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[PS Plus Europe explores Amalur, Demon's Souls, Ico/SotC in June]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ps-plus-europe-explores-amalur-demons-souls-ico-sotc-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ps-plus-europe-explores-amalur-demons-souls-ico-sotc-in-june/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/ps-plus-europe-explores-amalur-demons-souls-ico-sotc-in-june/#comments European PlayStation Plus subscribers have plenty to keep themselves busy with when the rain inevitably lashes down on Wimbledon next month. June's Plus update brings two very different breeds of RPG to the PS3's Instant Game Collection in Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning and Demon's Souls, as well the Ico and Shadow of the Colossus HD Collection. All three games arrive a wee bit early on May 29.

Meanwhile on Vita, June features Rayman Origins and Coconut Dodge Revitalized for the portable. Both Vita games join the Collection on June 5. Coconut Dodge Revitalized is the next Futurlab PS Mini to get the HD treatment. As before, the self-explanatory (or not) 2D high-scorer gets leaderboards and trophies support on Vita.

As ever, the revolving door that is PS Plus means new arrivals are countered by departures. Hitman: Absolution, Joe Danger 2, and Dead or Alive 5 leave the service on May 29, followed by Sine Mora on June 5, and Futurlab's Velocity Ultra on June 12.

JoystiqPS Plus Europe explores Amalur, Demon's Souls, Ico/SotC in June originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coconut-dodge-revitalizeddemons-soulseuropefuturlabico-and-shadow-of-the-colossus-collectionkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningplaystationplaystation-plusplaystation-vitaps3psnrayman-originsvitaWed, 15 May 2013 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Revisiting Reckoning: How Kingdoms of Amalur got the single-player MMORPG right]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/revisiting-reckoning-how-kingdoms-of-amalur-got-the-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/revisiting-reckoning-how-kingdoms-of-amalur-got-the-single-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/revisiting-reckoning-how-kingdoms-of-amalur-got-the-single-play/#commentsThis is a weekly column from freelancer Rowan Kaiser, which focuses on "Western" role-playing games: their stories, their histories, their mechanics, their insanity, and their inanity.

Revisiting Reckoning How Kingdoms of Amalur gets the singleplayer MMORPG right
Recently, I decided to play Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning in remembrance of its one-year anniversary this past February, knowing I'd have to contend with two things that dominated discussion about the game: the politics and failures behind the 38 Studios disaster and dealing with a game I had been warned was filled with fantasy nonsense names and detailed lore - a model of storytelling I find quite annoying. But when I finally played Reckoning, I was surprised to learn how much I enjoyed it. I had an instant gut reaction to the game's beauty. It reminded me of the best times I'd spent in massively multiplayer role-playing games, and that was totally unexpected.

My first character in World of Warcraft, the MMORPG that consumed most of my time with the genre, was a Night Elf starting on the island of Teldrassil. What I remember of that first character's journey wasn't tied to game mechanics, player interaction or even narrative, it was the feel of that starting zone. I remember the lush setting, trees with a slightly exotic, magical tinge, luxurious purples and greens, the seemingly perpetual twilight, the hints of corruption and danger, and the music hinting at all of those things and the history of the Night Elves. Indeed, most of my best experiences while playing WoW solo took place in those verdant, corrupted provinces, with Feralas probably my favorite of the old world.

I didn't expect to ever have the same feeling again, but Reckoning delivered.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (7/28/11)

Continue reading Revisiting Reckoning: How Kingdoms of Amalur got the single-player MMORPG right

JoystiqRevisiting Reckoning: How Kingdoms of Amalur got the single-player MMORPG right originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-StudiosBig-Huge-GamesEAElectronic-Artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftOpinionpcplaystationps3Western-RPGsxboxFri, 08 Mar 2013 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov. 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/darksiders-2-kingdoms-of-amalur-endwar-all-coming-to-psn-nov/#comments Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov 20Prepare to get your brutality, fantasy, and strategy on, as Darksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, and Tom Clancy's EndWar are all arriving on PlayStation Network November 20. This week's PlayStation Blogcast confirmed the trio of PS3 digital releases.

Darksiders 2 recently got its second downloadable content pack, Abyssal Forge. Developer Vigil Games claims the DLC has some of the toughest enemies in the game. But, as the saying goes, Death laughs in the faces of a game's toughest enemies, or something. According to the podcast, the PSN version of Darksiders 2 includes a pass to the game's Crucible arena, and the official soundtrack.

Eccentric shoot-em-up Sine Mora lands on PSN next week too, for PS3 and Vita. Grinding onto Vita via PSN is Jet Set Radio, free for PS Plus users until the end of the year. Clan of Champions and the fifth episode of The Walking Dead will be available online for PS3.

JoystiqDarksiders 2, Kingdoms of Amalur, EndWar all coming to PSN Nov. 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gamesdarksiders-2EAkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNthqtom-clancys-endwarubisoftvigil-gamesvitaFri, 16 Nov 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Architects of 38 Studios' $75M loan sued by Rhode Island EDC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/Rhode-Island-38-studios-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/Rhode-Island-38-studios-lawsuit/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/11/01/Rhode-Island-38-studios-lawsuit/#comments Architects of 38 Studios' $75M loan sued by Rhode Island EDCThe Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation (EDC), the quasi-public group that granted the $75 million taxpayer-guaranteed loan to 38 Studios, has filed a lawsuit against the architects of the 2010 deal. WPRI reports the defendants include 38 Studios founder Curt Schilling and CEO Jennifer MacLean, former EDC executive director Keith Stokes, Wells Fargo Securities, Barclays Capital and many, many more.

"I know you work hard for your paychecks, and for your tax dollars to be squandered is unacceptable. The board's legal action was taken to rectify a grave injustice put upon the people of Rhode Island," said Governor Lincoln Chafee in a prepared two-and-a-half-minute statement posted on YouTube (found after the break, with text transcript).

The full complaint [PDF] alleges the former EDC board never ordered an independent assessment of 38 Studios' capabilities to finish Project Copernicus before the loan was approved, even though it was to do so. It also claims Wells Fargo received nearly $500,000 "in hidden commission from 38 Studios" that weren't disclosed to the EDC board.

The recent public auction at 38 Studios' former Providence HQ grossed approximately $650,000. The auction at 38 Studios' Big Huge Games division in Maryland brought in $180,000. It's estimated 38 Studios owed $150.7 million when it declared bankruptcy, so far the state of Rhode Island has recovered about $830,000.

Update: We got in touch with Law of the Game attorney Mark Methenitis to boil down exactly what Rhode Island is seeking in the suit. We've placed his analysis after the break.

Continue reading Architects of 38 Studios' $75M loan sued by Rhode Island EDC

JoystiqArchitects of 38 Studios' $75M loan sued by Rhode Island EDC originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Nov 2012 12:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingjennifer-macleankingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglawsuitmicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationRIEDCxboxThu, 01 Nov 2012 12:50:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios auction in Rhode Island earned around $650,000]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auction-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auction-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/26/38-studios-auction-rhode-island/#comments 38 Studios auction grossed $650,000The public auction held Tuesday at 38 Studios' former headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, grossed approximately $650,000. The official number comes from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, which held an auction last week at the former site of 38 Studios' Big Huge Games division in Maryland. That auction brought in $180,000.

The court-appointed receiver who organized the auctions told us earlier this week that the Kingdoms of Amalur intellectual property, which is Rhode Island's best hope for recouping money from its bad investment, will be sold in a negotiated transaction over the next three to six months.

It is estimated that 38 Studios owed $150.7 million when it filed for bankruptcy. The state of Rhode Island has recovered about $830,000 so far, and the remainder of the bill following the IP sale will be swallowed by state tax-payers.

Joystiq38 Studios auction in Rhode Island earned around $650,000 originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 26 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxFri, 26 Oct 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios auction had 1,000 registered bidders, sold 95% of items]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/38-studios-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/38-studios-auction/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/10/24/38-studios-auction/#comments 38 Studios auction had 1,000 registered bidders, sold 95% of itemsThe public auction held yesterday at 38 Studios' former headquarters in Providence, Rhode Island, sold approximately 95 percent of the items available. A gross sales figure for the auction is expected later today.

According to a representative for the Rhode Island Economic Development Committee, the quasi-public agency that loaned 38 Studios the $75 million at the heart of the auction, there were over 1,000 registered participants for the auction. The auction had about 600 online participants and over 400 in-person, who had to front a $100 refundable deposit to enter the building.

The auction activities ran until 10PM last night, after starting an hour after the planned 10:30AM opening to accommodate the number of people who wanted to get in. There is the chance of another live auction to handle unsold items, which could include "more computers, servers, office furniture, etc."

Not up for auction yesterday was the Kingdoms of Amalur intellectual properly, which is the item Rhode Island is hoping to recoup the most return from its failed investment.

"I anticipate that the IP will be marketed and sold over the next three to six months," attorney Richard Land, the court-appointed receiver who organized the auction, told Joystiq. "Although the process is not yet set in stone, it is unlikely that it will be a traditional auction as you saw yesterday; more likely to be a negotiated transaction."

Last week's auction at 38 Studios' Big Huge Games division brought in $180,000. According to the 38 Studios bankruptcy filings, as reported by the AP, the company owes $150.7 million and has assets estimated at $21.7 million.

Joystiq38 Studios auction had 1,000 registered bidders, sold 95% of items originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningWed, 24 Oct 2012 11:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Rhode Island can't auction off 38 Studios' Xbox dev kits, says Microsoft]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/rhode-island-cant-auction-38-studios-xbox-dev-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/rhode-island-cant-auction-38-studios-xbox-dev-kits/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/09/27/rhode-island-cant-auction-38-studios-xbox-dev-kits/#comments Microsoft is requesting Rhode Island return the Xbox developer kits the state is attempting to sell at auction to recoup losses from the defaulted multi-million dollar loan to shuttered 38 Studios. In the listing of items up for bid October 23, the firm hired to facilitate the auction lists "Gaming consoles: Xbox 360 XDK consoles." Only problem is those belong to Microsoft.

"Xbox 360 Development Kits (XDK) are the property of Microsoft and are only licensed to authorized studios and may not be assigned or sold to any third party without the written consent of Microsoft," the company told Joystiq in a prepared statement. "We will be contacting the appropriate parties involved in the auction of 38 Studios' assets to remove the XDK units from the auction listing and to secure the return of the consoles to Microsoft."

SJ Corio Company, a commercial-industrial auction and liquidation company, will hold auctions in Maryland and Rhode Island on October 16 and 23, respectively. Lot listings and photo galleries of items will be posted soon, according to a company representative. Part of the long list of items up for auction are computers, audio and video equipment, consoles and peripherals, pool table, ping pong table, GE side by side stainless steel refrigerators and a video game library.

JoystiqRhode Island can't auction off 38 Studios' Xbox dev kits, says Microsoft originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 27 Sep 2012 14:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosauctioncurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftrhode-islandxboxThu, 27 Sep 2012 14:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Upcoming XBL deals: Amalur and Saints Row DLC, Bejeweled 3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/upcoming-xbl-deals-amalur-and-saints-row-dlc-bejeweled-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/upcoming-xbl-deals-amalur-and-saints-row-dlc-bejeweled-3/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/upcoming-xbl-deals-amalur-and-saints-row-dlc-bejeweled-3/#comments In addition to the bizarre, surprising news that Scott Pilgrim vs. The World is getting online multiplayer, Major Nelson has revealed new Xbox Live content including upcoming Deals of the Week. This week's deal features half-price DLC for the ill-fated Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which knocks both 'Teeth of Naros' and 'Legend of Dead Kel' down to $5 each, while a weapons and armor bundle is available for $2.50. Also up for grabs this week is Bejeweled 3 for $7.50.

Next week, three bits of Saints Row: The Third DLC - 'Gangstas in Space,' 'Genkibowl VII,' and 'The Trouble with Clones' - will be available for $3.50 each. The 'Missing Link' DLC for Deus Ex: Human Revolution will also be discounted $7.50, while a handful of Just Cause 2 DLC will be available for $1 a pop.

JoystiqUpcoming XBL deals: Amalur and Saints Row DLC, Bejeweled 3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>deal-of-the-weekdeus-ex-human-revolutionJust-Cause-2kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftsaints-row-the-thirdxboxxbox-livexbox-live-deal-of-the-weekTue, 07 Aug 2012 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur MMO 'wasn't fun,' Take-Two was mystery Reckoning 2 publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/kingdoms-of-amalur-mmo-wasnt-fun-take-two-was-mystery-reckon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/kingdoms-of-amalur-mmo-wasnt-fun-take-two-was-mystery-reckon/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/23/kingdoms-of-amalur-mmo-wasnt-fun-take-two-was-mystery-reckon/#comments Despite being "in love" with the Kingdoms of Amalur MMO before its developer filed for bankruptcy, 38 Studios head Curt Schilling worried "the game wasn't fun." Schilling opens up on a variety of subjects in a recent Boston Magazine feature story, saying, "It was my biggest gripe for probably the past eight to 12 months." Even 38's own employees weren't playing it in their free time, apparently.

Additionally, Take-Two Interactive - publisher of everything from BioShock to Grand Theft Auto - is fingered as the mysterious publisher vying for rights to a Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sequel. For its part, Take-Two calls Schilling's claim "rumor and speculation." Schilling contends the sequel deal was close to "final sign-off" when Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee's mid-May public statements gave Take-Two cold feet.

Finally, in a last minute effort to save his company, Schilling and other executives spoke with an unnamed Chinese investor about potentially working together, as well as South Korean MMO company Nexon. Neither deal panned out, and the company declared bankruptcy this past June.

The Boston Magazine piece is quite a thorough examination of the history of 38 Studios, and contextualizes much of the sordid tale we've seen play out over the past eight months. Get a delicious beverage and a comfy seat - it's gonna be a while.

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur MMO 'wasn't fun,' Take-Two was mystery Reckoning 2 publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioschinakingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-mmokingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningnexonproject-copernicustake-twotake-two-interactiveMon, 23 Jul 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Former 38 Studios Creative Director provides context for leaked trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/former-38-studios-creative-director-provides-context-for-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/former-38-studios-creative-director-provides-context-for-leaked/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/07/09/former-38-studios-creative-director-provides-context-for-leaked/#comments 0Steve Danuser is the ex-Creative Director at the shuttered 38 Studios, and in light of that leaked trailer seen earlier today he's posted a few bits of context for the video. As you might have guessed, the posted trailer was entirely a work in progress, with most assets and even the script likely set to be replaced before it appeared before the public.

The trailer itself would have been a launch trailer, likely also released with some in-game or hands-on footage, and the illustrated look seen in the trailer was planned to be a characteristic of the game itself, used to introduce the game's various races and factions.

As for the tri-circle logo, which seems very similar to the recently revealed Elder Scrolls Online logo: Danuser says the design is coincidental, and that the two MMOs were using the same themes. 38 Studios' logo was put together before anyone from the team saw what Zenimax Online was working on. "That's what you get," says Danuser, who fondly remembers working on putting the trailer together, "for basing your IP on classic themes."

JoystiqFormer 38 Studios Creative Director provides context for leaked trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 09 Jul 2012 19:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscancelledkingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningleakleakedsteve-danuserteasertrailerMon, 09 Jul 2012 19:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Epic's Rein on Epic Baltimore and saving 'awesome guys' from 38 Studios' Big Huge Games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/epic-baltimore-big-huge-games-38-studios-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/epic-baltimore-big-huge-games-38-studios-mark-rein/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/epic-baltimore-big-huge-games-38-studios-mark-rein/#comments Big Huge Games members picked up for Epic Baltmore
Epic Baltimore, the new studio formed by Epic Games from the senior staff of 38 Studios' Big Huge Games, was a surprise announcement this past Sunday. Well, it's not like there was much warning for anyone, really, as Epic's VP and co-founder Mark Rein explained to us today at E3, giving much of the credit regarding the studio's creation to Epic president Mike Capps.

"Mike is the total hero there. They called him on Wednesday, interested in using one of our IPs. He flew them up the next day and they met with a whole bunch of people, and the board of directors of Epic. We made the call right there: 'These guys are awesome, we need to work with them.'"

"We don't have a final headcount yet. It's a decent number," Rein replied when asked about how many of the approximately 100 employees of Big Huge Games were going to be employed by Epic Baltimore. He told us they already had 40 resumes from BHG employees before the deal even went through. "Many of the people there had already gone on to places. This was just the core group of really experience guys who already had savings saved up that they tried to build a team and find a deal."

Rein also emphasized that they "wanted to work with one of Epic's IPs" and "it was a very good, natural fit."

With Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning 2 already in pre-production, we asked if Rein had any interest in buying Amalur from Rhode Island?

"We don't buy IP, we make IP."

JoystiqEpic's Rein on Epic Baltimore and saving 'awesome guys' from 38 Studios' Big Huge Games originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiose3-2012Epic-BaltimoreEpic-Gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningMark-ReinThu, 07 Jun 2012 17:40:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios liquidation valued in tens of millions by RI, gov. will get every penny he can for taxpayers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-liquidation-valued-in-tens-of-millions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-liquidation-valued-in-tens-of-millions/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/06/07/38-studios-liquidation-valued-in-tens-of-millions/#comments
38 Studios declared bankruptcy earlier this afternoon and Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee held a press conference this afternoon to discuss the company's assets, which now belong in part to Rhode Island taxpayers.

"We have had in recent days discussions with investors that were and, to my knowledge, are discussing substational numbers, which indicate that there could be significant value to the assets," said Jonathan Savage, council to the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation. "I can say that discussions we've had have been in the tens of millions of dollars."

"We are going to do everything possible to maximize return on our investment," declared Governor Chafee. "Taxpayers in Rhode Island can have full confidence that if there's a penny that we can get, or a nickle or a dime, we'll get it." Earlier this year, Wedbush Securities analyst Michael Pachter told us that he expected 38 Studios' IP to be worth approximately $20 million.

Joystiq38 Studios liquidation valued in tens of millions by RI, gov. will get every penny he can for taxpayers originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosamalurjohn-savagejonathan-savagekingdoms-of-amalurkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeerhode-islandrhode-island-economic-development-corporationvaluationThu, 07 Jun 2012 17:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Schilling says he could lose $50 million of his own money in 38 Studios implosion [update: Chafee responds]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/29/schilling-says-he-could-lose-50-million-of-his-own-money-in-38/#comments Embattled 38 Studios co-founder and head Curt Schilling finally broke his weeks of silence on the Rhode Island studio's recent implosion in an interview with The Providence Journal. "Frustration" seems not strong enough a word to describe his feelings toward Rhode Island Governor Lincoln Chafee - Schilling called Chafee's commentary surrounding 38 Studios "devastating," and claimed it "scared off private investors."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscharles-fogartykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningLincoln-Chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandxboxFri, 25 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Industry rallies to get former 38 Studios, Big Huge Games staff new work]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/industry-rallies-to-get-former-38-studios-big-huge-games-staff/#comments ImageThe sudden firing of all 379 employees at 38 Studios and Big Huge Games today was a blow to the industry, even for those of us who expected it. Soon after news broke, many developers, artists, designers, PR people, journalists and fans took to the Internet to express frustration and anger -- and to help.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"The game failed," he said.

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosbig-huge-gameskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoninglincoln-chafeemicrosoftpcplaystationps3rhode-islandsalesxboxThu, 24 May 2012 18:15:00 EST<![CDATA[First video of 38 Studios' 'Project Copernicus' MMO flies over Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/first-video-of-38-studios-project-copernicus-mmo-flies-over-a/#comments

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningpcproject-copernicusFri, 18 May 2012 17:11:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios successfully pays $1.125 million to Rhode Island]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/38-studios-successfully-pays-1-125-million-to-rhode-island/#comments 38 Studios's $1.125 million check to the state of Rhode Island has cleared, governor Lincoln Chafee announced during a press conference this afternoon, thus fulfilling the first required payment on the studio's loan from the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscurt-schillingkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Rhode-islandxboxWed, 16 May 2012 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[If 38 Studios collapses, Rhode Island taxpayers owe $112.6 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/if-38-studios-collapses-rhode-island-taxpayers-owe-112-6-milli/#comments ImageWith Rhode Island politicians and 38 Studios silent on the precarious financial condition of the developer, the potential cost of the doomsday scenario to taxpayers has come to light. WPRI reports that if 38 Studios can't pay the bonds it received from the state, taxpayers will actually be responsible for paying back $112.6 million through 2020.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosDLCkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3Teeth-of-NarosxboxWed, 11 Apr 2012 04:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Amalur 'Teeth of Naros' DLC this month packs a new city, other goodies]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/amalur-teeth-of-naros-dlc-this-month-packs-a-new-city-other-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/amalur-teeth-of-naros-dlc-this-month-packs-a-new-city-other-g/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/amalur-teeth-of-naros-dlc-this-month-packs-a-new-city-other-g/#comments New downloadable content for Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is slated to arrive later this month. Entitled "Teeth of Naros," it has players exploring the land known as the Teeth of Naros, where they will "encounter the Kollossae, a devout race of giants, and uncover the mysteries of their faith."

The DLC will feature the magical, floating city of Idylla, 20 side quests, dungeons and new enemies to fight. And, of course, there will be some fresh loot, including Twists of Fate, armor sets and weapons. Teeth of Naros will hit Xbox Live, PSN, Origin and Steam on April 17 for $10.

Continue reading Amalur 'Teeth of Naros' DLC this month packs a new city, other goodies

JoystiqAmalur 'Teeth of Naros' DLC this month packs a new city, other goodies originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftoriginpcplaystationps3psnxboxxbox-liveWed, 04 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Achievements hint at additional Kingdoms of Amalur DLC]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/achievements-hint-at-additional-kingdoms-of-amalur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/achievements-hint-at-additional-kingdoms-of-amalur-dlc/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/achievements-hint-at-additional-kingdoms-of-amalur-dlc/#comments There's a reason Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning isn't called Kingdom of Amalur: Just the One, Thanks. Well, there are probably a few reasons it's not called that, but one that sticks out to us is the likelihood that Reckoning will have multiple DLC packs, if a group of new achievements listed by Xbox 360 Achievements is to be trusted.

The listing is labeled "DLC [Untitled DLC2]" and includes six achievements, five of which are secret. The known achievement is titled "Murder Most Fowl" and gives up 25 points for killing 50 Pteryx. The rest are super secret, but we imagine titles such as "Flipping the birds of prey" and "Cock-a-doodle-do your worst."

JoystiqAchievements hint at additional Kingdoms of Amalur DLC originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsbird-punsDLCfowlkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftsecret-achievementsxboxMon, 26 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSN Tuesday: Rayman 3 HD on PSN, Sumioni: Demon Arts for Vita]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psn-tuesday-rayman-3-hd-on-psn-sumioni-demon-arts-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psn-tuesday-rayman-3-hd-on-psn-sumioni-demon-arts-for-vita/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/psn-tuesday-rayman-3-hd-on-psn-sumioni-demon-arts-for-vita/#comments PSN's Spring Fever hits its second week today with the launch of PSN's Rayman 3 HD for $10, 20 percent off for PlayStation Plus subscribers, and Warriors Orochi 3 for $50. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine finally touches down on PS3 for $40, including the Elite Pass. For Vita, Sumioni: Demon Arts is available starting today at $20.

Final Fantasy Origins, Tactics and V-VIII from the PSone are 30 percent off for regular PSNers, and 50 percent off for Plusers (regular price $10). PSN's Spring Fever includes DLC for Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, Saints Row: The Third and more -- if all of this is a common symptom for the modern fever, we hope to catch it too.

JoystiqPSN Tuesday: Rayman 3 HD on PSN, Sumioni: Demon Arts for Vita originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-originsFinal-Fantasy-Tacticskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningplaystationplaystation-vitaps3PSNpsn-tuesdayrayman-3-hoodlum-havoc-hdresident-evil-operation-raccoon-citysaints-row-the-thirdsumioni-demon-artsvitaWarhammer-40KTue, 20 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios staffing up with MMO vets for Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/38-studios-staffing-up-with-mmo-vets-for-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/38-studios-staffing-up-with-mmo-vets-for-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/20/38-studios-staffing-up-with-mmo-vets-for-amalur/#comments Now that Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is out and available, 38 Studios may be in a position to return to its storied "Project Copernicus." A few recent hires at Curt Schilling's studio make it seem that way. 38 has picked up both John Blakely, who worked on DCUO and Everquest 2, and Mark Hanson, who was involved with the now-extinct Lego Universe Online. Blakely will serve as 38's senior VP of development, while Hanson will be senior VP of operations and business.

Of course, both of those positions are fairly high up on the management chain, so they don't necessarily mean that 38 is right in the midst of Copernicus' main development just yet. But given that Kingdoms is out with solid sales numbers to back it up, it wouldn't be too surprising to see 38 Studios itching to get rolling on its MMO title set in the land we now know as Amalur.

Joystiq38 Studios staffing up with MMO vets for Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38 studios38Studiosamalurcurt-schillinghireshiringjohn-blakelykingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmark-hansonmmopcproject-copernicussenior-vpTue, 20 Mar 2012 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Oh, The Places You'll Go: Amalur's Dalentarth]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/oh-the-places-youll-go-amalurs-dalentarth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/oh-the-places-youll-go-amalurs-dalentarth/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/19/oh-the-places-youll-go-amalurs-dalentarth/#commentsThis is a column by Kimberley Wallace where each week she visits an in-game world, acting as a travel agent. Read as she explores the nooks and crannies of each (probably war torn) landscape.
To say that Dalentarth is alive is an understatement; lush hues of green explode across the land, waterfalls magnify the deepest of blue water, intoxicating flowers jump out at you, and sky-scraping trees remind you how minuscule you are. Wolves and bears have taken to this world, along with a few new creatures you've never truly set eyes on, such as Kobolds, rat-like humanoids who mysteriously don't seem to gather candles.

Many visitors often have troll sightings. Be sure to refrain from feeding them, as you would be the snack! A warning for those who are arachnophobic: the Dalentarth region has a bit of a spider problem. With giant poisonous spiders, though, this is the perfect place to conquer your fears. It doesn't get any better of a deal than that, so please send your thank you letters to our agency. We love helping you overcome adversity!

Can we interest you in visiting a place that you thought only existed in your childhood fantasies? Take a moment and think back to when you were young, and in the blink of an eye, your imagination could turn anything into a mystical, magical place. That's the Dalentarth region of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning - a fantastical forest in bloom with the most vivacious, neon colors around every corner. It's a portal back to the wide-eyed innocence that let you see beauty where others saw only darkness. Let that inner child come back and dive into a world of non-stop wonderment, vibrant with life.

Gallery: Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning (7/28/11)

Continue reading Oh, The Places You'll Go: Amalur's Dalentarth

JoystiqOh, The Places You'll Go: Amalur's Dalentarth originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftOh-The-Places-Youll-Gopcplaystationps3xboxMon, 19 Mar 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Check out Reckoning's spooky DLC in new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/check-out-reckonings-spooky-dlc-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/check-out-reckonings-spooky-dlc-in-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/16/check-out-reckonings-spooky-dlc-in-new-trailer/#comments
Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning's new DLC expansion is coming out next week -- March 20 in North America on Xbox, and the next day worldwide on Xbox, PC, and PS3. Called "The Legend of Dead Kel," the DLC stars an enraged Kenan Thompson who must get revenge on -- all right, we're making that up.

What is true is that players will get access to a "gigantic new landmass" called Gallows End, with new weapons, new enemies, and a new "personal estate" to own -- complete with master-at-arms, a scout, a librarian, and other staff. Explore the new surroundings in this trailer.

JoystiqCheck out Reckoning's spooky DLC in new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlckingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3the-legend-of-dead-kelxboxFri, 16 Mar 2012 13:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sold 330,000 in the US last month]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sold-330-000-in-the-us-last-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sold-330-000-in-the-us-last-month/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/09/kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoning-sold-330-000-in-the-us-last-month/#comments It was a little surprising to see Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sitting pretty at number four in the NPD software sales charts for February, an impressive feat for a brand new IP. But what does the number translate to in actual sales? NPD tells Joystiq that Reckoning sold a total of 330,000 copies in the US across Xbox, PS3 and PC last month.

It's not a bad number, especially for a new IP, though it isn't quite a blockbuster either. Of course, the figure doesn't include sales in other regions (or even all of North America, for that matter), so we'll have to wait on word from EA to see how Reckoning fared overall.

JoystiqKingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning sold 330,000 in the US last month originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 09 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eaelectronic-artskingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftnpdplaystationps3xboxFri, 09 Mar 2012 11:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploring the Kingdoms of Amalur with Big Huge Games' Sean Dunn]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/exploring-the-kingdoms-of-amalur-with-big-huge-games-sean-dunn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/exploring-the-kingdoms-of-amalur-with-big-huge-games-sean-dunn/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/05/exploring-the-kingdoms-of-amalur-with-big-huge-games-sean-dunn/#comments It wasn't that long ago that Big Huge Games was on the edge of oblivion. THQ put the studio up for sale in 2009, placing its projects and the studio itself in jeopardy. As fate would have it, Curt Schilling's 38 Studios swept in to acquire the ailing developer. Its major project, once on the chopping block, eventually became Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, which released earlier this month to largely favorable reviews.

So, how does a studio go from the brink of closure to critical success? How does Big Huge Games prevent another potential disaster, and where does it go from here? Big Huge Games general manager Sean Dunn told us.

Continue reading Exploring the Kingdoms of Amalur with Big Huge Games' Sean Dunn

JoystiqExploring the Kingdoms of Amalur with Big Huge Games' Sean Dunn originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningmicrosoftpcplaystationps3xboxMon, 05 Mar 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Joystiq Show - 027: Journey to Amalur]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/the-joystiq-show-027-journey-to-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/the-joystiq-show-027-journey-to-amalur/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/03/02/the-joystiq-show-027-journey-to-amalur/#commentsFiled under:

Thatgamecompany's Journey has been a long time coming, but it is now on the cusp of release, and Jordan starts the show with his thoughts on this "harmoniously joyful expression of love." As usual, Alexander joins the crew for the news, and there is plenty of it; from the Assassin's Creed 3 reveal and release date for BioShock Infinite to rumors of Doom 4's demise and plans for PAX East.

In the second segment, Richard is joined by Sean Dunn, General Manager of Big Huge Games, to discuss Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, the history of Big Huge Games, and how the studio's open-world RPG came together.

Part 1 (1:04) - The news
Part 2 (42:04) - Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning interview

Get the podcast:
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly

Host: Richard Mitchell (@TheRichardM)
Guest: Sean Dunn - General Manager, Big Huge Games
Producer: Jonathan Downin (@jonathandownin - Game Thing Daily)
Production Coordinator: Richard Mitchell
Music: Trash80, Broke for Free and a selection from Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning.

View the news topics and stream the show after the break.

Continue reading The Joystiq Show - 027: Journey to Amalur

JoystiqThe Joystiq Show - 027: Journey to Amalur originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 02 Mar 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>journeyjoystiq-podcastjoystiq-showkingdoms-of-amalur-reckoningpodcastsFri, 02 Mar 2012 13:00:00 ESTThe Joystiq Show - 027: Journey to AmalurJoystiq1:01:39podcasts