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[City of Heroes going free-to-play later this year]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/06/22/city-of-heroes-going-free-to-play-later-this-year/#comments Paragon Studios' superpowered flagship MMO City of Heroes is surfing the ever-growing trendwave of paid online titles moving into the free-to-play market. The developer has announced City of Heroes Freedom, a free version of the seven-year-old game which will launch later this year. The MMO will follow an increasingly popular model, giving free players access to a partial list of areas and features available to paid subscribers -- however, in an unusual twist, free users will be able to pick and choose exactly which features and areas they want to access.

Premium subscribers get access to the whole kit and caboodle, as well as special rewards they'll be able to choose from every month. These include new costumes, consumables and power sets, almost ensuring their supernatural superiority over their free-to-play counterparts. Basically, they'll be the Justice League to the free players' Alpha Flight.

Continue reading City of Heroes going free-to-play later this year

JoystiqCity of Heroes going free-to-play later this year originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-Heroescity-of-heroes-freedomfree-to-playmmommorpgncsoftparagon-studiospcWed, 22 Jun 2011 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/02/preview-city-of-heroes-going-rogue/#commentsFiled under: , ,

I got to play the new Going Rogue expansion for City of Heroes at Comic-Con. I haven't played the six-year-old MMO in a while, so I was out of the loop -- since I'd last played it, Paragon Studios has updated the graphics, added a mission editor, and put out a host of other upgrades and features. But Going Rogue's big feature is something players have been asking about for a while: For the first time in the game, heroes and villains will be able to switch sides with an interesting set of morality quests.

Paragon Studios senior producer Jesse Caceres and the game's art lead, David Nakayama, told me that the alignment change is a natural evolution from all of the other customization choices they've given to players in the past. "One of our strengths is the character creation system," says Caceres, "and with the Mission Architect, players could custom create and craft their own stories, create their own villain groups. We want to give players more options, so with this expansion, we're giving them the freedom to change their alignments from Hero to Villain" (and vice versa).

Continue reading Preview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue

JoystiqPreview: City of Heroes: Going Rogue originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-Heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecomic-con-2010contentexpansiongoing-roguemission-architectncsoftparagon-studiospcquestsMon, 02 Aug 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes: Going Rogue dev diary has a change of heart]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-dev-diary-has-a-change-of-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-dev-diary-has-a-change-of-heart/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/01/city-of-heroes-going-rogue-dev-diary-has-a-change-of-heart/#comments Do you have any idea how tiring it is to be this evil all the time? It's like, we can only keep up this vault-plundering, mustache-twirling, damselnapping, puppy-kicking veneer before it gets a little long in the tooth, you know? We've long been thinking about seeing how the other half lives -- an opportunity that will soon be afforded to us by City of Heroes upcoming, massive content expansion, Going Rogue.

Check out the developer's diary posted above to see the implications of the game's new alignment-switching feature, and to catch a glimpse at the new environments of Praetoria. We think it looks like a fairly renovated version of Paragon City, only with much more moral ambiguity.

JoystiqCity of Heroes: Going Rogue dev diary has a change of heart originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 01 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainsdev-diaryexpansionheroesmmommorpgncsoftvideovillainsTue, 01 Jun 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCSoft registers trademark for City of Heroes 2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/ncsoft-registers-trademark-for-city-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/ncsoft-registers-trademark-for-city-of-heroes-2/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/06/ncsoft-registers-trademark-for-city-of-heroes-2/#comments MMO developer NCSoft's plans for sequelization aren't limited to a Guild Wars follow-up, it seems. Superannuation recently dug up a pair of trademarks for "City of Heroes 2" filed by the studio on April 1. As with all video game trademarks, it's possible NCSoft is just reserving the name and may not have plans for a sequel at this time.

Alternatively, the company might just be pulling an extremely discrete April Fools' Day joke, though it already pulled that off with the recent announcement of City of Sidekicks. We've contacted NCSoft to see what we can find out.

JoystiqNCSoft registers trademark for City of Heroes 2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-2city-of-villainsmmommorpgncsofttrademarkTue, 06 Apr 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft 2009 financials get high on Aion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/ncsoft-2009-financials-get-high-on-aion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/ncsoft-2009-financials-get-high-on-aion/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/11/ncsoft-2009-financials-get-high-on-aion/#comments Generally speaking, when a company can post a year-over-year growth in the double digits, it's doing pretty well. We write up a lot of financial news here at the 'Stiq, and it's not often that we can report that a company managed a 623 percent increase in its income. And yet, here we are, as GameSpot reports that NCsoft has done exactly that -- thanks in no small part to its latest MMO, Aion. Specifically, NCsoft reported revenues of KRW634.7 billion ($546 million) for its fiscal 2009, an 83 percent increase over the previous year. Actual income (profit, in other words) reached KRW185.4 billion ($160 million), a 623 percent increase over 2008.

Narrowing things down solely to the company's 4th quarter, income was actually up 1009 percent over the same period last year, with NCsoft reporting KRW72.1 billion ($62 million). Fourth quarter revenues, meanwhile were up 99 percent at KRW197.3 billion ($170 million).

Again, all this is mostly on the fantastic back of Aion, which brought in 43 percent of the company's game revenue for 2009, followed by Lineage II with 26 percent, the original Lineage with 23, City of Heroes with 4, Guild Wars with 3 and other titles with 1 percent.

[Via Edge]

JoystiqNCsoft 2009 financials get high on Aion originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionbusinesscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsfinancialguild-warslineagelineage-2mmoncsoftThu, 11 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Professor griefs City of Heroes, writes report on response]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/professor-griefs-city-of-heroes-writes-report-on-response/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/professor-griefs-city-of-heroes-writes-report-on-response/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/08/professor-griefs-city-of-heroes-writes-report-on-response/#comments
When you try to imagine the real-life personas behind online gaming scoundrels, you probably wouldn't picture the wizened face of a collegiate scholar as the responsible party. However, griefing seems to be the cup of tea of Loyola University media professor David Myers -- he's been bothering folks for a while now with his mauve-tinted crimefighter in City of Heroes as part of a behavioral study on the people controlling the game's power-endowed inhabitants.

The study's findings are predictably grim: players' reactions to Myers' (or rather, his character Twixt's) dirty fighting styles have been pretty volatile, ranging from character defamation, cursing, rumor-mongering and even death threats. That seems a little overboard -- if only four kids from a small-town in Colorado could have teamed up to teach him a lesson the old fashioned way.

JoystiqProfessor griefs City of Heroes, writes report on response originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 08 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesgriefingloyola-universitymmommorpgpcprofessorWed, 08 Jul 2009 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Heroes and villains go rogue in new City of Heroes expansion]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/heroes-and-villains-go-rogue-in-new-city-of-heroes-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/heroes-and-villains-go-rogue-in-new-city-of-heroes-expansion/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/12/heroes-and-villains-go-rogue-in-new-city-of-heroes-expansion/#commentsWhat is left for a company that has released City of Heroes and City of Villains, two MMO titles focused on both sides of the hero/villain spectrum? Why, it's City of Toeing the Line Between Good and Evil, of course! Okay, not really, but City of Heroes Going Rogue -- the next full expansion pack from Paragon Studios -- might as well be called that.

The new expansion will take players to Praetoria, a realm occupied by both the bad and the good that is ruled by Tyrant, the "evil incarnation of the game's main protagonist, Statesman." Praetoria will feature a new alignment system that will allow heroes to become villains, and vice versa, based on the decisions they make. This means that heroes who become villains can travel to the Rogue Isles for the first time, and the same will go for villains-turned-heroes, who may now experience Paragon City.

There's no word on release date or price for City of Heroes Going Rogue right now, so hopefully E3 will swoop in and save the day. In the meanwhile, you can entertain yourself with a barebones site for the expansion here.

JoystiqHeroes and villains go rogue in new City of Heroes expansion originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 May 2009 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-going-roguecity-of-villainsgoing-roguemmoparagon-studiospcTue, 12 May 2009 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft games get Steamed]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/ncsoft-games-get-steamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/ncsoft-games-get-steamed/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/22/ncsoft-games-get-steamed/#comments
NCsoft has announced that it's bringing its stable of MMOs to Valve's Steam distribution platform. Starting right damn now, you can download Lineage, Lineage II, City of Heroes and every flavor of Guild Wars. Lineage II and Guild Wars Game of the Year Edition are even on sale. NCsoft's upcoming MMO Aion will also be made available on Steam when it launches later this year. The press release notes that there will be more deals on NCsoft games in the coming weeks.

So, is it too soon for a Tabula Rasa joke?

[Via Massively]

JoystiqNCsoft games get Steamed originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 22 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesguild-warslineagemmoncsoftsteamWed, 22 Apr 2009 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes dev team becomes Paragon Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/city-of-heroes-dev-team-becomes-paragon-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/city-of-heroes-dev-team-becomes-paragon-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/04/15/city-of-heroes-dev-team-becomes-paragon-studios/#comments
NCsoft has officially renamed its NCsoft NorCal studio, developer of the superhero MMO City of Heroes, to Paragon Studios. We salute this decision, because any developer working on a superhero game day-in and day-out deserves a decently cool-sounding name. The studio's new moniker comes from the game's setting itself: Paragon City -- ergo Paragon Studios.

The name change is also an indication of NCsoft's intention to keep building the CoH universe for a good long while. It "represents our devotion to the present and future of the City of Heroes series," general manager Brian Clayton told Gamasutra. Good news for MMO fans, better news for us; NCsoft didn't yoink our own, inevitable superhero MMO studio's name, "Guys in Capes."

JoystiqCity of Heroes dev team becomes Paragon Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesnc-softparagon-studiosWed, 15 Apr 2009 18:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Craft your own City of Heroes adventures with free 'Mission Architect']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/craft-your-own-city-of-heroes-adventures-with-free-mission-arch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/craft-your-own-city-of-heroes-adventures-with-free-mission-arch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/02/26/craft-your-own-city-of-heroes-adventures-with-free-mission-arch/#comments
click to super-hero size
While Cryptic Studios has its hands full with Champions Online, NCsoft is still very much supporting the developer's earlier superhero MMO effort, City of Heroes. The next major evolution of the five-year-old (and still counting) game is the Mission Architect expansion, a free update hitting in March.

The update introduces a fictional corporation, Architect Entertainment, into the game world -- it's here where players will craft "virtual" missions for their characters and others. Using an intuitive editor, players can build entire story arcs featuring custom dialog, goals and even NPC friends & foes. Up to three of these missions can be published for public play, rating and feedback. NCsoft will be promoting "Developer's Choice" missions and incentivizing creativity via rewards for players with particularly popular designs.

According to NCsoft, it will be possible for COH players to take a character from level one all the way to 50 all within these player-generated missions, since they'll provide loot and XP just like anything crafted by the dev. An "Architect Edition" of COH which includes the update and exclusive in-game items will also be available in stores next month. Given that we were able to build out a solid (albeit short) scenario in less than 30 minutes, we can't wait to see what the community's able to come up with once the Mission Architect is out in the wild.

Hit Massively.com for more details and an hour-long audio walkthrough by senior game designer Joe Morrissey.

Gallery: City of Heroes: Architect Edition

JoystiqCraft your own City of Heroes adventures with free 'Mission Architect' originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 26 Feb 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-heroes-architect-editioncity-of-heroes-mission-architectmmoncsoftpcThu, 26 Feb 2009 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: The next hurdle for story telling]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/29/telling-stories-the-next-hurdle-for-story-telling/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

What's next for in-game story telling? In this, our final segment looking at video game narratives, our collective of industry professionals offer insight into what they believe is the next big challenge facing the evolution of story telling in the games we play.

Continue reading Telling stories: The next hurdle for story telling

JoystiqTelling stories: The next hurdle for story telling originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonnamconamco-bandaincsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesMon, 29 Dec 2008 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: The games that got it right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/26/telling-stories-the-games-that-got-it-right/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

It's rare that story tellers get all of the pieces of their narrative to fit together exactly right in any medium. But in this industry, where story shares a balance with gameplay and endings often get the short end of the development stick, weaving a complete and compelling tale must be a daunting task. Now, gifts unwrapped and bellies full, our panel of industry personalities sound off on those games that they feel were up to the challenge, delivering storytelling experiences above and beyond their peers.

Continue reading Telling stories: The games that got it right

JoystiqTelling stories: The games that got it right originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonnamconamco-bandaincsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesFri, 26 Dec 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: How much is that ending in the window?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/24/telling-stories-how-much-is-that-ending-in-the-window/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

Epic Games' Michael Capps recently caused quite an uproar among gamers with his suggestion to offer the conclusion to games as premium DLC rather than as part of the core experience. As the latest in our continuing week-long feature, we asked our panel of industry personalities what they thought of the proposal. Interestingly, much of the group was noticibly more tight-lipped in their responses than when answering other questions.

Continue reading Telling stories: How much is that ending in the window?

JoystiqTelling stories: How much is that ending in the window? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesWed, 24 Dec 2008 10:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: What's up with lame endings?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/23/telling-stories-whats-up-with-lame-endings/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

While narrative has taken on a larger role, time and again we end up being left unsatisfied in the final moments with endings that fail to wrap up stories in interesting or compelling ways. In our continuing week-long feature, we asked our diverse collection of industry personalities why so many endings in the games we play leave us cold.

Continue reading Telling stories: What's up with lame endings?

JoystiqTelling stories: What's up with lame endings? originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesTue, 23 Dec 2008 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Telling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/22/telling-stories-balancing-gameplay-v-narrative/#commentsFiled under: ,


As games have evolved, so too has the role of storytelling in the titles we play. As we turn the corner on 2008, we asked multiple industry personalities across all walks of game development on titles such as Dragon Age: Origins, Bionic Commando and Guild Wars for their thoughts.

How important are stories? How about endings? Over the next week this diverse group of personalities sounds off on these and other story-driven topics, starting today as we open up by asking whether or not narrative shares an equal burden as gameplay in carrying the video game experience.

Continue reading Telling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative

JoystiqTelling stories: Balancing gameplay v. narrative originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 22 Dec 2008 13:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bionic-commandobionic-commando-rearmedcity-of-heroesgalactic-civilizationsgalactic-civilizations-iigringuild-warsguild-wars-2joystiqfeaturesjs-twittermastiffmoonncsoftncsoft-norcalrenegade-kidresistance-retributionsonysony-bendsplatterhousestardocktelling-storiesMon, 22 Dec 2008 13:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari buys MMO dev Cryptic Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/atari-buys-mmo-dev-cryptic-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/atari-buys-mmo-dev-cryptic-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/09/atari-buys-mmo-dev-cryptic-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

With all of the activity coming out of Atari lately, you'd think the once-struggling publisher stumbled across a bag of cash under the house. The company, which recently has made a habit of picking up other publisher's unwanted cast offs, today acquired City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios in what GI.biz describes as a "performance-linked deal."

The agreement includes three of Cryptic's upcoming projects, including next year's super powered MMO, Champions Online, Star Trek Online in 2010 and an as-yet-unannounced third project (Hint: something Online?) due the year after that. What's more, the report suggests that in addition to the $26.7 million in cash that Cryptic pocketed from the deal, the developer could see its coffers grow by another $20 million bonus should enough players decide to suit up in tights or explore the final frontier.

JoystiqAtari buys MMO dev Cryptic Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Dec 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acquisitionatarichampions-onlinecity-of-heroescryptic-studioscrypticstudiosstar-trek-onlineTue, 09 Dec 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: NCsoft talks about updating City of Heroes, keeping it relevant]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/joystiq-interview-ncsoft-talks-about-updating-city-of-heroes-ke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/joystiq-interview-ncsoft-talks-about-updating-city-of-heroes-ke/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/joystiq-interview-ncsoft-talks-about-updating-city-of-heroes-ke/#commentsFiled under: , ,

It's been more than four years since MMO faithful were asked to put on skin-tight suits and defend the bustling metropolis of Paragon City in City of Heroes. Since that time, however, numerous other titles have emerged with their bid for players' massively multiplayer affections, from recent efforts like Warhammer Online to the juggernaut that is Blizzard's World of Warcraft.

Of course, the now wholly NCsoft-owned super powered MMO has released updates of its own to keep from becoming stale, including everything from the libertine City of Villains to this week's latest addition, dubbed Issue 13. We recently caged Matt "Positron" Miller, and spoke to the senior designer for NCsoft NorCal at length about the unluckily numbered update, as well as a number of other topics, including the availability of City of Heroes on the Mac and the superhero MMO's relevancy in today's overcrowded market.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: NCsoft talks about updating City of Heroes, keeping it relevant

JoystiqJoystiq interview: NCsoft talks about updating City of Heroes, keeping it relevant originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainsjoystiqfeaturesjs-twitterncsoftncsoft-norcalPCupdateMon, 01 Dec 2008 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft: Customization, tights separate City of Heroes from competition]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ncsoft-customization-tights-separate-city-of-heroes-from-compe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ncsoft-customization-tights-separate-city-of-heroes-from-compe/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/28/ncsoft-customization-tights-separate-city-of-heroes-from-compe/#commentsFiled under: , ,

As more publishers continue to enter the ever-crowded MMO market, it's become increasingly difficult for some titles (even those with heat vision and a magnetic colon) to remain relevant. Joystiq recently unmasked Matt "Positron" Miller, and spoke to the senior designer for NCsoft NorCal at length about the company's plans for both City of Heroes and Villains. Specifically, we touched on what NCsoft is doing to separate its super-powered MMO duo from the competition, something he said the company is currently "stressing."

"City of Heroes still has one of the best character customization systems ever made," boasted Miller. "It seems that a lot of new MMOs are stuck in the 'gear = looks' paradigm that games like Everquest and Ultima established. City of Heroes offers billions (no exaggeration) of possible costume combinations right from level 1." Take that, gear.

Look for our complete interview with Miller on Monday, where he opens up on a number of other topics, from next week's Issue 13 update to microtransactions and what took so long to find capes to fit users on the Mac.

JoystiqNCsoft: Customization, tights separate City of Heroes from competition originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 28 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroescity-of-villainsissue-13Macmmommorpgncsoftncsoft-norcalPCFri, 28 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes making the MMOve to Mac]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-making-the-mmove-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-making-the-mmove-to-mac/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/30/city-of-heroes-making-the-mmove-to-mac/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Better late than never? Coming just days after Apple's roll-out of new MacBooks with mightier gaming capabilities, NCSoft has announced that its superhero (and villain) MMORPG, City of Heroes, will be released for Mac in partnership with Transgaming.

According to NCSoft, the Mac version of CoH - really the PC version in Transgaming's Cider "wrapper" for Intel-based Macs - will go into beta around the same time as the latest game update, "Issue 13: Power and Responsibility," releases (currently slated for fall). NCSoft is planning the full release for "pre-holiday" in digital form, available from its online store and GameTree Online. There are no plans for a boxed retail release.

Following its release, "the Mac version will parallel the developments of the PC version, providing all game updates, new features, and storylines simultaneously on both platforms," said Vikas Gupta, Transgaming's president and CEO. Excelsior!

JoystiqCity of Heroes making the MMOve to Mac originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 30 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cidercity-of-heroesMacncsofttransgamingThu, 30 Oct 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: NCsoft to shutter Austin studio, reassign Tabula Rasa to Guild Wars dev]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/rumor-ncsoft-to-shutter-austin-studio-reassign-tabula-rasa-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/rumor-ncsoft-to-shutter-austin-studio-reassign-tabula-rasa-to/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/12/rumor-ncsoft-to-shutter-austin-studio-reassign-tabula-rasa-to/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Hot on the heels of news that Midway would be laying off approximately 90 employees from its Austin location comes a tip from a reliable source that NCsoft Austin (a.k.a. NCsoft North America) is on the verge of eliminating all of its development staff. The studio is currently home to the teams behind Tabula Rasa and Dungeon Runners, the latter of which will "be closed," according to our source. We've been told that only customer support staff will continue to operate out of the branch.

Future development of Tabula Rasa will reportedly be handed over to Seattle-based Guild Wars creator Arena.net, with Massively reporting that the title may meet a similar fate as Dungeon Runners if it "fails to turn the tide of subscribers and expectations." It has also learned that any future collaboration between NCsoft and Tabula Rasa principals Richard and Robert Garriot will be "limited in scope," due to a souring of relations with the Korean management team over their title's lackluster performance.

With regard to City of Heroes, a source at NCsoft's Bay Area studio confirmed with us that its development staff will be completely unaffected by the events transpiring in Austin, saying that the title's status is "sound." Further to this, the source echoed Massively's report that only the Austin studio is being affected, with remaining development proceeding normally in Seattle, Los Angeles, and Korea.

JoystiqRumor: NCsoft to shutter Austin studio, reassign Tabula Rasa to Guild Wars dev originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arena.netbreakingnewscity-of-heroesguild-warsNCsoftNCsoft-North-AmericaPCRumortabula-rasaTue, 12 Aug 2008 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic Studios appoints former SOE exec as CEO]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cryptic-studios-appoints-former-soe-exec-as-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cryptic-studios-appoints-former-soe-exec-as-ceo/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/03/cryptic-studios-appoints-former-soe-exec-as-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

There's a new set of massively multiplayer hands on the wheel at Cryptic Studios, as the developer has announced the appointment of MMORPG industry vet John Needham as the company's new CEO. For those playing catch up, Cryptic, which is known for its infatuation with superheroes, developed the popular City of Heroes and City of Villains MMOs, properties it sold off to publisher NCSoft late last year before moving on to develop the decidedly not-Marvel MMO Champions Online.

Needham is not completely out of his element at Cryptic, having worked as a senior exec at Sony Online Entertainment since 2001. However, while he handled a wide range of duties at SOE, from business development to QA testing, it remains to be seen if this prepared him to don spandex and wield executive powers at the Los Gatos, CA based MMO dev.

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqCryptic Studios appoints former SOE exec as CEO originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 03 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>champions-onlinecity-of-heroescity-of-villainscityofheroescityofvillainscryptic-studioscrypticstudiosJohn-NeedhamJohnNeedhamncsoftPCTue, 03 Jun 2008 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Today in Joystiq: May 27, 2008]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/today-in-joystiq-may-27-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/today-in-joystiq-may-27-2008/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/27/today-in-joystiq-may-27-2008/#commentsFiled under: ,


While looking through contemporary graphic designer Scott Hansen's online portfolio with Joystiq's occasional Photoshop consultant Chelsea, we stumbled upon this banner he made for an MMO piece in Computer Gaming World (second row of icons, fourth from the right). Too bad we can't get a larger print. Check out the highlights for today:

Joystiquery
The best of WoW Insider: May 20-27, 2008
Meet the Team: Randy Nelson
Metareview -- Ninja Gaiden II (Xbox 360)
Penny Arcade Adventures: XBLA, PC versions go head-to-head

News
Delisted XBLA titles can be redownloaded
ESA stingy with campaign money early
Start your browsers: GT Academy now live
Brett Ratner to make game-based movies
Europeans barred from Afrika
PSN reaches a million accounts in Japan
New York Times talks Miyamoto, Wii Music
Meet PlayStation Home's 'Media & Events Space'
Gamespot compares 360, PS3 graphics; calls it a tie
Square Enix sees gil revenue decline in FY07
Rez, Ikaruga hold record for best XBLA launches
Bionic Commando Rearmed's May deployment delayed
This Wednesday: Warlords and Buku Sudoku on XBLA
Sega re-licenses Unreal Engine 3 for unknown cross-platform title
Kil'jaedan goes down! Burning Crusade boss killed for first time
Capcom confirms Street Fighter IV coming to PC, Xbox 360, PS3

Rumors & Speculation
Rumor: European mags gush over Metal Gear Solid 4
Rumor: RBI Baseball swings to XBLA

Culture & Community
New Red vs. Blue series, Reconstruction, debuts
Secret Agent Clank figure with GameStop pre-order
Rock Band saves marriage

Also: On a more personal note, this marks my 3,427th post for Joystiq, which makes me the most prolific contributor in the history of the website. Yay me!

JoystiqToday in Joystiq: May 27, 2008 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 May 2008 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-heroesdailyrecapross-millerworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 27 May 2008 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: The future of MMOs]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-future-of-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-future-of-mmos/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-the-future-of-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



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.

Gallery: GDC08: The Future of MMOs

JoystiqGDC08: The future of MMOs originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 01:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblizzardcity-of-heroesGDCmaplestorymatt-millermin-kimncsoftnexonPCray-muzykarob-pardoworld-of-warcraftFri, 22 Feb 2008 01:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Heroes, City of Villains IPs sold to NCSoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/city-of-heroes-city-of-villains-ips-sold-to-ncsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/city-of-heroes-city-of-villains-ips-sold-to-ncsoft/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/11/06/city-of-heroes-city-of-villains-ips-sold-to-ncsoft/#commentsFiled under: ,


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)!

JoystiqCity of Heroes, City of Villains IPs sold to NCSoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Nov 2007 18:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>City-of-HeroesCity-of-VillainsCityofHeroesCityofVillainsNCSoftPCTue, 06 Nov 2007 18:25:00 EST