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NCSoft promises to unveil PS3 game this year

by Andrew Yoon { Feb 13th 2008 at 10:30AM }

Popular MMO publisher NCSoft has been relatively quiet since announcing their partnership with Sony at E3 last year. The deal secured console exclusivity for PS3, with four games supposedly in the pipeline. NCSoft's new president Chris Chung told Wired that the company should have "something to announce -- not only announce but to show -- by the second half of this year. I'm pretty psyched about that."

The game will be far more than just a simple port of an existing game. In fact, Chung thinks that an online game must be reimagined to really work on a console. "You have to create a gameplay that's really suitable for the console space, the console experience. I mean, it's very different from PC."

Supposedly, the Mountain View studio (team behind the successful City of Heroes/Villians series) is donned the title of "console specialist." We can't wait to find out more, but let's not forget ... NCSoft has done this song and dance before.

[Via Massively]

NCSoft to announce first console game this year

by Scott Jon Siegel { Feb 13th 2008 at 5:00AM }

Though NCSoft has made a name for itself as a PC-based MMO developer and publisher, the South Korean company will soon be expanding to the console business, with plans to announce its first title before the second half of this year.

Wired recently spoke with NCSoft president Chris Chung, who confirmed that a title is in the works for PS3 and that it would not only be announced this year, but shown. When asked whether NCSoft would be porting one of its popular PC titles to the console, Chung stated that it's important to design gameplay suited to the console's strengths. Whether this means an entirely new title, or simply a console-oriented version of an existing IP remains to be seen.

[Via Massively]

NCSoft cancels Spacetime MMO, layoffs follow

by Scott Jon Siegel { Jan 14th 2008 at 6:00AM }

Publisher NCSoft has canceled work on Blackstar, a science-fiction MMO deep in development by Austin-based Spacetime Studios. As a result of the cancellation, Spacetime has been forced to lay off 12 of its employees, but remains somewhat optimistic and committed to the IP.

Spacetime shares news of the cancellation on their official website, making it clear that they are disappointed by NCSoft's decision, but that they will not allow it to affect their relationship with the company. For the 12 employees who were laid off, Spacetime will supply severance, extended benefits, and letters of recommendation. On the official site, Spacetime encourages developers looking to hire to contact them for more information about these individuals.

As for BlackStar, Spacetime appears dedicated to continuing work on the MMO, and looking for other publishers once all contractual obligations with NCSoft have been completed. Spacetime has handled this entire matter with incredible class and dignity, and we wish them the best of luck.

[Via GameDaily]

City of Heroes, City of Villains IPs sold to NCSoft

by Ludwig Kietzmann { Nov 6th 2007 at 6:25PM }

Independent developer Cryptic Studios has announced the sale of its intellectual and proprietary rights to super-powered MMO duo, City of Heroes and City of Villains. NCSoft, having acted as publisher for both franchises, will be taking ownership and will further license Cryptic's technology for future games. If all goes according to plan, both parties hope to make the transition invisible to currently playing saviors and psychopaths.

In a separate FAQ, Cryptic notes that this sale of two cities was prompted by the studio's desire for "complete creative freedom" and resources to delve into new titles and worlds. No changes to existing accounts are foreseen, as Cryptic believes the franchise is "in good hands at NCSoft." In fact, many of the same hands will still be involved, with NCSoft offering Cryptic members employment and forming a team dedicated to providing new content for each title. Seemingly content with what it accomplished with City of Heroes and City of Villains, Cryptic likely made a wise decision by letting NCSoft maintain the game while it explores new territory. Bring on City of Morally Ambiguous Freaks, None of Whom Resemble Marvel Characters (Especially Not Wolverine)!

Bidaux: Home won't sell PS3s, but has potential

by Chris Powell { Oct 19th 2007 at 2:00PM }

Thomas Bidaux had some rather opinionated things to say about PlayStation 3's Home MMO during a recent interview with GamesIndustry.biz. NCsoft's director of product development said that while Home is very interesting, it will need to offer something more significant than avatar customization, or it will remain quite limited.

We're not quite sure where Bidaux is getting his information from, but Home will offer gamers much more than changing their in-game character's appearance. However, some of Bidaux's comments did make a little sense. "I don't think you can say you will sell more PS3s because of Home, but if the PS3 had the right penetration in the market, then yes - Home will be very interesting," he said.

We don't believe anyone ever claimed Home to be a PS3 system seller, but if all promises are kept, it will certainly go a long way in helping the PS3 gain back its lost market share.

NCSoft unveils Carbine, armed with former WoW, Fallout devs

by Ross Miller { Oct 4th 2007 at 5:55PM }

MMO factory NCSoft today took the wrapping paper off of Carbine Studios, its latest developer. According to the press release, Carbine has some very apt cogs in its machinery deriving from 17 former Blizzard employees, "including lead and senior developers from the World of Warcraft team," including lead designer Kevin Beardslee, who is now the vice president of design.

Additionally, former Fallout designer Tim Cain has been tapped to be the programmer director. Carbine is currently working on an unannounced MMO, according to their website. No other details have been revealed, but the team definitely has a powerhouse of employees.

[Via Gamasutra]

City of Heroes going back in time

by Justin McElroy { Oct 3rd 2007 at 3:58PM }

NCsoft has pulled the glasses off of its next update and revealed its secret identity. Issue 11, "A Stitch in Time," will allow players to travel into the past of the City of Heroes universe and relive (or live for the first time) some of the major events that helped to shape Paragon City.

Of course, there will also be the requisite new power sets ("Dual blades" is obvious, but we're curious about "Willpower") and enhanced customization of weapons to match the depth of the costume creation system in the game. It all sounds cool, but we're curious: Are any of you still playing CoH?

[Via TVG]

Tabula Rasa delayed until Nov. 2

by Christopher Grant { Oct 2nd 2007 at 11:09PM }

Despite confirming an October 19th release date early last month, NCSoft has announced their years-in-the-making MMO Tabula Rasa will see a minor delay, bumped two weeks back to November 2. A message from the game's producer, Starr Long (now that's a stellar name!), on the official site explains, "This short but critical amount of time will give us time to address several issues including stability and balance as well as allowing our players to test the continent of Ligo (L38+) and our major changes to crafting for a few weeks rather than a few days."

Don't get all worried pre-orderers, your Halloween plans aren't ruined after all; you'll still get the game three days early on Oct. 30. Everyone else, what can we say besides we're sorry?

[Via Gamespot]

NCsoft expands in Europe; creating more jobs

by Alexander Sliwinski { Sep 27th 2007 at 4:15PM }

NCsoft is expanding in Europe and creating 100 new jobs over the next three years in Brighton, England. The company will grow and add another 116 new jobs to the 110 employees they already have there and a move to Brighton's City Point in the next couple years. The studio is responsible for assisting with Lineage II, City of Heroes, City of Villains, and Guild Wars.

The Korean company is expanding its operations due to a "major investment" by the South East England Development Agency. English developers are still seeking the kind of tax breaks found in France, currently Australia is struggling with the same issue. Expect to see greater expansion if NCsoft continues to do well.

NCsoft's Robert Garriott talks Sony relationship

by Ross Miller { Sep 12th 2007 at 2:55PM }

NCsoft's CEO Robert Garriott has written an open letter on the company's website discussing its relationship with Sony after their announced support during E3. Few details are provided, but it does give a glimpse of what we should expect in the coming years.

The first title, hopes Garriott, should hit holiday 2008. It will be based on a current IP. "We want to make new products using our current, popular Intellectual Properties that will take advantage of the console, specifically in terms of user interface, connectivity, and play styles." We wonder if that means cross-platform play won't be tackled.

Garriott is looking into new, original IPs, but said "that process ... will take two to three years at a minimum." Also interesting is that the relationship extends beyond just the PlayStation 3 and specifically mentioned the PSP as a possible platform for future projects.

Garriott reassures that PC development is still a major focus for the company. In terms of business models, Garriott said, "there will be the traditional subscription models, micropayment systems and free-to-play games with membership options."

NCSoft hints at PSP MMO possibility

by Jedwin Celestino { Sep 11th 2007 at 8:00PM }

NCsoft, makers of PC MMORPGs such as Guild Wars and Lineage, could be making games for the PSP in the future. CEO Robert Garriott speaks up on the PlayNC website about the company's relationship with Sony, and how they plan to release their massively-multiplayer online games on the Playstation 3 and "perhaps the PSP". The rest of the article reveals that NCsoft is not only thinking of porting their established intellectual properties but creating new ones for the Sony platforms. Garriott also shares that their games would use either "traditional subscription models, micropayment systems and free-to-play games with membership options".

While the article is mainly focused on PS3, the name drop of the PSP is at the very least an interesting topic for debate. Is the PSP a viable system for MMOs? And if so, would you pay to play an MMO on your PSP?

[via Wired, thanks Joe!]

NCSoft says: four titles initially planned for PS3

by Nick Doerr { Aug 28th 2007 at 12:30PM }

Geoff Heath, NCSoft Europe's big boss talked to GI.biz regarding the deal they've struck with Sony. In it, they revealed some details we've been wondering about. For example, will the more popular MMOs come to the PS3? It's entirely possible, but nothing's been set in stone. We'll give you a list of the important points.

The deal has been in the works for a long time -- NCSoft has been seeking someone with the right technology and support to get into the console business. Plus, NCSoft likes how the PlayStation Store works.
Since NCSoft has a ton of games, they initially need to dilute their options down to about four to stick on the PS3. We think they'll expand on their biggest titles, like Guild Wars.
New titles that are created will be exclusive to the PS3 and only the PS3. Although, Heath admits, a PC version of whatever the title is will probably exist. There are no plans to bring any games to other consoles.

For those of you who mock fantasy-themed MMOs, NCSoft promises to deliver a range of game styles over time. We know there'll be a few of the fantasy titles heading our way, but the notion of something slightly fresh makes us quiver just a little bit in anticipation. As things get revealed, we'll keep you up to date.

[via PS3Forums]

NCSoft hints at PSP plans

by Jem Alexander { Aug 8th 2007 at 9:40AM }

In an interview with Joystiq Brian Clayton, Executive Producer at NCSoft, gave a vague hint at possible ways that the PSP will be utilised by them in the future. While nothing concrete could be said (NCSoft are keeping very tight lipped about their devlopments for the Sony platforms), he did say that "we see a number of opportunities with the PSP as a standalone MMO or as an extension to our full-blown MMOs on PC and PS3. "

Using the PSP to allow users to access certain components of MMOs is a no brainer. Sony are even doing it with Home. Full blown MMORPGs on the PSP, though? That we'd like to see. Clayton goes on to list the problems inherent in creating such a game. Lack of buttons, communication and screen real estate all need to be thought through before it can happen. But it will happen. We're intrigued to see what they come up with. Particularly regarding "communication".

Joystiq interviews NCSoft's Brian Clayton and Richard Garriott

by Jem Alexander { Aug 8th 2007 at 9:00AM }

Whilst at the Develop Conference last month we, unfortunately, managed to miss our meeting with NCSoft's Richard Garriott. Thankfully we have still been able to get our questions answered via email. The majority of the following are responses by Brian Clayton, Executive Producer at NCSoft, who was directly involved with the Sony partnership. Richard Garriott answers the final two questions on MMO design.

Why choose to develop exclusively for Sony in the console market?

Brian: Sony has shown a commitment to developing robust console hardware with strong longevity which is crucial to any viable MMO console strategy. In addition, Sony understands that our MMO business model is different than the traditional console model and is giving us the flexibility to develop and publish AAA MMOs. We feel that together our strategic partnership will offer console gamers an experience that can't be matched anywhere else.

Continued →

NCSoft announcing PS3 MMO games by end of year

by Nick Doerr { Jul 25th 2007 at 4:00PM }

Developer legend Richard Garriott of NCSoft fame recently keynoted the Brighton Develop Conference, giving us a few tidbits about the E3 announcement where NCSoft agreed to exclusively create or move PC MMOs onto Sony's sexy console. We say tidbits, not details, because his speech was not focused on this subject. Speaking to Eurogamer after the keynote, Garriott explained that "hopefully by the end of the year we're going to be able to announce what they're going to be" in regards to the PS3 titles.

Since Garriott talked about Tabula Rasa a lot in his keynote, can we assume that is one of the games that will make the jump? The title has been in development for ages, so perhaps this deal with Sony has been under wraps for a long time, too? Maybe. Either that or we'll see ports for other popular titles like Lineage or Guild Wars. Perhaps we'll see something original. Place your bets!

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