Evolving from a virtual world to a virtual world development platform, MindArk has announced the creation of a new subsidiary named First Planet, which will operate, develop and market a new MMO entitled Planet Calypso. Since this MMO will be created through Entropia's guidance and tools, it will be built on the Entropia Universe platform and be considered one of EU's planets. The scope of First Planet won't stop at Planet Calypso, though. It has been created to "solely focus on platform development suitable for a wide range of industries interested in utilizing the opportunities of the 3D internet." Other upcoming planets include Creative Kingdom, China Recreative Dreamland, Next Island and See. Find out more information on the press release and MindArk's plans with their upcoming platforms at Worlds in Motion or the Entropia Universe website.
