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Trion names upcoming MMORTS, renames Heroes of Telara
If you've been waiting for information on... well, pretty much anything from Trion Worlds, it's your lucky day. Trion has come forth with information about three projects that have gotten a fair amount of attention in the past, but left fans wanting to know much more. To begin with, Heroes of Telara is no longer Heroes of Telara. The game has been renamed Rift: Planes of Telara, a new title that reflects one of the most important mechanics of the game. Trion also revealed a little more information about the mysterious SyFy MMO that they're working on. No elaborate details are forthcoming quite yet, but we now know that it will be an "MMO action game" set on Earth between 50-100 years in the future. Finally, Trion unveiled End of Nations, which they say will be "the world's first premium massively multiplayer real-time strategy game." The fact that the game was an MMORTS has never been a secret, given that Trion actually named the game MMORTS for a while, but we've got a fair amount of new information with the unveiling. The game is aimed at existing fans of the genre rather than looking for converts, so players will be able to jump right into what they enjoy. Check out the full story on End of Nations and Trion's other projects over at Gamasutra.
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.
Russ Brown talks on Heroes of Telara
Information is scarce on Heroes of Telara, one of Trion World Network's upcoming MMO titles, but Trion's Russ Brown is helping to fill in the gaps by sitting down for an interview and talking about what the game will have to offer.Russ's interview with the MMO Gamer (all the way back from E3, according to Trion's Stephen Reid) is a great read for anyone exciting about the game's "emergent world" possibilities, as Russ talks frankly on how the team can get into the game and hijack the monster AI to control them, or how they can even do little things like have merchants who have limited time sales.Russ also talks about the game's class switching system and subclass system, where you can pair classes with your main class to emphasize or change their traits. If you want more of a fighting paladin than a healing paladin, for example, you could pair the paladin class with the fighter subclass.If you want all of the gritty details though, head on over to the MMO Gamer and check out the full interview. As we said earlier, it's worth the read.[Via MMORPG.com]
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.
E3 2009: Impressions of Heroes of Telara
To be honest, when the Heroes of Telara trailer first released, much of what we heard was "been there done that" from readers and friends. "Fantasy has been done to death" was another. That's why we were glad to see the game actually in play behind closed doors this last week at the Trion World Network space at E3. While we only saw a pre-alpha copy of the game (and would point out that it's what they used for the trailer) it's certainly raised our interest over the initial impression we had. In motion, Heroes of Telara actually made some of us of think of an updated, shinier version of Guild Wars in terms of very pretty and highly-detailed stylized (yet somewhat realistic) graphics. As was explained to us by Chris Mancil, the Director of Community Management for Trion, one of the largest things that they feel will set Heroes of Telara apart from many others is that they are working to keep the game server-based. Their plan is to attempt to keep most of the "action" server side as is possible so that they can add new events into the game without having to send along enormous patches to players all the time. All assets will still reside client side, but they'll be able to manipulate game-play by telling the client to modify where things spawn, how things interact, and the like. From little things like different vendors having sales to large zone-wide events, it will allow them to change anything and everything on the fly and make Heroes of Telara feel more like it's taking place in a living, breathing, dynamic world that players will want to "live in, explore, and play." %Gallery-64646% %Gallery-64649%
E3 2009: Sci-Fi MMO is an "action RPG"
While visiting with Trion World Network at E3, we were unable to snag any new details on the Sci-Fi MMO beyond this poster - at least any that we can share with you, anyway. (Some of the early concept art flashed across the monitors, and it looks pretty cool if we do say so ourselves.) We did find out that this new MMO is currently codenamed "Channel 3" and is going to be an "MMOARPG", or a massively multiplayer action role-playing game. Of course, what precisely this means is largely anyone's guess. What makes it more action-based than a normal MMORPG? Will the action be due to the tie-in with the upcoming Sci-Fi series? Will they change their earlier statements and perhaps film action-y parts of the upcoming series in-game? Or is it just going to be buttonmashapolooza, with attacks coming as fast as you're able to faceroll your keyboard? Who knows! We'll keep our eyes peeled and ears to the ground in case the folks at Trion World Entertainment decide to let slip with any more tantalizing tidbits about this upcoming TV/MMO hybrid property. (Well, assuming they also don't catch us taking pictures of the monitors showing off concept art next time. Boooo.)
E3 2009: Trion World Network unveils fantasy MMO Heroes of Telara
Trion World Network unveiled its first fantasy MMO title Heroes of Telara at E3 2009 today. The announcement was accompanied by the launch of the official Heroes of Telara site, that provides background on the gameplay elements and backstory, as well as screenshots, concept art, and a game trailer. Trion World Network describes Heroes of Telara as a game all about being 'the right hero for the right time' in a world on the brink of disaster. Have a flip through the galleries below and check out the game trailer after the cut for more on what Heroes of Telara will offer.%Gallery-64646%%Gallery-64649%
Trion relelases first trailer for Heroes of Telara
See, this is why we don't write a blog about MMOs. Because after watching the trailer for Trion's new Heroes of Telara MMO (you'll find it after the break), we're hard pressed to explain why you might want to play this fantasy MMO over any other one. It looks pretty, we guess, but with $100 million in funding flowing into Trion World Network we should hope that it would. Check out the trailer and let us know: Does this look like something you want to dig in to? Or do we have just the right amount of cynicism?
First video of Heroes of Telara released
If you weren't watching the opening show for E3 on Spike Network last night (or like many others, just don't happen to be in a place that even gets Spike TV) then you'd have missed the world premiere first-look at Trion World Network's upcoming MMO, Heroes of Telara. While we can imagine that this is likely alpha footage, it gives us a first look at what they've been working on behind the scenes. As a handful of us here at Massively are heading to E3 this weekend, we'll be sure to bring you all the news on this upcoming MMO straight from the front lines. For now, be sure to check out the video, embedded for your comfort, just behind the break!
Trion World Network receives 'Red Herring 100 North America' award
We just got word that Trion World Network is a Red Herring 100 North America winner for 2009. The Red Herring 100 North America awards are given annually to the companies identified as being the most promising tech startups that will "lead the next wave of disruption and innovation." Massively has mentioned Trion World Network a few times in the past in connection with their announced projects in the MMO space. Namely, we've pointed out their (original IP) Sci-Fi Channel MMO that's in the works, and "Heroes of Telara", a fantasy title that we should have more info about after the E3 Expo in June. Congratulations to Trion World Network, and we're glad to see an MMO developer make the Red Herring 100 North America list of winners.
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.
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.
Trion transitions President into career options elsewhere
Although we know Trion World has an MMO for Sci-Fi Channel in the works and a fantasy MMO planned for the console, we've heard very little beyond that. Well, okay - we also knew they have an all-star team, 100 million in funding, and recently joined the ESA too. That said, our sister site Joystiq got a rather unpleasant insider email about the company with one piece of information we've since been able to corroborate. Apparently their President and Chief Operational Officer, Jon Van Caneghem, has "transitioned" out of his job at Trion, and will be seeking opportunity elsewhere. According to Trion's statement: Jon Van Caneghem has transitioned out of his role as president and no longer holds any operational responsibilities at Trion. His creative and operational roles have been distributed among the talented senior team.The rest of their statement is behind the break for those curious.
Trion asks president and CCO to try on new career
We received a rather inflammatory anonymous tip about Trion World Networks and the current state of the company, but the only piece we feel comfortable in sharing is that President and Chief Creative Officer Jon Van Canegham has been let go from the company. We followed up and an official representative for the MMO publisher informed us that Canegham has "transitioned out" and no longer has "any operational responsibilities" -- his creative and operational roles have been distributed among the senior team. Find the full statement after the break.On paper, Trion World Networks is doing quite well, having raised $100 million in capital and announcing this week that it has joined the ESA. The company will allegedly show its first title at E3, but that's just "rumor and speculation" for now.
ESA admits two companies we've kind of heard of
The ESA announced today that Trion World Networks and XSEED Games have become members of the trade association. Trion has accumulated $100 million in funding without launching a game, while XSEED has released quite a few "off the beaten path" titles, like Retro Game Challenge.Following the announcement, Activision Blizzard left a voicemail with the ESA, playing "Don't Cha" by The Pussycat Dolls on repeat.
