MMOJunkies

SWTOR: Republic Trooper Dev Video

Posted by flipper May 29, 2009

Bioware team has announced new Star Wars: The Old Republic video developer diary focusing on the Republic Trooper.

From massive blaster rifles to state-of-the-art armor, creating the Republic Trooper took hard work and dedication from The Old Republic team. In the latest Developer Dispatch, we recount the making of this heroic defender of the Republic; from design to story, concept, and animation.

You can watch video here.

38Studios acquired Big Huge Games

Posted by flipper May 28, 2009

38 Studios has announced its acquisition of Big Huge Games. Read out the announcement below:

38 STUDIOS ACQUIRES BIG HUGE GAMES

Leading RPG Studio Accelerates 38 Studios' Online Entertainment Experience

Maynard, MA, May 27, 2009 - 38 Studios (www.38studios.com), an entertainment and original IP creation company, today announced the acquisition of Big Huge Games (BHG) from publisher THQ Inc. The acquisition is a critical step in 38 Studios' strategy to deliver a broad range of entertainment products centered on its original fantasy IP, codenamed Copernicus. The purchase of Big Huge Games includes all of the company's proprietary IP, tools, technology, assets, and works-in-progress. Specific financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Big Huge Games was founded in 2000 by veteran game developers Brian Reynolds, Jason Coleman, Dave Inscore, and Tim Train. Award-winning lead designer Ken Rolston, a 25-year role-playing game designer and co-creator of Oblivion and Morrowind, is another vital and dynamic component in BHG's success. Big Huge Games has developed top-selling games including Rise of Nationsâ, and was built with the same talent that created Alpha Centauri, and Civilization II. Big Huge Games is currently developing an unnamed RPG title for the Xbox 360 video game and entertainment system, PLAYSTATION 3 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC.

"The acquisition of Big Huge Games will be tremendously beneficial to the growth, market position, financial stability, and long-term success of 38 Studios," said Brett Close, CEO and President, 38 Studios. "BHG's cross-platform RTS/RPG engine will accelerate the realization of our Online Entertainment ExperienceÔ for the Copernicus IP. The acquisition enables us to develop and deliver top-quality games in multiple genres that are based in a shared world, ultimately maximizing the value of our Copernicus MMOG and the intellectual property as a whole."

"Big Huge Games and 38 Studios share a common vision - to deliver the most engaging, compelling, original experiences possible," said Tim Train, CEO of Big Huge Games. "Joining the 38 Studios family allows us to continue translating our passions into great games."

"It's always about team," said 38 Studios Founder and Chairman Curt Schilling. "The highly regarded developers at BHG, including leading role-playing and real-time strategy design teams led by Ken Rolston, are a perfect complement to 38 Studios' staggering array of talent. Big Huge Games is a phenomenal team and, culturally, a natural fit."

The Big Huge Games team will be integrated into 38 Studios but will remain based in Timonium, Maryland.

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World Of Warcraft Druids Getting A Makeover

Posted by flipper May 26, 2009

At last Blizzard decided to fix the main problem of World of Warcraft for the past several years: ugly druids. In the next major content patch, druids will find a host of new textures for two major forms, cat and bear. There will be five different designs for each of these forms for the Horde and Alliance. Night elves can choose to change their cat and bear look at any time by visiting the barber shop and changing their character's hair color, while tauren will be able to change which look they use by switching skin tones in the barber shop -- a new feature for tauren in the next major content patch. Given that there are more hair colors and skin tones than unique form looks, some colors and tones will overlap with these new textures. The hair and skin colors chosen will, in most cases, correspond with the color seen in the look of each form. Some similar colors that may share a particular cat texture will not necessarily share the same bear texture.

Gatheryn Accepting Closed Beta Applications

Posted by flipper May 25, 2009

MindFuse Games announced that they are accepting closed beta applications for MMORPG Gatheryn. You can sign up for your full account, including full access to our new website features here.

Gatheryn – is steampunk-themed casual MMO. Game is set in the islands Elymian. The game is literally soaked with the spirit of steam-punk. Players will unravel the puzzles, explore the world and of course - communicate with each other.

WoW: Echoes of War: Standard Edition Re-release

Posted by flipper May 25, 2009

Blizzard loves money! The can make money from everything. Few days ago they have announced a new re-issue of the 2-disc standard edition Echoes of War: The Music of Blizzard Entertainment. The album features 15 unique arrangements, with several pieces coming from the yet-to-be-released StarCraft II and Diablo III. Ninety minutes of music are featured in all, with bonus tracks arranged by special guests including the critically-acclaimed composer Kow Otani.

The new standard edition package, showcasing a redesigned cover art piece, will be available in retail outlets on June 16 for $24.95, but players can pre-order it for $19.95 plus shipping. The Legendary Edition is also available for $49.95, and comes with a bonus documentary DVD, nine art cards, and a bonus 32-page booklet. Visit the official Echoes of War website to hear samples, learn more, and order your copy today.

European version of Dragonica will Jump to OB on 10th June

Posted by flipper May 25, 2009

Today Gala Networks has announced, that open european beta for MMORPG Dragonica  will start on 10th of June.

Closed Beta Test draws to its conclusion today as players wrap up the ten day preview in the world of Dragotaka. The free arcade-style 3D side scrolling MMORPG won't be offline for long though, and the gPotato Europe team is proud to announce that Dragonica enters Open Beta Testing across Europe on Wednesday 10th June. The free arcade-style 3D side scrolling MMORPG won't be offline for long though, and the gPotato Europe team is proud to announce that Dragonica enters Open Beta Testing across Europe on Wednesday 10th June.

A number of features have been held in reserve during the Closed Beta, and we are happy to announce the brand new features that will be available to players when servers reopen. Players who have explored the continent of Elyades in May will have a brand new continent called Melanathos to explore, filled with a ton of new locations, enemies, weapons and bosses.

2029 Online alpha-test has begun

Posted by flipper May 25, 2009

IGG has announced that new sci-fi MMORPG 2029 Online has entered the alpha Beta stage. Text of press-release is presented below.

2029 Online: A New Alpha Test Schedule Confirmed

It’s been a long time coming, but the day is almost here! The 2029 Online (http://2029.igg.com) Alpha release date has been set and were ready to rock! We’ve been eagerly waiting for 2029 to be released into Alpha testing so our players can see the lush post-apocalyptic world they’ll soon be fighting for. Mark your calendars for May 24th at 10:00 pm EDT (GMT-4) and be ready to download the official client. Testers can enter the game using their Alpha accounts.

Alpha testers should take note that all character data will be wiped out after the test, so don't get too attached to your characters. However, all our hard working testers will receive a special elite weapon worth $50 during the Closed Beta that should more than make up for it.

The 2029 Online Alpha test will begin at 10:00 pm May 24th EDT (GMT-4). We are proud to give our dedicated players the opportunity to be the first to see this unique, action packed game. Testers can enter the game during the Alpha phase with their activated Alpha accounts. To get off to a good start, check out the following Notes.

Call of the Crusade - new patch for World of Warcraft

Posted by flipper May 24, 2009

Blizzard has announced new huge patch for MMORPG World of Warcraft, which is called Call of the Crusade. Upcoming major update will bring: