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[PlanetSide Next delayed, receiving resources from The Agency cancellation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/04/04/planetside-next-delayed-receiving-resources-from-the-agency-can/#comments
Speaking to PlanetSide Universe, Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley confirmed that the upcoming PlanetSide MMO, codenamed "PlanetSide Next," would not be making its intended first-half of the year launch. SOE is "pulling out all the stops to make it great" when it's released "later in the year." PlanetSide Next will be the beneficiary of "additional resources" from the cancellation of The Agency.

The update on PlanetSide Next is directly tied to last week's mass layoffs within SOE. The company eliminated 205 jobs, shut down The Agency and closed three studios.

JoystiqPlanetSide Next delayed, receiving resources from The Agency cancellation originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delayspcplanetside-nextSOEthe-agencyMon, 04 Apr 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/soe-confirms-studio-closures-cancels-the-agency/#comments Following earlier reports of studio closures and mass layoffs, Sony Online Entertainment has issued an official statement regarding its "strategic decision to reduce costs and streamline its global workforce." The company confirmed the closings of its Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios and the elimination of 205 jobs.

Additionally, SOE announced the cancellation of The Agency, the long-delayed, cross-platform spy MMO under development at SOE Seattle. The company said it's discontinuing production of the title to "focus development resources on delivering two new MMOs based on its renowned PlanetSide and EverQuest properties, while also maintaining its current portfolio of online games."

SOE added that the Denver and Tucson studios' projects would be transitioned over to its San Diego headquarters. The company's full statement is posted after the break.

Continue reading SOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency

JoystiqSOE confirms studio closures, cancels The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>canceledcancellationclosureeverquestlayoffspcplanetsideplaystationps3soesoe-denversoe-seattlesoe-tucsonsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 31 Mar 2011 14:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Report: Three SOE studios close, layoffs abound]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/03/31/report-three-soe-studios-close-layoffs-abound/#comments Following a series of tweets from George Broussard, co-owner of 3D Realms, which indicated that Sony Online Entertainment would be undergoing layoffs and possible studio closures around its five locations today, Kotaku reports that a source "familiar with the matter" has confirmed the closures of SOE's Denver, Seattle and Tucson studios. Additionally, half of the Austin staff has been reportedly laid off, along with a "sizeable" number of workers at SOE's San Diego headquarters. In all, the layoffs are said to affect nearly one-third of SOE's total workforce.

Notably, SOE Seattle has been the lead development studio of The Agency, which had been slated to launch in the second half of the year (after a long delay). Neither SOE Denver nor Tucson has been working on anything as high profile as The Agency, though both have continued to operate a number of SOE titles, including Denver's Legends Of Norrath and other digital card games, and Tucson's PoxNora strategy game.U

Update: SOE has issued an official statement confirming the report and providing further details.

JoystiqReport: Three SOE studios close, layoffs abound originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 31 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>closuregeorge-broussardlayoffspcplaystationps3soesoe-austinsoe-denversoe-san-diegosoe-seatllesoe-tucsonsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 31 Mar 2011 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Free Realms PS3 due 'sometime early Feb.,' Planetside Next in Q1 or Q2]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/01/17/free-realms-ps3-due-sometime-early-feb-planetside-next-in-q1/#commentsSony Online Entertainment just did the impossible and launched an MMO on a console ... and it's got several more on the way in the near future. According to SOE president John Smedley, the long-awaited PS3 release of Free Realms has been submitted to Sony and will be out soon. "If I was a betting man," Smedley told Eurogamer, "I'm betting sometime early February it gets launched on the PS3 in SCEA. And probably, and this is a guess, sometime in March for SCEE. And that will use a free-to-play business model on PS3."

And that's not all! The Planetside sequel currently code-named Planetside Next is on the way to unspecified platforms. "We're looking at late first-quarter, early second-quarter [2011]," Smedley said. He even reaffirmed plans to release The Agency in the second half of 2011. "We're not giving out a specific date yet because we don't know it," he said. In addition to those, "There are [unannounced projects]," Smedley said. "Can't even disclose a number, but a lot."

JoystiqFree Realms PS3 due 'sometime early Feb.,' Planetside Next in Q1 or Q2 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>free-realmsfree-to-playjohn-smedleymmopcplanetsideplanetside-nextplaystationps3sony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 17 Jan 2011 18:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency not due until second half of 2011]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-agency-not-due-until-second-half-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-agency-not-due-until-second-half-of-2011/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/12/07/the-agency-not-due-until-second-half-of-2011/#comments Despite earlier intentions for a 2010 launch, it seems that Sony Online Entertainment's spy MMO The Agency has been delayed once more, this time being pushed into the second half of 2011. In a recent interview, Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley noted as much, saying the game still "needed a lot of work."

"There was a moment in time in our company where we looked at our own stuff with a clear eye and saw we have to do better," Smedley explained. "DC Universe was held for a year-and-a-half from when we wanted to launch it and now I'm very happy with it." And we don't blame him -- when we last played The Agency it felt a bit underdone. Hopefully the folks at SOE Seattle will take the extra year to make a truly worthwhile multiplayer experience.

JoystiqThe Agency not due until second half of 2011 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>delaysjohn-smedleymmopcplaystationps3release-datesoesoe-seattlesony-online-entertainmentsony-online-entertainment-seattleThe-AgencyTue, 07 Dec 2010 11:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Preview: The Agency's Player vs Player mode]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/preview-the-agencys-player-vs-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/preview-the-agencys-player-vs-player-mode/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/27/preview-the-agencys-player-vs-player-mode/#comments For me, the selling point of MMOs is the huge, open world; a world full of other actual human beings who I can interact with and who can interact with me (almost like real life!). So when I snuck in some time with The Agency at Sony Online Entertainment's E3 booth this year, it was hard for me to shake the feeling that I was playing an Unreal Tournament-style, Ijji.com shooter (one powered by a modified Unreal Engine 3, no less) rather than an MMO. Sure, the Deathmatch trappings of my demo didn't help, but neither did lead designer Rory McGuire's explanation of how the game's Player vs Player works.

Essentially, interactions with other players are instanced into online multiplayer matches (30 players max), as seen here. The results of these battles are said to be reflected in the game's hub world -- locations can be taken by "U.N.I.T.E." or "Paragon" in multiplayer and those locations will show up as belonging to one of the game's two factions. From what I played, however, I'm not confident that what I've come to expect from an MMO -- the feeling of being in one huge world with other human beings -- is present in The Agency.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading Preview: The Agency's Player vs Player mode

JoystiqPreview: The Agency's Player vs Player mode originally appeared on Joystiq on Sun, 27 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e3-2010pcplaystationps3rory-mcguireSOESOE-SeattleSony-Online-EntertainmentThe-AgencySun, 27 Jun 2010 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency PvP trailer features the least discreet spies ever]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/the-agency-pvp-trailer-features-the-least-discreet-spies-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/the-agency-pvp-trailer-features-the-least-discreet-spies-ever/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/06/12/the-agency-pvp-trailer-features-the-least-discreet-spies-ever/#commentsFiled under: , ,

The latest trailer for Sony Online Entertainment's espionagetastic MMO, The Agency, shows us a side of the world of counterintelligence that we rarely get to see: Action-packed deathmatches. How else did you expect the game's player vs. player element to pan out? Though eight-hour-long rounds of competitive target surveillance might be more thematically appropriate, we don't think they'd be very entertaining after the first few minutes.

Continue reading The Agency PvP trailer features the least discreet spies ever

JoystiqThe Agency PvP trailer features the least discreet spies ever originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 12 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>pcplaystationps3Sony-Online-EntertainmentThe-AgencySat, 12 Jun 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency finally launches! ... on Facebook]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/the-agency-covert-ops-facebookt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/the-agency-covert-ops-facebookt/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/05/05/the-agency-covert-ops-facebookt/#comments Nearly three years after being announced and nearly a full calendar year of radio silence, Sony action MMO The Agency has re-emerged! There are maybe a few slight cosmetic differences - like: now it's free, on Facebook and has no actual action - but otherwise, it's exactly the game we expected lo these many years.

Alright, alright, so The Agency: Covert Ops isn't the same game, though it is related to that long-in-development property. This new iteration is definitely better looking and sounding than most games on Facebook, though the grindy, challenge-free game designs seems -- from our limited experience -- pretty darn similar to a lot of social web games.

However, unlike its big brother, it managed to actually be released, so that's something, right?

JoystiqThe Agency finally launches! ... on Facebook originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 May 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>facebooksoesonythe-agencythe-agency-covert-opsWed, 05 May 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Smedley calls The Agency cancellation rumors 'ridiculous']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/smedley-calls-the-agency-cancellation-rumors-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/smedley-calls-the-agency-cancellation-rumors-ridiculous/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/smedley-calls-the-agency-cancellation-rumors-ridiculous/#commentsWe cornered Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley after his Austin GDC keynote (literally -- he was backed into a corner and could not escape us. Sorry, John!) to get some kind of status update on the PS3/PC MMO action game, The Agency. While we didn't get the firm release date we hoped for, Smedley reassured us that the game's in no danger of not coming out.

"Next year" was as closely as Smedley could approximate the release date. "Can't get -- because I've been wrong like three times with that game. And we're not going to release it until it's right. But there's this rumor going around that we're going to cancel it -- that's ridiculous."

It's worth noting that a cancellation rumor was debunked by SOE in November, but it's been ten months since then! Seems like a good time to assert once again that the game is still in development.

"No," Smedley continued, "we're going full-bore towards it. We're simply keeping it under wraps more because we want to make it the best possible game we can. I'm an FPS player first and foremost, so we're going to get that game right, period." Smedley firmly denied that the departure of staff would affect the game's development.

Gallery: The Agency

JoystiqSmedley calls The Agency cancellation rumors 'ridiculous' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>austin-gdc-2009john-smedleymmosony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyWed, 16 Sep 2009 13:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Senior staff leave 'The Agency' to start new studio; SOE claims game unaffected]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/senior-staff-leave-the-agency-to-start-new-studio-soe-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/senior-staff-leave-the-agency-to-start-new-studio-soe-claims/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/senior-staff-leave-the-agency-to-start-new-studio-soe-claims/#comments
The Agency has lost some top agents as several members of Sony Online Entertainment's Seattle studio have left to form Detonator Games. The losses include art director Corey Dangel, studio director Matt Wilson and producer John Smith -- the latter two were founding members of the development house.

Eurogamer reports the departures have ignited rumors that the The Agency will experience a reboot or overhaul -- which wouldn't be the first time the production team has had to go on the defensive. SOE denies that there's any reboot going on and notes that company is "looking forward to showing you new content in the future." Let's see if the game makes its 2010 release.

[Via GI.biz]

JoystiqSenior staff leave 'The Agency' to start new studio; SOE claims game unaffected originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>detonatordetonator-gamesjohn-smithmatt-wilsonseattlesoethe-agencyFri, 31 Jul 2009 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency trailer filled with spies and CG, devoid of gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/the-agency-trailer-filled-with-spies-and-cg-void-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/the-agency-trailer-filled-with-spies-and-cg-void-of-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/09/the-agency-trailer-filled-with-spies-and-cg-void-of-gameplay/#commentsWe're starting to wonder if The Agency will ever come out. How many E3s has it been since we first heard of SOE's ambitious spy-themed PC/PS3 MMO action game? While The Agency is still being worked on (read our impressions here), we're concerned by the complete lack of gameplay footage in the latest trailer for the game. Yes, we're digging the spy vibe, but we'd like some sign that -- maybe, just maybe -- we'll see The Agency come to fruition before the PS4 comes out.

JoystiqThe Agency trailer filled with spies and CG, devoid of gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 09 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3-2009mmosoethe-agencyTue, 09 Jun 2009 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency cross-platform play 'yet to be determined' for launch]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/the-agency-cross-platform-play-yet-to-be-determined-for-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/the-agency-cross-platform-play-yet-to-be-determined-for-launch/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/the-agency-cross-platform-play-yet-to-be-determined-for-launch/#comments
When dropping by the Sony Online Entertainment booth at E3 for our appointment with upcoming PlayStation 3/PC MMO The Agency, we found out some rather troubling news regarding the game's promised cross-platform functionality.

While the demo we watched employed the much vaunted feature, we were told by the folks from SOE that the game may not launch with players on each platform able to play with each other. "Technologically, it's fine. There are some rules about certification and updating on the PS3 that we're kinda working through right now -- it may not be a launch feature." When pressed for a launch date, we were told the game's still early in development and no release has been determined.

Gallery: The Agency

JoystiqThe Agency cross-platform play 'yet to be determined' for launch originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 05 Jun 2009 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformpcsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyFri, 05 Jun 2009 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressions: The Agency (PS3/PC)]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/impressions-the-agency-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/impressions-the-agency-ps3-pc/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/26/impressions-the-agency-ps3-pc/#comments
Last month, during Sony Gamers' Day, we ventured deep inside SOE Seattle's secret lair -- no joke, the building's not even marked with the company name -- to get an updated look at its spy MMO, The Agency, for PS3 and PC. Now that details of the event have finally been declassified, we're pleased to share our impressions of the eyes-on demo with you.

The actual event began with a fairly lengthy presentation by key figures from the SOE Seattle team, featuring Matt Wilson, Hal Milton and Corey Dangel. All three had previously worked for Microsoft (which would explain why the studio is located just two blocks from Microsoft's main HQ), and, between them, they have assembled an impressive resume, including work on Asheron's Call, Dungeon Siege, Wing Commander, Ultima Online, Total Annihilation and critical darling Psychonauts. Of course, as Wilson highlighted, SOE Seattle's primary objective is to deliver console-based MMOs, a vastly underdeveloped market, in which very few developers have experience. Enter The Agency.

Gallery: Sony Gamers Day: The Agency

Continue reading Impressions: The Agency (PS3/PC)

JoystiqImpressions: The Agency (PS3/PC) originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 May 2009 16:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmosoesony-gamers-day-09the-agencyTue, 26 May 2009 16:15:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC09: The Agency and DC Universe Online coming 2010]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/gdc09-the-agency-and-dc-universe-online-coming-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/gdc09-the-agency-and-dc-universe-online-coming-2010/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/gdc09-the-agency-and-dc-universe-online-coming-2010/#comments The public hasn't seen much of The Agency since it was first revealed in 2007. When questioned about the lack of updates on the ambitious PC/PS3 online espionage game, SOE's Hal Milton told us: "We don't want to keep having hype sessions just showing movies and crap. We need to make the game and not just keep promoting it."

GDC continues that idea, with Sony Online Entertainment revealing nothing more than a distant release window for both The Agency and DC Universe Online. John Smedley, president of SOE, revealed that both titles will arrive in 2010 in his keynote, "An industry perspective on how new online games will reach the masses."

We understand that it takes time to craft a solid game, especially a massive online one. However, we'd like to remind Smedley that the first step for a game to "reach the masses" involves, y'know, releasing it.

Gallery: The Agency

JoystiqGDC09: The Agency and DC Universe Online coming 2010 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 24 Mar 2009 15:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universedc-universe-onlinegdc-2009soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyTue, 24 Mar 2009 15:52:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency will not charge a monthly subscription fee]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/the-agency-will-not-charge-a-monthly-subscription-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/the-agency-will-not-charge-a-monthly-subscription-fee/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/12/01/the-agency-will-not-charge-a-monthly-subscription-fee/#commentsFiled under:


In an interview with Kikizo, Kevin O'Hara of SOE announced that the MMO shooter The Agency will not be utilizing a monthly subscription model. He wasn't sure of the exact way the game will bring in revenue, but it sounds like it is going to be a combination of micro-transactions and in-game advertising.

"We're acutely aware that shooter players are not used to paying monthly fees, so I doubt we'll go for an outright $15 a month ... So we're checking out Free Realms to see how they're going to do with their micro-transactions, and we might incorporate some of that. We'll definitely have some ad revenue models."

For the entire interview with the Senior World Designer of The Agency, head over to Kikizo.

[Via Massively]

JoystiqThe Agency will not charge a monthly subscription fee originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 01 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 01 Dec 2008 14:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively week in Review]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/25/massively-week-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Joystiq's sister site Massively.com has all the news you'll need about MMOs. Here's the best, brightest, and most interesting stuff from the last week, all in one convenient place for your MMO minute.
Massively's exclusive pre-launch Moria interview with Jeffrey Steefel
Massively chats with Jeffrey Steefel, Executive Producer for Lord of the Rings Online the night before the release of LotRO's first expansion. Mines of Moria is now live, and from the sounds of things the servers and players are having a great time of it.
Massively's ArenaNet interview: The past, present and future of Guild Wars PvP
Massively catches up with ArenaNet Game Designer Isaiah "Izzy" Cartwright for a brief interview regarding the past, present and future state of PvP in Guild Wars. Follow along after the cut for the full interview and some exclusive PvP screenshots supplied to us by ArenaNet.
Massively checks in on The Agency with Lead Designer Hal Milton
Massively talks over the current state of The Agency's development with the animated and always-interesting lead designer Hal Milton. Hal shares with us a bit of insight into what they're currently working on, give us a few fun facts to chew on, and makes us actually look forward to next year's summer con season.

Continue reading Massively week in Review

JoystiqMassively week in Review originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arenaneteve-onlinefeaturedguild-warshal-miltonlord-of-the-rings-onlinemassivelymassively-week-in-reviewmines-of-moriaPCstar-wars-galaxiesthe-agencyTue, 25 Nov 2008 22:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: An update on 'The Agency']]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiq-interviews-the-agencys-lead-designer-about-the-state-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiq-interviews-the-agencys-lead-designer-about-the-state-of/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/19/joystiq-interviews-the-agencys-lead-designer-about-the-state-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,


Following The Agency's unfortunate and incorrect "cancelation" by GameFly yesterday, SOE reached out and asked if we'd like to talk to the game's lead designer, Hal Milton. Considering the title had been dark for quite some time, it certainly seemed like an opportunity to ask a couple direct questions about the current development state of The Agency.

Joystiq: So, what's going on with your game? It keeps popping up on radar, but it appears like nothing seems to be going anywhere.

Lead Designer Hal Milton: (laughs) Well, it's going a lot of places in our studio. We announced the title rather early, showed some pre-alpha last January. It's really important that we did this. But, if we have the team in different places around the world talking about the game, how are they supposed to be working on the game?

So, you've got your heads down right now making the game?

Yeah, since we showed off some stuff in January, now our designers are fleshing out about six or seven locales. Working on Operative functionality, backstories, story lines. It's a lot of content. Between content and feature support, there's a lot of work to be done. We don't want to keep having hype sessions just showing movies and crap. We need to make the game and not just keeps promoting it. After we went dark in January, it's been a really, really, blessed thing.

Continue reading Joystiq interview: An update on 'The Agency'

JoystiqJoystiq interview: An update on 'The Agency' originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hal-miltonPCPS3soethe-agencyWed, 19 Nov 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE dispels rumors: The Agency isn't canceled]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/soe-dispels-rumors-the-agency-isnt-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/soe-dispels-rumors-the-agency-isnt-canceled/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/soe-dispels-rumors-the-agency-isnt-canceled/#commentsFiled under:


SUBMITTED FOR YOUR APPROVAL
On November 18th, PS3 Fanboy HQ received a tip that the PS3/PC online spy game, The Agency, had been reportedly canceled. GameFly listed the project as dead, but we doubted such an ambitious game would be killed by SOE. We did some further investigating.

According to SOE's Katie Hanson, there's no reason to believe that The Agency is canceled. Why GameFly would list the project as canceled is beyond. Perhaps ... there's foul play involved?! (cue dramatic music)

Evidence is presented, after the break.

Update: Yet another official statement: "Sony Online Entertainment's game, The Agency[TM], is still in development for release on both the PLAYSTATION(R)3 and PC platforms. The game sku has been reinstated to GameFly's website. Feel free to add The Agency to your GameQ!"

Continue reading SOE dispels rumors: The Agency isn't canceled

JoystiqSOE dispels rumors: The Agency isn't canceled originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameflysoethe-agencyTue, 18 Nov 2008 10:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency 'canceled' according to GameFly notice [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/the-agency-canceled-according-to-gamefly-notice/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/the-agency-canceled-according-to-gamefly-notice/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/11/18/the-agency-canceled-according-to-gamefly-notice/#commentsFiled under: ,


We've received several tips alleging that game rental service GameFly has sent out e-mails, claiming that Sony Online Entertainment's The Agency has been canceled. According to the notice from GameFly, the title has been removed from the service because the game has been "cancelled by its publisher" (yes, apparently written by a Brit). The full GameFly email can be found after the break.

We've contacted both GameFly and SOE for clarification. GameFly only carries console games, so, if it holds up, the cancellation may only affect the PS3 version. We'll update as soon as we hear anything.

Update 2: SOE's official quote to Joystiq: "Sony Online Entertainment's game, The Agency, is still in development for release on both the PlayStation 3 and PC platforms. The game sku has been reinstated to GameFly's website. Feel free to add The Agency to your GameQ!"

Update: SOE has confirmed with PS3 Fanboy that The Agency is not canceled. GameFly has yet to issue an explanation. GameFly has now reinstated the title -- feel free to add it (back) to your GameQ.

[Thanks to Tracy, Vagabond99 & Nut Man]

Continue reading The Agency 'canceled' according to GameFly notice [update]

JoystiqThe Agency 'canceled' according to GameFly notice [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>gameflyPCPS3soethe-agencyTue, 18 Nov 2008 10:40:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE: All of our future MMOs will appear on consoles]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/soe-all-of-our-future-mmos-will-appear-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/soe-all-of-our-future-mmos-will-appear-on-consoles/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/10/06/soe-all-of-our-future-mmos-will-appear-on-consoles/#commentsFiled under:


Sony Online Entertainment president John Smedley spoke to MTV Multiplayer in a post-New York Games conference interview to talk about their plans for future MMOs under their wing. Smedley clarifies a few things; the PlayStation 3 versions of The Agency and DC Universe Online will arrive the same day as the PC version, there's "a chance, maybe" Sony will use a non-subscription-based model for their upcoming MMOs, and finally, the Smedley confirms that "all of SOE's MMOs will appear on consoles from now on."

Smedley has stated beforehand that MMOs will become a selling point on the PS3, so this doesn't come as a surprise. However, it looks like SOE is leaning against having PS3-PC cross-platform play for upcoming titles The Agency and DCUO due to their potential inability to provide simultaneous content updates. Will this lack of cross-platform play spell the end of MMOs on the PS3 or can console owners sustain their own community?

JoystiqSOE: All of our future MMOs will appear on consoles originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-universe-onlinedcuojohn-smedleySOEsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 06 Oct 2008 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency team still considering PC-PS3 cross-platform play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/the-agency-team-still-considering-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/the-agency-team-still-considering-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/09/11/the-agency-team-still-considering-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/#commentsFiled under:


Speaking to Gamasutra, executive producer Wilson (we are going to assume it is Matt Wilson) said that Sony Online Entertainment is still considering cross-platform play for their MMO The Agency, seemingly contradicting statements made earlier to Eurogamer by lead designer Hal Milton.

But if you read each of the original source articles, both Milton and Wilson states that it is entirely possible technologically to have cross-platform play. They even have very similar reservations; console certification process hampering updates and gameplay balance issues stemming from differences between PC mouse/keyboard and the PS3's controls. We are guessing SOE simply haven't finalized their plans yet.

Either way though, it was revealed that at least the game accounts will be both global and cross-compatible -- meaning that if you have a PS3 account, you can still play at a friend's house on their PC with your own account and vice versa. We'll keep you updated if there are any developments.

JoystiqThe Agency team still considering PC-PS3 cross-platform play originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 11 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyThu, 11 Sep 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[No cross-platform secret agenting in The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/no-cross-platform-secret-agenting-in-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/no-cross-platform-secret-agenting-in-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/no-cross-platform-secret-agenting-in-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Although it was dangled in front of us like a tantalizing carrot, it looks like you won't be able to get any cross-gaming action between PS3s and PCs out of Sony's upcoming spy MMO, The Agency. Last year, designer Hal Milton told us the developer weas looking at it, but in a recent interview with Eurogamer it looks like he's closed the door on things for good. You can thank Shadowrun for ruining it all.

"PC guys say, 'PS3 guys have aim assist and the controls nerfed for them'. And PS3 guys say, 'PC guys have a mouse and keyboard - it's all easier for them'. Even if it's not true." Not that we're complaining, because Shadowrun made us a bit mental. But this really needs to happen in a fun way sooner or later. Which title is going to be able to nail it down and make it work? Super Mario Crossover Party Platformer 2: Now With More Fun has our money.

JoystiqNo cross-platform secret agenting in The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Agencycross-platformHal-MiltonMMOPCPS3ShadowrunThe-AgencyMon, 18 Aug 2008 18:45:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency will not feature PC-PS3 cross-platform play]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-agency-will-not-feature-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-agency-will-not-feature-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/08/18/the-agency-will-not-feature-pc-ps3-cross-platform-play/#commentsFiled under:


While it was a feature touted when it originally debuted, it became increasingly clear that The Agency would unlikely have cross-platform play between the PS3 and PC versions. Now, it's official: the spy-themed SOE-developed MMO will definitely not have cross-platform play. The two worlds of the PS3 and PC versions will be kept separate. The reason? According to the developers, the imbalance between keyboard and mouse versus controller play.

"PC guys say, 'PS3 guys have aim assist and the controls nerfed for them'. And PS3 guys say, 'PC guys have a mouse and keyboard - it's all easier for them'. Even if it's not true," Hal Milton said. He also added, "a couple of members of our team gained a lot of experience working on Shadowrun, and no matter how well you fine-tune it, you end up with a player-base that's polarized." [Ed's note: Shadowrun is one of the few games that features cross-platform play between Windows and Xbox 360 systems.]

JoystiqThe Agency will not feature PC-PS3 cross-platform play originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 18 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cross-platformsoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 18 Aug 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency interview with SOE's Matt Wilson]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/the-agency-interview-with-soes-matt-wilson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/the-agency-interview-with-soes-matt-wilson/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/07/23/the-agency-interview-with-soes-matt-wilson/#commentsFiled under:


Our friends over at Massively got a chance to talk to SOE's Director of Development, Matt Wilson, about the latest developments concerning The Agency. Wilson reveals the following:
  • They are currently in "full alpha" and the plan is for a beta in the fall. They are also working towards a demo.
  • They haven't decided between a subscription based financial model or a microtransaction one. However, Wilson noted that the PS3 is a console, and "console players don't generally do subscriptions."
  • The penalty for death will be "as lightweight as possible to begin with" since the player will die "frequently." Penalty will mostly be in the form of lost gameplay time, but Wilson cites an example of after dying ten times, you'll need to get fixed up at a field office, presumably losing extra time.
  • World events are planned, and SOE is hoping for content that "is easily playable for everyone" and accessible to players who do not invest as much time into the game.
  • Vehicle combat will take place. No other specific details are given.
With SOE coming out with two MMOs in the near future, do you think the PS3 will dominate as a console for that genre? Read the entire interview over at Massively.

JoystiqThe Agency interview with SOE's Matt Wilson originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e308mmommorpgsoethe-agencyWed, 23 Jul 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency will be microtransaction free, actually]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-will-be-microtransaction-free-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-will-be-microtransaction-free-actually/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-will-be-microtransaction-free-actually/#commentsFiled under:

An announcement regarding Sony's online game, The Agency, ruffled some feathers last month. "You can customize your character any way you like with microtransactions for clothes and such!" was more or less what was told to the public. Eurogamer went on the scene to uncover the reasoning behind such an action and found out that, no, you won't spend any more real-life money than it costs to buy the game itself.

Instead of enlisting Live Gamer to create a microtransaction system, there's going to be a real-world auction house where players can buy and sell in-game items. You'll get new duds and accessories by taking out enemies with a sharp-looking coat, or a nice pair of shades, then taking them away by force. Much better than paying some cash up front for a piece of polygonal cloth, right?

[via Joystiq]

JoystiqThe Agency will be microtransaction free, actually originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencySat, 14 Jun 2008 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency to be microtransaction free after all]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-to-be-microtransaction-free-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-to-be-microtransaction-free-after-all/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/14/the-agency-to-be-microtransaction-free-after-all/#commentsFiled under: ,


While spending boatloads of cash on ritzy garments and top-of-the-line gadgetry may seem like a natural behavior for an international man or woman of mystery, gamers weren't keen to last month's announcement that Sony Online Entertainment's upcoming MMO The Agency would be riddled with character-customizing microtransactions. Fortunately, in a recent interview with Eurogamer, the game's developers set the record straight, ensuring that we won't be blowing all our real-world money on digital Emporio Armanis.

The developers explained that they had not enlisted the aid of virtual trading house Live Gamer to establish a microtransaction system, but rather to create a real-world auction house to allow players to trade and sell in-game items (much like the Everquest II Station Exchange). It seems your operatives will have to secure new attire the old fashioned way -- by viciously bonking an appropriately dressed underling, pulling him behind a curtain, and performing a sartorial quick change that would put even Hannah Montana to shame.

JoystiqThe Agency to be microtransaction free after all originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 14 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agencydlcmicrotransactionmmommorpgPS3soesonyonlineentertainmentthe-agencytheagencySat, 14 Jun 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency trailer introduces all the major players]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-agency-trailer-introduces-all-the-major-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-agency-trailer-introduces-all-the-major-players/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/16/the-agency-trailer-introduces-all-the-major-players/#commentsFiled under:

We haven't had a chance to really see The Agency in motion, especially with a typical espionage/spy musical score in the background. This world premiere from X-Play shows off the main characters in the game from both the U.N.I.T.E. and ParaGON factions. There's a short clip of actual gameplay footage and it looks a bit like Uncharted went to the mall to buy some tuxedos and have a shootout against enemies other than pirates. Still, the game will have to show us more before we can truly judge its worth, but this is a good start for the PS3's first real MMO.

JoystiqThe Agency trailer introduces all the major players originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 16 May 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyFri, 16 May 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency to let players buy-a-spy [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/14/kill-skill-the-agency-to-let-players-buy-a-spy/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Update: Added source -- this press release, which vaguely implies that Live Gamer's RMT service, called Live Gamer Exchange, will allow players to "customize their characters through attire, weaponry, gadgets, vehicles, gear and aliases that tailor their game play." However, Massively's Kyle Horner spoke last night with The Agency lead designer Hal Milton who said that no weapons will be sold. The team is currently discussing the sale of low-level operatives (analogues to low-level equipment), but currently, everything planned to be sold will be purely cosmetic and not gameplay affecting.

Original: Remember all the hoopla over virtual arms dealing in Battlefield: Bad Company? Sony Online Entertainment's not hearing it. In fact, it announced today that its upcoming espionage MMO FPS, The Agency, will feature real money trading (RMT) of everything from clothing and gear to vehicles and weapons.

SOE has yet to declassify its business model for The Agency, so this could go in one of two directions. If it's free-to-play (a la Battlefield: Heroes) the cash-for-guns program would be (slightly) easier to swallow. Since The Agency is a PC and PS3 title, we're laying a bet on a free model given the latter platform's already free online gaming service and today's announcement, which provides a means for SOE to subsidize free play with a cut of player trades. If it's subscription-based? Someone best send some fire-retardant undergarments to SOE brass.

FPS players -- console ones specifically -- are used to earning their way to the top and into better weapons and gear, as seen in Call of Duty 4. The idea of playing a game where they're at an immediate disadvantage based on cash money is unlikely to sit well. At least trade works both ways; those who take the route of being skilled players -- and not payers -- can profit from their homegrown skills by selling stuff to noobs (and people with dead presidents lighting fires in their trousers).

Gallery: The Agency

JoystiqThe Agency to let players buy-a-spy [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 14 May 2008 20:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microtransactionspay-to-playPCPS3real-money-tradingsoesony-online-entertai...the-agencyWed, 14 May 2008 20:45:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE president sees more MMOs on PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/soe-president-sees-more-mmos-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/soe-president-sees-more-mmos-on-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/13/soe-president-sees-more-mmos-on-ps3/#commentsFiled under: , ,


In an interview with the Seattle Times, Sony Online Entertainment head, John Smedley, sees a future for MMOs on the PS3. He tells the paper that MMOs are going to be a "real strong selling point for the PS3" and uses The Agency as an example. More collaboration between the online and console divisions makes sense now that SOE reports to Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Smedley believes that MMOs will reach a 50/50 ratio between men and women over the next decade. He believes some of these games will be "as big as hit movies." Funny thing is that there's already a few out there, like World of Warcraft -- too bad that one only belongs to Blizzard.

[Via GameDaily]

JoystiqSOE president sees more MMOs on PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 13 May 2008 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PS3smedleysoethe-agencytheagencyTue, 13 May 2008 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO titles to become 'selling points' for PS3]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/mmos-are-to-become-a-selling-point-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/mmos-are-to-become-a-selling-point-for-ps3/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/05/12/mmos-are-to-become-a-selling-point-for-ps3/#commentsFiled under:

We feel like we've heard this spiel before -- MMO's were promised to come onto the PS3 because, let's face it, the thing is practically a computer. What's different this time around is that Sony no longer is saying that MMO's will be something to look forward to, but their forward strategy is to focus on them as key selling points.

Sony Online Entertainment honcho John Smedley said this in an interview with the Seattle Times: "MMOs are going to be a real strong selling point for the PS3 long term - there's going to be some great ones on the PS3." He goes on to blab a little bit about The Agency, which we know only bare bones about, but is supposedly going to be a real shining star and pave the way for other MMO's to get onto the PS3. We'll find out soon enough, right?

[Via CVG]

JoystiqMMO titles to become 'selling points' for PS3 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agencyjohn-smedleysoesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 12 May 2008 23:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency interview declassifies an operative's role]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-agency-interview-declassifies-an-operatives-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-agency-interview-declassifies-an-operatives-role/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/29/the-agency-interview-declassifies-an-operatives-role/#commentsFiled under:


Hal Milton, lead designer of The Agency, continues to declassify restricted information regarding the upcoming spy-mercenary MMO shooter. This time he discloses details regarding operatives that can be recruited for either of the two factions in the game. Operatives function as collectible NPCs that will help build your espionage network. You can collect, trade, and bet operatives away; Milton puts it "...similar [to] but not exactly the same as what folks have seen in collectible card games in the past."

Now, how do these pawns work strategically in a spy thriller like The Agency? First of all, there are four types of operatives: combat, stealth, support, and social. Obviously, each one has a particular skill; some can gather intel to help direct you on your mission, others can provide direct support by securing a checkpoint or causing a distraction that'll help you pass tricky spots. One interesting thing about operatives is that you may have to sacrifice one in order to find out the truth about certain aspects in a mission -- then you'll have to face the repercussions of your decision. Tie this up with the ability to swap operatives between the UNITE and ParaGON groups and you're sure to have a convoluted, quadruple-crossing, bloody spy-game on your hands.

It's all rather an intricate and unique system. So if you find all of this confusing (as you should because anything that involves spies always is), then it might be a good idea to check out the rest of the in-depth interview over at The Agency HQ.

JoystiqThe Agency interview declassifies an operative's role originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertai...the-agencyTue, 29 Apr 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Agency interview reveals plenty of non-combat gameplay]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/the-agency-interview-reveals-plenty-of-non-combat-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/the-agency-interview-reveals-plenty-of-non-combat-gameplay/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/07/the-agency-interview-reveals-plenty-of-non-combat-gameplay/#commentsFiled under:

For someone who is working on a video game about secret agents, Hal Milton has very loose lips. During this interview with The Agency HQ, Milton sheds some light on a lot of features that we can expect to see in the game - and they all sound intriguing. The Agency promises to be far more than just a massively multiplayer shooter. Between the Aliases gameplay, intelligence collecting and the complex levelling system there's plenty of non-combat gameplay to keep you busy when you get tired of pulling triggers.

Check out the interview for in-depth info on everything we've just mentioned. The reasons to get this game are piling up and we can't wait to see it in action. Hopefully a solid release date will be announced at E3 or Sony's Gamer's day. Whenever that will be.

JoystiqThe Agency interview reveals plenty of non-combat gameplay originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>SOEthe-agencyMon, 07 Apr 2008 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE to report directly to Kaz Hirai, SCEI]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-to-report-directly-to-kaz-hirai-scei/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-to-report-directly-to-kaz-hirai-scei/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/13/soe-to-report-directly-to-kaz-hirai-scei/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Sony has announced a change in the relationship between two of its, err, Sonys, namely Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. and Sony Online Entertainment. If we understand the press release correctly -- the pop-up pictures were an immense help -- SOE will be reporting directly to SCEI president and group CEO, Kaz Hirai, as of April 1, 2008. The structural change is "designed to mutually benefit both companies by further accelerating the PlayStation business through SOE's strong online gaming expertise," which ultimately boils down to more "exciting entertainment offerings" to consumers.

SOE will continue to develop said exciting entertainment offerings for the PlayStation 3 and PC, with company president John Smedley reporting to Hirai and making sure he says things like, "We are thrilled to become a part of the incredible team that has made PLAYSTATION 3 the premier platform for next generation online gaming."

SOE is currently hard at work on The Agency, a promising spy-themed MMO shooter for PC and PS3.

JoystiqSOE to report directly to Kaz Hirai, SCEI originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 13 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Kaz-HiraiKazHiraiPCPS3SCEISOEThe-AgencyTheAgencyThu, 13 Mar 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Video interview briefing about The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/video-interview-briefing-about-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/video-interview-briefing-about-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/26/video-interview-briefing-about-the-agency/#commentsFiled under:

We all love videos about games. We love video interviews slightly less, especially when painted towards the PC side of the upcoming MMO The Agency, also due out on the PS3. Sony Online Entertainment's Kevin O'Hara speaks up a bit regarding the game, so go ahead and take a listen. It seems to be shaping up nicely.

JoystiqVideo interview briefing about The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>soesony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyTue, 26 Feb 2008 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cross-platform play not so likely for The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/cross-platform-play-not-so-likely-for-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/cross-platform-play-not-so-likely-for-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/13/cross-platform-play-not-so-likely-for-the-agency/#commentsFiled under:

If you don't remember, The Agency is an MMO designed for the PS3 and PC -- we assume it's a bigger deal to the PS3 crew though. While many online games gladly accommodate cross-platform play, like Phantasy Star Universe, it seems the group in charge of The Agency is having a slightly harder time.

It's not that they don't know how to do it, but they feel it might be a bit unfair due to the difference in control scheme between the console and the PC. Sony Online Entertainment's CEO, John Smedley, affirms this, saying, "Would the mouse player have a unique advantage? Would we have to make the auto-aiming system on the console a lot better to compensate for that? That would take some of the skill element away on the console."

You'll still be able to log into your character from either the PC or PS3. SOE is still going to try out cross-platform play, but as far as we can tell, they're warning you not to count on it actually making it to retail.

JoystiqCross-platform play not so likely for The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 13 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>SOEsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyWed, 13 Feb 2008 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview contains a frankly obscene amount of The Agency intel]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/joystiq-interview-contains-a-frankly-obscene-amount-of-the-agenc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/joystiq-interview-contains-a-frankly-obscene-amount-of-the-agenc/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/joystiq-interview-contains-a-frankly-obscene-amount-of-the-agenc/#commentsFiled under:

Sure, CES may have been two weeks ago, but interesting info is still trickling out like some delayed, leaky faucet. An interview on Joystiq with two designers behind the upcoming multiplayer online Spy-em-up The Agency contains a tremendous amount of information regarding almost every aspect of the game. Split into bite-sized category chunks, the layout of the interview makes it easy to find information on different aspects of the game, such as its business-model, possible future content or (our most anticipated feature) operatives.

The more we read about this game, the more into it we become. Teddy bears with guns in their stomachs and cameras in their eyes? Sold! Where do we sign?

JoystiqJoystiq interview contains a frankly obscene amount of The Agency intel originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>The-AgencyMon, 21 Jan 2008 16:43:00 EST<![CDATA[CES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/21/ces-2008-a-covert-intel-briefing-on-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Earlier this month, Sony Online Entertainment finally gave the gaming world a full-on look at The Agency. The unique title, a brand-new blend of the shooter and MMO genres, was featured in a hands-on talk over pre-recorded video; a compromise in the face of demoing an online title in the unfamiliar surroundings of Las Vegas. That talk, given by the mile-a-minute lead designer Hal Milton, has been covered endlessly at other sites. You can view the complete discussion in video format, or read a great writeup of the event over at GamersInfo.

Some of the most interesting tidbits the developers were willing to discuss that day weren't on the guided tour. Lead Designer Hal Milton and Design Director Matt Wilson were willing and able to discuss several aspects of the project still in the development stages with us and our friends at Massively; we were able to pick their brains on the game's business model, the fantastic world they're creating, character advancement, future content additions, and the numerous challenges of creating a game that straddles two platforms.

Easily one of the most refreshing things about The Agency is the humor that the developers are aiming to introduce to the world, as Hal Milton explains: One of the things I love about the spy genre is that everyone automatically gets it. I love fantasy, I love sci-fi, I love writing those stories, but whenever I try to describe the game concept I have to go in and back-fill for like ten minutes. "And then Sir Clamdar of Thobordoxy grabbed the Handbag of Doom." Or, "the year was 2753, and the Federation ..." Most people don't care. They just want to jump into the world and know where they stand, as opposed to being dropped into a world completely clueless. That's what's great about the Agency, there's a lot of similarities but our world is so different from the real world that they start to experience the humor and flavor.

Read on for more 'covert intel' you may not have seen discussed elsewhere on this blockbuster in-development title.

Gallery: The Agency

Continue reading CES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency

JoystiqCES 2008: A covert intel briefing on The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESCES-2008hal-miltonmatt-wilsonmmofpsPCPS3SOEsony-online-entertainmentthe-agencyMon, 21 Jan 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Sneak into The Agency with this video interview]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/sneak-into-the-agency-with-this-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/sneak-into-the-agency-with-this-video-interview/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/15/sneak-into-the-agency-with-this-video-interview/#commentsFiled under:


When we first heard about The Agency during Sony's Gamer's Day last May we were, quite frankly, a bit meh about the whole thing. This new video interview from GameTrailers, however, shows off some of the gameplay and gives an interesting look at what the game is aiming to become. Operatives and Home integration sounds like a really interesting way to blur the lines and have you playing even when you're not playing. We're sticking this one onto our radar and are actually looking forward to its release. Whenever that may be.

JoystiqSneak into The Agency with this video interview originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 15 Jan 2008 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesinterviewthe-agencyTue, 15 Jan 2008 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch CES footage of The Agency]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/watch-ces-footage-of-the-agency/#commentsFiled under: ,

It's been a long time since we last heard from SOE about their upcoming PS3/PC MMO action game, The Agency. There's a lot of potential in this online initiative. Watch the SOE presentation from the CES show in Las Vegas, and tell us what you think. It appears the game isn't delivering on every level, but the concept has us excited.

[Via NeoGAF]

JoystiqWatch CES footage of The Agency originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 16:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ces-2008mmosoethe-agencyMon, 07 Jan 2008 16:45:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3 games to look for in 2008: part 5]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008-part-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008-part-5/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/01/07/ps3-games-to-look-for-in-2008-part-5/#comments
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JoystiqPS3 games to look for in 2008: part 5 originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 07 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>final-fantasy-xiiiflowerinfamousSanboxSCESony-Computer-EntertainmentSucker-PunchSucker-Punch-Productionsthe-agencythe-getawayMon, 07 Jan 2008 09:04:00 EST