SyFy
Latest
Syfy Mass Effect 2 special premieres tonight
Syfy, the network formerly known as Sci-Fi before it experienced a tragic spelling accident, will broadcast Sci vs. Fi: Mass Effect 2 numerous times over the next week. The half-hour special is supposed to take an "in-depth look at both the science and fiction of Mass Effect 2" -- but you'd never be able to extrapolate that from the above fluffy marketing clip. The "documentary" features the game's voice actors, like Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica) and Yvonne Strahovski (Chuck) saying whatever they want, along with industry perspective from "journalists Jessica Chobot and Adam Sessler." The special premieres tonight at 11PM EST/PST and 10PM middle-time. Find a listing of additional airdates after the break. Find us contemplating Sci-Fi's name change for the rest of eternity.
The Daily Grind: How does your MMO integrate with TV?
The SyFy Channel's television show / massively multiplayer game is definitely a one of a kind idea, but we find ourselves wondering how the whole thing will work. It's really a question of how the two mediums -- one being an MMO and the other being the television show -- will effect one another. A recent, specific quote from a video with Lars Buttler, CEO of Trion World Network and SyFy President David Howe seems telling, "They not only promote each other, they literally depend on each other and co-evolve." Can we expect a game that allows players to alter the course of the show and vice versa? It would seem so, or at least that's what we're hearing in so many words. But we'd like to know what you think, and more specifically what you'd like to see from this decidedly big project. Would you be happy with a television show and MMO that bounced off of each from time to time, or do you want something more from this joint project between Trion and SyFy?
Syfy Channel series, MMO hybrid has a name: One Earth
[motionographer.com] General Electric, of all sources, has revealed the working title "One Earth," chosen for the joint MMO / television series venture underway between Trion and the Syfy Channel. The name was disclosed in a GE report to shareholders, which makes sense as its the parent company of Syfy and is partially funding the game through its "Peacock Equity Fund." Trion CEO Lars Butler explains that the One Earth MMO and show "not only promote each other, they literally depend on each other and co-evolve." Rob Hill, the game's senior producer, says that unlike many licensed properties where "you have a game that's based off of a book or television show or movie, or a movie that's based off a game," One Earth is "completely different" and has the potential to "really be able to broaden the audience" by -- as GE promises -- "bringing viewers from the show into the game and vice versa." Only time -- and TV ratings, and the game's subscription numbers -- will tell if that's all just a sci-fi fantasy. [Via BigDownload]
New information about hybrid SyFy MMO and television show
Back in June of 2008, we first heard about a neat little idea from SyFy -- then the Sci-Fi channel -- involving a combination MMO and television show. The project is still going strong as a collaboration between SyFy and Trion World Network, and now has the intriguing working title of One Earth. One Earth has since received financial backing from Peacock Equity, a global fund from NBC Universal and GE dedicated to investing in digital media companies (among other ventures). New video -- featuring Lars Buttler, CEO of Trion and President of SyFy David Howe -- delves deeper into the project. "...we are making this game now with a lot of support from every side," Buttler says. "we can, in this unique setup, do things that other people would never even dare before: create a video game world, a television show, they're based on the same universe, they take place at the same location in the future. They not only promote each other, they literally depend on each other and co-evolve." For the full story and video, take a look here.
Trion World Network hiring for PS3 MMO development
Whenever we post about MMO developer Trion World Network, two facts inevitably come up: It's working on some mysterious TV show/MMO for (ugh) SyFy It raised $100 million We mostly like mentioning the $100 million because we enjoy thinking about the possibility of just convincing people to give us a bunch of money, but both of these facts are entirely relevant to the latest development out of the company. Trion is using some of that money, according to job listings on its site, for PlayStation 3 developers, including Senior Programmer, Senior Graphics Programmer, and Interface Designer. All of these new hires will be working on the SyFy project, meaning that Trion is planning to bring the MMO to PS3.Now all we need to know is anything at all about this game.[Via Massively]
Trion World Network hiring PS3 programmers for SyFy Network MMO?
What's this? Well, it looks like the developer behind the new SyFy Network MMO and Heroes of Telara is looking to branch out from the PC world. In a swath of new job openings, the new developer is also seeking to hire those with PlayStation 3 experience.More specifically, Trion is seeking a PS3 graphics programmer, senior programmer, and interface designer. Three very important things if you're looking to perhaps move a game across platforms. All of the job listings are specifically mentioning the SyFy Network project, so it looks like we might be seeing some sort of downloadable MMO that will be appearing on the system.The SyFy Network MMO will be tied into a television show, and it will be an action RPG, so it only figures that they want to take a more television/console oriented approach with the game. Watch the TV show, then boot up your PS3 and play the game. Sounds like a perfect match, if you ask us.
Watch Syfy's latest, Warehouse 13, for free
Critics have been saying some good things about Syfy's latest show, Warehouse 13. If you missed the series premiere, you'll be able to catch up by downloading a free episode in SD or HD from the PlayStation Store. (Note: HD episodes only work on the PS3; SD episodes work on both the PS3 and PSP.)For those unfamiliar with the show, here's a synopsis from Wikipedia:After saving the President's life, Secret Service agents Myka Bering and Peter Lattimer are assigned to the government's Warehouse 13, which houses supernatural objects. They are tasked to retrieve missing objects and investigate reports of new ones. The dramatic comedy, from Universal Media Studios, is described as part The X-Files, part Raiders of the Lost Ark, and part Moonlighting.Check out a video trailer after the break.
Sci Fi / SyFy switch takes effect tomorrow, still doesn't make any sense
We're still not sure what to make of Sci Fi Channel's decision to rebrand as "Sy Fy" but the time has come, tomorrow night when you tune in to peep the series premiere of Warehouse 13 (trailer embedded after the break) the channel guide should look a bit different. So, after a couple of months to settle in are you still reacting with pitchforks, torches and boycotts or just ignoring the switch altogether?
Trion to debut 'Heroes of Telara' at E3
Trion World Network has confirmed the rumors: it will reveal its first game at E3 next month. Unfortunately, details of its debut offering, Heroes of Telara, are slim, but the press release for the announced MMORPG contained such carefully spun phrases as "limitless new content" and "unprecedented level of rich and dynamic gameplay." So, your guess is as good as ours.If the name Trion sounds familiar, but you can't think of a single game the company has made, don't feel bad. Trion drama has swept the internet for quite some time. In late 2008, it was revealed the server-based gaming company had raised over $100 million in capital but had yet to release a single title. In late April 2009, Joystiq received a rather inflammatory anonymous tip that Trion president and chief creative officer, Jon Van Canegham, had been removed from his position -- but Trion reps maintain the split was a "natural evolution of the growing company."Trion World Network is also collaborating with the Sci-Fi Channel (soon to be SyFy) on an MMO/TV hybrid project and recently announced plans to work with developer Petroglyph (of Star Wars: Empire at War fame) on an unnamed MMORTS title.[Via BigDownload]
Trion to reveal first MMO at E3: Heroes of Telara
One of the newer industry players in the MMO world is Trion World Network, which first came to our attention nearly a year ago with word of an MMO being made in partnership with the Sci-Fi Channel (soon to be rebranded as "Syfy"). Since then we've learned that there are multiple titles and publishing deals in the works at Trion. Trion has now announced that the first title they'll unveil is "Heroes of Telara", which they'll be showing off at this year's E3 Expo in June. Details on the title are extremely scarce, but the Trion PR line is one of the first game descriptions we've seen thus far for their previously codenamed "Channel 1" MMO: "Heroes of Telara is a fantasy Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game (MMORPG) where everyday gamers are forged into legendary heroes. In Heroes of Telara players are challenged to conquer the unknown in an epic, ever-changing world. Heroes of Telara will feature an unprecedented level of rich and dynamic gameplay, driven by recurring events, unexpected challenges and limitless new content."We'll be on the lookout for more info about Heroes of Telara as well as the other Trion MMOs as details emerge.
BSG: Complete Series Blu-ray set official specs: 20 discs, BD-Live, July 28
Finally, Universal has confirmed the rumors that Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series will arrive on Blu-ray July 28, packing the previously noted $349 MSRP for the 20 disc set. There's plenty of exclusive Blu-ray features planned, with U-control, DTS-HD MA soundtrack, an interactive guide to the ships and characters from the series, a BD-Live powered "Ultimate Battle" game, look behind the scenes with composer Bear McCreary and more. Not mentioned? Whether or not all that cash can buy a slightly better case design this time around.[Via TheHDRoom]
Sci Fi Channel being rebranded as Syfy
You've got to love those marketing folks, right? In an effort to grab an "ownable trademark" that will be more easily recognized on EPGs and online video portals such as iTunes and Hulu, NBC Universal has decided it best to rebrand Sci Fi Channel as 'Syfy.' Phonetically, everything remains the same, but it's the visual difference that counts. The change is expected to take place on July 7th here in the US, with other regions following suit in Q3. We're still not sure we're hot on the whole MHD-to-Palladia thing, but we kind of dig this change -- agree / disagree?
