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WarCry interviews Melissa "War Witch" Bianco
Melissa "War Witch" Bianco is the World Designer at Cryptic Studios for popular Super-themed City of Heroes/Villains. Popular in the community for her forum participation, accessibility and a number of interesting and entertaining easter eggs hidden throughout the MMO zones, War Cry has a community-driven interview with Bianco. Bianco gives detailed answers across six pages on community-provided questions covering many aspects of zone design, approval and testing - all in her signature style: informative, interesting and engaging. If you're interested in City of Heroes or City of Villains, or you just want to see how the professionals really do it, it's worth your time to go and take a look. [via WarCry Network]
Transfer/rename your hero or villain
NCSoft/Cryptic Studios have finally implemented two long-awaited and much anticipated features for super-powered MMO, City of Heroes/Villains, specifically Character Transfer and Character Rename. Sure, these features will cost you a few pennies ($9.99 USD per use, charged directly to your credit card, only), but you can now transfer characters between servers to play with your friends (but not between US and EU servers), or rename your character to get that name that was mysteriously unavailable early on, as management have completed a large cleanup of inactive and unsubscribed accounts, freeing up "millions of previously reserved names." As usual, both of these features are well documented, with a tutorial and FAQ: Character transfer tutorial and FAQ. Character renaming tutorial and FAQ.
NCSoft unveils Carbine, armed with former WoW, Fallout devs
MMO factory NCSoft today took the wrapping paper off of Carbine Studios, its latest developer. According to the press release, Carbine has some very apt cogs in its machinery deriving from 17 former Blizzard employees, "including lead and senior developers from the World of Warcraft team," including lead designer Kevin Beardslee, who is now the vice president of design.Additionally, former Fallout designer Tim Cain has been tapped to be the programmer director. Carbine is currently working on an unannounced MMO, according to their website. No other details have been revealed, but the team definitely has a powerhouse of employees. [Via Gamasutra]
City of Heroes going back in time
NCsoft has pulled the glasses off of its next update and revealed its secret identity. Issue 11, "A Stitch in Time," will allow players to travel into the past of the City of Heroes universe and relive (or live for the first time) some of the major events that helped to shape Paragon City. Of course, there will also be the requisite new power sets ("Dual blades" is obvious, but we're curious about "Willpower") and enhanced customization of weapons to match the depth of the costume creation system in the game. It all sounds cool, but we're curious: Are any of you still playing CoH?[Via TVG]
Tabula Rasa delayed until Nov. 2
Despite confirming an October 19th release date early last month, NCSoft has announced their years-in-the-making MMO Tabula Rasa will see a minor delay, bumped two weeks back to November 2. A message from the game's producer, Starr Long (now that's a stellar name!), on the official site explains, "This short but critical amount of time will give us time to address several issues including stability and balance as well as allowing our players to test the continent of Ligo (L38+) and our major changes to crafting for a few weeks rather than a few days."Don't get all worried pre-orderers, your Halloween plans aren't ruined after all; you'll still get the game three days early on Oct. 30. Everyone else, what can we say besides we're sorry?[Via Gamespot]
NCsoft expands in Europe; creating more jobs
NCsoft is expanding in Europe and creating 100 new jobs over the next three years in Brighton, England. The company will grow and add another 116 new jobs to the 110 employees they already have there and a move to Brighton's City Point in the next couple years. The studio is responsible for assisting with Lineage II, City of Heroes, City of Villains, and Guild Wars.The Korean company is expanding its operations due to a "major investment" by the South East England Development Agency. English developers are still seeking the kind of tax breaks found in France, currently Australia is struggling with the same issue. Expect to see greater expansion if NCsoft continues to do well.
NCsoft's Robert Garriott talks Sony relationship
NCsoft's CEO Robert Garriott has written an open letter on the company's website discussing its relationship with Sony after their announced support during E3. Few details are provided, but it does give a glimpse of what we should expect in the coming years.The first title, hopes Garriott, should hit holiday 2008. It will be based on a current IP. "We want to make new products using our current, popular Intellectual Properties that will take advantage of the console, specifically in terms of user interface, connectivity, and play styles." We wonder if that means cross-platform play won't be tackled.Garriott is looking into new, original IPs, but said "that process ... will take two to three years at a minimum." Also interesting is that the relationship extends beyond just the PlayStation 3 and specifically mentioned the PSP as a possible platform for future projects.Garriott reassures that PC development is still a major focus for the company. In terms of business models, Garriott said, "there will be the traditional subscription models, micropayment systems and free-to-play games with membership options."
NCSoft hints at PSP MMO possibility
NCsoft, makers of PC MMORPGs such as Guild Wars and Lineage, could be making games for the PSP in the future. CEO Robert Garriott speaks up on the PlayNC website about the company's relationship with Sony, and how they plan to release their massively-multiplayer online games on the Playstation 3 and "perhaps the PSP". The rest of the article reveals that NCsoft is not only thinking of porting their established intellectual properties but creating new ones for the Sony platforms. Garriott also shares that their games would use either "traditional subscription models, micropayment systems and free-to-play games with membership options".While the article is mainly focused on PS3, the name drop of the PSP is at the very least an interesting topic for debate. Is the PSP a viable system for MMOs? And if so, would you pay to play an MMO on your PSP?[via Wired, thanks Joe!]
NCSoft says: four titles initially planned for PS3
Geoff Heath, NCSoft Europe's big boss talked to GI.biz regarding the deal they've struck with Sony. In it, they revealed some details we've been wondering about. For example, will the more popular MMOs come to the PS3? It's entirely possible, but nothing's been set in stone. We'll give you a list of the important points. The deal has been in the works for a long time -- NCSoft has been seeking someone with the right technology and support to get into the console business. Plus, NCSoft likes how the PlayStation Store works. Since NCSoft has a ton of games, they initially need to dilute their options down to about four to stick on the PS3. We think they'll expand on their biggest titles, like Guild Wars. New titles that are created will be exclusive to the PS3 and only the PS3. Although, Heath admits, a PC version of whatever the title is will probably exist. There are no plans to bring any games to other consoles. For those of you who mock fantasy-themed MMOs, NCSoft promises to deliver a range of game styles over time. We know there'll be a few of the fantasy titles heading our way, but the notion of something slightly fresh makes us quiver just a little bit in anticipation. As things get revealed, we'll keep you up to date.[via PS3Forums]
NCSoft hints at PSP plans
In an interview with Joystiq Brian Clayton, Executive Producer at NCSoft, gave a vague hint at possible ways that the PSP will be utilised by them in the future. While nothing concrete could be said (NCSoft are keeping very tight lipped about their devlopments for the Sony platforms), he did say that "we see a number of opportunities with the PSP as a standalone MMO or as an extension to our full-blown MMOs on PC and PS3. "Using the PSP to allow users to access certain components of MMOs is a no brainer. Sony are even doing it with Home. Full blown MMORPGs on the PSP, though? That we'd like to see. Clayton goes on to list the problems inherent in creating such a game. Lack of buttons, communication and screen real estate all need to be thought through before it can happen. But it will happen. We're intrigued to see what they come up with. Particularly regarding "communication".
Joystiq interviews NCSoft's Brian Clayton and Richard Garriott
Whilst at the Develop Conference last month we, unfortunately, managed to miss our meeting with NCSoft's Richard Garriott. Thankfully we have still been able to get our questions answered via email. The majority of the following are responses by Brian Clayton, Executive Producer at NCSoft, who was directly involved with the Sony partnership. Richard Garriott answers the final two questions on MMO design. Why choose to develop exclusively for Sony in the console market? Brian: Sony has shown a commitment to developing robust console hardware with strong longevity which is crucial to any viable MMO console strategy. In addition, Sony understands that our MMO business model is different than the traditional console model and is giving us the flexibility to develop and publish AAA MMOs. We feel that together our strategic partnership will offer console gamers an experience that can't be matched anywhere else.
NCSoft announcing PS3 MMO games by end of year
Developer legend Richard Garriott of NCSoft fame recently keynoted the Brighton Develop Conference, giving us a few tidbits about the E3 announcement where NCSoft agreed to exclusively create or move PC MMOs onto Sony's sexy console. We say tidbits, not details, because his speech was not focused on this subject. Speaking to Eurogamer after the keynote, Garriott explained that "hopefully by the end of the year we're going to be able to announce what they're going to be" in regards to the PS3 titles.Since Garriott talked about Tabula Rasa a lot in his keynote, can we assume that is one of the games that will make the jump? The title has been in development for ages, so perhaps this deal with Sony has been under wraps for a long time, too? Maybe. Either that or we'll see ports for other popular titles like Lineage or Guild Wars. Perhaps we'll see something original. Place your bets!
NCsoft plans "online experiences" for the PSP
At the Sony press conference, Sony revealed an exciting deal for popular MMO developer NCsoft to create games for Sony platforms. Geoff Heath, CEO of NCsoft Europe commented that "together with the Internet-enabled PSP, we're confident that SCEI and NCsoft can develop unique and compelling online experiences that will be found on no other platform."NCsoft is famous for their work on games such as Guild Wars, City of Heroes, and Lineage. We're confident that their skills will come to incredible use on Sony's handheld.
NCsoft and Sony get all buddy-buddy on us
Did you hear the news? NCsoft (along with Epic Games) signed a new agreement with Sony to develop some exclusive titles on the PS3. NCsoft, as you may know, brought us the titles Lineage, Guild Wars, and City of Heroes/Villains. Whether the exclusive new content will be these games transplanted onto the PS3 or something completely original, we're not sure, but this quote from NCsoft officials does give us ideas that it may be both: "created from both existing intellectual properties owned by NCsoft, as well as new IP." We're excited about this, since MMOs on the PS3 would be a fantastic addition. Stay tuned as we keep you updated on all the E3 news you'd ever want to hear!
NCSoft pledges Sony support, exclusive PS3 online games
During Sony's E3 2007 keynote, President and CEO Jack Tretton announced a new partnership with developer NCSoft, creators of online titles like Lineage, Guild Wars, and City of Heroes. As part of the partnership, NCSoft will begin developing exclusive online titles for the Playstation 3 and its Playstation Network.This exclusivity can apply to both new and current IPs, although no specific games were mentioned. "Only the Playstation Network can support the types of games that NCSoft has become famous for" says Tretton. At the moment, it is unknown whether NCSoft will continue to support other platforms.
Auto Assault sputters to a halt in August
Fans of Auto Assault will [insert a thing you do in Auto Assault here] for the last time on August 31, as the game finally runs out of gas and pulls on to the shoulder to wait for a AAA truck that will never arrive. If you've already paid for months of play beyond that point, NCsoft says you'll have your cash refunded.Yes, it's sad for the game's few fans, but you could hardly call it unexpected. While we all thought the idea of tooling around in a Mad Max-esque world sounded like fun, the game never really seemed to get any traction, if you'll forgive the unintentional pun. Farewell, Auto Assault, we barely knew ye. ... And most of us didn't know you at all.[Via CVG]
Today's just thought of game video: City of Heroes inventions
Today's video pick shows the new inventions system in City of Heroes. This overview explains how players can create superpowers that are new to the game, as part of the recent update. Are you still playing City of Heroes or City of Villains? What do you think of the new system?See the video after the break.
NCSoft looking for apprentices in game testing
A GamesIndustry.biz report details a new endeavor by NCsoft to enrich its UK segment of the games industry with trained game testers. In conjunction with City College Brighton, PartnerTrans and Skillset, the Guild Wars publisher is launching an apprenticeship program in the field of quality assurance. The Trump-less program is not only trumpeted as a means of enhancing a vital part of gaming development, it also acts as an entry-point for those aiming for a spot in game development.Four trainees have already enrolled, with three joining NCsoft's Brighton-based QA department for year-long stints. They will be given regular training at City College, constant input from an "experienced practitioner" and, depending on the size of bugs encountered, a very large mallet. Perhaps other developers could gain some insight by adopting a similar program.
Guild Wars expansion, sequel announced
NCSoft subsidiary ArenaNet has announced two new Guild Wars titles: a full-blown sequel and an expansion for the original that serves to bridge the full games together. Guild Wars 2 will follow in its predecessor's footsteps by foregoing a subscription fee but feature a fully persistent world. Little else is known; the current planned release date is second half 2008.An expansion for the original Guild Wars was also announced. Entitled Eye of the North, the expansion will unlock exclusive items and weapons in Guild Wars 2 for those who continue with the series. In the meantime, Eye of the North will feature more of everything, including weapons, titles, items, armor sets, 18 dungeons, 10 new heroes, and 150 new skills spread across the ten professions. The expansion is planned for a holiday 2007 release.[Thanks to everyone who sent this in!]
FBI raid brings down illegal Lineage II service
The FBI's cyber squad has unsealed details of a California man's bid to host an illegal emulation of NCsoft's Lineage II MMORPG. The scheme was simple enough: obtain a copy of the game's stolen source code, rent some servers to host the game, undercut NCsoft's subscription fee -- and watch the money pile up. Blinded by greed, hoisted up by his arrogance, the man would let NCsoft hate (all the way from South Korea). They ain't gon' do nothin' 'bout it...When the man failed to shutdown his fraudulent site following a stern request, NCsoft turned to its Austin, Texas offices (didn't know about those, did ya?), which quickly contacted the FBI. Last November, agents raided the man's home and thereafter put an end to the crooked enterprise. The accused now faces up to five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.[Thanks, Froren]
