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 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Secret World dev Funcom restructuring, shutting down Beijing office]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/the-secret-world-dev-funcom-restructuring-shutting-down-beijing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/the-secret-world-dev-funcom-restructuring-shutting-down-beijing/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/the-secret-world-dev-funcom-restructuring-shutting-down-beijing/#comments Funcom is preparing to engage in a massive restructure that will see the company's focus shift from producing large-scale MMOs, such as The Secret World, to "smaller, more high quality online games." Funcom's offices in Raleigh, North Carolina, will absorb more responsibility - specifically, it will be responsible for maintaining and growing the communities of the developer's three shipped MMOs: The Secret World, Anarchy Online, and Age of Conan.

Part of the restructuring includes shuttering Funcom's Beijing studio - the chief entity responsible for art and animation in The Secret World - at an unspecified time in 2013. Funcom's Montreal studio will see layoffs in the plan; those who retain their positions and don't relocate to Raleigh will continue to work on unannounced projects for mobile devices and tablets, as well as maintaining the company's Dreamworld technology platform.

JoystiqThe Secret World dev Funcom restructuring, shutting down Beijing office originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcomlayoffspcthe-secret-worldFri, 25 Jan 2013 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Dreamfall Chapters completes The Longest Journey to pre-production]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/dreamfall-chapters-completes-the-longest-journey-to-pre-producti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/dreamfall-chapters-completes-the-longest-journey-to-pre-producti/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/dreamfall-chapters-completes-the-longest-journey-to-pre-producti/#comments Dreamfall Chapters completes The Longest Journey to preproductionDreamfall Chapters is finally in pre-production, five years after first being announced by Funcom as a sequel to Dreamfall: The Longest Journey. The long-hoped-for Chapters is being developed by series creator Ragnar Tørnquist at new studio Red Thread Games. Tørnquist is maintaininig an "advisory role" as creative director on Funcom MMO The Secret World, with Joel Bylos stepping up as game director.

Funding and production are being handled by Red Thread, with Funcom licensing out the IP with an agreement to share revenue. Tørnquist revealed today The Norwegian Film Institute has provided $175,000 to assist Red Thread with pre-production.

In 2008, Tørnquist admitted Chapters was far from Funcom's highest priority, but hadn't been abandoned. Four years on and with The Secret World now released into the wild, Tørnquist has kept his word.

Continue reading Dreamfall Chapters completes The Longest Journey to pre-production

JoystiqDreamfall Chapters completes The Longest Journey to pre-production originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamfall-chaptersdreamfall-the-longest-journeyfuncompre-productionRagnar-Tornquistred-thread-gamesthe-longest-journeythe-secret-worldThu, 01 Nov 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World is free-to-play next weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/the-secret-world-is-free-to-play-next-weekend/#comments To celebrate the fact that The Secret World has been out and online for a whole month, Funcom will be granting free access to anyone that wants it from 5 p.m. EDT on Friday, August 3 until 3 a.m. EDT on Monday, August 7. Players with left-over beta accounts should be able to log right in, but anyone else will need to create an account first and download the client.

In-game fireworks will also be handed out to everyone playing, up to fifteen per character, until the end of the weekend. Additionally, solving 30 missions between August 3 and 7 grants your character a special shirt and 1200 bonus points. There will also be a special leaderboard during the celebration, which displays the names of the top-100 mission solvers.

JoystiqThe Secret World is free-to-play next weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryea-gamesf2pfree-to-playFuncompcthe-secret-worldFri, 27 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Postcards from The Secret World: A R'lyeh close look at multiplayer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/postcards-from-the-secret-world-a-rlyeh-close-look-at-multipla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/postcards-from-the-secret-world-a-rlyeh-close-look-at-multipla/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/27/postcards-from-the-secret-world-a-rlyeh-close-look-at-multipla/#commentsWelcome to Postcards from The Secret World, a trip through Funcom's new title from the perspective of a player new to MMOs. Read parts one and two if you haven't!
As I've written before, nearly everything about The Secret World has appealed to me since it was announced. That said, the least appealing aspect was always the fact that it was a massively multiplayer game. As a fan of horror and games like Alan Wake and Silent Hill, The Secret World struck the right chord. The fact that it was an MMO was an afterthought.

I don't play a ton of multiplayer games and, when I do, it tends to be with a close group of friends, so saddling up with strangers isn't a terribly exciting prospect. But The Secret World is an MMO, after all, so this week I was determined to do exactly that. After seriously typing the letters "lfg" for the first time in my life, I delved into a dungeon with four other people. I'll admit I was nervous and died during one of the boss fights. In my defense, I was distracted by taking screenshots for this very article. Dumb, I know.

It was okay though, because after that ... we fought Cthulhu.

Gallery: Postcards from The Secret World: A R'lyeh close look at multiplayer

Continue reading Postcards from The Secret World: A R'lyeh close look at multiplayer

JoystiqPostcards from The Secret World: A R'lyeh close look at multiplayer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfuncompcpostcardspostcards-from-the-secret-worldthe-secret-worldFri, 27 Jul 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Postcards from The Secret World: Riddles in the dark]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/postcards-from-the-secret-world-riddles-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/postcards-from-the-secret-world-riddles-in-the-dark/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/20/postcards-from-the-secret-world-riddles-in-the-dark/#commentsWelcome to Postcards from The Secret World, a trip through Funcom's new title from the perspective of a player new to MMOs. Read part one if you haven't!
My character stands outside a locked cell in the Kingsmouth sheriff's office, there to uncover the secrets behind a 2002 murder case. All I know is that something vital to the case's mystery is inside that cell. The cell, as it happens, belonged to Larry Checkon, the man allegedly responsible for a string of summer murders - at least it did when he was alive.

My only clue was discovered inside the sheriff's computer, where I found a record of Checkon's actions after he was arrested. The sheriff had questioned him at the time, but Checkon kept quiet, telling the sheriff that she'd have to talk to his ghost if she wanted the truth. Somehow, this information is supposed to get me inside the cell and get me what I need.

The really weird part is that this isn't an adventure game, but rather an MMO: Funcom's The Secret World. It's this investigation mission - and others like it - that is fast becoming my new obsession.

Gallery: Postcards from The Secret World: Riddles in the Dark

Continue reading Postcards from The Secret World: Riddles in the dark

JoystiqPostcards from The Secret World: Riddles in the dark originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfuncompcpostcards-from-the-secret-worldthe-secret-worldFri, 20 Jul 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Postcards from The Secret World: Joining the Dragon]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/postcards-from-the-secret-world-joining-the-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/postcards-from-the-secret-world-joining-the-dragon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/11/postcards-from-the-secret-world-joining-the-dragon/#comments Apart from a high school addiction to Phantasy Star Online (Level 100 HuCast!), and a six-day foray into an ancient World of Warcraft trial edition that came with my Diablo 2 Battlechest, I have very little experience with massively multiplayer online games. The Secret World, however, has intrigued me ever since it was first announced. Here was an MMO that not only had a real-world setting, but one that drew its story and lore from urban legends and conspiracy theories. Illuminati, Templars, Mothman? In short, it sounded like my cup of tea, so I dug in once early access kicked off at the end of June.

The following isn't a review of The Secret World. Instead, it's offered as an account of my own experiences - an MMO novice - playing through Funcom's recently launched online game.

Gallery: Postcards from The Secret World: Part 1

Continue reading Postcards from The Secret World: Joining the Dragon

JoystiqPostcards from The Secret World: Joining the Dragon originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 11 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artsfuncomOpinionpcthe-secret-worldWed, 11 Jul 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World dev diary details 'freeform progression']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-secret-world-dev-diary-details-freeform-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-secret-world-dev-diary-details-freeform-progression/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/24/the-secret-world-dev-diary-details-freeform-progression/#comments
As we discovered in our our preview last summer, Funcom's The Secret World aims to differentiate itself from other MMORPGs by ditching the customary class and level-based character progression system in favor of something a little more jazz.

JoystiqThe Secret World dev diary details 'freeform progression' originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dev-diarydeveloper-diaryea-gamesfreeform-progressionfuncompcthe-secret-worldSat, 24 Mar 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World paints a different picture of the Illuminati]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-secret-world-paints-a-different-picture-of-the-illuminati/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-secret-world-paints-a-different-picture-of-the-illuminati/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/01/13/the-secret-world-paints-a-different-picture-of-the-illuminati/#comments
You might think of the Illuminati as a secret, world-running empire open to a select few with power and influence. If this Secret World trailer is anything to go by, the group's primary occupations seem to be drinking, smoking and dancing. So, they're Mad Men, essentially, only with guns.

JoystiqThe Secret World paints a different picture of the Illuminati originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafuncommmopcthe-secret-worldFri, 13 Jan 2012 13:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Much smaller journey: The Longest Journey coming to iPhone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/much-smaller-journey-the-longest-journey-coming-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/much-smaller-journey-the-longest-journey-coming-to-iphone/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/27/much-smaller-journey-the-longest-journey-coming-to-iphone/#comments It's a seriously long journey Funcom's Ragnar Tørnquist has confirmed to VideoGamer that classic point-and-click adventure The Longest Journey is heading to the iOS. Tørnquist evidently didn't offer up any further details about the port, including when it will actually be released. We can only hope our sausage-like meat-hooks are up to pixel-hunting on the iPhone's diminutive screen.

Oh and, Mr. Tørnquist, we realize you're busy with The Secret World (and now this newly announced port), but iOS would be a great platform for those Dreamfall Chapters. You know, the ones you promised? Just saying.

JoystiqMuch smaller journey: The Longest Journey coming to iPhone originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Oct 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcomiosipadiphonemobilethe-longest-journeyThu, 27 Oct 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Over 500K have registered for Secret World's beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/over-500k-have-registered-for-secret-worlds-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/over-500k-have-registered-for-secret-worlds-beta/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/25/over-500k-have-registered-for-secret-worlds-beta/#comments As professional, respected, tweed-wearing writers, we here at Joystiq consider it part of our job to protect the sanctity of the written word. It's in that capacity we're staging this intervention with Funcom.

Funcom, we're sure your team was excited when you announced today that over 500,000 people have registered for The Secret World beta. But while that's a catchy name, we're just not sure you can continue to call it that with a straight face. Observe:

"I have a secret little out-of-the-way spot I like to go for lunch, it's called Hardee's."
"My secret spice? Shh, come close ... it's called salt."
"I've got a secret method for keeping my car running well: Gas."

Might we suggest "Popular World" (which unfortunately sounds a little like a Facebook game for tweens) or perhaps "Cool World" (which not unfortunately sounds exactly like Cool World)?

Continue reading Over 500K have registered for Secret World's beta

JoystiqOver 500K have registered for Secret World's beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Oct 2011 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betafuncompcRagnar-Tornquistsecret-worldthe-secret-worldTue, 25 Oct 2011 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom wants to tell you about the Dragon's Secret World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/funcom-wants-to-tell-you-about-the-dragons-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/funcom-wants-to-tell-you-about-the-dragons-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/23/funcom-wants-to-tell-you-about-the-dragons-secret-world/#comments
Playing telephone with sensitive information is never a wise decision, which is why Funcom is hosting a Q&A session on Facebook today to answer fan questions about the mysterious Dragon society in The Secret World. The session starts at 2 p.m. EST, but if you have a burning question go ahead and submit it now for the devs to answer later -- keep in mind, they're only answering questions about the Dragon secret society.

If you don't know anything about the Dragon yet -- as is the case with any good secret society, especially one in an already secret world -- check out the backstory, the above teaser and the gallery below. The quest to gather this content claimed the lives of dozens (of potato chips while we watched it download), so take it seriously, you fools.

Gallery: The Secret World (The Dragon)

JoystiqFuncom wants to tell you about the Dragon's Secret World originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 23 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebookFuncommicrosoftpcquestion-and-answerthe-secret-worldxboxSun, 23 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World dev diary lifts the veil on battles, factions and the war]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-secret-world-dev-diary-lifts-the-veil-on-battles-factions-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-secret-world-dev-diary-lifts-the-veil-on-battles-factions-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/10/15/the-secret-world-dev-diary-lifts-the-veil-on-battles-factions-a/#comments

The war has been raging for years beneath the surface of our societies, silently, secretly. Explosions, gunfire, the electric crackle of handheld lightning bolts, all unobserved by the greater public, concealed in The Secret World. Which makes us wonder -- if all of this can be hidden from normal civilization, then why couldn't there be another secret world under The Secret World? One with even louder gunfire, higher stakes and bigger robots?

We bet those Secret World people felt pretty self-righteous in their fancy underground war until that little idea popped into their heads. Now you know how it feels, Secret World. Now you know.

JoystiqThe Secret World dev diary lifts the veil on battles, factions and the war originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 15 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>EAFuncommicrosoftpcThe-Really-Secret-Worldthe-secret-worldxboxSat, 15 Oct 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Beta registration open for The Secret World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/beta-registration-open-for-the-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/beta-registration-open-for-the-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/beta-registration-open-for-the-secret-world/#comments Dragon faction
Despite its mysterious title, it seems The Secret World just can't stay out of the public eye. The gates will soon be swung wide, as registrations for the beta are now underway. It's not quite as simple as filling in your email address and hitting "submit," however. Players will have to choose a faction - Illuminati, Templars or Dragon - and join The Secret War, which requires a Facebook connection.

The Secret War, not too surprisingly, is a social media game designed to spread the word about The Secret World (again, a bit counterintuitive, no?). In return for taking part in game, players can unlock in-game items for The Secret World and even guaranteed beta access.

Sign up for the beta, and thus The Secret War, at The Secret World website.

Continue reading Beta registration open for The Secret World

JoystiqBeta registration open for The Secret World originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafuncompcthe-secret-warthe-secret-worldMon, 29 Aug 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World opens up about its hybrid pricing model]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/the-secret-world-opens-up-about-its-hybrid-pricing-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/the-secret-world-opens-up-about-its-hybrid-pricing-model/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/27/the-secret-world-opens-up-about-its-hybrid-pricing-model/#comments The Secret World isn't going to be very secret at this rate -- publisher Funcom announced its MMO will use a traditional subscription structure and an in-game store aspect, as opposed to the trending free-to-play model. Players will be able to buy "convenience items" and cosmetic enhancements in the store, but it won't offer anything to increase power, keeping the world level for all players.

"Character power in The Secret World will be determined by how well you play the game, not how much money you are willing to put into it," Funcom said. Apparently Funcom doesn't know the power of some seriously fierce eyeliner.

JoystiqThe Secret World opens up about its hybrid pricing model originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FuncomMicrotransactionsmmopcthe-secret-worldSat, 27 Aug 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Secret World cinematic makes world less secret]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/secret-world-cinematic-makes-world-less-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/secret-world-cinematic-makes-world-less-secret/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/16/secret-world-cinematic-makes-world-less-secret/#comments The Secret World received a release window today of April 2012 during EA's Gamescom press conference. Check out the teaser trailer featuring the Illuminati, Dragon and Templar societies facing a bigger threat.

JoystiqSecret World cinematic makes world less secret originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Aug 2011 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>electronic-artsFuncompcthe-secret-worldTue, 16 Aug 2011 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World goes globe trotting in latest dev diary]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-secret-world-goes-globe-trotting-in-latest-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-secret-world-goes-globe-trotting-in-latest-dev-diary/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/12/the-secret-world-goes-globe-trotting-in-latest-dev-diary/#comments The Secret World - Egypt You'd be forgiven for thinking The Secret World was really "the secret zombie-infested part of New England," as we haven't seen much else thus far. Thankfully, the latest dev diary reveals that whole "world" aspect. From Shambala to Stonehenge, players will amass loads of frequent flier miles.

JoystiqThe Secret World goes globe trotting in latest dev diary originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 12 Aug 2011 03:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcommmopcthe-secret-worldFri, 12 Aug 2011 03:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan sees 300,000 sign up after free-to-play switch, double revenue in first month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-sees-300-000-sign-up-after-free-to-play-switch-dou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-sees-300-000-sign-up-after-free-to-play-switch-dou/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/11/age-of-conan-sees-300-000-sign-up-after-free-to-play-switch-dou/#comments Age of Conan Like Lord of the Rings Online before it, Age of Conan has sipped from the free-to-play goblet and, oh, it was a good sip. Developer Funcom reports that, since migrating the previous subscription-based game into free-to-play territory last month, Age of Conan: Unchained (the game's new moniker) has seen a spike in users to the tune of 300,000 -- overall, revenues doubled over the last month. That is, like, the total opposite of lamentation for Funcom!

And to celebrate the upcoming movie remake of the original Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle, Funcom is hard at work on a free movie tie-in content pack called Savage Coast of Turan. It will add new areas, equipment, enemies and charatcers from the upcoming film, which is set to pillage your local cinema on August 19.

Hit the jump for the full press release.

Continue reading Age of Conan sees 300,000 sign up after free-to-play switch, double revenue in first month

JoystiqAge of Conan sees 300,000 sign up after free-to-play switch, double revenue in first month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-Adventresage-of-conan-unchainedbusinessfree-to-playfreemiumfuncommmopcsalesThu, 11 Aug 2011 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[GOG adds Stranger's Wrath, discounts The Longest Journey]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gog-adds-strangers-wrath-discounts-the-longest-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gog-adds-strangers-wrath-discounts-the-longest-journey/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/19/gog-adds-strangers-wrath-discounts-the-longest-journey/#comments GOG is pointing a double-barreled crossbow of delight at us, with a deep discount on The Longest Journey and the addition of Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath. Departing from the regular Oddworld expectations, Stranger's Wrath is a hybrid of third-person action and first-person shooter, seasoned with elements of the Spaghetti Western and Oddworld touches like the "live" critter ammo. The game is available now on GOG for $9.99.

If you'd prefer a sweeping adventure, The Longest Journey is on sale for $3.99. Much like The Neverending Story, we can't vouch for the accuracy of game's title, but it does involve a very long journey, so you'll definitely get your money's worth in this classic point-and-click adventure.

JoystiqGOG adds Stranger's Wrath, discounts The Longest Journey originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FuncomGOGGOG.comOddworld-4Oddworld-InhabitantsOddworld-Strangers-Wrathpcthe-longest-journeyTue, 19 Jul 2011 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World preview: Teamwork on the Savage Coast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-secret-world-preview-teamwork-on-the-savage-coast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-secret-world-preview-teamwork-on-the-savage-coast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/14/the-secret-world-preview-teamwork-on-the-savage-coast/#comments If there's one thing that sets The Secret World apart, it's the freedom to play as any character you wish. There aren't any levels or traditional MMO progression -- as you complete quests, you're awarded skill points that you can place into a skill wheel. Don't like using guns? Move some stuff around and become an elemental sorceress. Tired of being on the offensive? Rejigger your skills and be a healer who hangs behind. It's the core principle of the game.

You'll need all the flexibility you can get. All of the known myths, urban legends and monsters have manifested themselves into the real world. By joining one of three in-game factions (the Illuminati, the Dragon and the Templar), you'll fight to dominate the other groups and ultimately rule that world.

During EA's Summer Showcase event, I was able to witness a dungeon run through The Savage Coast, a spooky coastal town home to some creepy woodlands and the horror staple, an abandoned amusement park. Of course, I didn't get to see any of that in my own playthrough: the dungeon I fought through was a river bed that ran through a craggy valley, sandwiched between two mountains.

But it was nighttime, so that's kinda creepy. I guess.

Gallery: The Secret World (7/7/11)

Continue reading The Secret World preview: Teamwork on the Savage Coast

JoystiqThe Secret World preview: Teamwork on the Savage Coast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafuncommmopcthe-savage-coastthe-secret-worldThu, 14 Jul 2011 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's progression system doesn't subscribe to labels, man]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/12/the-secret-worlds-progression-system-doesnt-subscribe-to-label/#comments Though most other MMOs allow their players to use level ranking and class like some kind of shorthand calling card ("Oh, me? I'm a Lv. 43 Powermime!"), Funcom's The Secret World will ditch that system for a more versatile approach, according to a recent Rock, Paper, Shotgun preview. Instead of levels and classes, players will be able to pick and choose from 500 skills that they'll be able to swap between at certain points during a mission, making strategy and foresight far more powerful tools than patience and grinding.

Players will be able to specialize as one of the MMORPG genre's many archetypes, though this broad system won't lock them out of other job types should their interests shift. We appreciate any MMO that allows us to reenact our collegiate career, during which we double-majored in Animal Husbandry and Astronomy with a minor in Healthcare Management and another minor in Racquetball.

JoystiqThe Secret World's progression system doesn't subscribe to labels, man originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>classeseafuncommmommorpgpcskillsthe-secret-worldTue, 12 Jul 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World, meet the Savage Coast]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-secret-world-meet-the-savage-coast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-secret-world-meet-the-savage-coast/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/07/the-secret-world-meet-the-savage-coast/#comments The secrets of The Secret World are slowly being revealed, with the latest being a new location for the MMO, the Savage Coast. A place that Stephen King might call home, Solomon Island plays host to abandoned carnivals, dark woods and, of course, a spooky lighthouse. And, uh, whatever that thing is.

JoystiqThe Secret World, meet the Savage Coast originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcompcthe-secret-worldThu, 07 Jul 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA['Everything is True' in The Secret World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/everything-is-true-in-the-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/everything-is-true-in-the-secret-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/09/everything-is-true-in-the-secret-world/#comments Enjoy the first minute or so of this trailer for The Secret World, because that's the only gameplay footage you're going to get. The rest of the trailer is devoted to flashing lots of conspiracy theories. Notably absent from the list: The undisputable fact that Elvis is still alive.

Continue reading 'Everything is True' in The Secret World

Joystiq'Everything is True' in The Secret World originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafuncompcthe-secret-worldSat, 09 Apr 2011 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Longest Journey 'absolutely possible,' says Tornquist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/08/new-longest-journey-absolutely-possible-says-tornquist/#comments While Funcom's Ragnar Tørnquist is currently banging away on upcoming MMO The Secret World, he recently told Eurogamer that he'd like to return to beloved adventure series The Longest Journey. "I always have other ideas for the future," said Tørnquist, adding that a sequel to Dreamfall: The Longest Journey is something he "tinkers" with and is "absolutely possible." Of course, Tørnquist said the same thing back in 2008, so we're not holding our breath.

Now, if we can just find a suitable guide for the first Longest Journey, we might actually be able to finish it before the new sequel arrives. These puzzles are hard!

JoystiqNew Longest Journey 'absolutely possible,' says Tornquist originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Apr 2011 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventurefuncompcRagnar-Tornquistthe-longest-journeyFri, 08 Apr 2011 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World console game is on the back burner]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-secret-world-console-game-is-on-the-back-burner/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-secret-world-console-game-is-on-the-back-burner/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/07/the-secret-world-console-game-is-on-the-back-burner/#comments Four years ago, it was still reasonable to believe that we were on the verge of some kind of console MMO explosion. That's when Funcom unveiled The Secret World, an MMO in development for PC and Xbox 360 -- the first and last time there's been a definitive statement about the console version of the game to date. (A press release in January described The Secret World as "a next-generation massively multiplayer online game for the PC platform.")

What a surprise, then, to hear creative director Ragnar Tørnquist tell Eurogamer that he's "been very vocal in saying that when -- I guess also if -- we have a console version of The Secret World, it's not going to be exactly the same game." This is the first we've heard of a change in plans, even if we'd presumed that, at best, The Secret World console game had been secretly delayed.

While Tørnquist allowed that he had "a team" working "specifically" on an Xbox 360 version (at least at some point), he noted, "It's not something we're focusing on now. I think it will only happen if The Secret World turns out to be -- as of course it hopefully is -- a huge success. We will want to do things on other platforms; we will want to expand the universe. But it won't be the same game."

"You can still have the same setting; you can still have the same philosophies, the same basic systems," he said of a console version. "But you really need to make a different game. How different that will be, it's hard to say."

As for the PC version, Tørnquist told Eurogamer, "We're at the point where we know when the game is going to be released, but we're not quite ready to tell people yet." It's a secret.

JoystiqThe Secret World console game is on the back burner originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysfuncommicrosoftpcragnar-tornquistrelease-datethe-secret-worldxboxThu, 07 Apr 2011 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's 'The Secret World' to be co-published by EA]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/the-secret-world-to-be-co-published-by-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/the-secret-world-to-be-co-published-by-ea/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/10/the-secret-world-to-be-co-published-by-ea/#comments As the corpses of Asheron's Call 2, Auto Assault, Tabula Rasa and others will attest, it's tough to get an MMO up and running. Now, it seems that Funcom's upcoming challenger, The Secret World, will have a little more muscle behind it as EA revealed today it will co-publish the game.

EA's involvement is no doubt encouraging for those following the project, though it's not necessarily a guarantee of success. Over the past decade, the publisher has had a hand in plenty of MMO projects that quickly withered and died, including The Sims Online, Motor City Online, Earth and Beyond and Hellgate: London -- if you want to count that. one (We do.)

That said, we're rooting for The Secret World, if only so we never have to go through this sort of heartbreak again.

Continue reading Funcom's 'The Secret World' to be co-published by EA

JoystiqFuncom's 'The Secret World' to be co-published by EA originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 10 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eafuncommmopcthe-secret-worldMon, 10 Jan 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World much less secret with new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/the-secret-world-much-less-secret-with-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/the-secret-world-much-less-secret-with-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/27/the-secret-world-much-less-secret-with-new-trailer/#comments Funcom has offered up the biggest peek yet into The Secret World with the latest trailer. Check it out for lots of gameplay footage, behind-the-scenes commentary and a look at the Templar faction's starting hub, London. As a bonus, you'll also learn how swallowing flies can give you magical powers.

Gallery: The Secret World (Gamescom screenshots)


Gallery: The Secret World (Gamescom artwork)

Continue reading The Secret World much less secret with new trailer

JoystiqThe Secret World much less secret with new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 27 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Funcommicrosoftpcthe-secret-worldxboxFri, 27 Aug 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/14/funcom-publishing-stunlocks-bloodline-champions/#commentsAge of Conan and The Secret World publisher Funcom has announced a publishing deal with Sweden-based Stunlock Studios AB for the PC multiplayer arena game Bloodline Champions. Under the deal, Funcom will operate and provide support for the 10-player online combat game.

The deal has more significance than just bringing Bloodline Champions to audiences, though. While Stunlock will retain ownership of Bloodline, Funcom has also agreed to purchase a minority stake in Stunlock. It seems likely, then, that it will work with Funcom for future titles.

If you'd like to see what Funcom's money is going into, you can try to get into the current Bloodline Champions beta here. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until "late 2010."

JoystiqFuncom publishing Stunlock's 'Bloodline Champions' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaarena-combatbloodline-championsfuncomfuncom-gamesmmopublishingstunlockFri, 14 May 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer mounts up on May 11]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/age-of-conan-rise-of-the-godslayer-mounts-up-on-may-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/age-of-conan-rise-of-the-godslayer-mounts-up-on-may-11/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/age-of-conan-rise-of-the-godslayer-mounts-up-on-may-11/#comments You know who really needs to be taken down a peg? Those gods, man. Look at 'em, up there. Think they're so high and mighty. We hear Kratos is busy, but we're not too concerned about a lack of potential divine retribution-dealers -- especially since Funcom just attached an imminent May 11 release date to its upcoming Age of Conan expansion, titled Rise of the Godslayer.

The add-on, which can be purchased as a separate download or a retail bundle with the original, expands the game's landscape to include the eastern empire of Khitai, where dangerous, dark magic is all the rage. For more info on the expansion, we suggest you turn to the MMO experts at Massively, who might be able to explain just how much god-slaying goes on in the new content.

JoystiqAge of Conan: Rise of the Godslayer mounts up on May 11 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventresEidos-InteractivefuncomMicrosoftmmommorpgrelease-daterise-of-the-godslayerXbox-360Fri, 23 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's giant monsters won't be a secret for long]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-secret-worlds-giant-monsters-wont-be-a-secret-for-long/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-secret-worlds-giant-monsters-wont-be-a-secret-for-long/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/26/the-secret-worlds-giant-monsters-wont-be-a-secret-for-long/#comments Funcom has released a new gameplay trailer for The Secret World. The trailer shows off some of the many enemies players will face -- including giant crab monsters, zombies and a squid ... thing -- as well as some of the characters they will meet. As we noted in our impressions of the game earlier this week, The Secret World sets itself apart from most MMOs, using real-world settings and characters. Strange as it seems, even with all this new gameplay footage and information, we still don't know an awful lot about what's actually going on in the game. The only hint we have from the trailer is a reference to "something from the bottomless deep rising to devour us all."

Whatever is happening, at least there are plenty of monsters to kill, right?

JoystiqThe Secret World's giant monsters won't be a secret for long originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcomMicrosoftmmoRagnar-Tornquistsecret-worldthe-secret-worldXbox-360Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: The Secret World]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-secret-world-mmo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-secret-world-mmo-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/23/the-secret-world-mmo-preview/#comments During GDC, I saw Ragnar Tornquist demonstrate his upcoming Funcom MMO, The Secret World. I should note that I'm not well versed in MMOs, and my experience doesn't extend far beyond a scant few hours with the trial version of World of Warcraft (and many, many hours with Phantasy Star Online and Diablo II, if you count those). As such, I had my doubts about being the best candidate to catch an early glimpse of Funcom's latest project.

After seeing the game in action and learning more about its direction, however, I started to think otherwise. As someone who typically avoids MMOs, it's interesting to see one that abandons the traditional fantasy and sci-fi trappings of the genre. As a gamer accustomed to lavish, story-driven console games, it's wonderful to see an MMO focusing on narrative (with fully voiced cutscenes, no less). No leveling, no specific character classes -- no Orcs? In short, what really struck me about The Secret World is how different it is.

Gallery: The Secret World

Continue reading Impressions: The Secret World

JoystiqImpressions: The Secret World originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcomgdc-2010Microsoftmmoragnar-tornquistthe-secret-worldXbox-360Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's secrets spilled by Funcom's Ragnar Tornquist]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-secret-worlds-secrets-spilled-by-funcoms-ragnar-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-secret-worlds-secrets-spilled-by-funcoms-ragnar-tornquist/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/03/the-secret-worlds-secrets-spilled-by-funcoms-ragnar-tornquist/#comments In an interview with IGN, Funcom's Ragnar Tornquist has shed some light on the perpetually foggy MMO, The Secret World. The interview focuses on several facets of the game, including its realistic settings, enemy design and how The Secret World compares to Funcom's most recent MMO, Age of Conan.

Perhaps the most interesting part of the discussion is just how much content the company has planned for The Secret World; we believe the scientific term is "quite a bit." According to Tornquist, the team has planned "several years' worth" of content for the game. "It'll take us years and years to reveal everything about our game world," said Tornquist, "which is a good thing, because it's an MMO." He added that Funcom expects that game to last for "a very, very long time." Like, as long as the government has kept the fake moon landing covered up?

[Via Massively]

Gallery: The Secret World

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JoystiqThe Secret World's secrets spilled by Funcom's Ragnar Tornquist originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcommmoRagnar-Tornquistthe-secret-worldWed, 03 Mar 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World less secret: first in-game footage]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-secret-world-less-secret-first-in-game-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-secret-world-less-secret-first-in-game-footage/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/02/the-secret-world-less-secret-first-in-game-footage/#comments Thanks to the video above, we now know more about Funcom's upcoming MMO The Secret World than ever before. And yet, that's still not saying much. The new trailer provides the first in-game footage, specifically showing off the town of Kingsmouth, a game location revealed last month. Of course, no sleepy New England town is complete without a dark secret, and Kingsmouth is no exception.

It seems an evil fog rolled into town one day, taking most of the townsfolk with it, leaving only a handful of unlucky survivors and ... zombies. They aren't your typical, garden variety zombies, though. No, these zombies never die, as the narrator explains, "Kill one, he'll rise in the morning. There's no getting rid of them." There's no telling if the actual game will hold up at this point, but the premise thus far is certainly intriguing.

JoystiqThe Secret World less secret: first in-game footage originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 02 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>funcommmoRagnar-Tornquistthe-secret-worldTue, 02 Feb 2010 14:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO developers sound off about World of Warcraft's dominance]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/mmo-developers-sound-off-on-world-of-warcrafts-dominance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/mmo-developers-sound-off-on-world-of-warcrafts-dominance/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/mmo-developers-sound-off-on-world-of-warcrafts-dominance/#comments We remember a time when every young buck coming out of the MMO development stables would puff up its cheeks and proudly proclaim itself "The World of Warcraft-killer." However, the industry's a bit older and wiser now, and massive online game devs are at peace with the fact that they'll never catch up to Blizzard's irrationally lucrative MMORPG. A handful of these developers recently spoke to MCV about how it feels to compete with an unstoppable juggernaut. (In short: Not awesome.)

Even in an MMO-heavy year which will see the introduction of Star Trek Online, APB, Final Fantasy XIV and others, Jagex COO Rob Smith thinks 2010's online games "are unlikely to topple the likes of World of Warcraft from their throne, at least in the short term." He's probably right -- unless, of course, 2010 is the year that the FarmVille MMO which we all totally know is going to happen actually happens.

JoystiqMMO developers sound off about World of Warcraft's dominance originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blizzardcompetitioncryptic-studiosfuncomjagexmmommorpgonlinewowWed, 27 Jan 2010 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's The Secret World gets a weird website]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/funcoms-the-secret-world-gets-a-weird-website/#comments Since it was first revealed back in 2007, there really hasn't been a lot of information released about Funcom's upcoming MMO The Secret World. We've learned a bit about its factions, enjoyed a handful of screenshots and watched a couple of nifty trailers (embedded after the break, for your convenience). Now, Funcom has opened a website for one of the game's locations, a sleepy New England town (yes, another one) by the name of Kingsmouth. The website is designed as though it were made by an actual chamber of commerce, including plenty of low resolution photos and awkwardly placed Google ads. According to Joystiq's sister site Massively, the site is also full of references to H.P. Lovecraft, which seems appropriate given the otherworldly nature of the game.

There is what appears to be a handful of screenshots in the site's gallery section, and the news section also mentions planning for "Kingsmouth Day 2010," which is set to go down on Saturday, April 3. Whether or not anything will actually happen on that day is anyone's guess.

Gallery: The Secret World (screenshots)

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Continue reading Funcom's The Secret World gets a weird website

JoystiqFuncom's The Secret World gets a weird website originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argfuncomkingsmouthRagnar-Tornquistthe-secret-worldMon, 25 Jan 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom Games Canada enters the Age of Caron]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/funcom-games-canada-enters-the-age-of-caron/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/funcom-games-canada-enters-the-age-of-caron/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/09/funcom-games-canada-enters-the-age-of-caron/#comments What to do when you're coming off a year of huge losses but still planning to reinvigorate the company? Get yourself a new CEO! That's what Age of Conan's Funcom did, announcing that Miguel Caron would be stepping into the position at Funcom Games Canada. Caron has been working in Quebec with Lyrtech, an audio and video processing company, as well as with IT firms like BCM International and NoWire Telecom.

Given his background in reducing IT costs and raising market share in the realm of digital communications, we'd guess he's got his job cut out for him at Funcom. The company says it's aiming to expand operations in Montreal, far away from its humble roots in Norway, so we'll see if Caron can summon some Cimmerian strength and get things moving in the right direction over there.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqFuncom Games Canada enters the Age of Caron originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventresannouncementceoEidos-Interactivefuncomfuncom-games-canadaMicrosoftmiquel-caronmmosweet-robotthe-secret-worldXbox-360Sat, 09 Jan 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan gets 'unlimited free trial,' fine print]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/age-of-conan-gets-unlimited-free-trial-fine-print/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/age-of-conan-gets-unlimited-free-trial-fine-print/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/age-of-conan-gets-unlimited-free-trial-fine-print/#comments
Funcom has made its barbaric MMO Age of Conan free-to-play -- well, at least in a sense. From today through January 1, those who download the game client and create an account will be able to play for free until their character reaches level 20 (basically the game's first zone).

Doesn't exactly seem "unlimited," unless ... oh, we see, you can create a new character once you reach the free trial level cap and play through the same content again -- until that character reached level 20, and so on. Funcom is hoping that folks who go in for the trial experience will be so captivated that they'll want to pony up the money to see what lies beyond level 20. (Hint: It's more of the same.)

Funcom is calling this "a special holiday offer to anyone who wishes to experience the sexy and savage world of Conan." We're calling it a cry for attention.

JoystiqAge of Conan gets 'unlimited free trial,' fine print originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventresEidos-InteractivefuncomMicrosoftmmoXbox-360Mon, 14 Dec 2009 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan dev Funcom spawns casual MMO label SweetRobot]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/age-of-conan-dev-funcom-spawns-casual-mmo-label-sweetrobot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/age-of-conan-dev-funcom-spawns-casual-mmo-label-sweetrobot/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/11/age-of-conan-dev-funcom-spawns-casual-mmo-label-sweetrobot/#comments
Despite a year that saw it incur financial losses, less-than-stellar subscription uptake for its flagship MMO Age of Conan, plus layoffs and a delay for its next major title, The Secret World, Funcom has announced that it's launching a subsidiary called SweetRobot to publish family/kid-friendly MMOs. "Our passion and dedication for high-end online games remains the same, and Age of Conan and The Secret World are still our primary focus," company CEO Trond Arne Aas said in today's announcement. "But we are also eager to explore new opportunities within the industry, and it felt natural for us to step into the social gaming segment especially considering our outstanding experience with making online worlds and communities."

SweetRobot's first title, the free-to-play Pets vs. Monsters, has yet to be stamped with a release date, will be entering beta soon. Aas feels that "the fact that these productions require significantly lower budgets and smaller teams to develop" makes games like it attractive, since "it allows us to try out several concepts instead of placing all our resources into one single bet."

It also lets Funcom, er, SweetRobot do things like make a game that looks sort of like Diablo, only with robot frogs and trees covered in snot. Hey, it's what the focus groups said the kids want!

JoystiqAge of Conan dev Funcom spawns casual MMO label SweetRobot originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 11 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conancasualFuncommmopets-vs-monsterssweetrobotFri, 11 Dec 2009 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom posts $9.6 million loss in Q3 2009]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/18/funcom-posts-9-6-million-loss-in-q3-2009/#comments Following a round of layoffs, a delay for one of its most anticipated titles and continuing reports of the player decline of Age of Conan, we knew that Norwegian developer Funcom wasn't in the best shape. Earlier today, the company posted its Q3 financial results and confirmed our suspicions: The company's reporting a $9.6 million loss for the third quarter of this year. Compared to the company's $3.3 million profit from the same period last year, that's a pretty disheartening decline.

With an expansion for Age of Conan and the ever-intriguing The Secret World presumably due out next year, and (according to a September 30 finance report) $34.8 million in the bank, Funcom's far from down and out. However, until one of those titles hits store shelves, things are probably going to get considerably less fun for Funcom.

JoystiqFuncom posts $9.6 million loss in Q3 2009 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 03:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanbusinessdeclinefinancefuncommoneyprofitthe-secret-worldWed, 18 Nov 2009 03:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan offering double XP this month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/age-of-conan-offering-double-xp-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/age-of-conan-offering-double-xp-this-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/11/12/age-of-conan-offering-double-xp-this-month/#comments OK, so you don't care about Age of Conan any more, but what if you could plow through the content you don't care about even faster? In an unusual attempt to win back subscribers, Funcom's offering double XP throughout November, allowing you to catch up with those poor mopes who had to play through the slow way. Other gifts on offer (depending on how long you subscribe) include a spot in the Secret World beta and a level 40 helmet with a 10% XP modifier.
This new promotion comes just two weeks after Funcom went on a price slashing spree.

Uh, Funcom, just between you, us and the wall ... you're starting to come off as a bit desperate. Just a skosh.

JoystiqAge of Conan offering double XP this month originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conan-guidefuncommmo-industryThu, 12 Nov 2009 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Age of Conan subscription prices slashed, free content added]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/age-of-conan-subscription-prices-slashed-free-content-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/age-of-conan-subscription-prices-slashed-free-content-added/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/10/29/age-of-conan-subscription-prices-slashed-free-content-added/#comments
Listen up folks, because Funcom is willing to do anything to get you to drive away in an Age of Conan TODAY. You want discounted subscriptions? You got 'em. You want a 20-percent discount on three month subscriptions? No problem. How about a 30-percent discount for six months? Done. You want more? How about a 45% discount on a full-year subscription. Funcom is just crazy enough to do it.

But wait, that's not all. Act now and you'll receive a free update that adds three new Halloween quests, offering you the chance to earn a demon pet and a legendary weapon known as the "Unholy Backscratcher." In addition, you'll get access to the new Veteran Points system and a new high-level dungeon. Once again, this is absolutely free to subscribers. And, take it from us, this isn't a deal that Funcom would make for just anybody, but you, you look like someone that knows what they want. So come see Funcom, friend. If they can't make you a deal, they'll start choppin' heads[TM].

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqAge of Conan subscription prices slashed, free content added originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanAge-of-Conan-Hyborian-AdventresEidos-InteractivefuncomMicrosoftmmoXbox-360Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST