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Mo' MMO news now, with Guild Wars publisher NCSoft announcing its licensing of Epic's Unreal Engine 3 for use in two upcoming, still unannounced massively multiplayer titles. The company previously incorporated Unreal technology into Lineage II and giant-mech shooter, Exteel. Much like the rest of us, it seems the folks at NCSoft simply can't resist a well structured rendering pipeline.

"Unreal Engine 3 has a well structured rendering pipeline, and its graphical quality is superb thanks to advanced lighting and shadowing systems," said Young-muk Choi, lead programmer for NCsoft's Development Unit. "Tools within the Unreal Editor empower us to instantly produce and optimize our outputs, and we especially love how the engine enables designers to easily prototype concepts without the need for programming." Jay Wilbur, VP of Epic Games, returned the press release back patting by saying, "We expect to be completely wowed by what they do with our latest technology."

So do we, Mr. Wilbur. In fact, it'll take a lot to wow the millions who've already been thoroughly WoW'ed.

Though it certainly looked promising pre-release, it has seemed to us that Richard Garriott's Tabula Rasa isn't exactly taking off. We're not playing it, and as far as we know, we don't know anyone who's playing it. Now, in a "State of the Game" post on NCsoft's official website, producer Starr Long admitted that they haven't received the reception they would have liked, saying, "the game has not taken off as quickly as we had hoped."

The admission comes almost a month after reports of major financial trouble and layoffs for NCsoft caused by the game. That said, Long does have some good excuses, and he reaffirms that NCsoft is still devoted to seeing the game succeed. Meanwhile, Richard Garriott is training to go into space. ... We don't have a joke here, we just thought you should know.

[Via Eurogamer]

[UPDATE: Starr Long is, in fact, a male, not a female. We regret the error.]

Earlier today fans of Massively Multiplayer Online Games were given a rare treat: a look into the future of the genre. Five veteran members of the gaming industry debated the finer points of MMO game creation as it exists today, and how the games of tomorrow will be bolted together. Participants included Cryptic Studios' Jack Emmert, NCsoft's Matt Miller, BioWare's Ray Muzyka, Nexon's Min Kim, and Blizzard's Rob Pardo. Each designer brought their own unique points of view to the conversation, and their visible conflicts made for a not only entertaining but informational dialogue.

The biggest point of contention during the discussion was the subject of Microtransactions; while Nexon's business model is based entirely on that concept, Cryptic's Emmert was a staunch opponent of the practice in general and as a "magic bullet" in specific. Mr. Emmert also dug several times at Blizzard and Rob Pardo, cracking jokes like "Isn't it true that Blizzard is going to buy the entire continent of Africa?" and essentially stating that the Massive gaming industry is deeply sick as a result of WoW's success.

The entire liveblog of the discussion is available over at Massively, and is well worth a look.

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]

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]

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]

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)!

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.

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]

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]

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 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 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, 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!]

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]