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Jumpgate Evolution combat maneuvers shown in walkthrough videos [updated]
Netdevil is a firm believer that the MMOG genre is missing the galactic action-packed and fluid experiences that compare to Freelancer and Wing Commander. What is not lacking is the marvelous economic system found in EVE Online; however, when it comes to combat in space there's a lot to be desired and growth potential. Netdevil is setting out to fill that void with Jumpgate Evolution. We get a look at its current form in this two part developer with Associate Product Manager, Tim Hodges from E3-2008 courtesy of GameTrailers.com. Unfortunately, what we loved about earlier builds that showed off the first action cockpit view is absent but not removed. Several landscapes and bases show a sense of scale and some combat aspects from the game. The videos don't reveal much detail, but for being in such an early state of development it looks okay. Jumpgate Evolution is due out sometime in spring 2009, and the alpha is underway and there's no official word on when the beta will start. However, beta signups are live on the official website. The second video is available for viewing after the cut.
First glimpse at Blackstar developed by Spacetime Studios [updated]
Imagine being a developer and finding a publisher for your dream MMOG. Now imagine losing that publisher a year later before production was set to ramp up. That's exactly what happened to the guys at Spacetime Studios working on Blackstar, a space based MMOG. NCsoft canned the project last month over reasons unknown to the public. At first glance I have to wonder if I'd rather see Tabula Rasa canceled if I could switch it with this title. I'm not slamming TR with the hate, it's just that I think I'd find Blackstar a more interesting Sci-Fi MMO that appeals to my liking. But there is trouble brewing for NCsoft that may explain why Blackstar may be the victim of a bloated investment gone awry. I believe monetary policy entered NCsoft's equation to cut-off Blackstar. NCsoft currently isn't in a great position to keep pumping money into their numerous development projects given Tabula Rasa's enormous failure. The numbers from NCsoft's last quarterly annual report are ugly. Tabula Rasa was in development for six long years. To fund it all NCsoft was rumored to have invested over 100 million dollars. Tabula Rasa closed last quarter with disastrous financial results that totaled a mere 5 million in revenue. The news resulted in NCsoft's stock to crash to an all-time-low. The timeline seems to fit and place the pieces together. Now that Blackstar is no longer backed by NCsoft, Spacetime Studios faces a difficult undertaking in finding a new publisher. [Updated: 2/28/07. This post has been updated to reflect that the 100 million dollar figure was pure speculation and rumor that I acquired from an article by the Korea Times. David Swofford, Director of PR for NCsoft NA, has gone on record to debunk that number, claiming Tabula Rasa's development cost was a mere fraction of that cost ."It's a fraction of the cost and more in line with what's generally accepted in this industry for a company to spend on a Triple-A MMO project. "Swofford also went on record to say that Tabula Rasa's financial performance was not the reason behind NCsoft's decision to drop their contract with Spacetime Studios, whom are developing Blackstar.]
NCsoft drops Spacetime Studios: Not all is lost as development on Blackstar (space MMOG) continues
Earlier this week Spacetime Studios announced NCsoft has cancelled their contract with Blackstar, title revealed today, a space MMOG that has been in development for the past two years. As a result, this currently leaves the game with no publisher, stifling full production for the foreseeable future. In order for development to continue 12 employees were served with walking papers, an unfortunate but understandable circumstance.In the announcement Spacetime Studios reassures that Blackstar is their current project and they will continue to develop the IP. The infrastructure and all the tools are in place, and the remaining crew is fully committed. According to Brandon Reinhart's blog, STS Lead Designer, NCsoft is continuing to work closely with Spacetime Studios to resolve their separation amicably and make sure that the legalities regarding property rights are not entangled. More information regarding the game itself will be revealed in the days ahead. Do you want to know more about Blackstar? Check out thee Spacetime Studios website.
