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Black Prophecy Preview at GDC 2010


Posted in Gamechangers

MMOGs seem to be boldly going into space with a higher frequency these days as gamers shed their shields and throw down their swords to take up the role of intergalactic explorers. One of the more highly anticipated titles comes to us from Gamigo in the form of Black Prophecy, a ship based space combat MMOG that puts players in the cockpit of a highly customizable craft and sets them loose upon each other in a faction based struggle for galactic domination. We sat down this week at GDC with Falko Böcker of Gamigo to get the inside scoop on this German import from Reakktor.

Fans of Black Prophecy know that this game has been in development for several years and that it almost didn’t make it to market. Originally slated for a 2009 release, the game had planned on being a subscription model MMOG to be published by the now bankrupt 10tacle studios.  Reakktor refused to give up on the game however, and development continued with hopes for finding a publisher that would do the epic title justice. While reaction has been mixed to the announcement of Gamigo as the games new publisher, mostly due to the related announcement of a microtransaction based free-to-play model,  fans need not worry as both companies are committed to delivering a top notch product that will satisfy free-to-play veterans and subscription model adherents alike. Advertorial info : games for money online

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Gaming for Money: Trading Game Assets (1)


Posted in Gamechangers

In the world of MMORPGs, one thing you can’t help noticing is that player vs. player (PvP) combat is not typically the central focus of the game, even if they offer certain servers and options that make it possible. While there are almost always ways in which two players can have it out if they both consent, the focus of most MMORPGs so far has been player vs. environment (PvE), where groups of players fight cooperatively against computer controlled monsters. Furthermore, for a host of reasons, PvE is clearly the preference of the overwhelming majority of MMORPG players. Shadowbane set out to change all that by shifting the emphasis onto PvP, team on team conflicts, sieges, and territorial domination. Considering that, because of the obvious imbalances created by level differences between characters, PvP in most MMORPGs leaves a lot to be desired, this was a rather risky move. Today, some gamers consider Shadowbane the only decent option for serious PvPers, while others point to it as a perfect example of why PvP in MMORPGs is, quite simply, no fun.

Background
Player built cities and guilds are central to Shadowbane. Unlike many MMORPGs which have pre-defined realms warring with each other, in SB there are as many sides as players choose to form. Any player with sufficient resources may start a guild, found a city, recruit other players, and lead their kingdom to greatness. Advertorial info: fun games for girls (more…)

Wolfenstein Interview


Posted in Gamechangers

Recently, I had the chance to speak with Peter Sokal, Community Manager of id Software, about the pending latest chapter in the Castle Wolfenstein series. I want to thank Peter for answering our questions and Robert at Activision for arranging the interview.

Questions from Gareth Von Kallenbach
Skewed and Reviewed

1. What is the background and setting for the game?

In Wolfenstein, you play as B.J. Blazkowicz, an elite agent for the Office of Secret Actions (OSA).
The story in Wolfenstein takes place just after the events of Return to Castle Wolfenstein, and the Nazis are back. Upon investigating and researching the dark occult, they discover an energy source known as the Black Sun. To access the Black Sun, the Nazis must first find a way through a realm known as the Veil, which leaks energy from the Black Sun into our reality. They believe that they can utilize this energy to create weapons and improve their army. B.J. learns that the crystals used to take advantage of the Black Sun’s power are located in one city in the world, a fictional city in Germany called Isenstadt. B.J. is sent there to discover what the Nazis are up to, and try and put a stop to it. (more…)

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