Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com Joystiq http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/http://www.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Joystiq http://www.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Schilling says he could lose $50 million of his own money in 38 Studios implosion [update: Chafee responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/#comments Embattled 38 Studios co-founder and head Curt Schilling finally broke his weeks of silence on the Rhode Island studio's recent implosion in an interview with The Providence Journal. "Frustration" seems not strong enough a word to describe his feelings toward Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee - Schilling called Chafee's commentary surrounding 38 Studios "devastating," and claimed it "scared off private investors."

Schilling also said that he could lose $50 million due to the studio's failure - money which he earned as a professional baseball player, and which he later invested into 38 Studios. That money, as well as approximately $50 million of a planned $75 million loan co-signed by the state of Rhode Island, was eaten by 38's long-in-development MMO, "Project Copernicus."

38 Studios' Baltimore-based subsidiary, Big Huge Games, was working on a sequel to this year's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The project was depending on private investment to go into production - to the tune of $35 million from an unnamed publisher - which Schilling said was pushed away by Chafee's statements.

"Curt was committed to us as a community and as people, he wanted the best possible work environment for the team he cared so much for, and as a result none of us wanted to let him down," one former 38 Studios employee, speaking under condition of anonymity, told us. "He had invested so much into us financially and personally, we were not about to betray that trust. We were not going to take the chance of speaking to the press and accidentally ruining any chances with outside investors. Unfortunately, it didn't matter if the employees spoke and ruined things with the investors as the Governor beat us to it."

Last week, 38 Studios laid off its near-300 person staff in Rhode Island, as well as its approximately 100-person studio in Baltimore, Big Huge Games.

Update: Governor Lincoln Chafee responded this morning to Schilling's comments in a short Q&A session with Rhode Island reporters. "As a business person, he was new at it, and so I always had some reservations," Chafee said. "I have to verify everything, I can't just take it as a leap of faith," he told one reporter asking about the alleged $35 million that 38 Studios was on the brink of acquiring to create a sequel to this year's Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. "Hope springs eternal, but I won't misrepresent to the Rhode Islanders how dire the situation is," Chafee added. "I understand that being involved in this very risky industry that, when things aren't going well, there's gonna be blame. But this isn't accurate to be blaming the state in this case."

JoystiqSchilling says he could lose $50 million of his own money in 38 Studios implosion [update: Chafee responds] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamescurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffslincoln-chafeeproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 29 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/28/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2-was-in-pre-production/#comments Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in "pre-production" at 38 Studios' Big Huge Games in Maryland before all employees were let go last week. Several sources with knowledge of the situation tell Joystiq that the company was in advanced talks with a publisher before the events that led to the dissolution of the team.

Even if the Big Huge Games team could be salvaged under a different banner, it is unlikely that they could work on Reckoning 2. The intellectual property, tech and code (the latter used as a springboard) required to make a sequel is still owned by 38 Studios for the time being, but will likely soon be owned by the state of Rhode Island. Sources close to discussions with Rhode Island tell us that the state's asking price to release assets is too high.

Elements tested for the sequel were higher graphics quality across the board, no loading screens between zones, expanded and improved combat animations, more branching quests and greater effect on the world by players.

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production'

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 was in 'pre-production' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 May 2012 09:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-2microsoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 28 May 2012 09:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island: Fired 38 Studios staff are highly skilled, will find new work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/rhode-island-fired-38-studios-staff-are-highly-skilled-will-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/rhode-island-fired-38-studios-staff-are-highly-skilled-will-fi/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/rhode-island-fired-38-studios-staff-are-highly-skilled-will-fi/#comments ImageRhode Island Department of Labor and Training director Charles Fogarty said today that the staff of 38 Studios, all of whom were laid off yesterday, will be able to find new jobs because they are "highly skilled."

"The individuals in question, most of them are pretty highly skilled," Fogarty said. "They've already been contacted by a number of employers. Our department has been contacted by folks looking for people with that type of skill."

Governor Lincoln Chafee and his team today held another press conference to address 38 Studios' financial situation, leading with the information that his office wasn't informed of the layoffs yesterday. Chafee held a press conference one hour after news of the firings broke yesterday; about 300 people in Rhode Island and almost 100 from Big Huge Games in Maryland lost their jobs.

Today, Fogarty said he didn't think it would be difficult for these former employees to find new work.

"I don't expect that they're going to be unemployed for all that length of time," he said. "So far there's only been a small number who've actually applied for unemployment benefits at this point."

Fogarty didn't say how many former 38 Studios employees had applied for unemployment. To allay concerns of the wider economic impact of supporting an influx of people on unemployment, Fogarty said the following: "Don't forget, a number of them are not Rhode Islanders. They worked here but they were not Rhode Islanders."

Of the unspecific number of people who filed for unemployment, about half were Rhode Islander residents, he said, responding to questions about the "jobs for Rhode Islanders" pitch that came with 38 Studios' founding.

Gov. Chafee doesn't think it's futile to attempt to find investors in 38 Studios, saying that when a studio is basically defunct and has no employees, "some might argue that that's the time for an investor to come in, when you can get it for pennies on the dollar, but we're still fairly pessimistic."

Unfortunately, even if an investor did jump in, Rhode Island would be the "pennies" part of that analogy, not the dollar.

JoystiqRhode Island: Fired 38 Studios staff are highly skilled, will find new work originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscharles-fogartykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningLincoln-Chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandxboxFri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Editorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/editorial-38-studios-and-the-dunkin-delusions/#comments ImageThe Providence Journal sat neatly presented on the counter at the Dunkin Donuts across the street from 38 Studios in Rhode Island, its headline clear as day: "Loan-guarantee fallout costs EDC chief his job." Further down the right column of the page was the other harbinger headline: "Too little cash to cover the check."

This was last Friday, May 18, the day after the head of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, the quasi-government group responsible for co-signing the $75 million loan to 38 Studios, was fired. It was also the day after the state couldn't deposit a $1.12 million check the studio delivered as a payment because the company's chief financial officer called to say there were insufficient funds.

A man walked up to the counter for his morning caffeine fix. I guessed he worked at 38 Studios because he had 'the look.' The lady working the counter confirmed my egregious profiling by asking, "How are things going over there?"

Continue reading Editorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions

JoystiqEditorial: 38 Studios and the Dunkin delusions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiospcproject-copernicusRhode-IslandFri, 25 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/#comments ImageThe sudden firing of all 379 employees at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games today was a blow to the industry, even for those of us who expected it. Soon after news broke, many developers, artists, designers, PR people, journalists and fans took to the Internet to express frustration and anger -- and to help.

On Twitter, the hashtag "#38jobs" rose to trending in the US, with people shouting out which studios were hiring and generally sending support to those let go today. A Facebook group titled "38Jobs" popped up around the same time. Freelance games journo Alex Rubens gathered all of these jobs tips into a Google Doc that currently sports 84 studios with openings, including Irrational Games, Bungie, Activision, Klei Entertainment, Rockstar and other major and indie companies.

Access the full list here; it is still in the process of being updated and refined, courtesy of Rubens and The Side Of The Gaming Industry That Proves We're Not All Trolling Douchebags.

JoystiqIndustry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gamesjobskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglayoffsmicrosoftmobilenintendopcplaystationproject-copernicusps3wiixboxThu, 24 May 2012 21:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Our own Alexander Sliwinski talks 38 Studios with Fox 25 News]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/our-own-alexander-sliwinski-talks-38-studios-with-fox-25-news/#comments
Here at Joystiq, we spend most of our time hunched over laptops pumping out a steady stream of news for you to consume. But every now and again, one of us is ripped out from behind the comfort of our mobile workplace to talk gaming news with a mainstream outlet - today is such a day.

Following the unfortunate events at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games, News Editor Alexander Sliwinski took to Boston-area affiliate Fox 25 News to talk all things 38 and Rhode Island. We're hoping that his dashing suit and suave demeanor will help to convince you that our whole staff is made up of debonair jetsetters, even if we know in our hearts that's a stone-cold lie.

JoystiqOur own Alexander Sliwinski talks 38 Studios with Fox 25 News originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosalexander-sliwinskibig-huge-gamesfox-25-newskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmetarhode-islandtelevision-apperanceThu, 24 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[The politics of making games: Disconnect between 38 Studios and Rhode Island in quotes]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-politics-of-making-games-disconnect-between-38-studios-and/#comments ImageRhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee gathered his experts on finances and bond laws to discuss the dire situation of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning publisher 38 Studios today, opening with a clear summation: "It's not a good situation; I'm not here to deliver good news."

Just an hour before the conference, news broke that all 379 staff of 38 Studios and its property Big Huge Games had been laid off. Chafee's adviser John Savage answered the first question regarding the layoffs: "In my conversations today, there were no discussions about layoffs."

Chafee agreed, saying "nothing changed today," and the tone of the conference was effectively set.

Of the layoffs that his administration wouldn't acknowledge, Chafee suggested, "Well, they could be rehired. Some investor might come in."

In a related optimistic response, Chafee said he believes 38 Studios will be able to hit its payment benchmarks, banking on the "emotional attachment" of gamers to the Amalur universe. "I would suspect that they are going to be on time and at the proper amount," he said. "All that investment, all that adherement to benchmarks. I think is going to be accurate in the end."

At the moment, Chafee said he couldn't assign blame in the situation to anyone specifically, but he did say "that's gonna come over time if we're not successful in getting this company financially solvent."

To keep 38 Studios solvent will be "very, very expensive," Chafee said, taking "tens of millions of dollars" in marketing alone. These projections come from "industry experts," who also told Chafee that he was doing the right thing the entire time. "Every indication I got from all this process is that everything is going according to the business plan," Chafee said.

"I asked the experts: What could have we done better? And they were telling me, 'You did everything right. You put your money in, you supported the game, and you're better off not meddling.' If I had meddled there wouldn't be all this violence in these games, all the sexism."

Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sold 1.2 million units in its first 90 days, but for 38 Studios to break even it would have had to sell 3 million, Chafee said. Even though 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling said the game "outperformed EA's projections," Chafee was forced to disagree.

"The game failed," he said.

JoystiqThe politics of making games: Disconnect between 38 Studios and Rhode Island in quotes originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningThu, 24 May 2012 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning had to sell 3M 'just to break even,' RI governor says]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-had-to-sell-3m-just-to-break-even/#comments Despite Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning selling "1.22 million copies in its first 90 days" according to 38 Studios head Curt Schilling, it apparently never crested the 3 million mark it needed to break even. "The game failed, the game failed," Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a press conference this afternoon.

According to "experts" speaking with Chafee's office, Reckoning needed to sell over 3 million copies "just to break even," never mind profit. The action RPG was released this past February to critical praise and modest initial financial success. It was credited with saving Big Huge Games from destruction back in 2009 when 38 Studios picked up the Baltimore studio, primarily for repurposing an already-in-production RPG into what we now know was Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

Both 38 Studios and Big Huge Games laid off their staffs this afternoon amidst major financial trouble at 38.

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning had to sell 3M 'just to break even,' RI governor says originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandsalesxboxThu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios and Big Huge Games lay off entire staffs [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/38-studios-and-big-huge-games-lay-off-entire-staffs/#comments 38 Studios and Big Huge Games have both let go of their entire staffs, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Joystiq. Following reports that 38 Studios stopped paying staff on May 1, and just an hour before a scheduled press conference in Rhode Island addressing the recent 38 Studios financial debacle, both the Providence, RI-based 38 Studios and the Baltimore, MD-based Big Huge Games are no more.

"Big Huge Games was home for my wife and me for our adult lives so far. I'll miss it terribly, but so proud. Good night and good luck," former Big Huge Games lead world designer Colin Campbell said on his Twitter account. Big Huge's latest release was the moderately successful Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. The studio was picked up by 38 Studios back in 2009, and it crafted the first entry in 38's ambitious new universe: Amalur.

The recent financial tumult arose following a defaulted payment from 38 Studios to the Rhode Island state government on May 1, indicating much larger financial issues that could ultimately lead to Rhode Island taxpayers owing up to $112.6 million between 2013 and 2020. It's unclear whether today's layoffs mean 38 Studios is unable to pay back the approximately $50 million its owes Rhode Island of a planed $75 million loan. If that's the case, Rhode Island will take over ownership of the Amalur IP, valued at around $20 million.

We expect to hear more at a scheduled press conference this evening held by Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee.

Update: WPRI got ahold of the internal memo to employees at 38 Studios, which reads: "The Company is experiencing an economic downturn. To avoid further losses and possibility of retrenchment, the Company has decided that a companywide lay off is absolutely necessary. These layoffs are non-voluntary and non-disciplinary. This is your official notice of lay off, effective today, Thursday, May 24th, 2012." Big Huge Games and 38 Studios collectively employed 379 full-timers as of March 15, according to the report.

Joystiq38 Studios and Big Huge Games lay off entire staffs [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesclosurelayoffslincoln-chafeerhode-islandThu, 24 May 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios employees unpaid since May 1, health insurance ends on Thursday]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-employees-unpaid-since-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-employees-unpaid-since-may-1/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/38-studios-employees-unpaid-since-may-1/#comments Image38 Studios employees have not been paid since May 1 and their health care will end Thursday at midnight, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Joystiq. Employees are normally paid on the first and 15th of each month.

When asked if the studio would be shutting down this week, the source could only say, "Unknown at this time. Outlook is not good."

We're informed that 38 Studios' MMO, "Project Copernicus," announced by Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee as launching in June 2013, did have that date as its internal target. However, "Whether this is realistic or not is up for debate."

Gov. Chafee said in a press conference today that he would do what he could to prevent the studio from shutting down. Will the studio still exist within a month? "I have no idea," our source replied.

Joystiq38 Studios employees unpaid since May 1, health insurance ends on Thursday originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-shillingLincoln-Chafeepcproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationWed, 23 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RI Gov. Chafee working to prevent 38 Studios shutdown, unaware of any new cash for company [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/ri-gov-chafee-working-to-prevent-38-studios-shutdown-unaware-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/ri-gov-chafee-working-to-prevent-38-studios-shutdown-unaware-o/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/ri-gov-chafee-working-to-prevent-38-studios-shutdown-unaware-o/#comments ImageThe situation faced by troubled MMO developer 38 Studios is not improving. According to Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee, the company has not received any new investment. In a sudden press conference late today, he said the studio had not received any outside investment nor any of the new tax credits it has applied for. NBC10 reports that, when asked if 38 Studios would be closing, Chafee said he would do what he could to prevent it.

WPRI reported today that CEO Jennifer MacLean removed the title of chief executive from her LinkedIn profile and listed her departure as having occurred in March. John Blakely, senior vice president of product development, also revised his LinkedIn profile to show that he left the company this month. Joystiq has also been informed of continuing layoffs at the company, and that health insurance has run out.

The value of 38 Studios' Amalur intellectual property is estimated to be in the range of $20 million, according to Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter. 38 Studios put up the IP as collateral against its $75 million loan, which could end up costing RI taxpayers $112 million if 38 Studios shutters.

Update: 38 Studios employees have not been paid since May 1. WPRI reports 38 Studios may be ineligible for the millions of dollars in state tax credits because it isn't incorporated in Rhode Island.

JoystiqRI Gov. Chafee working to prevent 38 Studios shutdown, unaware of any new cash for company [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcproject-copernicusrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationWed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Analyst estimates Amalur IP worth $20 million, 38 Studios employees head to job fair]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/analyst-estimates-amalur-ip-worth-20-million-38-studios-employ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/analyst-estimates-amalur-ip-worth-20-million-38-studios-employ/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/analyst-estimates-amalur-ip-worth-20-million-38-studios-employ/#comments ImageThe value of 38 Studios' Amalur intellectual property is estimated to be in the range of $20 million. We asked Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter for his valuation following confirmation of layoffs at the studio and coverage of 38 Studios employees flocking to Turbine's recruitment drive in Providence last night.

"Nobody is buying MMOs after Star Wars fizzled. I think value is low, probably $20 million or so," Pachter said. "There is just no demand for game assets right now, as THQ proved when it tried to sell the Warhammer MMO. I think [Electronic Arts] could step in, since they are the publisher, so you might see some alternative way to get 38 some bridge financing."

Electronic Arts had been the publisher on the Big Huge Games developed Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, but has yet to confirm it would publish 38 Studios' "Project Copernicus."

"Nope - never been an announcement on that," Jeff Brown of EA corporate communications told Joystiq. "We don't have any new announcements to make regarding 38 Studios. We enjoyed working with Curt and his team on their first game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Like game fans all over the world, we look forward to what 38 Studios creates next."

With reports out of Providence delivering an uncertain near future for the studio, it wouldn't be surprising if publishers tried to pick up the Amalur IP for pennies on the dollar. However, with documents showing that 38 Studios put up the IP as collateral against the $75 million loan, anybody trying to pick up the IP will be negotiating with the state of Rhode Island for control of Amalur.

JoystiqAnalyst estimates Amalur IP worth $20 million, 38 Studios employees head to job fair originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 May 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurcurt-schillingmicrosoftpcplaystationproject-copernicusps3rhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationxboxWed, 23 May 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RI governor confirms 38 Studios layoffs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ri-governor-confirms-38-studios-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ri-governor-confirms-38-studios-layoffs/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/ri-governor-confirms-38-studios-layoffs/#comments
Image
Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee has confirmed layoffs at 38 Studios. The governor made the statement this evening following a scheduled meeting of the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC), where about as little happened to resolve 38 Studios' troubled situation as at last Wednesday's "emergency meeting."

On Friday Gov. Chafee held a surprise press conference about 38 Studios, in which he said the government was done providing easy money for the developer, and gave "Project Copernicus" a launch window of June 2013.

WPRI reporter Ted Nesi told Joystiq that Gov. Chafee confirmed the layoffs, but was ambiguous about whether employees at the studio were being paid.

38 Studios continues to remain silent and has not made any official statement about anything since this whole mess started early last week. According to the AP, 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling brushed past reporters on his way out of the meeting this evening, saying there was "misinformation" he couldn't clear up in a sound bite.

Not at all coincidental, Warner Bros. owned Boston-area MMO developer Turbine will hold a recruitment event at the Hotel Providence Tuesday night from 5-9PM. The studio currently has over 50 open positions.

We continue to leave the line open if 38 Studios or any employees wish to share their side of what's going on at the developer.

Update: Avalanche Studios, which opened up a studio in New York last year, will also hold a recruitment drive at the Westin Providence Hotel on Thursday, May 24, from 12-7PM.

JoystiqRI governor confirms 38 Studios layoffs originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 May 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingLincoln-Chafeepcproject-copernicusrhode-islandMon, 21 May 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[First video of 38 Studios' 'Project Copernicus' MMO flies over Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/#comments

38 Studios released a "Project Copernicus" sizzle reel this afternoon, featuring locales in Amalur's MMO game world. The timing of this video is certainly interesting, since it comes on the same day that 38 Studios handed over an overdue check to the state of Rhode Island and its governor, Lincoln Chafee, announced "Project Copernicus" would launch in June 2013.

JoystiqFirst video of 38 Studios' 'Project Copernicus' MMO flies over Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningpcproject-copernicusFri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/rhode-island-governor-gives-38-studios-copernicus-mmo-a-june-20/#comments Rhode Island governor Lincoln Chafee told attendees of a 38 Studios-related press conference that the long awaited 38 Studios MMO - only known currently as "Project Copernicus" - is set to launch in June of 2013. Chafee said, "What I understand is Copernicus is June of '13."

Considering we've literally never heard any information on the Amalur-based MMO (aside from the fact that it's an Amalur-based MMO), it's a bit hard for us to believe that the game will arrive by next year. "I said from the beginning that it was a risky enterprise," Chafee told press of the troubled business deal between 38 and Rhode Island.

38 Studios is supposed to start paying back its $75 million loan - facilitated by the state of Rhode Island and supported by bond investors - by the beginning of 2013. It's unclear how 38 will afford those payments, but Chafee repeatedly pointed out 38's intention to seek private capital (read: more money from private investors - and not from the state). Said private capital has yet to be secured, Chafee said.

JoystiqRhode Island governor gives 38 Studios' Copernicus MMO a June 2013 launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioslegallincoln-chafeepcrhode-islandFri, 18 May 2012 13:49:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios successfully pays $1.125 million to Rhode Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/#comments 38 Studios's $1.125 million check to the state of Rhode Island has cleared, governor Lincoln Chafee announced during a press conference this afternoon, thus fulfilling the first required payment on the studio's loan from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

Rhode Island is changing its legislation on tax breaks, closing loopholes pertaining to state funds being used for motion-picture endeavors, Chafee said. The state's interest lies in protecting the taxpayers, balanced with keeping 38 Studios solvent, since "taxpayers have had a very generous deal for 38 studios," Chafee said.

"It's time for them to go out and get private capital funding," Chafee said. "That's the deal. It's a generous deal, but stick to it."

Rhode Island officials believe that the total of the $49 million loaned to 38 has been spent. Chafee said that until late April, meetings with 38 suggested that they would make their May payment. "I want to make sure we're doing everything possible to make sure 38 doesn't fail," Chafee said. "We're in deep." Everything possible except giving them more money."There's not going to be any money from the state. They're not coming here for easy money."

According to Chafee, "Basically, the access to private capital hasn't materialized."

38 Studios' next payment is a debt service payment due November 1 of $2.6 million, and Rhode Island officials believe the studio will have the capital to cover it.

38 Studios will then owe $12.6 million in full annual debt service in 2013, and "that's on their dime," officials said.

Chafee said he recognized the risk involved in starting a new gaming studio, but the state would have benefited greatly from the studio's "huge success" had it done well.

"I said from the beginning that it was a risky enterprise," Chafee said. Regarding how 38 Studios will function if it doesn't have the funds to pay its employees, Chafee reiterated, "Again, these are the ramifications of being in a risky business."

Chafee doesn't plan on taking a gamble of this nature again: "Never, never ever. Not under my watch," he said.

Joystiq38 Studios successfully pays $1.125 million to Rhode Island originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandxboxFri, 18 May 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios doesn't make payroll, can't pay state either [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-doesnt-make-payroll/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-doesnt-make-payroll/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/38-studios-doesnt-make-payroll/#comments Image38 Studios was unable to make payroll this week, but is in the process of making the $1.125 million payment that set off the company's crisis earlier this week. WPRI reports that a spokesperson for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) did confirm that former Red Sox player Curt Schilling's video game company was unable to pay its employees.

A source tells Joystiq that beyond not making payroll, all temps and contractors at 38 Studios were let go this week.

At the same time, Governor Lincoln Chafee's office stated 38 Studios is in the process of making the overdue payment to the state. The head of the RIEDC, Keith Stokes, who approved the $75 million loan to 38 Studios in 2010, resigned late last night.

If 38 Studios does close, Rhode Island taxpayers will have to repay the $75 million bond (plus interest) through 2020, but they'll own the intellectual property of the developer, which would likely be sold at auction.

If the company does make the payment to the state, the next round will be owed in 2013. Of course, there won't be a 38 Studios much longer if it isn't paying employees.

Update: The hand-delivered check for the overdue $1.125 million payment has been returned by the EDC to 38 Studios after the company's chief financial officer said there were insufficient funds to cover it.

Continue reading 38 Studios doesn't make payroll, can't pay state either [update]

Joystiq38 Studios doesn't make payroll, can't pay state either [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxThu, 17 May 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The scene following 38 Studios' 'emergency meeting' with Rhode Island officials]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-scene-following-38-studios-emergency-meeting-with-rhode-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-scene-following-38-studios-emergency-meeting-with-rhode-i/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/the-scene-following-38-studios-emergency-meeting-with-rhode-i/#comments
To get a real sense of the severity of the situation between 38 Studios and the state of Rhode Island, here's a package by the Providence Journal. The events shown immediately follow today's "emergency meeting," where officials decided they didn't know what to do about the studio.

JoystiqThe scene following 38 Studios' 'emergency meeting' with Rhode Island officials originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationProvidence-Journalps3rhode-islandxboxWed, 16 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/rhode-island-owns-38-studios-intellectual-property/#comments If 38 Studios does shutter, beyond Rhode Island taxpayers having to pay off the $75 million bond (plus interest) through 2020, it appears the state will also own the intellectual property of the developer as a parting gift. Reviewing updated documentation released by the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (RIEDC) today, it appears 38 Studios put up all present and future IP by the company as collateral.

According to the documentation, 38 Studios' intellectual property rights and other collateral were pledged to the RIEDC and assigned to a trustee, which we've confirmed by pulling Uniform Commercial Code documentation. Any proceeds made from the sale of the collateral would go back to the bondholders. This covers "all rights, title and interest in any projects, including video game projects," such as Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and "Project Copernicus" - the title currently in development at 38 Studios.

"Based on what information I've been able to review on the 38 Studios situation, it appears that the funds they received from the RIEDC were secured by collateral that amounts to all of 38 Studios assets, including all of their intellectual property," attorney and Law of the Game editor Mark Methenitis told Joystiq this afternoon. "That would include all the rights to Kingdoms of Amalur and any other games they may have in development, even if no information about those titles has ever reached the light of day."

Continue reading Rhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults

JoystiqRhode Island owns Amalur, all other 38 Studios intellectual property if studio defaults originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-Islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationxboxWed, 16 May 2012 16:32:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/16/38-studios-schilling-ask-rhode-island-for-more-money-state-off/#comments ImageToday's emergency meeting by Rhode Island officials to determine what they are going to do about Curt Schilling's 38 Studios has concluded with officials freezing like deer in headlights. Nothing happened.

Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation will take no immediate action to aid the developer, following a closed-door meeting attended by Governor Lincoln Chafee and Schilling, who asked for additional help to save the company. Schilling refused to answer press inquiries and officials wouldn't declare how much money the studio is seeking.

"How do we avoid throwing good money after bad?" Chafee is quoted by the Associated Press as saying after the three-hour emergency meeting finished.

"The company still has the option to cure the existing default by paying the $1,125,000 guaranty fee that is past due," reads an official statement by the EDC board. "In the meantime, we will continue to talk with 38 Studios and develop additional information, and will resume the Board meeting at our regularly scheduled meeting on May 21. The members of the Board may not discuss the confidential information received and discussed today."

If the studio doesn't receive assistance, it appears Rhode Island taxpayers may very well be on the hook for the $75 million 38 Studios loan that, after interest, would require paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

Continue reading 38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze

Joystiq38 Studios, Schilling ask Rhode Island for more money; state officials freeze originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-islandxboxWed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/38-studios-whiffed-last-loan-payment-received-nearly-50-millio/#comments ImageThe hits keep coming for ex-baseballer Curt Schillings' 38 Studios. The company reportedly missed its latest loan payment of $1.125 million to the state of Rhode Island on May 1, effectively defaulting its $75 million loan. WPRI spoke with Rhode Island House Speaker Gordon Fox who confirmed the news.

The loan's facilitator, Rhode Island's Economic Development Corporation, called an "emergency meeting" for tomorrow morning, wherein it will discuss "an unexpected occurrence that requires immediate action to protect the public regarding the 38 Studios financing." As reported earlier, if 38 Studios were to fully default on its loan obligations to investors supplying the loan via the Rhode Island government, the responsibility would fall to Rhode Island's taxpayers - to the tune of $112.6 million.

Of the $75 million borrowed by 38 Studios from the state of Rhode Island, $49.8 million was received by the studio as of March 15, WPRI reports. Given that, it seems worrisome at best that 38 Studios was unable to fulfill its recent payment of $1.125 million. 38 Studios is working on the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO - the game was originally promised for a launch ahead of 2013, when 38 Studios is set to begin paying back bondholders on its $75 million loan. It's unclear what stage its MMO is at, and 38 Studios hasn't made a public statement regarding its recent issues.

[Image credit: 38 Studios]

Joystiq38 Studios whiffed last loan payment, received nearly $50 million from Rhode Island thus far originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingpcrhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationTue, 15 May 2012 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/#comments ImageWith Rhode Island politicians and 38 Studios silent on the precarious financial condition of the developer, the potential cost of the doomsday scenario to taxpayers has come to light. WPRI reports that if 38 Studios can't pay the bonds it received from the state, taxpayers will actually be responsible for paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

The math works a little something this this: The Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation borrowed $75 million from private investors for 38 Studios, at interest rates between 6 - 7.75 percent, with the expectation that 38 Studios would pay it back with the sale of games.

For the record, 38 Studios has only launched one product, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which it only had due to its acquisition of developer Big Huge Games. Big Huge Games was already working on an RPG prior to the sale, but altered it to fit the Amalur world after the purchase.

If 38 Studios can't pay, the governor is required to ask the General Assembly to repay bondholders.

Game industry sources tell Joystiq that if 38 Studios does collapse, despite this specific deal having been widely criticized from the start, it could have wider repercussions for the industry trying to obtain tax breaks in other states. The silence out of Providence right now is deafening.

JoystiqIf 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingEAElectronic-Artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 15 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/14/rhode-island-gov-working-hard-at-keeping-38-studios-solvent/#comments Reckoning, indeed! A developing story out of Rhode Island has Governor Lincoln Chafee talking in uncertain terms about the financial condition of Curt Schilling's 38 Studios, which the state gave a controversial $75 million loan to a couple years back to move down to Providence.

The Providence Journal reports Gov. Chafee, who was against the loan during his election, spent a "weekend of work on this subject," but wouldn't go into specifics. "We're doing everything possible, like I would for any Rhode Island company," he said this afternoon. The Journal reports he added the work was about "keeping 38 Studios solvent."

"We're concerned and just doing everything possible to ensure that 38 Studios stays part of the Rhode Island community," Governor Chafee told WPRI.com. "We're working on different issues with them." Asked if 38 Studios' issues could be resolved, Chafee said, "We're working on it."

Continue reading Rhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent'

JoystiqRhode Island gov working hard at 'keeping 38 Studios solvent' originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studioscurt-schillingGovernor-Chafeekingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningLincoln-Chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-IslandxboxMon, 14 May 2012 20:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sales surpass 410,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sales-surpass-410-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sales-surpass-410-000/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/18/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sales-surpass-410-000/#comments Any new intellectual property has it hard these days, but Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning seems to be doing okay with 410,000 copies sold in the US since launching a couple months back. WPRI.com reports the RPG from 38 Studios and Big Huge Games moved another 80,000 units in March, according to NPD data.

As NPD spokesman David Riley notes, it's "an impressive figure for just two months, no matter how you slice it."

It's even more impressive when one takes into consideration the data only covers the US and doesn't tally PC sales made through digital distribution networks (as EA recently stressed). In that case, the Reckoning portion of the Amalur franchise is doing well for a new IP.

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sales surpass 410,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 18 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Teeth of Naros DLC available for Reckoning today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-teeth-of-naros-dlc-available-for-reckoning-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-teeth-of-naros-dlc-available-for-reckoning-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/psa-teeth-of-naros-dlc-available-for-reckoning-today/#comments
Ready to take a bite out of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's "Teeth of Naros" DLC? The pack is available now on Xbox 360 for 800 MSP and PC for $10, and available later today on PSN for the same price.

The expansion includes the floating city of Idylla, three new "Twists of Fate," a bunch of "Kollassae" and 20 side quests. Don't forget to pick up the latest armor fashions too and show them off around Amalur.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (The Teeth of Naros)

JoystiqPSA: Teeth of Naros DLC available for Reckoning today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 17 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kings of Amalur: Reckoning 'Teeth of Naros' DLC media overview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/kings-of-amalur-reckoning-teeth-of-naros-dlc-media-overview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/kings-of-amalur-reckoning-teeth-of-naros-dlc-media-overview/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/kings-of-amalur-reckoning-teeth-of-naros-dlc-media-overview/#comments
Later this month, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will add a new city and numerous side quests through the Teeth of Naros DLC pack. Well, before you venture to the floating isle of Idylla and meet its insanely hospitable people, who are in no way as cold as the stone of which they're partly made, learn the history of one of Amalur's oldest areas by checking out the trailer and gallery of screens below.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (The Teeth of Naros)

JoystiqKings of Amalur: Reckoning 'Teeth of Naros' DLC media overview originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesdlceakingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftplaystationps3teeth-of-narosxboxFri, 13 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A giant gallery for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning DLC 'Teeth of Naros']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/a-giant-gallery-for-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-dlc-teeth-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/a-giant-gallery-for-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-dlc-teeth-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/a-giant-gallery-for-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-dlc-teeth-of/#comments ImageKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's Teeth of Naros DLC pack is chock full of giants (dubbed the "Kollassae") in a brand new land, 20 side quests and new enemies and weapons. It's set to launch on April 17 for $10.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (The Teeth of Naros)

JoystiqA giant gallery for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning DLC 'Teeth of Naros' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosDLCkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Teeth-of-NarosxboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA['The Legend of Dead Kel' is Reckoning's second DLC, arrives on March 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/the-legend-of-dead-kel-is-reckonings-second-dlc-arrives-on-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/the-legend-of-dead-kel-is-reckonings-second-dlc-arrives-on-m/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/29/the-legend-of-dead-kel-is-reckonings-second-dlc-arrives-on-m/#comments Interested in buying a fancy virtual house? Beyond a handful of new objectives on an island paradise (Gallow's End), that's exactly what you'll get out of the upcoming downloadable content for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, arriving on March 20 to Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PC.

The content claims to add 15% more space to the overall world map in Reckoning as well, and introduces new enemy types, dungeon areas, and loot. More importantly, though, it introduces Gravehal Keep, a fancy new domicile for your fate-less explorer to, presumably, throw garish parties. No pricing was given for the content, but we'd wager a dollar that it'll cost at least $10 when it arrives later this month.

Update: EA confirmed the price at 800 MS Points/$9.99 across all platforms.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (The Legend of Dead Kel)

Joystiq'The Legend of Dead Kel' is Reckoning's second DLC, arrives on March 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesdlcdownloadable-contenteaea-partnerselectronic-artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3q1-2012release-datesteamthe-legend-of-dead-kelxboxWed, 29 Feb 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Curt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/17/curt-schilling-visits-conan-shows-off-kingdoms-of-amalur/#comments
Former baseball player turned 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling made a visit to Conan O'Brien's late night talk show this week. After discussing his beautiful with Tom Arnold and telling a story about some US soldiers playing Call of Duty while at war, he showed off a special "Irish American" version of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, featuring a virtual Schilling squaring off against "Gnomon O'Brien." You can watch the short interview and clip below.

It's cute, even if it's not a good representation of what the game is actually like. Then again, it is a late night talk show, so eliciting a chuckle and getting the name said a few times is probably worth it.

Continue reading Curt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur

JoystiqCurt Schilling visits Conan, shows off Kingdoms of Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosconanconan-obriencurt-schillinggnomon-obrienkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3tvxboxFri, 17 Feb 2012 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Mass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/16/mass-lt-gov-wants-game-tax-credits-tied-to-job-creation/#comments Massachusetts is the fifth largest state for game industry employment in spite of better developer incentives in other states. Nearly 1,300 industry jobs exist in the Commonwealth, but a recent profile of Irrational Games by The Improper Bostonian covers how the state's grip on gaming could slip if it doesn't step up studio stimulus.

A bill for game developer incentives has been floating around the Mass. legislature for about a year, but hasn't gained traction with lawmakers. The state currently provides heavy cuts for the movie industry, despite the game industry pumping more cash into local economies.

"It's ironic," Irrational Games' director of product development Tim Gerritsen said. "If you look at it, where do you want to put your money? We've got 120 permanent employees. They spend all their money here. They pay their rent here. They pay their taxes here. Do you want Dane Cook? He's here for two weeks doing a film, and he's gone."

"When you talk about tax incentives, that's less revenue that you're receiving, so I think any kind of incentive would have to be linked to hard commitments from the private sector," said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, who is coming off a win by keeping PAX East in Boston until 2023. The convention will also make donations totaling $325,000 over the next 11 years to MassDiGI.

The state did lose a major studio last year when former Red Sox player Curt Schilling's 38 Studios moved to neighboring Rhode Island for a $75 million loan. The state isn't likely to lose established studios like Harmonix, Demiurge and Turbine. The problem comes founding or incubating new studios without concessions.

JoystiqMass. Lt. Gov. wants game tax credits tied to job creation originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-Studiosbioshock-infiniteBostonDemiurgeHarmonixIrrationalIrrational-GamesMassachusettsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3TaxTax-incentivesTim-MurrayTurbinexboxThu, 16 Feb 2012 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Metareview: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/08/metareview-kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning/#comments
Let's be honest, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's quality came as the first nice surprise of 2012. Our quibbles with this first installment in what we hope to be a lasting series didn't detract from it being a great fantasy RPG. Although other outlets weren't as smitten as us, the RPG from Big Huge Games, a studio that built its rep on real-time strategy series Rise of Nations, is getting some solid reviews.
  • IGN (90/100): "Its random technical hiccups and inconsistent art style certainly holds it back from even higher levels of greatness. But no matter what you're looking for, whether it be amazing gameplay, immersive storytelling or perhaps a riveting new world to explore as you fully customize and re-customize your character at will, Reckoning has it all."
  • Escapist (80/100): "Reckoning surprised me with its energetic combat, rich story, and dazzling visual style. The weight of all its parts threatens to pull it down, but the rigid skeleton holds strong. ... Don't pass on Amalur just because it's a new IP from a new company. Fans of RPGs with a focus on action won't be disappointed."
  • Giant Bomb (80/100): "But it's hard not to be at least a little disappointed when you start seeing the various spots where the game doesn't live up to the high bar set by its best content. If you finish it fast enough to prevent those doldrums from setting in, you'll have a much better time than the person who digs through every nook and cranny to finish every single side quest."
  • Eurogamer (80/100): "It's an unglamorous kind of success story, admittedly. And perhaps it's worrying for 38 Studios that the bland fantasy world it's hanging its future on is the least enticing aspect of its debut game. But it's not all elbow grease - Kingdoms of Amalur adds a splash of color and a lick of polish to the open-world RPG, and they couldn't be more welcome."
  • Edge (60/100): "At its heart, Reckoning is an interesting tale about disrupting cyclical fate - ironic, considering the game's largely repetitive nature - and when the story gets to shine, 38 Studios and Big Huge Games' friendlier design presents a welcome change of pace."

JoystiqMetareview: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosBig-Huge-Gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningMetareviewmetareviewsmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxWed, 08 Feb 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass DLC detailed, available now]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-online-pass-dlc-detailed-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-online-pass-dlc-detailed-availabl/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-online-pass-dlc-detailed-availabl/#comments Project Ten Dollar continues unabated. All new copies of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning include something called House of Valor, essentially a DLC content pack offering seven exclusive quests and the Valor Arena where players must survive a "barbaric tournament and ultimately seize control of the arena."

Players will meet new companions and rivals throughout these quests, earning unique items and other rewards along the way. Players without a code can purchase an online pass for 800 MS Points ($10) through Xbox Live Marketplace or the PlayStation Network.

For more on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, make sure to check out the Joystiq review.

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass DLC detailed, available now

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass DLC detailed, available now originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameshouse-of-valorkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftonline-passplaystationproject-ten-dollarps3xboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review: A tempting fate]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-review/#comments Confession time: I have not finished Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. Over the last several days, I've poured over thirty hours into the enormous world. After twenty or so, I resolved to avoid secondary tasks and focus on primary quests, hoping to finish the campaign before composing this review. And then, after reaching a milestone in the story, it occurred to me: I don't want to do that.

Please understand, I have no desire to ruin this review for our readers. It's just that I don't want to ruin the game for me. To plow through Reckoning with no regard for the enormous array of tasks and quests, to ignore its hidden secrets, is a disservice to its lovingly crafted world.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - 12/9/11

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review: A tempting fate

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning review: A tempting fate originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 03:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-Gameseaelectronic-artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxTue, 07 Feb 2012 03:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Meet Kingdoms of Amalur devs at GameStop midnight launch events]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/meet-kingdoms-of-amalur-devs-at-gamestop-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/meet-kingdoms-of-amalur-devs-at-gamestop-midnight-launch-events/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/meet-kingdoms-of-amalur-devs-at-gamestop-midnight-launch-events/#comments You may not know this, but most mages and fantasy archetypes don't get much sleep. If you're sleeping, who will vanquish all the rats in the town cellars and prevent the animals of the wild from threatening their crops? Who will transport arbitrary items from one town to another?

That's why the planned midnight launch of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning at three different GameStop locations is such an appropriate plan. Curt Schilling and R. A. Salvatore, owner of 38 Studios and the game's writer, will be on-hand at the Bellingham, MA location. Todd McFarlane, who was in charge of the game's artistic vision, will be at the Tempe, AZ GameStop to greet fans, while lead designer Ken Rolston and select members from Big Huge Games will be at the Cockeysville, MD location.

Doors will open at each location starting at 11:30pm on February 6.

Continue reading Meet Kingdoms of Amalur devs at GameStop midnight launch events

JoystiqMeet Kingdoms of Amalur devs at GameStop midnight launch events originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamescurt-schillingeagamestopkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3r-a-salvatoretodd-mcfarlanexboxWed, 01 Feb 2012 02:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios head Curt Schilling elaborates on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass quest lockout]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/38-studios-head-curt-shilling-elaborates-on-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/38-studios-head-curt-shilling-elaborates-on-kingdoms-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/28/38-studios-head-curt-shilling-elaborates-on-kingdoms-of-amalur/#comments Yesterday, we reported that Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will make use of EA's Online Pass system, and that used copies of the game will not include access to a specific quest line, similar to Catwoman's Online Pass exclusion from used copies of Batman: Arkham City. Initially, it looked as though the pass granted access to data already on the disc, however this was later clarified by a post made on the 38 Studios Forums, where community manager Muse informed the public that the quest line is in fact day-one DLC, rather than content actually on the disc.

38 Studios founder Curt Schilling has written his own statement regarding the situation, and it's just about as frank and honest as we've come to expect from Schilling over the last couple of days: "You can argue the merits and effectiveness of it, but right now it's how it's done and as someone that's as invested as I am in this company, I stand by what has happened."

Schilling goes on to say that the free DLC is intended to be an incentive to early adopters and a reward for "fans and gamers who commit to us with their time and money when it benefits the company." He does, however, realize that the situation could have been handled differently: "It is my responsibility as the leader to know of things like this and be aware that it would become an issue, I failed on both accounts. No one else is to blame, but at the same time there is no nefarious attempt to do anything under handed here."

Joystiq38 Studios head Curt Schilling elaborates on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning online pass quest lockout originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingEAkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftonline-passpcplaystationps3xboxSat, 28 Jan 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios head Curt Schilling apologizes for 'buggy' Reckoning demo]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/38-studios-head-curt-schilling-apologizes-for-buggy-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/38-studios-head-curt-schilling-apologizes-for-buggy-reckoning/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/38-studios-head-curt-schilling-apologizes-for-buggy-reckoning/#comments 38 Studios head Curt Schilling has found the NeoGAF forums, folks, and he is quite pleased with them. In a lengthy letter addressing the community, he starts things off by thanking everyone for a massive thread about his company's upcoming game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. And after some minor promotion of said project, he quickly devolves into an apologetic rant about the recently released demo.

"Let me start by apologizing. The demo? Ya, it is way way WAYYYYY more buggy than anything ANYONE should ever release, much less a demo," Schilling wrote. He said that due to "the depth of breadth of a game that has anywhere from 40-50 hours (main quest line play) to 2-300 hours (for completionist)," it was inevitable there would be bugs. However, rather than releasing a demo with said inevitable issues, he argued with EA to not put out a demo at all. A fight that he said he's glad he lost.

"The demo has been a God send, especially when I realize even in this thread, how many people became aware because of the demo," Schilling said. "In a partnership there is a lot of give and take, and I believe in my team, they are world class, but when you have a publisher there are things happening you'd rather not choose. Shipping old code out 3 months prior to gold master to a 3rd party with no stake in the demo success can be problematic." Regardless of the issues, Schilling ultimately says he was glad for the exposure the demo granted Reckoning, and he'll be "chatting more" on NeoGAF in the future.

[Thanks, Wombat!]

Joystiq38 Studios head Curt Schilling apologizes for 'buggy' Reckoning demo originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-hugebig-huge-gamescurt-schillingdemoeaelectronic-artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftneogafpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 17:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-locks-out-questline-via-online-pas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-locks-out-questline-via-online-pas/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-locks-out-questline-via-online-pas/#comments It looks like the House of Valor faction in Amalur's various kingdoms will be joining Catwoman in the limbo-like world of online passes. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's House of Valor faction questline is dependent on players having an online pass that only comes with new copies of the game, as our reviews editor Richard Mitchell spotted in his retail copy of the game on Xbox 360.

According to the insert included in our copy of the game, online pass owners (read: those who purchase new copies of the game) will get access to "seven additional player quests" throughout the House of Valor faction questline. It's unclear whether the PlayStation 3 and PC versions of the game contain the same stipulation, but we've reached out to EA for clarification.

Update: 38 Studios community manager "Muse" posted the following statement to the 38 Studios forums, as pointed out in our comments section: "We wanted to post a quick clarification for something we've seen a few comments about. For what it's worth, the House of Valor content was not in the finished game/disc at one point, then removed. It isn't there and we're locking you out of it. The House of Valor was created as stand-alone content, and was always intended to be the first DLC. Instead of holding onto it and charging for it later, we opted to give it to everyone who purchases the game new, for free, on launch day. We hope that helps clarify that point, at least."

Update 2: EA issued this response to Joystiq this afternoon: "The House of Valor quest line is free bonus content available to those who purchase a new copy of Kingdom of Amalur: Reckoning for the Xbox 360 and PS3 by entering the Online Pass included with the game. PC players who purchase Reckoning at one of the many digital retailers online including Origin, Steam and more, will also receive the House of Valor quest line at no cost."

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond]

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning locks out questline via online pass [update: 38 Studios and EA respond] originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-hugebig-huge-gameseaelectronic-artshouse-of-valorhouse-of-valor-factionhouse-of-valor-questlinekingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftonline-passpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tour the varied ecological landscape of Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/tour-the-varied-ecological-landscape-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/tour-the-varied-ecological-landscape-of-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/tour-the-varied-ecological-landscape-of-amalur/#comments
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's world seems to take its cues from Costa Rica when it comes to both ecological diversity and variety of environments. The latest trailer shows off just that as is, but we urge you to turn the volume down low and play this YouTube video in the background for the full effect.

JoystiqTour the varied ecological landscape of Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-hugebig-huge-gameseaelectronic-artsgameplaykingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 27 Jan 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Big Huge Games strongly recommends Reckoning install on Xbox 360]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/big-huge-games-strongly-recommends-reckoning-install-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/big-huge-games-strongly-recommends-reckoning-install-on-xbox-360/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/26/big-huge-games-strongly-recommends-reckoning-install-on-xbox-360/#comments Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's lead designer, Ian Frazier, calls upon the deities for Xbox 360 owners to install the game if they have the space. Speaking to OXM, Frazier stated quite plainly, "If you have a hard drive, for the love of God, please install."

Installed copies will have "much, much smaller" load times, according to Frazier, which will allow players to get back to the "enemy-pounding funfest" as quickly as possible. Those looking to get a taste of Reckoning can try out the demo, downloadable now on PC, PS3 and Xbox 360 -- install required.

JoystiqBig Huge Games strongly recommends Reckoning install on Xbox 360 originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosBig-Huge-GamesEAElectronic-Artsinstallkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftxboxThu, 26 Jan 2012 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer ventures into art design]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-trailer-ventures-into-art-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-trailer-ventures-into-art-design/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/20/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-trailer-ventures-into-art-design/#comments
The latest trailer for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning adds color commentary to the artistic choices its design team made during development, delving into the thought process of world creation and character design. To see some of that work in action, check out the Reckoning demo, which is available now.

Continue reading Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer ventures into art design

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning trailer ventures into art design originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosartbig-hugeBig-Huge-Gamesgameplaykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3ReckoningxboxFri, 20 Jan 2012 09:30:00 EST