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[Atari revenue down, but MMO business blooming]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/atari-revenue-down-but-mmo-business-blooming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/atari-revenue-down-but-mmo-business-blooming/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/02/16/atari-revenue-down-but-mmo-business-blooming/#commentsWithout an equivalent of the Ghostbusters game, Atari's revenue for the nine-month period from April 1 through December 31, 2010 was, well, a bit busted. Through the first three quarters of its current fiscal year, the publisher has reported €41.0 million ($55.3 million) in revenue, down 55.7 percent from the same period in 2009.

However, Atari doesn't seem too bugged by the decline. In its latest earnings release, CEO Jim Wilson said that current-year revenues are "in line with our outlook and show a continued shift toward fewer but more profitable retail releases and the growing online games market." And, in fact, Atari's online revenue has increased by €15.3 million year-over-year to €18.4 million ($24.8 million) through nine months, thanks to Champions Online and Star Trek Online.

Revenue from online games represented a whopping 44.9 percent of Atari's total net revenue for the period, compared to just 3.4 percent in the first nine months of its previous fiscal year.

JoystiqAtari revenue down, but MMO business blooming originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlineearningsfinancialfy-2010-11jim-wilsonmmopcq3star-trek-onlineWed, 16 Feb 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct2Drive knocks 20% off entire library this weekend, 50% off THQ and Atari games]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/direct2drive-knocks-20-off-entire-library-this-weekend-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/direct2drive-knocks-20-off-entire-library-this-weekend-50-off/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/11/direct2drive-knocks-20-off-entire-library-this-weekend-50-off/#comments Direct2Drive has quite a sale brewing this weekend. First and foremost, the company is offering 20 percent off its entire library of titles. Furthermore, the discount also applies to pre-orders and games that are already on sale. To cash in on the promotion, use the promo code "HOHOHO" during checkout. The deal runs until Monday at 10am PST.

Two other deals are also on offer: First, the Atari Complete Collection is 50 percent off this weekend, knocking the usual $531.50 price down to $265.75. We should point out that "Complete" probably isn't the right word here, though there are a handful of decent titles in the collection, including Star Trek Online Digital Deluxe Edition, The Witcher Enhanced Edition Director's Cut and more. Finally, THQ titles are also 50 percent off this weekend.

Continue reading Direct2Drive knocks 20% off entire library this weekend, 50% off THQ and Atari games

JoystiqDirect2Drive knocks 20% off entire library this weekend, 50% off THQ and Atari games originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 11 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>direct2drivepcstar-trek-onlineSat, 11 Dec 2010 06:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online Season 3 starts Dec. 9, adds mission creation beta]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/star-trek-online-season-3-starts-dec-9-adds-mission-creation-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/star-trek-online-season-3-starts-dec-9-adds-mission-creation-b/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/star-trek-online-season-3-starts-dec-9-adds-mission-creation-b/#comments As we all know, the third season of The Next Generation was a real doozy. We mean, "Sins of the Father?" "The Bonding?" Oh, man -- they're classics. We've got understandably high hopes for the third "season" of free downloadable content for Star Trek Online, an update which will go live December 9, adding a mission replay option, unlockable Borg technology and a beta for "The Foundry," which allows players to craft their own episodes.

This, of course, means that someone needs to go through and recreate all the episodes from season three of TNG. Heck, how about all the episodes from TNG? We're not sure those wacky Holodeck episodes would be possible, but we're sure players can kludge something together.

Continue reading Star Trek Online Season 3 starts Dec. 9, adds mission creation beta

JoystiqStar Trek Online Season 3 starts Dec. 9, adds mission creation beta originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosdlcpcseason-3star-trek-onlinethe-foundryupdateuser-generated-contentWed, 17 Nov 2010 00:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online to incorporate player-made missions]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/10/29/star-trek-online-to-incorporate-player-made-missions/#comments Cryptic Studios already enabled City of Heroes players to create their own missions from scratch successfully -- now it's planning on adding the feature to the rest of its MMO catalog. Star Trek Online players can now apply to beta test the "Foundry" toolset, which allows them to create entire Episodes, customizing mission objectives, characters and scenery, which other Captains will then be able to play through.

There's no telling how powerful the Foundry will be until we get a chance to check them out, but we've got our fingers crossed that our Captain Riker/Tribbles slash-fic masterpiece will be able to be realized using these new tools.

JoystiqStar Trek Online to incorporate player-made missions originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 29 Oct 2010 01:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmorpgpcstar-trek-onlinethe-foundryuser-generated-contentFri, 29 Oct 2010 01:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Game Developers Choice Online Award nominees announced]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/game-developers-choice-online-award-nominees-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/game-developers-choice-online-award-nominees-announced/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/23/game-developers-choice-online-award-nominees-announced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The nominees for the first-ever Game Developers Choice Online Awards, which will be presented during the similarly named GDC Online on October 5 - 8, were announced earlier today. The list of candidates reads like a who's who of heavy hitters in the online gaming space, such as World of Warcraft (nominated for the Best Ongoing Live Game award), Star Trek Online (nominated for Best Online Visual) and League of Legends (nominated for ... like, everything.)

Winners will be announced and accolades will be distributed at the conference on the evening of October 7. To see who's in the running for what, check out the full list of nominees posted after the jump.

Continue reading Game Developers Choice Online Award nominees announced

JoystiqGame Developers Choice Online Award nominees announced originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 23 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gdc-online-2010gdc-online-awardsleague-of-legendslovepcstar-trek-onlineWorld-of-WarcraftMon, 23 Aug 2010 20:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Bill Roper leaves Cryptic Studios]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/bill-roper-leaves-cryptic-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/bill-roper-leaves-cryptic-studios/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/08/17/bill-roper-leaves-cryptic-studios/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Cryptic Studios, developer of MMOs Champions Online and, more recently, Star Trek Online, has announced that chief creative officer Bill Roper has left the company. He follows in the footsteps of Craig Zinkievich, executive producer on STO who left Cryptic back in July. Talk about a rough summer for the development studio!

Prior to his two-year stint at Cryptic, Roper worked at Blizzard and then Flagship Studios, the developer responsible for creating Hellgate: London. Roper cites his "entrepreneurial spirit" as the reason for his departure, a spirit he says "has become restless" over the last few months. We wish him all of the luck in his future endeavors.

JoystiqBill Roper leaves Cryptic Studios originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 17 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-roperccochampions-onlinecryptic-studiosstar-trek-onlineTue, 17 Aug 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online Season Two begins, price lowered to $20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/star-trek-online-season-two-begins-price-lowered-to-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/star-trek-online-season-two-begins-price-lowered-to-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/27/star-trek-online-season-two-begins-price-lowered-to-20/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The recently teased free content expansion for Star Trek Online, titled "Season Two: Ancient Enemies," launched earlier today, bringing with it an increased level and rank cap, new ships and missions, a series of new episodes specifically geared towards the Klingon faction, and more. As with the last STO season, the new stuff doesn't stop coming after today's update -- five new "episodes" (aka missions) will debut every week starting in August. Click past the jump to see all the new features present in the update.

If you're intrigued by Cryptic's habit of giving away its expansions and you've yet to invest in Star Trek Online, the studio's made it that much easier for you to do so by lowering the price of the game to $20. Why, with all the money you'd be saving, you'd certainly be doing an enviable amount of prospering. Though, we're not sure what the secret to "living long" is. Fish oil? We bet it has something to do with fish oil.

Continue reading Star Trek Online Season Two begins, price lowered to $20

JoystiqStar Trek Online Season Two begins, price lowered to $20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmopcseason-twostar-trek-onlineupdateTue, 27 Jul 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online: Season Two to revive some 'Ancient Enemies']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/star-trek-online-season-two-to-revive-some-ancient-enemies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/star-trek-online-season-two-to-revive-some-ancient-enemies/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/23/star-trek-online-season-two-to-revive-some-ancient-enemies/#comments We weren't exactly sure what qualified as an "Ancient Enemy" in the Star Trek universe -- haven't most of them been around since, like, the 60s, anyway? The debut trailer for the second season of content updates (which carries the "Ancient Enemies" subtitle) for Star Trek Online reveals the true identity of these time-tested foes: Big, scaly dudes with tusks. Oh, and floating, demonic torsos. Oh, and floating, demonic torsos that can fly around in space without a ship.

So, in short, not only are these enemies older than the game's traditional fare, but they're jumpsuit-spoilingly scarier as well. You can catch a glimpse of these second season baddies in the trailer posted after the jump.

Continue reading Star Trek Online: Season Two to revive some 'Ancient Enemies'

JoystiqStar Trek Online: Season Two to revive some 'Ancient Enemies' originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 23 Jul 2010 07:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ancient-enemiesataricryptic-studiosepisodemmommorpgpcseason-2star-trek-onlineFri, 23 Jul 2010 07:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online producer 'could easily see' the game using Turbine freemium model]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/star-trek-online-producer-could-easily-see-the-game-using-turb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/star-trek-online-producer-could-easily-see-the-game-using-turb/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/12/star-trek-online-producer-could-easily-see-the-game-using-turb/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Star Trek Online's new executive producer Daniel Stahl recently stated that he "could easily see" a hybrid free-to-play model working for Cryptic's MMO. Stahl specifically mentions (recent Warner Bros. acquisition) Turbine's Lord of the Rings Online and Dungeons & Dragons Online as "interesting plans" worth taking note of. DDO went freemium last year to create a dungeon full of gold for the developer; LotRO will roll the die for the same fate this autumn.

Stahl expressed that Turbine's model creates a "robust way to demo the game" and allows those wanting more to pay for a subscription or purchase items á la carte. With Cryptic's parent-company Atari operating at a loss, ways to beam up revenue would appear logical. It's unclear if it's a sign of the future, but Cryptic did conduct a free-to-play away mission back in May.

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqStar Trek Online producer 'could easily see' the game using Turbine freemium model originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Cryptic-StudiosDaniel-Stahlpcstar-trek-onlineMon, 12 Jul 2010 21:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online executive producer leaves Cryptic]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/star-trek-online-executive-producer-leaves-cryptic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/star-trek-online-executive-producer-leaves-cryptic/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/07/06/star-trek-online-executive-producer-leaves-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Craig Zinkievich, executive producer for Star Trek Online and certified lorekeeper for all things Roddenberrian, recently announced on the game's official blog that he's leaving Cryptic Studios after seven years. His shoes will be filled by producer Daniel Stahl, whom he promises shares his own enthusiasm for the Prime Directive.

So, what's the scandalous reason for Zinkievich's departure? Perhaps there was some inter-departmental drama? Maybe he's going to work for one of Cryptic's competitors? Actually, he explains he's going to "focus on other things, like hanging out with my kids over the summer, walking my goat more and taking care of my bees." Well, that's not all that shocking, but we wish Zinkievich the best all the same.

JoystiqStar Trek Online executive producer leaves Cryptic originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 06 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>craig-zinkievichcryptic-studiosmmopcstar-trek-onlineTue, 06 Jul 2010 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari reduces losses in fiscal year, increases online revenue]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/atari-reduces-losses-in-fiscal-year-increases-online-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/atari-reduces-losses-in-fiscal-year-increases-online-revenue/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/26/atari-reduces-losses-in-fiscal-year-increases-online-revenue/#comments Atari has posted its financial results for its fiscal year 2009 (ending March 31), and, while the company still reported a loss, it's a definite improvement over last year. The company managed an operating loss of €22 million ($26.84 million) for the fiscal year, a substantial improvement over the previous year's operating loss of €68.9 million ($84.05 million). Overall, net losses for last fiscal year totaled just €19.4 million ($23.66 million), a huge improvement over the previous year's net loss of €221.9 million ($270.68 million). (It should be noted, however, that the sale of Atari's European distribution business to Namco Bandai was responsible for €90.8 million ($110.76 million) of the previous year's loss.)

For fiscal 2009, Atari posted overall revenues of €115.7 million ($141.13 million), down from €136.4 million ($166.38 million) the previous year. Revenue was fueled by growth in digital distribution sales and online game subscriptions, totaling €12.5 million ($15.28 million); a jump of some €9.9 million ($12.08 million) over last year. Star Trek Online and Champions Online were specifically name-dropped as driving forces in this area. Meanwhile, Atari's new focus on fewer, more profitable titles caused retail revenues to fall to €103.2 million ($125.88 million), a decline of €30.6 million ($37.33 million) over the previous year.

Atari hopes to show "considerable improvement" in operating income in fiscal 2010 (Apirl 2010 - March 2011), which will be led by new installments of Backyard Sports (one out this week and one this holiday), Test Drive Unlimited 2 (in September) and The Witcher 2 (next spring). Additionally, the company plans to release "a series of retail, XBLA, PSN and PC download releases based upon Atari's classic video game brands in the second half of the year." Atari will also release "numerous casual and social online game releases" based on its well-known brands.

[Via Big Download]

Source - Atari Second Half and Full Year 2009/2010 consolidated results (PDF)

JoystiqAtari reduces losses in fiscal year, increases online revenue originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 26 May 2010 18:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlineearningsfinancialfinancial-reportfinancialsfy-2009-2010q4star-trek-onlineWed, 26 May 2010 18:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online gets unlimited trial, former subscribers play free this weekend]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/08/star-trek-online-gets-unlimited-trial-former-subscribers-play-f/#comments Cryptic Studios and Atari are taking a two-fold approach to increasing the player base for their spacefaring MMO, Star Trek Online: First, potential subscribers can now download the game and play through the tutorial and first mission for free. Though they'll have an unlimited amount of time to tool around in their Federation vessel, players will have to purchase the full game to gain access to STO's other offerings.

In addition, former subscribers can play for free this weekend, and check out the new content that's been added as part of the game's first "Season" of updates. The "Welcome Back Weekend" ends Monday at 10 a.m. PST, so we suggest applicable parties should hop online ASAP, so as not to waste any potential Trekking time.

[Via Shacknews]

JoystiqStar Trek Online gets unlimited trial, former subscribers play free this weekend originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdemommoonlinepromotionstar-trekstar-trek-onlinetrialSat, 08 May 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Direct2Drive's Spring Sale: Star Trek Online, Civ 4, Torchlight and more discounted]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/direct2drives-spring-sale-star-trek-online-civ-4-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/direct2drives-spring-sale-star-trek-online-civ-4-torchlight/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/27/direct2drives-spring-sale-star-trek-online-civ-4-torchlight/#comments Once again, downloadable gaming retailer Direct2Drive has chosen to reduce the price of a whole gaggle of its offerings. Encheapened titles as part of the "Spring Sale" include interstellar MMO Star Trek Online ($29.95), Nazi-vanquishing sim The Saboteur ($14.95), mine-raiding RPG Torchlight ($9.95), world-dominating strategy title Civilization 4: Complete Edition ($9.95) and every X-Com game ever made, except for, you know, the new one ($4.95). To see the complete list of discounted games, click past the jump.

Now look, Direct2Drive. You really, really need to chill out with all of these sales. If you keep discounting the prices of your games with such regularity, then people are going to start thinking that these are your normal going rates for these titles. During the off-times when you're not holding a sale, they're going to start thinking that you're just having a temporary ... expensiveization. That can't possibly be good for business.

Continue reading Direct2Drive's Spring Sale: Star Trek Online, Civ 4, Torchlight and more discounted

JoystiqDirect2Drive's Spring Sale: Star Trek Online, Civ 4, Torchlight and more discounted originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2K-GamesCiv-4CivilizationCivilization-4civilization-ivdealdirect2driveFiraxis-GamessaleSid-Meiers-Civilization-4star-trek-onlineStrategythe-saboteurtorchlightx-comTue, 27 Apr 2010 00:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Invasion of Deep Space Nine invades Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/invasion-of-deep-space-nine-invades-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/invasion-of-deep-space-nine-invades-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/24/invasion-of-deep-space-nine-invades-star-trek-online/#comments The next mission from "Season One" of Star Trek Online's free content updates will soon be added to the game. Titled "DS9 Under Siege," the new episode will bring about a massive invasion upon the typically peaceful space station Deep Space Nine. You might know it from the show Star Trek: Deep Space Nine. Remember? It was right there in the title.

Check out the trailer above to see what players will be up against when the new episode launches. (Spoiler alert: It's lasers. You're going up against lasers. So many lasers.)

JoystiqInvasion of Deep Space Nine invades Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 24 Apr 2010 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdeep-space-ninedlcepisodemmopatchseason-onestar-trekstar-trek-onlineupdateSat, 24 Apr 2010 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari picks up former EA Online exec to lead European arm]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/atari-picks-up-former-ea-online-exec-to-lead-european-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/atari-picks-up-former-ea-online-exec-to-lead-european-arm/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/16/atari-picks-up-former-ea-online-exec-to-lead-european-arm/#comments In Atari's march towards an online-oriented business model, the company issued a press release yesterday announcing the acquisition of John Burns, former senior director of European online publishing at EA. Burns wil be in charge of European operations for Atari, reporting directly to president and CEO Jim Wilson. "John joins Atari at time when we are transitioning our business toward online while maintaining a focused retail business," Wilson says of the new hire, referencing both of the company's Cryptic-developed MMOs and the handful of upcoming console titles on the release calendar.

Meanwhile, Burns has some unsurprisingly kind words for his new corporate overlords. "Atari has the key ingredients of a focused strategy, compelling intellectual property and consumer brand recognition to meet its global growth objectives." And between both of the aforementioned MMOs -- not to mention Atari's publishing deal with Turbine -- Burns has a full plate of properties to push in the EU. And of course there's always the issue of returning to financial solvency sometime this year -- something the company promised in its last revenue statement. Good luck with all that, John!

JoystiqAtari picks up former EA Online exec to lead European arm originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribusinesschampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studioseaea-onlineElectronic-Artseuropejim-wilsonjohn-burnsmmostar-trek-onlineturbineturbine-entertainmentFri, 16 Apr 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online for consoles 'on the back burner']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/star-trek-online-for-consoles-on-the-back-burner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/star-trek-online-for-consoles-on-the-back-burner/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/star-trek-online-for-consoles-on-the-back-burner/#comments In a move that's almost as shocking as a "red shirt" being removed from life duty on the original Enterprise, Cryptic confirms that Star Trek Online for consoles is taking the shuttle to retail reality at impulse speed. The studio told VideoGamer that STO is "pretty much in the same boat as the Champions console version right now." Cryptic had previously stated that the console version of Champions Online is -- as Miracle Max from The Princess Bride would put it -- mostly dead.

Cryptic claims that the technology is there to do the game "on certain consoles" and was ready to move, but "it's a little difficult to make that final leap on the business side of things." Well, if it's any consolation, this console generation appears like it's going to be around for a while. Perhaps the traction required for console MMOs will pick up before it's too late.

JoystiqStar Trek Online for consoles 'on the back burner' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atarichampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosMicrosoftstar-trek-onlineXbox-360Wed, 07 Apr 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sims-3-expansion-beats-star-trek-online-in-februarys-pc-top-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sims-3-expansion-beats-star-trek-online-in-februarys-pc-top-20/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/17/sims-3-expansion-beats-star-trek-online-in-februarys-pc-top-20/#comments NPD has released its monthly list of the top 20 PC games, and while Star Trek Online made a valiant showing in the month of its debut, landing at number two for the main game and number four for the collector's edition, it was beaten in the end by the Sims 3: High End Loft Stuff (yes, "Stuff") content pack. The Sims juggernaut of a brand continued to rock the top 20, claiming six spots total, and perennial favorite World of Warcraft continued to place almost all of its current editions on the list in three different spots.

Other big titles in February were Bioshock 2, the Everquest II: Sentinel's Fate expansion, and Mass Effect 2. Aliens vs. Predator appeared at a miserable number 19, below something called the Mumbo Jumbo Assortment. Full list after the break. We'll say this about PC game players: They know what they like, and they stick with it.

[via Big Download]

Continue reading Sims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20

JoystiqSims 3 expansion beats Star Trek Online in February's PC top 20 originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bioshock-2everquest-2expansionfebruarypc-gamesratingssalesstar-trek-onlinethe-sims-3world-of-warcraftWed, 17 Mar 2010 05:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Boldly pay less for Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/boldly-pay-less-for-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/boldly-pay-less-for-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/09/boldly-pay-less-for-star-trek-online/#commentsIf you've ever wanted to transport into the massively-multiplayer Starfleet of Star Trek Online, now is your chance to make it so.
Amazon's Deal of the Day features the game for $28 -- a better price than even a Ferengi could negotiate. (Mostly because Ferengi don't really exist.) Plus, the 44-percent discount off the list price should help take the sting out of the monthly fee.

Amazon has also temporarily discounted the Collector's Edition, from $80 to $48. Don't you want the little communicator badge? Of course you do. As with all Amazon Deals of the Day, this one's over at midnight PT or when the shop runs out of stock.

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqBoldly pay less for Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Mar 2010 09:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amazonataricrypticdeal-of-the-daydealsmmosalestar-trek-onlineTue, 09 Mar 2010 09:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online raid episodes launched with new trailer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/star-trek-online-raid-episodes-launched-with-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/star-trek-online-raid-episodes-launched-with-new-trailer/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/03/05/star-trek-online-raid-episodes-launched-with-new-trailer/#comments Announced last week, the first in a series of new raid episodes is now available in Star Trek Online. The first episode, entitled "The Infected," which tasks five players with assaulting a Borg-infected starbase and investigating a new Borg nanovirus that can "assimilate entire worlds at alarming speeds." Three more Borg episodes are planned, ultimately concluding with a direct attack against the Borg queen herself. If the trailer above is any indication, you can expect plenty of deep space confrontations, lots of ground action and copious explosions.

More raid episodes will arrive in the future, including one that revisits the work of everyone's favorite villain: Khan Noonien Singh.

JoystiqStar Trek Online raid episodes launched with new trailer originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmostar-trek-onlineFri, 05 Mar 2010 00:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Details for Star Trek Online's raid quests released]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/star-trek-onlines-upcoming-raid-quest-details-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/star-trek-onlines-upcoming-raid-quest-details-released/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/27/star-trek-onlines-upcoming-raid-quest-details-released/#comments Trekkies will soon have a chance to face off against a new, deadlier Borg adversary in the first wave of "Special Task Force Missions" in Star Trek Online. Federation and Klingon players alike will have the opportunity to tackle the difficult five-person PvE quests when the update hits the recently released MMO.

The first five STF missions include "Children of Khan," where an escaped Amar Singh GTA's the U.S.S. Asgard and races toward the remains of the Mutara Nebula and "Infected," where more than 400 Starfleet officers aboard a star base have seemingly disappeared off the galaxy and require immediate assistance to combat the new Borg enemy. More details and screens can be found at Massively.

JoystiqDetails for Star Trek Online's raid quests released originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 27 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariborgspecial-task-force-missionsstar-trekstar-trek-onlineSat, 27 Feb 2010 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Atari fiscal Q3 results indicate revival for embattled publisher]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/atari-fiscal-q3-results-indicate-revival-for-embattled-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/atari-fiscal-q3-results-indicate-revival-for-embattled-publisher/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/atari-fiscal-q3-results-indicate-revival-for-embattled-publisher/#comments Atari may not have published a ton of games in 2009, but that doesn't mean the company hasn't been picking up the bottom line. In a press release that reads like the exact opposite of those we saw from the company just a few years ago, CEO Jeff Lapin celebrates the €92.5 million ($126.25 million) in revenue earned in the nine months ending December 31, saying "the company has now strengthened its equity and is in a position to work on an expanded publishing plan." In so many words, Lapin's suggesting that Atari is financially bouncing back and maybe even gearing up to (dare we say it?) make more games.

The company cites sales of Ghostbusters, Chronicles of Riddick, Backyard Football, and Champions Online for bolstering revenues in fiscal Q3 and looks forward to a better 2010. The recent release of Star Trek Online certainly doesn't seem to be hurting his confidence in that department. Lapin says that he's "very enthusiastic about the launch" of the "promising MMO game."

But things aren't all gumdrops and money hats -- the Q3 revenues were still down by 1.9% year-over-year. We won't find out the full year's earnings until late May, but for now we'll comfort ourselves with the knowledge that the publisher's next title, Project Runway, is coming in a few short weeks. Finally!

Source (PDF) - Atari announces 9-month revenues for FY 2009/2010; [via Big Download]

JoystiqAtari fiscal Q3 results indicate revival for embattled publisher originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribackyard-footballchampions-onlinechronicles-of-riddickfinancialsfy-2009-2010ghostbustersjeff-lapinMicrosoftmmomoneyNintendoproject-runwayq3star-trek-onlineWiiXbox-360Tue, 16 Feb 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic 'definitely' opening up ships to Star Trek Online players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/cryptic-definitely-opening-up-ships-to-star-trek-online-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/cryptic-definitely-opening-up-ships-to-star-trek-online-player/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/cryptic-definitely-opening-up-ships-to-star-trek-online-player/#comments In the world of Star Trek, there's nothing quite like grabbing a few moments of R&R with your first mate on the holodeck or heading down to engineering to check up on your favorite ship's power core. Unfortunately, as we've been unable to explore the interior of our own ships since we first got our hands on Star Trek Online's pre-release beta program (nonetheless the final product), those wonderfully humdrum space activities will have to be postponed for a little while. But hey, they're coming ... or so says Cryptic executive producer Craig Zinkievich, at least.

"Anything we can do to make the game feel even more like Star Trek is something we want to do ... so, definitely, we want to give people more of their ship," he tells Inc Gamers, adding, "This is one of those things we want to get perfect before introducing it to players, though," indicating that the functionality likely won't be arriving in the near future. And us, well we just want to passive aggressively flirt with crew members -- is that so much to ask?

Gallery: Star Trek Online

[Via 1UP]

JoystiqCryptic 'definitely' opening up ships to Star Trek Online players originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricraig-zinkievichcrypticcryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineMon, 15 Feb 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online fans set nerdiest world record ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/star-trek-online-fans-set-nerdiest-world-record-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/star-trek-online-fans-set-nerdiest-world-record-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/star-trek-online-fans-set-nerdiest-world-record-ever/#comments
[Image via Times Online]
While we're certain you well-adjusted lotharios spent your Valentine's Day basking in the adoration of your significant other, 99 Star Trek Online fans spent the day breaking the most unapologetically dorky world record known to mankind: The most costumed Star Trek fans ever gathered in a single place. We imagine they also broke the "most depressing way to spend a Valentine's Day" record as well, but we don't have any way of empirically proving that.

No, you know what? We take back that mean thing we just said. 99 people chose to dress up like their favorite Star Trek character, suffered crummy weather to gather on London's Millennium Bridge, and celebrated this thing that they love. Hell, if we'd known Atari representatives were going to be there to distribute free lifetime subscriptions to the game, we would've happily helped to bring the grand total of participants into the triple digits.

JoystiqStar Trek Online fans set nerdiest world record ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cosplayguinnessmmommorpgstar-trekstar-trek-onlineworld-recordMon, 15 Feb 2010 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Borg soon assimilating Star Trek Online in upcoming content update]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/borg-soon-assimilating-star-trek-online-in-upcoming-content-upda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/borg-soon-assimilating-star-trek-online-in-upcoming-content-upda/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/13/borg-soon-assimilating-star-trek-online-in-upcoming-content-upda/#comments A recently added hub page on the official Star Trek Online site has revealed that the nefarious Borg will soon make first contact with the MMO's players in an upcoming free content update, which will be rolled out over the next two months. The patch will add a series of high-level episodes (that's STO-speak for "quests") to the game which will throw players into a number of ground and space conflicts with the cybernetic species, leading up to a climactic raid encounter with the Borg Queen.

You can get an idea of the formidable foe you'll be facing off against in the video above and the gallery below. As a special protip from us to you, here's an instructional video which reminds prospective Borg-fighters exactly where the line must be drawn.

Gallery: Star Trek Online - Borg Update

JoystiqBorg soon assimilating Star Trek Online in upcoming content update originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atariborgcryptic-studiosmmommorpgpatchstar-trekstar-trek-onlineupdateSat, 13 Feb 2010 06:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pay to become a Ferengi or Federation Klingon in Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/pay-to-become-a-ferengi-or-federation-klingon-in-star-trek-onlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/pay-to-become-a-ferengi-or-federation-klingon-in-star-trek-onlin/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/03/pay-to-become-a-ferengi-or-federation-klingon-in-star-trek-onlin/#comments Are you somewhat satisfied with your Star Trek Online avatar, but wish he or she possessed more unsightly forehead ridges? Perhaps you desire a pair of ears shaped and sized like funnel cakes? Do you wish it looked like your brain was attempting to escape out of the top of your head? Good news -- the Federation Ferengi race can now be downloaded in-game for 80 Cryptic Points, which translates to a shiny half-dollar in real-world funds.

Federation players also have the option to download what we can only assume to be a reformed species of Klingon for 240 Cryptic points, or $1.50. We're still unsure as to why anyone would play Star Trek Online and not make their own race, since we wouldn't find the game so compelling without the adventures of Barbicane, the only surviving Bonerian in the galaxy.

JoystiqPay to become a Ferengi or Federation Klingon in Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdlcferengiklingonmmommorpgstar-trekstar-trek-onlineWed, 03 Feb 2010 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic would 'love' to get Star Trek Online to consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/cryptic-would-love-to-get-star-trek-online-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/cryptic-would-love-to-get-star-trek-online-to-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/02/01/cryptic-would-love-to-get-star-trek-online-to-consoles/#comments Sure, we'd like a lot of things, too. Could we get a butterscotch waterfall in the backyard and maybe tiny, invisible robo-men with jetpacks to do the dishes for us every night? Or, better yet, could we get a better explanation for Champions Online's hold-up besides the "blame Microsoft" you said six months ago? But, we digress.

Cryptic's Craig Zinkievich told CVG that a console port of the com-pooter MMO is something the company is "definitely" interested in. "We would love to get STO to the console. At launch it will just be available for the PC but here at Cryptic we want our games across multiple platforms," he said.

However, before you break out your good Starfleet duds and crank the jamz up to eleven in celebration, know that should Cryptic pursue a console port, it likely wouldn't be available for quite some time. Zinkievich puts it this way: "But we'll have to see how Star Trek does and then secondly we want to do it justice and not hurry something along just to get it on the console."

JoystiqCryptic would 'love' to get Star Trek Online to consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosMicrosoftmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineXbox-360Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online beta extended by one day]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/star-trek-online-beta-extended-by-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/star-trek-online-beta-extended-by-one-day/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/star-trek-online-beta-extended-by-one-day/#comments
MESSAGE BEGINS

Attention to all members of Starfleet. It has come to the attention of Starfleet's admiralty that the recent Borg activity in the Vega system has resulted in several thousand ensigns suddenly being promoted to the rank of captain. A very strange turn of events, to be sure, though Starfleet is no stranger to such events. Just last week, we encountered a race of people that spoke entirely in metaphor. Crazy, right?

In related Starfleet news, a spacetime anomaly (yes, another one) has manufactured an additional day of what we perceive as time. Please note that there is no need to adjust your ship's internal chronometer. The upshot of all this is that the Star Trek Online beta has been extended by twenty-four hours and will now end at 1800 hours (6:00pm Pacific), January 26. We would advise the thousands of improbable new captains to use this time wisely.

MESSAGE ENDS

[Via Blue's News. Image source: Alex Piskun]

JoystiqStar Trek Online beta extended by one day originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineMon, 25 Jan 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-going-where-del-taco-lovers-have-gone-before-d/#comments
CUUUUUUUPS

It's going to be a long time before mankind invents Replicator technology. Until then, we're all forced to fill our Geo Metros with dead dinos and drive on down to the Del Taco for sustenance like jerks. But, the usual reward of a scrumptious combination of tortilla, beef and spices won't be the only thing to greet you at the end of your trek: Star Trek Online is teaming up with Del Taco to offer some collectible game cups. You know, the same kind that you got for every other thing that ever launches ever. Oh, you also get a free game trial, but oh man cups with ships on them!

In addition to this megaton news item, we've also got two new Star Trek Online trailers, featuring the Cardassians and the Vigilant Class Starship. Set your mouse to click and you'll find them past the break.

Source - Press release
Source - Del Taco promotion page

Continue reading Star Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco

JoystiqStar Trek Online going where Del Taco lovers have gone before: Del Taco originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 23:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosdel-tacommopromotionstar-trek-onlinetacosThu, 21 Jan 2010 23:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online beta gets huge update, adds more Nimoy]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-beta-gets-huge-update-adds-more-nimoy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-beta-gets-huge-update-adds-more-nimoy/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/21/star-trek-online-beta-gets-huge-update-adds-more-nimoy/#comments The MMO-developing band over at Cryptic has released an absolutely massive update to the Star Trek Online open beta. There are literally pages of fixes and changes, though Cryptic has thankfully distilled the major "headline" changes into a few bullet points:
  • The level cap has been removed, which should be music to the ears of the pre-release power levelers out there.
  • Cardassian and Romulan space is now accessible to Federation players, too, and there are some changes to bridge officer mechanics.
  • Additionally, the update allows players to use the mini-map to scan anomalies. As we all know, anomalies need scanning like nobody's business, so that's good news.
Perhaps most important of all is that Spock himself, Mr. Leonard Nimoy, now offers an "audio journal overview" upon entering a new sector of space. That's great news because, just like bacon, everything's better with Nimoy. Hit the source link for the full patch release notes (be sure to click through the splash page).

JoystiqStar Trek Online beta gets huge update, adds more Nimoy originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 21 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetacryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineupdateThu, 21 Jan 2010 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cryptic's predictions crushed by Star Trek Online numbers]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/cryptics-predictions-crushed-by-star-trek-online-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/cryptics-predictions-crushed-by-star-trek-online-numbers/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/19/cryptics-predictions-crushed-by-star-trek-online-numbers/#comments We've heard plenty of horror stories over the past week (as have you, we'd wager) of people trying to play the Star Trek Online beta with little success, if they can even get the client to download in the first place. It turns out that Cryptic was not, as Destiny's Child cautioned, ready for this proverbial jelly.

"The actual numbers crushed our predictions," the dev said in a recent update. "So, we tore apart our logs and began doing a lot of extra optimization work even while we stumbled upon some truly bizarre crashes that can only appear with this sort of load."

It sounds like Cryptic needs to boldly go where no man has gone before, and by "where no man has gone before," we mean "the store where they sell servers and stuff." If you'd like to make the developer's life even more difficult, you can grab the client from our sister site Big Download.

JoystiqCryptic's predictions crushed by Star Trek Online numbers originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataribetacrypticmmostar-trek-onlineTue, 19 Jan 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online lifetime, 12-month subscription deals]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/star-trek-online-lifetime-12-month-subscription-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/star-trek-online-lifetime-12-month-subscription-deals/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/15/star-trek-online-lifetime-12-month-subscription-deals/#comments Cryptic has announced some special Star Trek Online subscription options for anyone planning to sink some serious time into the game. The company is selling a lifetime subscription to the game for $239.99, which will last however long the game does. Also included with the lifetime subscription is a playable Borg character and two extra character slots. If you're not quite that devoted, you can opt for a 12-month subscription for $119.99, which also includes two extra character slots.

Big Download notes that regular subscriptions range from $14.99 per month, $41.97 for three months or $77.94 for six months, so the 12-month subscription is substantially cheaper than the $155.88 it would cost for two six-month subscriptions. Remember that the 12-month and lifetime subscriptions are available only for pre-orders, so you'll have to put some money down if you want to save money in the future.

As for whether you'll actually still be playing it in the future, you'll just have to wait and see. Or you could use a tachyon pulse. That works too.

JoystiqStar Trek Online lifetime, 12-month subscription deals originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jan 2010 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosstar-trekstar-trek-onlineFri, 15 Jan 2010 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Star Trek Online trailer gets its Kling-on]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-star-trek-online-trailer-gets-its-kling-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-star-trek-online-trailer-gets-its-kling-on/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/13/new-star-trek-online-trailer-gets-its-kling-on/#comments There are no words spoken in the Star Trek Online trailer you see above -- not that any words are really required. You can easily get the gist from the moving pictures, which give a brief look at the Klingon Empire's homeworld, its floating armadas, and somewhere in the vicinity of 17,000 laser discharges. Forget the fact the game isn't even out yet -- we feel confident calling it the "Most Lasered Game of 2010."

If that sounds like something you want to be a part of, it's not too late to find an entry key for the open beta!

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqNew Star Trek Online trailer gets its Kling-on originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosklingonmmommorpgstar-trekstar-trek-onlinetrailerWed, 13 Jan 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PSA: Star Trek Online beta starts today]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/psa-star-trek-online-beta-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/psa-star-trek-online-beta-starts-today/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/12/psa-star-trek-online-beta-starts-today/#comments
MESSAGE BEGINS

Attention Starfleet cadets, this is a reminder that the Star Trek Online open beta testing program begins today, January 12, 2010 (stardate 63497.4). Those cadets wishing to participate will need to acquire a client and a beta access key. A client may be obtained from the Big Download database located here. Massively.com has a cache of 10,000 beta access keys that will be granted to cadets on a first come, first serve basis. Please visit Massively to obtain your access key as soon as possible.

Also, we would like to remind students that transporter pads in transporter room three are still malfunctioning. Anyone not wishing to have their good and evil halves split between two physically identical bodies should avoid transporter room three if at all possible.

That is all.

MESSAGE ENDS

[Image source: Alex Piskun]

JoystiqPSA: Star Trek Online beta starts today originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 12 Jan 2010 15:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlineTue, 12 Jan 2010 15:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online 'Exploration Trailer' tours the fatal frontier]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/star-trek-online-exploration-trailer-tours-the-fatal-frontier/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/star-trek-online-exploration-trailer-tours-the-fatal-frontier/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/06/star-trek-online-exploration-trailer-tours-the-fatal-frontier/#comments These are some clips from Star Trek Online. Its mission: to make you buy the game; to seek out new subscribers and revenue sources; to boldly make money, like no MMO has done before ... except World of Warcraft.

To learn more about Star Trek Online before you beam aboard, check out Massively's coverage of the first few levels of the 25th-century simulator.

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqStar Trek Online 'Exploration Trailer' tours the fatal frontier originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 06 Jan 2010 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticcryptic-studiosmmostar-trekstar-trek-onlinetrailervideoWed, 06 Jan 2010 10:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively embarks on the first few levels of Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/03/massively-embarks-on-the-first-few-levels-of-star-trek-online/#comments Last week, our MMO-obsessed sister site Massively took a break from their sneak preview of Cryptic's spacefaring sim, Star Trek Online, to share some of their thoughts on the Klingon faction and player vs. player combat. Today, they've got a preview of the first few levels you'll be grinding through. Is there anything more exciting in an MMORPG than those inaugural hours? All those tutorials? The terrible items? The countless woodland rodents and birds you have to slaughter to become marginally less pathetic?

Check out Massively's preview to find out how your astronautical career begins. Spoiler alert: You start the game by fighting the Borg, which are way more intimidating than rabid sewer rats.

Gallery: Star Trek Online

JoystiqMassively embarks on the first few levels of Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cryptic-studiosmassivelymmommorpgpreviewstar-trekstar-trek-onlineSun, 03 Jan 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively goes where no blog's gone before with Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/massively-goes-where-no-blogs-gone-before-with-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/massively-goes-where-no-blogs-gone-before-with-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/28/massively-goes-where-no-blogs-gone-before-with-star-trek-online/#comments Our brief time with Star Trek Online at PAX 2009 offered us a glimpse of the Starfleet's glossy spacecrafts and some player vs. environment gameplay. Recently, our MMO-loving sister site Massively got a chance to see how the other half lives. That is to say, the wrinkle-headed half, and the competitive half. That is to say, Klingons (the eeeeevil faction) and player vs. player combat.

Check out Massively's write-up to get more gooey, insider baseball-filled details about the Klingons' impressive arsenal, and to find out how PvP skirmishes unfold.

JoystiqMassively goes where no blog's gone before with Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricryptic-studiosklingonmassivelymmommorpgpvpstar-trek-onlineMon, 28 Dec 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Name a Star Trek ship class for Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/name-a-star-trek-ship-class-for-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/name-a-star-trek-ship-class-for-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/24/name-a-star-trek-ship-class-for-star-trek-online/#comments Cryptic is giving future Star Trek Online cadets the opportunity to name three different classes of starship in the game's universe. The gallery below features the three as-yet-unnamed classes. From left to right, they represent an escort type, science ship and cruiser. We suggest:
  • Plot device class
  • Eventual ghost ship class (alternative: Red Shirt class)
  • Youessess class (as in: the U.S.S. Distress Beacon Responder is a Youessess class starship)
Make sure to read the full details regarding submissions [PDF link] before submitting ideas, which are due by January 8, 2010. Winners will receive a copy of the game and poster depicting their named class, which they can then fly when the game launches on Stardate 63554.5 (February 2, 2010).

[Via Big Download]

JoystiqName a Star Trek ship class for Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 24 Dec 2009 22:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticcryptic-studiosmmostar-trek-onlineThu, 24 Dec 2009 22:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Leonard Nimoy lending deep, soothing voice to Star Trek Online]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/leonard-nimoy-lending-deep-soothing-voice-to-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/leonard-nimoy-lending-deep-soothing-voice-to-star-trek-online/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/22/leonard-nimoy-lending-deep-soothing-voice-to-star-trek-online/#comments Last week, we received word that Zachary Quinto, who provided the fresh face for Spock in this past summer's Star Trek relaunch, would do the voice of Star Trek Online's "Emergency Medical Hologram tutorial." Today, we received further Spock-based news for the title: According to an Atari press release, Leonard Nimoy will narrate the game's introduction, and can also be heard during cut scenes and other events throughout the game. For instance, he'll offer a brief congratulation when your first Seaman egg hatches.

Of course, this announcement has caused fans of the series anticipate the in-game appearance of "old Spock" -- just as Quinto's involvement brought murmurs of a "new Spock" cameo. The somewhat creepier fans began prophesying hot, hot Spock on Spock action. We generally try not to associate with this latter group, for obvious reasons.

JoystiqLeonard Nimoy lending deep, soothing voice to Star Trek Online originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 22 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ataricryptic-studiosleonardo dicaprioLeonardoDicapriommospockstar-trekstar-trek-onlineTue, 22 Dec 2009 16:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online trailer packs explosions, thoughtful narration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/star-trek-online-trailer-packs-explosions-thoughtful-narration/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/star-trek-online-trailer-packs-explosions-thoughtful-narration/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/14/star-trek-online-trailer-packs-explosions-thoughtful-narration/#commentsAtari has released yet another new trailer for Cryptic's upcoming MMO, Star Trek Online. The trailer features a particularly grim entry in a Starfleet admiral's log. Long story short, the battle between the Klingons and the Federation in the space surrounding starbase 24 isn't going too well. On the plus side, it makes for some great viewing, with lots of phasers, disruptors, torpedos and, most importantly, explosions.

Alas, it looks like the ol' "STO Assets" folder is still slated for quite a beating before the game finally releases in February.

JoystiqStar Trek Online trailer packs explosions, thoughtful narration originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricrypticcryptic-studiosmmoStar-Trekstar-trek-onlineMon, 14 Dec 2009 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From Hell's heart, the Star Trek Online Digital Deluxe Edition stabs at thee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/from-hells-heart-the-star-trek-online-digital-deluxe-edition-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/from-hells-heart-the-star-trek-online-digital-deluxe-edition-s/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/12/12/from-hells-heart-the-star-trek-online-digital-deluxe-edition-s/#comments Atari has just basically announced ahead of time who the most annoying Star Trek Online players will be -- those who buy the Digital Deluxe Edition. This special edition of the game, available for $59.99 at launch from both Direct2Drive and Steam (the retail Collector's Edition is $80 and includes different stuff -- see an image here), gives players the ability to "relive Kirk's unforgettable moment of fury, with the timeless cry... 'KHAAAN!'" And just like that, the game is ruined. You will never hear another sound in Star Trek Online. It will be one continuous refrain of "KHAAAN" on every starship, every planet, every Starbase in the galaxy.

The Digital Deluxe Edition also includes Original Series-style uniforms, a Klingon Blood Wine Toast emote, the NX- registry prefix for your ships, an "Automated Defense Battery" tactical module and the exclusive "Joined Trill" species (like Dax on Deep Space Nine).

Gallery: Star Trek Online (12-09-09)


[Via Big Download, image: I Can Haz Cheezburger]

JoystiqFrom Hell's heart, the Star Trek Online Digital Deluxe Edition stabs at thee originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ataricollectors-editioncryptic-studiosdigital-deluxe-editionkhaaaaanmmospecial-editionstar-trek-onlineSat, 12 Dec 2009 00:30:00 EST