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Trion partnering with Petroglyph to publish unknown MMORTS
According to Gamasutra and the company's official site, Trion World Network has teamed up with Universe at War developer Petroglyph to publish an unnamed MMORTS. The game, which doesn't yet have a release date, will be published globally on the Trion platform.This collaboration is the first for Trion and they say it 'will breathe new life into the RTS genre' and that Petroglyph are 'renowned for developing high quality and innovative RTS games that appeal on a global level'. Indeed despite Trion's recent tribulations, the company seems to be going from strength to strength. Michael Legg, the president and co-founder of Petroglyph, appears to be just as keen on the partnership:"Petroglyph is extremely excited to be working with a visionary publisher like Trion World Network. Combining Trion's platform and industry expertise with our GLYPH game technology and our development pedigree will allow us to unleash a groundbreaking MMORTS gaming experience to the world."
Trion partners with Petroglyph on MMORTS
Trion World Network's latest move is partnering with Petroglyph on an as-yet untitled massively multiplayer online real-time strategy game. While we've yet to see Trion actually produce anything -- aside from the spectacle of firing its president and chief creative officer last week -- Petroglyph has been working on RTS titles for years. The studio was responsible for Universe at War and Star Wars: Empire at War. At this point, we have no official word on what game the two companies are collaborating on, but we do know that the games must flow from Trion soon. Hopefully, the publisher will finally show off something it gained from that $100 million deal at E3.
Petroglyph discusses design and microtransactions for Mytheon
For a lot of people, the MMO/RTS hybrid has been an unwieldy beast at times. That's not to say there aren't interesting titles to check out, such as Dreamlords, Atlantica and SAGA. However, nobody has quite made a huge splash with an MMORTS just yet. So could the recently announced Mytheon be the first game to catch a lot of people's attention? Well, why don't you see for yourself in this 1UP interview with the game's developer, Petroglyph -- whose previous games include Universe at War and Star Wars: Empire at War.Since there haven't been any screens -- and probably won't be for a while -- it's hard to make too many judgments at this point. The interview promises some interesting, if not vague, features. So you can bet we'll be on the lookout for any future information about Mytheon in the coming months.
Microtransactions 'way of the future' for Mytheon
One of the newer titles coming to the massively multiplayer online game market is Mytheon, a game that is based on real-world myth rather than pure fantasy, currently in development at Petroglyph. This fresh angle on lore and setting isn't the only difference between Mytheon and its fantasy MMO competitors -- Petroglyph is banking on the hope that microtransactions will prove more successful for Mytheon than the standard subscription model. Edge Online recently interviewed Petroglyph's general manager Chuck Kroegel, who's also the producer for Mytheon. Kroegel spoke with Edge Online's Kris Graft, and explained Petroglyph's outlook on this alternative business model: "This is a serious commitment on our part... we find it intriguing because we do feel there is a notion of how this could be the way of the future. And if not, it's certainly going to be part of the future. It may not be the only way things are done in regards to the model, but right now it looks to be viable."
True Games Interactive interview discusses Mytheon MMO
The fantasy genre reigns supreme in the MMO industry, but even die-hard fantasy enthusiasts have to admit though... there's a lot of it out there in the MMO space. A new twist on fantasy, in the form of myth, could be a breath of fresh air for gamers looking for a different type of setting. At least, Petroglyph and True Games Interactive are banking on this with Mytheon, their in-development MMO title. Rather than conjuring up a brand new setting, Mytheon looks back to real world mythology and crafts a game around it. The game's introduction makes reference to the Greek Pantheon and Norse mythology, highlighting the core struggle in the game: the time of the Gods is ending, as decreed by the Fates, and it's time for humankind to live on its own terms. Mytheon will be be a game that will have solo, group, and PvP gameplay modes, with elements of 'real-time combat and extensive customization features', according to John Callaham at Massively's sister site, Big Download. The game will center around Power Stones which fuel or unlock powers and abilities in Mytheon; the title's three character classes will be attuned with certain types of Power Stones, allowing for abilities such as summoning and healing. Callaham recently had a chance to interview the Director of Product Development at True Games Interactive, Peter Cesario, about what we can expect from Mytheon. Cesario discusses the decision to go with the micro-transaction business model, and how combining the elements of action, strategy, and roleplaying in Mytheon creates "a whole new genre unto itself."
Petroglyph reveals 'online microtransaction game' Mytheon
Petroglyph, the warmongers behind both Star Wars: Empire at War and Universe at War, this morning revealed details behind the studio's next project, Mytheon, which publisher True Games Interactive describes as a "micro transaction game that...." Hey, where are you going? Using the myths of Ancient Greece as a foundation, the free-to-play game promises to blend the "best" elements of action, role-playing and strategy with a "heavy emphasis" on combat and collecting. Additionally, Peter Cesario, the director of product development at True Games, tells Big Download that future expansions will "eventually branch out to several unique and interesting mythologies from around the world." Until then, players can look forward to grinding towards the Golden Fleece in Fall 2009.
Petroglyph Games speaks about their new MMO
Not long after the first official announcement concerning the partnership of Petroglyph Studios and True Games to develop a new MMO, we now get treated to an interview with company co-founder Joe Bostic. In this interview, we learn about some of the company's plans for their new MMO, and how it will be different than every MMO we've seen thus far.If you're wondering why this is such big news at the moment, let us remind you that Petroglyph studios are the developers of Star Wars: Empire at War and Universe at War. This in itself leads the logic-minded individual to believe that their MMO project may have an RTS flavor, although Mr. Bostic neither confirms or denies this in his interview. They do mention the fact that this game will be based on a micro-transaction business model, and they will begin releasing early-stage testing opportunities for players to get involved in the development process.
Petroglyph crafting free-to-play online game
Petroglyph's last game had a pretty grand scale, putting the entire Universe at War and all, but they're pulling back their scope a bit for their next project with a planetary conflict. The company is currently crafting a "global online game" that will not only be massively multiplayer but will be free to play and funded by mictransactions.We don't know a genre, but after Star Wars: Empire at War and Universe at War, we're betting on RTS. We're also betting it will be called Something at War, but we could be surprised on that one.
Universe at War: Earth Assault demo hits XBL
Much like the quests for a better mousetrap or to write a more perfect pop song than Rupert Holmes' "Escape," a great RTS on a console always seems to be maddeningly just out of reach. Developer Petroglyph's attempt on the great white whale, Universe at War: Earth Assault, is now available on Xbox Live for you to sample.So here's our question for those that have played the demo (or the full game for that matter): Did it work? Are we any closer to finding the perfect combination of factors for console RTS greatness? Or are we back to Square Rupert One?%Gallery-1444%
Universe At War to set the bar for console RTS
We haven't been keeping close tabs on Universe at War, but we're starting to think we should. Loads of new gameplay videos have been released this week, and Joystiq got some interesting info from the developers at Petroglyph. It was revealed earlier this summer that Universe at War would feature cross-platform play between Xbox 360 and PC, which understandably raises the hackles of any self-respecting gamer. Cross-platform play on an FPS is questionable, but an RTS? Downright impossible, right? Not so according to Petroglyph. According to the devs, UAW "is going to be the act to follow when it comes to RTS interface and control." We hope that's true, because the gameplay videos (embedded after the break) look very impressive. We particularly like the Novus and their ability to travel along power lines. Check out the videos and hope that the controls really do live up to Petroglyph's words.%Gallery-4367%
Universe at War media blowout and Xbox interface calming
When the guys from Petroglyph sent over some better pictures from their visit to see Master Chief at Madame Tussauds for our gallery, we felt obligated to ask how Universe at War was coming along. Well, things seem to be just fine with the PC version which is still set for October, with the Xbox 360 version expected early next year. They sent over a bunch of screenshots of the game for our gallery below. Above you'll see the pretty UaW cinematic and (because you know how much we dislike showing non-game footage,) after the break you can find gameplay footage of the three factions in UaW.One of the big things about Universe at War is that PC players will be able to compete against Xbox 360 gamers across Live. Which, of course, begs the question of: How's the UI? We first got the "official line" which was: "We have validated not only our controller design, but the functionality and ease of use of our UI as well." Then in normal human speak Chris Ainsworth of the community team said, "Honestly, I think UaW is going to be the act to follow when it comes to RTS interface and control, and we're backing our words... we'll be the first 3rd party game with interoperability between console and PC players, so the console controls are going to HAVE to be good." Definitely a game RTS fans should keep on radar in this packed holiday season.%Gallery-7459%
Universe at War features cross-plat play
Sega has announced that their upcoming RTS title, Universe at War: Earth Assault, will support cross-platform play between 360 and PC players. This makes Universe at War the third title to utilize Live Anywhere (along with Shadowrun and UNO) and the first third-party title to do so. Sega announced the title in February. It's an RTS featuring three alien races warring over control of Earth (humans, it seems, really get the short end of the stick in Universe at War). The game comes from Petroglyph Studios, creators of Star Wars: Empire at War.Okay, we admit it. PC vs. 360 in an FPS game like Shadowrun may be decently balanced, but cross-platform play in an RTS seems downright unfair. This is especially so given that PC players will be playing Universe at War this year. 360 players will have to wait until 2008 to prove themselves.[Via Joystiq]%Gallery-4367%
Universe at War features Xbox 360, PC cross-platform play
Sega's upcoming strategy title Universe at War: Earth Assault is embracing the battle of keyboard and mouse vs. gamepad by allowing cross-platform play, joining Shadowrun and Uno as titles utilizing Microsoft's LIVE AnywhereCan Xbox 360 owners fare well against their Windows counterparts in a largely point-and-click-centric genre? When announcing the console version, Sega VP of Marketing Steinberg lauded the gamepad control scheme but gave no details on how it works.Universe at War is coming out for PC in late 2007 and the Xbox 360 sometime in 2008.%Gallery-1444%
Sega announces Universe at War: Earth Assault
Cliché game design number 24: science fiction real-time strategy game. Sega announced today Universe at War: Earth Assault, a new RTS being developed by Petroglyph Studios (Star Wars: Empire at War). In the game, you play as one of three alien races (humanity is relegated to the damsel in distress role, for the most part) fighting on what the press release promises is the entire globe at once.In an interview with IGN, Design Director Adam Isgreen notes that the studio decided, after gripes from Emipre at War, to make the campaign more linear than its previous titles. On-the-fly customization of troops is being touted as major strategical feature, as are destructible environments that stay decimated throughout the game.Universe at War: Earth Assault is expected for release in late 2007. %Gallery-1444%
Not-so-secret projects probed
FiringSquad has done its best to out 18 high-profile "black ops" projects currently in development. While the site's sleuthing skills might not be up to par with Mr. Holmes', the report does a good job of rounding up under-the-radar titles that are begging for some attention.We'd like to direct the spotlight on two studios in particular: Tim Schafer's DoubleFine and Bungie expats Wideload, which are responsible for Psychonauts and Stubbs the Zombie, respectively (both titles landed in our top 10 'gems' of last generation). The two developers are hard at work on new projects; and with DoubleFine striking a publishing deal with Vivendi, its next game is sure to stir up more buzz (when it's time) than Majesco managed to generate for Psychonauts. Also, we can't wait to see what Warren Spector and Junction Point have under lock and key. Keep those ears (and eyes) glued to the street!
Empire at War coming to the Mac
The Mac version of Star Wars: Empire at War won't be ready for Santa's sleigh, but Aspyr Media reports they've entered the testing phase, and the Petroglyph strategy port should be available in February. MacBook and Mini owners with integrated graphics won't have to worry about the game's performance, either. According to lead programmer Brad Oliver, Aspyr's goal is to make sure Empire plays well on ALL Macs. That is, until the expansion pack is ported and Tyber Zann assumes control of your hard disk.See also: Holiday 2006 best bets for Mac gamers KotOR franchise to continue, says LucasArts Star Wars PC collection ships
Empire at War's first expansion is corrupt
It would appear LucasArts and Petroglyph listened to fan feedback when planning Forces of Corruption, the first expansion pack to their strategy title Star Wars: Empire at War. Some of the new maps that were on display at E3 are 40% bigger than the originals, and a new base layout screen allows for easier customization of your buildings. There are also 13 new planets including Bespin, Mustafar, and Kamino.However, the most important addition is the new underground faction that uses deception and corruption to taint all sides of the Force. Throw in the Super Star Destroyer Eclipse, and new heroes Luke Skywalker and Yoda are sure to have their hands full. Wars not make one great? Bah! Forces of Corruption will be available this fall.See also: Metareview - Star Wars: Empire at War
