dc-universe-online posts

GDC10: Massively's day 4 roundup

by Jef Reahard Mar 13th 2010 at 10:00AM

Filed under: Fantasy, Sci-fi, Screenshots, Video, Aion, Dungeons and Dragons Online, Events, real-world, Interviews, MMO industry, New titles, News items, Free-to-play, Browser, Hands-on, Casual, Champions Online, DC Universe Online, Black Prophecy, Vindictus

Day four of the Game Developer's Conference is in the books, and was one for the books as well. Massively managed to score a number of interviews, hands-on features, and we even got our mug in front of the cameras at one point during all the craziness. As you're aware by now, there is still much more to come from our trip to San Francisco, so take this opportunity to catch up on any stories you may have missed.

Be sure to check back tomorrow for our final day coverage as well as a wrap up of all our favorites from the show.

Tags: aion, black-prophecy, champions-online, cryptic, cryptic-studios, dc-universe-online, dcuo, ddo, dungeons-and-dragons-online, event-coverage, gdc-2010, monty-sharma, ncsoft, nexon, reakktor, roundup, soe, sony-online-entertainment, vindictus, vivox

GDC10: Massively's interview with DC Universe Online

by Rubi Bayer Mar 12th 2010 at 10:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, DC Universe Online

GDC continues in San Francisco this week, and today we were fortunate enough to get some time with Michael Daubert, the Studio Art Director for Sony Online Entertainment. We chatted about upcoming MMO DC Universe Online, and Daubert had some pretty interesting things to say about the game. Follow along after the jump to see what's in store for DC Universe Online.

Tags: dc-universe-online, dcuo, featured, gdc-2010, interview, SOE, sony-online-entertainment

GDC10: DCUO debuting Mass Animation contest preview trailer

by Kyle Horner Mar 8th 2010 at 5:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Contests, Events, real-world, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Question: What happens when SOE holds a worldwide contest wherein they provide a special edition of Autodesk Maya 3D -- accessed through the Mass Animation application on the DC Universe Online Facebook fan page -- replete with every asset required to animate in-game characters, then ask the community to submit their best efforts for the chance to see their work in a trailer for the game as well as win glorious prizes?

Answer: SOE announces that submissions came in from over 28 countries and that half the winning submissions were from participants beyond the United States. Considering that most contests are limited to the US (and sometimes Canada) this is a refreshing change of pace. Also, we're guessing that several "dudes" sent in animations specifically designed for Power Girl. The actual identities of the winners is still unknown, but we're guessing SOE is saving that news for GDC10 proper in order to maintain some extra suspense.

Tags: animation, autodesk-maya-3d, contest, dc-universe-online, dcuo, game-developers-conference, gdc, gdc-2010, mass-animation, maya, maya-3d, prizes, soe, sony-online-entertainment

SOE announces dates for Fan Faire 2010

by Krystalle Voecks Mar 4th 2010 at 5:30PM

Filed under: EverQuest, EverQuest II, PlanetSide, Events, real-world, The Agency, News items, Star Wars Galaxies, Vanguard, Everquest Online Adventures, Free Realms, DC Universe Online, PoxNora

For fans of Sony Online Entertainment's stable of MMO titles, the time has come once again to start making plans for Fan Faire. It looks like we'll all be heading back to Bally's Hotel in Las Vegas from August 5-8 for a weekend chock-full of all manner of crazy gaming fun with MMO friends.

This year, they're offering everything from day passes at $35 on up to a Platinum badge which -- for $135 -- will net you access to all events, plus an additional in-game item, a special swag bag boasting more than just regular Fan Faire goodies, access to a VIP lounge, and even private VIP events. Add to that the room discounts starting at $65 a night for a swanky hotel right on the main Vegas strip, and this could well be a great vacation that just happens to include the awesome fun of this year's SOE Fan Faire.

For now, there's no details on the schedule of events, but we wouldn't be surprised to see Alan "Brenlo" Crosby wedging people into t-shirts three sizes too small, as well as an appearance by of one of our favorite Dwarves. If previous years are any indication, this is a should-not-miss event for any serious SOE fan.

Tags: breaking, dc-universe-online, dcuo, eq, eq2, eqii, eqoa, everquest, everquest-2, everquest-ii, everquest-online-adventures, fan-faire, fan-faire-2010, las-vegas, ps, soe, sony-online-entertainment, the-agency, vanguard, vegas, vg

Live from Earth-Two: DC Universe Online introduces Power Girl

by Rubi Bayer Feb 27th 2010 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Galleries, Screenshots, News items, DC Universe Online

The trickle of information coming from Sony Online Entertainment about DC Universe Online can't be described as a flood quite yet, but it's certainly increasing -- particularly with the addition of the video Q & A sessions and the upcoming weekly comic.

DC Universe Online is still rolling out the cast members along with all the new information, with the latest addition being Kara Starr, also known as Power Girl. This young protégé of Superman is from Earth-Two, in a parallel universe that gives her the standard allotment of Kryptonian powers under a yellow sun. She's got flight and invulnerability as well as super-strength, super-speed, super-flight, and super-...well, assets. So maybe she's not exactly like Superman.

Sony Online Entertainment released the standard concept art as well as several action screenshots, so take a look at the gallery below for a first view of Power Girl.

Gallery: DCUO: Power Girl

Tags: concept-art, dc-universe-online, dcuo, kara-starr, power-girl, screenshots, SOE, sony-online-entertainment

DCUO releases second Q&A video

by Rubi Bayer Feb 25th 2010 at 8:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, News items, DC Universe Online

This week, DC Universe Online introduces new cast member...no, wait. It's not another one of those, this is a second round of answers to fan questions via a new Facebook video.

Game Director Chris Cao and Creative Director Jens Andersen answered lots of questions from people named Matt, and while the specifics covered a lot of ground, the general theme stayed in the general subject of battle. (No you can not punch a tidal wave, yes you can wield something besides your fists.)

The last video Q&A session came around this time in January, so hopefully we'll see more in March. The guys reminded fans again to keep the questions coming as it has the added benefit of guiding the development team in learning what players are hoping to get from DCUO. Take a look at the video here, and we'll watch for a third video Q&A in the future!

Tags: chris-cao, dc-universe-online, dcuo, facebook, jens-andersen, SOE, sony-online-entertainment

Zatanna Zatara joins DC Universe Online cast

by Rubi Bayer Jan 29th 2010 at 10:30AM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

They've taken some time to answer fan questions and announce their upcoming weekly comic, and now the DC Universe Online team has returned to rolling out cast members for their upcoming MMO.

The latest addition to the cast is Zatanna Zatara, the Justice League of America's tuxedo-jacketed magician. Zatanna is descended from a long line of magicians, and her inherited talents make her one of the world's most powerful magic users. She's wary of abusing her nearly limitless powers, and you'll find her restricting herself to defensive and non-lethal spells.

Like any traditional MMO caster class, Zatanna is a formidable foe and a very weak one at the same time. Her incantations rely entirely on the (backward) spoken word, so she can be shut down simply by rendering her unable to speak: even a plain cloth gag does the trick. Getting close enough to get a gag on her is another matter entirely -- good luck.

Follow along in the gallery for a closer look at Zatanna.

Gallery: DC Universe Online: Zatanna Zatara

Tags: dc-universe-online, dcuo, jla, justice-league-of-america, SOE, sony-online-entertainment, zatanna, zatanna-zatara

Fan questions answered in DCUO Q&A video

by Kyle Horner Jan 23rd 2010 at 12:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Video, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

SOE Austin recently put up a call for DC Universe Online fans to ask questions via Facebook for a video Q&A. Well, the team's answers are now live over at the social networking site and we think you'll be pleased with the results.

New information has been fairly sparse for the last few months, which makes this video feel like a sudden spring shower after a long dry winter. The questions run the gamut from weapons and equipment to PvP and how the game's tech and design goes the distance to make players feel like a DC style superhero. And don't worry if you missed out on submitting a question or if yours wasn't answered this go around, because the devs are very careful to say more of these are scheduled for the (hopefully near) future.

[Thanks, Max!]

Tags: dc-universe-online, dcuo, developer-interview, facebook, interview, pvp, Q-and-A, soe, soe-austin, sony-online-entertainment, video

DC Universe Online adds weekly comic

by Rubi Bayer Jan 17th 2010 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment has something new for fans waiting on DC Universe Online. No, it's not another NPC reveal. DC Comics will be adding a weekly series to its lineup later this year -- DC Universe: Legends. The series will be based on DC Universe Online, and while the initial reaction from fans might be disappointment that we aren't getting new information about the game, a closer look at the comic series reveals that may be exactly what we are getting. IGN.com spoke with Executive Editor Dan DiDio for more information on Legends.

DiDio shared some information about the comic, hinting that it will serve as a guide to the DCUO universe as creation of the game progresses: "...we're going to set up the conceit of the universe, how it works and what the rules are. We'll also be trying to work gaming tips and secrets into the body of the book as we move along in the series. You'll see a lot of support material including turnarounds and designs that went into the actual building of the game."

The interview in its entirety can be read at IGN.com, and contains a fair amount of information (and a few more interesting hints) for anyone interested in the upcoming DCUO.

Tags: dan-didio, dc-universe-legends, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dcuo-comic, IGN.com, SOE, sony-online-entertainment

Mr. Freeze joins DC Universe Online cast

by Rubi Bayer Dec 22nd 2009 at 9:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

We've been hearing more from Sony Online Entertainment this year about the upcoming MMO DC Universe Online, and while news of a beta or even an alpha would thrill us, we're more than happy with what we've been receiving this fall. The folks at Sony Online Entertainment have been treating us to a parade of new characters as the months progressed, and they're getting the fans in on the creation process with an animation contest.

SOE has made another addition to the cast of DC Universe Online, and it's not a huge surprise given the time of year: Mr. Freeze. Mr. Freeze, otherwise known as the conveniently-named Victor Fries, is a cryogenicist who suffered an accident in his quest to save his wife Nora from a fatal illness. As a result he must now be encased in his supercooled suit whenever the outside temperature is above sub-zero.

Check out the official site for current information on all the characters.

Tags: dc-universe-online, dcuo, mr-freeze, SOE, sony-online-entertainment

DC Universe Online launches animation contest

by Rubi Bayer Dec 7th 2009 at 3:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Trailers, Video, Contests, New titles, DC Universe Online

DC Universe Online is offering fans a chance to show off their animation skills in their DCUO Animation Contest.

You can choose to create either an animated cinematic trailer or in-game emotes, and the prizes for each category are well worth your time to enter: "Our director will determine which animators shots will be included in the final trailer. There will be approximately 60 final shots in the trailer. The creator of each animated shot chosen by the director to be included in the final trailer will be awarded $500, the inclusion of the animator's shot in the final trailer, a credit in the trailer and a copy of the DC Universe Online game when it ships in accordance with the Official Rules."

The rules for the in-game emote category are similar, except that there will be approximately 42 final shots and the cash prize is $150. DCUO provides a how-to video and the software to create your animations. The competition begins today, and all of the rules, entry information and tools can be found here. Good luck!

Tags: animation-contest, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dcuo-animation-contest, emotes, soe, sony-online-entertainment, trailer

Nightwing leaps into DC Universe Online

by Kyle Horner Nov 24th 2009 at 4:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, New titles, News items, DC Universe Online

Sony Online Entertainment's newest character reveal for DC Universe Online happens to be the ex-boy wonder himself, Nightwing. No longer the young man fighting at the dark knight's side, Dick Grayson is capable of some incredible feats of athleticism, some even more impressive than Batman's repertoire. He's also known to fight alongside the Teen Titans, and it's nice to see them standing with him in these new screens. All-in-all there are nine screens for you to check out.

There's a long list of heroes and villains from the DC universe to reveal, giving us cause to question whether we'll ever see an end to these announcements. It's not that we're uninterested in seeing the in-game counterparts of these classic characters -- we're simply ready to see more of the actual game itself. Chris Cao did recently answer some fan questions, which was a great start. Here's hoping 2010 plays host to all sorts of awesome DC Universe Online information.

Gallery: DC Universe Online Screenshots

Tags: batman, chris-cao, dark-knight, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dick-grayson, nightwing, soe, sony-online-entertainment

Bill Roper on Champions Online's launch, current state and future

by Kyle Horner Nov 20th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Interviews, New titles, News items, Champions Online

In a recent interview with Boomtown, Bill Roper spoke his mind on everything from Hellgate: London hate to Champions Online's launch and future. In fact, the man spoke quite candidly on all topics, particularly that of Cryptic's missteps with their second superhero MMO as well as their successes.

Of particular note, there's a mention of how Champions Online will handle DC Universe Online's 2010 launch given that the superhero MMO market hasn't really expanded of late. Curiously, Roper says he feels that the Xbox 360 version will help to vastly expand Champions' user base. There's a chance Cryptic could be pushing to get into the console market by or before SOE releases their superhero MMO. Although given the headaches Cryptic has expressed at getting an MMO on Microsoft's console, we get the feeling much of the developer's focus is presently on Star Trek Online and continued live game support.

Tags: atari, bill-roper, champions-online, cryptic, cryptic-studios, dc-universe-online, dcuo, soe, sony, sony-online-entertainment, star-trek-online, sto

DC Universe Online creative director answers questions from the fans

by James Egan Oct 27th 2009 at 11:00AM

Filed under: Super-hero, Interviews, New titles, DC Universe Online

One of the upcoming SOE titles we're hoping to hear more about is DC Universe Online -- the superhero MMO that will build on the DC Comics legacy. DC Universe Online's Creative Director Chris Cao recently did a video interview with DCUO Source that explains how the devs have approached the game's design.

Cao fielded a number of questions posed to him by the fansite's readers -- How will player feedback impact the game's development? Will there be voicework in DCUO from the actors who've voiced characters in the various DC animated series and video games (specifically, Kevin Conroy)? How will DCUO handle secret identities? All good questions. For the answers, check out the video interview with Chris Cao at DCUO Source.

[Via MMORPG.com]

Tags: chris-cao, dc-comics, dc-universe-online, dcuo, dcuo-source, fansites, kevin-conroy, new-titles, soe, sony-online-entertainment, super-hero, superheroes

DC Universe Online takes us to Bizarro World

by Rubi Bayer Oct 25th 2009 at 6:00PM

Filed under: Super-hero, Screenshots, News items

Sony Online Entertainment revealed a brand new addition to DC Universe Online Friday: Bizarro. Even if you're not already familiar with the character, you can pretty much assume that anything with a name like that is going to be probably evil and definitely awesome. So who is this guy? DCUO provides a brief backstory for anyone living in a cave, and for the sake of moving on and getting to the good part, we'll go with that: "In hopes of having a Superman of his very own, Lex Luthor called upon his top scientist Dr. Teng to scan and replicate the hero's genetic structure. Due to complications in the construction of the carbon copy, their results gave birth to a monstrous menace, Bizarro."

Bizarro's the polar opposite of Superman. Where Superman has heat vision and freeze breath, Bizarro has freeze vision and flame breath. Best of all (or worst of all, depending on your outlook) Kryptonite gives Bizarro strength. Following this train of logic, it seems like Bizarro would also be really slow, but that's no fun.

Gallery: Bizarro Gallery