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[Free-to-play Arctic Combat 'borrows' one of Counter-Strike's maps]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/http://www.joystiq.com/2012/08/25/free-to-play-arctic-combat-borrows-one-of-counter-strikes-map/#comments F2P Arctic Combat contains CounterStrike map
The new Counter-Strike: Global Offensive has a few old Counter-Strike maps included, and that's just fine, given that it's all in the same franchise. But Webzen's free-to-play shooter Arctic Combat has apparently taken some inspiration from Valve's classic as well. PC Gamer notes in the video above that the "Sand Storm" map, included with the game, bears a striking similarity to de_dust2, a map that any CS player will immediately recognize.

As PC Gamer says, a few of the dimensions are off and a few crates have been moved, but from that opening spawn ramp down to the middle chokepoint and the side hallway, there's no question this is a very familiar map. Arctic Combat is currently in closed beta, though once Valve catches word of this, you might not see "Sand Storm" playable any longer.

JoystiqFree-to-play Arctic Combat 'borrows' one of Counter-Strike's maps originally appeared on Joystiq on Sat, 25 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>combatcontentcounter-strikecounter-strike-global-offensivede_dust2free-to-playinfringingmappcshootervideowebzenSat, 25 Aug 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall's PAX trailer could really use a lozenge]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/firefalls-pax-trailer-could-really-use-a-lozenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/firefalls-pax-trailer-could-really-use-a-lozenge/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/09/01/firefalls-pax-trailer-could-really-use-a-lozenge/#comments There's so much to fight on Firefall's planet: Indigenous creatures, invading aliens and, if the voice in this trailer is any indication, air full of particulate matter that can clog up your vocal folds. Need some water, dude?

JoystiqFirefall's PAX trailer could really use a lozenge originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallfree-to-playpax-prime-2011pcred-5-studiostrailerwebzenThu, 01 Sep 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall preview: Something for everyone]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/08/29/firefall-preview/#comments There's a good chance that Firefall is going to be your absolute, undeniable jam. It's just one of those combinations of features and ideas that should apply to at least (but probably more than) one of your sensibilities: It has class-based shooting, customizable loadouts, loot, strategy, a persistent world, character creation and a focus on cooperative, Player vs. Environment gameplay.

Any of those tickle your fancy? They tickle mine. They tickle all of my fancies simultaneously.

Continue reading Firefall preview: Something for everyone

JoystiqFirefall preview: Something for everyone originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallfpsmmoonlinepax-prime-2011pcred-5-studiosshooterwebzenMon, 29 Aug 2011 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Webzen now suing Red 5 Korea in wake of FireFall arbitration]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/webzen-now-suing-red-5-korea-in-wake-of-firefall-arbitration/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/webzen-now-suing-red-5-korea-in-wake-of-firefall-arbitration/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/15/webzen-now-suing-red-5-korea-in-wake-of-firefall-arbitration/#comments It looks like Webzen won't be taking Red 5 Studios' recent filing for arbitration lying down. In the wake of Red 5 Studios seeking to end its Asian publishing agreement with Webzen, the Korean publisher has filed suit against Red 5 Korea. According to Korean website This Is Game, Webzen accuses Red 5 Korea of breaching its publishing agreement on several occasions.

Among the claims, Webzen alleges that Red 5 Korea delayed an offline test of FireFall. Red 5 Korea subsequently announced the test, using Webzen's logo, without the publisher's permission. Red 5's Korean branch is also alleged to have sent a press release about Orson Scott Card's involvement with the game, again without Webzen's permission. The proverbial final straw centers around G-Star 2011, a Korean gaming convention. It seems Webzen was preparing to show FireFall at the convention but, after hearing that Red 5 Korea was planning to display FireFall independently, the publisher decided to file suit.

Just where all of this leaves the Asian release of FireFall remains to be seen. The game will be self-published by Red 5 in both North America and Europe.

JoystiqWebzen now suing Red 5 Korea in wake of FireFall arbitration originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefallpcred-5-studioswebzenFri, 15 Jul 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Red 5 in legal battle with Webzen over FireFall, seeking $5 million]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/red-5-in-legal-battle-with-webzen-over-firefall-seeking-5-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/red-5-in-legal-battle-with-webzen-over-firefall-seeking-5-mill/http://www.joystiq.com/2011/07/01/red-5-in-legal-battle-with-webzen-over-firefall-seeking-5-mill/#comments Firefall developer Red 5 Studios has filed for legal arbitration against Korean publisher Webzen. According to Red 5, Webzen has committed "multiple breaches" in its Asian publishing agreement, and the studio is seeking both to terminate its agreement and to "recover $5 million due to Webzen's alleged breach of its obligation and refusal to commit that money to market the game in the United States." The arbitration should not affect the United States or European release of Firefall, which will both be self-published by Red 5.

Webzen has published its own response to Red 5's claims, stating that it is "undisputable" that it has "fulfilled all of its obligations" to the studio. The publisher also mentions that Firefall has undergone numerous development delays. Webzen also references its own "disputes" with Chinese game operator The9 - majority shareholder in Red 5 - though it makes no direct allegations toward the company. The publisher states further that Red 5 Korea has "infringed Webzen's rights as the publisher in Korea," though no specifics are mentioned. Regarding the arbitration, Webzen says it will comply with the final decision, but plans to "firmly seek all of its remedies under the law."

Continue reading Red 5 in legal battle with Webzen over FireFall, seeking $5 million

JoystiqRed 5 in legal battle with Webzen over FireFall, seeking $5 million originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 01 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arbitrationfirefalllawsuitlegalpcred-5-studioswebzenFri, 01 Jul 2011 01:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Red 5 Studios gets the axe [update]]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/rumor-red-5-studios-gets-the-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/rumor-red-5-studios-gets-the-axe/http://www.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/rumor-red-5-studios-gets-the-axe/#comments
 Update: We just received a press release from Red 5 Studios announcing the "reorganization," stating the company has "great respect for these departing team members and the contributions they have made." The press release also confirms that Red 5 Studios has taken aid from a new investment partner and is "currently working on an unannounced massively multiplayer online game." So much for that ping-pong idea!

Original post: Kotaku is reporting that Red 5 Studios, a studio comprised of some key ex-Blizzard personnel, is the latest to be handed its walking papers. A source claims that nothing but a "skeleton crew" remains at Red 5 Studios now, which at one point had offices in Irvine, CA and Shanghai. The latter recently shut its doors, though the relevant press release on Red 5 Studios' site has since been pulled. Apparently, the Irvine home base was also in danger of shutting its doors, but was bought out last week, spurring these layoffs.

The Kotaku tipster said Red 5 Studios was currently at work on a MMOFPS, a militaristic title built on an Offset Software-developed engine as part of an $18.5 million deal inked with Korean publisher Webzen. Obviously, that game is now on hold, and it's believed the "skeleton crew" that remains has shifted its focus toward working on a product for the Chinese market. Might we suggest a table tennis game? We hear that's all the rage over there.

JoystiqRumor: Red 5 Studios gets the axe [update] originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 14:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>layoffsmmommofpsoffset-softwarered-5-studioswebzenWed, 27 Jan 2010 14:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Joystiq interview: Huxley project manager Andy Hong]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-interview-huxley-project-manager-andy-hong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-interview-huxley-project-manager-andy-hong/http://www.joystiq.com/2009/05/14/joystiq-interview-huxley-project-manager-andy-hong/#comments
You remember Huxley, right? It's that Webzen-developed MMOFPS we first heard about way back in 2005. We even played it ... in 2006. Not ringing any bells?

Huxley was billed as the first MMOFPS to hit the Xbox 360 and PC, and it was to offer cross-platform multiplayer and promised 100-vs-100 online battles. Sounds to good to be true, right? Apparently. The game suddenly disappeared from public eye -- for years! And then, just as sudden, Huxley re-emerged from hiding through a handful of new screens and is now under the (hopefully!) steady hand of ijji.com (owned by NHN America).

We caught up with Andy Hong, project manager for Huxley: The Dystopia, to see where the game has been and where it's going:

How different is Huxley now, as compared to the original coverage (back in 2006)?

There's been a real focus on polish and that really shows in the current version. There haven't been any major changes to the game, but the gameplay has changed a lot, it's a lot faster ...

Continue reading Joystiq interview: Huxley project manager Andy Hong

JoystiqJoystiq interview: Huxley project manager Andy Hong originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 14 May 2009 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-wonghuxleyinterviewMicrosoftmmommofpsnhnnhn-usawebzenXbox-360Thu, 14 May 2009 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley's Xbox 360 fate still in the air]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/huxleys-xbox-360-fate-still-in-the-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/huxleys-xbox-360-fate-still-in-the-air/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/06/02/huxleys-xbox-360-fate-still-in-the-air/#commentsFiled under:

One of the first MMOs announced in the new generation of consoles, Huxley, is having a difficult time making its way to consoles. While Huxley developer Webzen has announced that the PC title will finally make its way to North America after signing a new deal with publisher NHN USA, the Xbox 360 version continues its release limbo.

Other items that need to be ironed out of for the Unreal Engine 3 MMO/FPS include the business model approach for the title and a firm release date, as Webzen only specifies an expected PC release in late 2008 for North America and Western Europe.

[via Big Download]

JoystiqHuxley's Xbox 360 fate still in the air originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 02 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleymmonhn-usawebzenMon, 02 Jun 2008 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds buys back rights to APB franchise]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-buys-back-rights-to-apb-franchise/#commentsFiled under:

Big news comes from Realtime Worlds today with word that they are putting their recently acquired $50 million to work, acquiring the global distribution rights to their upcoming MMO All Points Bulletin.

GamesIndustry.biz is reporting that Realtime Worlds purchased the APB distribution rights back from Webzen to "ensure that gamers around the globe experience the revolutionary gameplay we envisioned when we first began creating the property." We aren't sure exactly what their global release plans entail or how much they had to put up for the rights, but we're sure they didn't come cheap. Lesson learned kids. When sleeping with Webzen and things turn sour, know that you'll have to buy your way out of the relationship. That said, you could probably apply that lesson to all relationships you encounter.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds buys back rights to APB franchise originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbrealtime-worldswebzenMon, 21 Apr 2008 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Realtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/04/21/realtime-worlds-take-apb-distribution-rights-from-webzen/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

It always seemed to us that MMO-maker Webzen had a bit too much on its plate, what with working on APB, Huxley and Soul of the Ultimate Nation year after year with no signs of any actual releases. Well, Webzen's plate got a little less full today, as developer Realtime Worlds announced it has regained the global distribution rights to APB.

Realtime Worlds' announcement follows a an intriguing demo of APB at February's Game Developer's Conference and a $50 million cash infusion for the Crackdown developer in March. As for Webzen, maybe this disquisition will finally give it the focus it needs to finish up the long-dormant Huxley.

JoystiqRealtime Worlds takes APB distribution rights from Webzen originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinAPBPS3publishingrealtime-worldsrightswebzenXbox-360Mon, 21 Apr 2008 15:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley's character creation in action]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/huxleys-character-creation-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/huxleys-character-creation-in-motion/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/07/huxleys-character-creation-in-motion/#commentsFiled under:


We won't lie when we say Webzen's upcoming first-person MMO Huxley had dropped off our radar, and when new details came out about their Real Time Worlds developed All Points Bulletin (APB) we thought Huxley got the quiet ax. Well, while details are still light on the title we do know that the game is still slated to come out between now and the next leap year. However, the latest news comes to us from a Game Trailers user who swiped some footage of the character creation menus. In the video, the user goes through some of the various options available for those interested in creating a female warrior within Huxley, which is actually comes Stateside in 2009 for the PC and Xbox 360. We were joking about the leap year thing.

[Thanks, Chris]

JoystiqHuxley's character creation in action originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 07 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2009-releasescharacter-creationcross-platformhuxleymmorealtimeworldswebzenFri, 07 Mar 2008 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley's back! You know, Huxley ... that MMOFPS?]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxleys-back-you-know-huxley-that-mmofps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxleys-back-you-know-huxley-that-mmofps/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxleys-back-you-know-huxley-that-mmofps/#commentsFiled under: ,


Ah, the prodigal son returns. IGN reports that long-dormant MMOFPS Huxley has fully popped back up on radar (following a random blip in December) since making a splash at E3 2005 and then flat-out disappearing after E3 2006. Publisher Webzen now plans on releasing Huxley on PC in the US by the end of this year and on Xbox 360 an "expected" six months later.

The Xbox 360 version of Huxley will also be different from what PC players experience. Beyond the obvious changes in interface, the PC version will focus on a story about the missing Dr. Huxley, while the console story will take place 50 years later and center around a terrorist group. Despite the different times, there will be "cross-platform interaction" according to the developer. As for the pricing structure of the MMOFPS? That still hasn't been determined. Expect the Huxley info to slowly drip from here on in.

JoystiqHuxley's back! You know, Huxley ... that MMOFPS? originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleyPCwebzenWed, 05 Mar 2008 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley is still alive! Screenshots, video and more]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxley-is-still-alive-screenshots-video-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxley-is-still-alive-screenshots-video-and-more/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/03/05/huxley-is-still-alive-screenshots-video-and-more/#commentsFiled under:


For those of you who (including us) who questioned whether Webzen would ever release their MMOFPS Huxley or if it'd be forgotten vaporware know that it's real, it's alive and it's coming. Who knew?

IGN posted their in-depth Huxley Progress Report which features a bunch of new screenshots, some new video footage and interesting Huxley factoids. Webzen is promising a lot, allowing 5000 players being able to interact at once, intense 100 versus 100 battles on each server, Unreal Tournament style gameplay and a substantial MMO following. They also dropped a nega-bomb confirming that Huxley will release to the Xbox 360 6 months after its PC debut which means no MMOFPS for 360 fanboys until at least 2009. But things aren't all that bad for 360 owners as the 360 version of Huxley will take place in a different world / time and allow for cross platform battling and trading of items. It's good to hear that Huxley hasn't turned into a Duke Nukem Forever, but the overly long development time sort of killed a lot of the game's hype. Here's to seeing Huxley by 2011.

JoystiqHuxley is still alive! Screenshots, video and more originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleywebzenWed, 05 Mar 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC08: Realtime Worlds' MMO darling, All Points Bulletin]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/http://www.joystiq.com/2008/02/22/gdc08-realtime-worlds-mmo-darling-all-points-bulletin/#commentsFiled under: ,


Realtime Worlds and Webzen dropped an MMO bombshell today during their "My first MMO" GDC panel, officially revealing (for the first time) All Points Bulletin. And it's impressive.

APB is a cops and robbers, Crackdown / GTAIV hybrid, open world MMO that'll do away with the tediousness (or the "grind") that traditional RPG based MMOs are known for, focusing more on the community and the world. Customization will be key, as every player will be able to completely makeover their in-game character, changing things from hairstyle to eye color to whether or not a tshirt is tucked in. That same level of customization lends itself to vehicles as well. Realtime Worlds also revealed that APB will not have a leveling up system, instead players will be rewarded by gaining more and more character customization options. Realtime then showed off a quick pursuit demo where a group of cops had to band together to take apprehend some TV stealing thugs. The placeholder graphics aren't great, but we get the idea and yes ... it's delicious. Make the jump to read Joystiq's APB impressions and learn why APB is where you'll wanna be.

[Thanks, xenocidic]

JoystiqGDC08: Realtime Worlds' MMO darling, All Points Bulletin originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 22 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinapbgdc08mmorealtime-worldswebzenFri, 22 Feb 2008 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley returns from the abyss with video]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/huxley-returns-from-the-abyss-with-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/huxley-returns-from-the-abyss-with-video/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/12/17/huxley-returns-from-the-abyss-with-video/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We hope this doesn't make us negative people, but we had basically written MMOFPS Huxley off after not hearing much about it for more than a year. Now though, it's made its (semi) triumphant return from the grave with a new video captured in the Korean-developed game's closed beta accompanied by a truly, almost epically excruciating techno soundtrack.

What we see so far is a pretty, frenetic shooter in the vein of a Painkiller or Unreal, that seems just a tad bit uninspired. That said, we don't know how the MMO elements are playing into it, as what we have here is straight-up action. What say you? Has your interest been piqued? Or have the last, dying embers of your desire for Huxley been fully doused?

JoystiqHuxley returns from the abyss with video originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleykoreaPCwebzenXbox-360Mon, 17 Dec 2007 15:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley scored by Gears of War composer]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/huxley-scored-by-gears-of-war-composer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/huxley-scored-by-gears-of-war-composer/http://www.joystiq.com/2007/10/03/huxley-scored-by-gears-of-war-composer/#commentsFiled under:


GameDaily reports that Gears of War composer Kevin Riepl has provided the score for the upcoming MMO FPS Huxley. The score reportedly took 2 days to record with the help of the Hollywood Studio Symphony at Warner Bros. Studios. Riepl says he's "proud" to have worked on Webzen's Huxley, the varied themes of which demand a "gripping soundtrack" according to the composer. We're quite fond of the Gears of War soundtrack, so we have high hopes for the soundscape of Huxley. Here's hoping the actual game can live up to it. We'll find out when the game hits retailers in 2008.

JoystiqHuxley scored by Gears of War composer originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 03 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleyhuxley-soundtrackmusicsoundtrackswebzenWed, 03 Oct 2007 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Huxley has a lot to prove]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/video-huxley-has-a-lot-to-prove/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/video-huxley-has-a-lot-to-prove/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/10/video-huxley-has-a-lot-to-prove/#commentsFiled under: ,


Let's make one thing clear: I've been pimping Huxley since before I began working for 360 Fanboy. The idea of a massively multiplayer first person shooter is almost too delicious to contemplate. In the intervening months, with the release of several AAA 360 titles, Huxley has been all but forgotten. As fate would have it, a new video of the game popped up on the net today, and Xboxyde was kind enough to create a streaming version of it, as is their wont. Call me jaded, but the video is uninspiring. It's just a generic montage of blasting things with a tiny bit of the actual MMO aspect of the game thrown in. Considering the main selling point of Huxley is its MMO nature, you'd think they'd make more use of it in a promotional video. But, I digress. Check out the video and make your own judgments. Does it look like it can stand up against the likes of Gears, COD3, or Vegas?

JoystiqVideo: Huxley has a lot to prove originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 10 Nov 2006 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>digital realityDigitalRealityhuxleyunreal engine 3UnrealEngine3webzenFri, 10 Nov 2006 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Shaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/11/06/shaiya-guild-wars-most-anticipated-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Shaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in ChinaAccording to new research from Chinese gaming portal 17173.com, Guangdong-based distributor Optisp (EVE Online) is home to the most anticipated online game in China, the Korean import Shaiya: Light and Darkness. WoW distributor The9 is hosting two of China's other highly anticipated Korean titles, Guild Wars and Soul of the Ultimate Nation.

The fever over Shaiya is reportedly due to some racy ads that prompted Chinese censors to request less suggestive promos. I'm sure the two half-naked women prominently featured in the game's propaganda had nothing to do with that. 17173 has collected some in-game screen shots and wallpapers of Shaiya's physical embodiments of "light" and "darkness" (can you guess who's who?).

See also: China online gaming trends

JoystiqShaiya, Guild Wars most anticipated in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Mon, 06 Nov 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>china gamingchinese gamersGuild WarsLight and DarknessmmommorpgncsoftPCShaiyaSoul of the Ultimate Nationthe9webzenMon, 06 Nov 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Webzen ends Endless Saga]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/webzen-ends-endless-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/webzen-ends-endless-saga/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/25/webzen-ends-endless-saga/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Endless Saga cancelled
Turns out Endless Saga wasn't so endless after all, although the mystery surrounding the game's development certainly felt neverending. Webzen has pulled the plug on their Unreal 3-powered MMO, which had been scheduled to launch next year for the PlayStation 3 and PC. While this move thins out the PS3's initial MMO offerings, the Korean developer insists they are still committed to Sony's next gen platform. For now, however, Webzen will concentrate on finishing APB, Huxley and Soul of the Ultimate Nation -- the first two projects being Xbox 360 titles.

See also:

JoystiqWebzen ends Endless Saga originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Jul 2006 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apbendless sagahuxleymmommorpgPCPS3soul of the ultimate nationwebzenTue, 25 Jul 2006 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PS3's MMO, Endless Saga, truly becomes Endless]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/ps3s-mmo-endless-saga-truly-becomes-endless/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/ps3s-mmo-endless-saga-truly-becomes-endless/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/07/20/ps3s-mmo-endless-saga-truly-becomes-endless/#commentsFiled under:

For those who had been following the next-gen MMORPG circuit, perhaps you had heard of Endless Saga. Developed by Webzen and for the PS3, Endless Saga was to be the next step in MMO gaming which utilized the Unreal Engine 3. The Saga stopped short, though. It was canned recently and according to Webzen because "after some rigorous development effort, we found the gameplay of Endless Saga to be short of innovation and creativity we seek to achieve in online gaming space."

Good. The last thing we need is another generic, formulaic, achieve-nothing MMO. While it would've still been a neat idea, it gives the lovers of WoW, FFXI, and for the cheapskates in all of us, Guild Wars or Maple Story more time to clock into their worlds. Sorry Endless Saga, but thank you at the same time. For now, Webzen has nothing in the works for PS3, but perhaps they'll try again later. A question, though: would you rather see a port of an existing MMO, or a brand new creation pop up for the PS3? Some people do like familiarity, plus they might have some badass equipment. What do you think?

JoystiqPS3's MMO, Endless Saga, truly becomes Endless originally appeared on Joystiq on Thu, 20 Jul 2006 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Endless SagaEndlessSagaPlaystation 3Playstation3PS3WebzenThu, 20 Jul 2006 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SUN is most anticipated game in China]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/06/07/sun-is-most-anticipated-game-in-china/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate NationAccording to the latest poll from Chinese gaming site, 17173.com, Korean developer Webzen's Soul of the Ultimate Nation is the most anticipated game in China. Other titles in the top ten include Guild Wars and Granado Espada (both will be operated by WoW host The9), as well as Kingdom of Warriors, Ragnarok Online 2, and Rohan.

Analysts are predicting China's online gaming market will approach $1 billion in annual revenue within the next year, surpassing Korea. In response to this gaming boom, major publishers such as Electronic Arts, NCsoft, Take-Two, and Ubisoft have opened development offices in Shanghai. Webzen is currently putting the finishing touches on MMO-shooter Huxley for the North American market, but has also opened an office in Shanghai to produce Kingdom of Warriors.

See also: Disney, Shanda bring online content to China
 

JoystiqSUN is most anticipated game in China originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 07 Jun 2006 12:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>granado espadaguild warskingdom of warriorsmmommorpgPCragnarokrohansoul of the ultimate nationthe9webzenWed, 07 Jun 2006 12:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Webzen: a lot of fuss for one release]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/webzen-a-lot-of-fuss-for-one-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/webzen-a-lot-of-fuss-for-one-release/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/webzen-a-lot-of-fuss-for-one-release/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


One MMO company definitely wants to get noticed at this E3. Webzen's booth is big, almost as large as nearby THQ and Activision, and they're putting on a show for the crowds. With dancing booth babes, a loud emcee and armour-clad models -- as well as plastering all the cafeteria tables with ads -- Webzen's attack on the Western world is well and truly here.

Of Webzen's three games being shown at E3, only one is out in the near future -- Huxley. Soul of the Ultimate Nation will make its way to the U.S. in 2007 (no word of an European release), and Project Wiki is slated for a Korea-only release at the moment. So why the big fuss?

Webzen believe that in Huxley they have the tools to break into the Western market, and make a name for themselves worldwide. The joint Xbox 360/PC release is at once a risk and an adventure for them -- and they want gamers to sit up and pay attention to it.

JoystiqWebzen: a lot of fuss for one release originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 22:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boothbooth babesBoothBabese3e32006huxleypartyPCsoul of the ultimate nationSoulOfTheUltimateNationsunwebzenXbox-360Wed, 10 May 2006 22:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on with Project Wiki]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-project-wiki/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Project Wiki from Webzen is a bright, colourful MMO that immediately stands out from their other post-apocalyptic/dark-fantasy offerings. With inviting colours and visuals reminiscent of a 2D cartoon, the game seems well-matched to its kids-and-teens target demographic.

It's simple to play -- perhaps too simple -- and death comes quickly at the hands of nearby enemies; the character we were playing has a limited number of skills which made combat a little repetitive. Project Wiki is only scheduled for a Korean release -- its anime-inspired graphics may make it appealing in the West, but its gameplay is rooted firmly in the East.

JoystiqHands on with Project Wiki originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 22:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asiacartoonychildrenE3e32006easternkiddiekidskoreakoreanmmommorpgproject wikiProjectWikiteenwebzenWed, 10 May 2006 22:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on with Soul of the Ultimate Nation]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-soul-of-the-ultimate-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-soul-of-the-ultimate-nation/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-soul-of-the-ultimate-nation/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Korean MMO company Webzen is launching an attack on the Western world with Huxley, but the company isn't confining itself to the MMOFPS genre. Soul of the Ultimate Nation is a fantasy-themed MMO with a distinctive Eastern style that will be launched in North America during 2007 (it's currently in open beta in Korea).

Fantasy MMOs are ten a penny these days, so we asked Webzen representatives what makes SUN different. They are banking on its graphical style to win fans, and also its competitive nature -- players enter into 'competitive hunting' with others, rather than co-operating as in many other MMOs. The game also features voice chat amongst adventuring parties and guilds.

Continue reading Hands on with Soul of the Ultimate Nation

JoystiqHands on with Soul of the Ultimate Nation originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>e3e32006mmommogmmorpgPCsoul of the ultimate nationSoulOfTheUltimateNationsunwebzenWed, 10 May 2006 21:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Hands on with Huxley]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-huxley/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-huxley/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/05/10/hands-on-with-huxley/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Webzen's upcoming MMOFPS Huxley, to be released on both Xbox 360 and PC, combines both fast-paced shooter action with massively multiplayer gameplay. It's essentially a FPS with levels and questing added -- the gameplay is very much the fast, in-your-face style seen in Quake 4 and Painkiller. However, it allows for tactical play too, with territorial defence missions.

The game felt more like a standard FPS multiplayer match with a larger number of players than usual than an MMO. It plays like a FPS -- no skill buttons or floating exclamation marks. The game's setting is a fairly standard post-apocalyptic nuclear-mutation scenario. The 360 version will feature a single-player component as well as the massively-multiplayer part, though Webzen are working on the inevitable issue of keyboard-and-mouse versus controller balancing.

JoystiqHands on with Huxley originally appeared on Joystiq on Wed, 10 May 2006 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crossplatforme3e32006fpshuxleymmofpsmmorpgPCshooterwebzenXbox-360Wed, 10 May 2006 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Huxley enters brave new world]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/25/huxley-enters-brave-new-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/25/huxley-enters-brave-new-world/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/25/huxley-enters-brave-new-world/#commentsFiled under: , ,


1Up takes a look at Huxley, the hyper-ambitious multiplayer extravaganza from developer Webzen. The 360 version is a year away, but it will include an exclusive single-player mode and the ability to shoot it out against PC rivals. Goodbye port, hello porthole to a brave new world of cross-platform gaming.

Every Xbox 360 owner knows at least one console-dissing gamer who never shuts up up about the supposed superiority of the PC experience, as if enjoying both platforms is a sin. That makes the idea of jumping between video game universes to blow away obnoxious nerds all the more appealing. It'll be very interesting to see how Webzen makes this work.

[Via 8-bit Ninja]

JoystiqHuxley enters brave new world originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 25 Apr 2006 00:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HuxleyWebzenTue, 25 Apr 2006 00:15:00 EST<![CDATA[New Huxley visuals from Webzen]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/new-huxley-visuals-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/new-huxley-visuals-from-webzen/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/21/new-huxley-visuals-from-webzen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Webzen's Huxley
TeamXbox has some new screenshots from Webzen's Huxley, the futuristic MMORPG-shooter that promises some intense cross-platform battles between PC and Xbox 360 users. The Korean developer (best known for MMOs MU and Soul of the Ultimate Nation) is utilizing the graphical prowess of Epic's Unreal Engine 3, and will attempt to support hundreds of simultaneous online combatants.
 
With Huxley and Gears of War on the horizon, and Halo 3 due next year, will 360 owners even miss Unreal Tournament 2007?

JoystiqNew Huxley visuals from Webzen originally appeared on Joystiq on Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>huxleyPCwebzenXbox-360Fri, 21 Apr 2006 16:05:00 EST<![CDATA[A walk in Webzen's SUN]]>http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/a-walk-in-webzens-sun/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/a-walk-in-webzens-sun/http://www.joystiq.com/2006/04/04/a-walk-in-webzens-sun/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Soul of the Ultimate Nation
Webzen product leader In-Kyun Hong has given IGN an update on Soul of the Ultimate Nation (SUN), the Korean developer's upcoming action-MMORPG. After undergoing closed beta testing in Korea, Webzen decided to do some tweaking and localization work for the North American and European markets. Soon, western gamers will be able to participate in the beta testing process and experience SUN's unique visual style and battle map system. We'll also get an English web site with extensive community features and more background on the game's lore.

JoystiqA walk in Webzen's SUN originally appeared on Joystiq on Tue, 04 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>PCSoul Ultimate NationwebzenTue, 04 Apr 2006 19:30:00 EST