Yearly Archives: 2014

Microsoft Buying Minecraft Maker Mojang

Minecraft

Microsoft Corp. today announced it has reached an agreement to acquire Mojang, the celebrated Stockholm-based game developer, and the company’s iconic “Minecraft” franchise.

The Mojang team will join Microsoft Studios, which includes the studios behind global blockbuster franchises “Halo,” “Forza,” “Fable” and more. Microsoft’s investments in cloud and mobile technologies will enable “Minecraft” players to benefit from richer and faster worlds, more powerful development tools, and more opportunities to connect across the “Minecraft” community.

Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire Mojang for $2.5 billion. Microsoft expects the acquisition to be break-even in FY15 on a GAAP basis. Subject to customary closing conditions and any regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close in late 2014.

Available across multiple platforms, “Minecraft” is one of the most popular video games in history, with more than 100 million downloads, on PC alone, by players since its launch in 2009. “Minecraft” is one of the top PC games of all time, the most popular online game on Xbox, and the top paid app for iOS and Android in the US. The “Minecraft” community is among the most active and passionate in the industry, with more than 2 billion hours played on Xbox 360 alone in the past two years. Minecraft fans are loyal, with nearly 90 percent of paid customers on the PC having signed in within the past 12 months.

“Gaming is a top activity spanning devices, from PCs and consoles to tablets and mobile, with billions of hours spent each year,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “Minecraft is more than a great game franchise – it is an open world platform, driven by a vibrant community we care deeply about, and rich with new opportunities for that community and for Microsoft.”

“The ‘Minecraft’ players have taken the game and turned it into something that surpassed all of our expectations. The acquisition by Microsoft brings a new chapter to the incredible story of ‘Minecraft,’” said Carl Manneh, CEO, Mojang. “As the founders move on to start new projects, we believe the high level of creativity from the community will continue the game’s success far into the future.”

Microsoft plans to continue to make “Minecraft” available across all the platforms on which it is available today: PC, iOS, Android, Xbox and PlayStation.

“‘Minecraft’ is one of the most popular franchises of all time,” said Phil Spencer, head of Xbox. “We are going to maintain ‘Minecraft’ and its community in all the ways people love today, with a commitment to nurture and grow it long into the future.”

More details will be available upon the acquisition closing.

Age of Wushu Announcing: Winds of Destiny

Age of Wushu Winds of Destiny

“Winds of Destiny”, the sixth free expansion of Age of Wushu is set to release this October. This major content update will feature the long-awaited Companion System, mysterious scene “Delightful Island”, all-new instance “Silver Hook” and loads of advanced gameplay. Here is a list of what to expect in Winds of Destiny:

  • Companion system – new version of Offline experience where players can become companions and help their friends when offline!
  • Delightful Island – Silver Hook – all new mysterious zone with cool features, including the new forbidden instance “the Silver Hook”
  • Flower Prince Contest – special contest for the most fabulous men of Jianghu, earn special titles and gear as the Prince of Flowers!
  • The Path of the Departed – Experience a new adventure with an all new mountainous zone and special feuding clans game play.

 Age of Wushu team will be updating information on each feature later on.

Albion Online: Summer Alpha Launched

The time has come: Berlin-based developer Sandbox Interactive today launched the next closed alpha of their cross-platform Sandbox MMORPG Albion Online. As of now, adventurers can explore the medieval fantasy world, gather and trade resources, forge weapons and demonstrate their strategic abilities in dynamic PvP battles.

 

Those interested in the game who have not made it into the closed alpha can follow the start of the test on YouTube and Twitch instead. Throughout the alpha phase there will be a special event during which many live streamers and YouTubers will report live from the game and share videos of their gaming sessions. Among other channels, Sandbox Interactive recommends taking a look at Force Strategy Gaming and Ellohime.

Albion Online Alpha Team

 

During these streams, the developers will answers players’ questions and also give away some alpha keys. Anyone who is interested in participating in the closed alpha and in following test phases can secure their access with one of Albion Online’s founder packs. All information can be seen at http://albiononline.com/founders/#content.

Wakfu Free to Play Launch Coming September 18

Wakfu-Steam

Wakfu’s free-to-play version has been in beta testing on Steam, and is soon preparing for its final official launch on September 18.

Although previous plans were to shut down the servers on the 16 in preparation for the launch, Ankama has now confirmed they will keep the servers online, letting beta testers play even longer before the game becomes available to the public.

Closed beta testers’ progress will carry over to the official launch later this week, and will not be wiped.

Not in the beta yet? Make sure to grab a key and get an early start!

Chaos Heroes Online Closed Beta Begins Today

Chaos Heroes Online Beta Wave 1

Chaos Heroes Online, the action-packed multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) from Aeria Games, is beginning its Closed Beta phase today. Players ready to step up to the challenge can sign up now at ChaosHeroes-Online.com. To coincide with the start of Closed Beta, exclusive free skins are now available as limited editions to beta participants.

“We are really excited to start the Closed Beta and let players try out the game for themselves,” said Pascal Zuta, CEO of Aeria Games. “We are confident that the challenging gameplay and map mechanics will resonate with MOBA players looking for new tactics and strategies.”

Chaos Heroes Online - free Closed Beta skins

 Players who sign up during the Closed Beta phase will receive exclusive skins for two popular Heroes in the game: MK-II Hadan, a cyborg version of the Undead Tank Hadan character (Immortal Legion faction), and Forest Dancer Silk, a gorgeous alternative to Lotus Mage Silk (Divine Union faction).

Participants who want the opportunity to play with additional Heroes and customize them with skins can become founders and acquire Founder’s Packs, available in gold, platinum and diamond editions. These editions include up to 20 Heroes – each with an extra skin – and up to 6 beta keys to share.

Lies of Astaroth

Lies of Astaroth is a hybrid CCG MMO Card-collecting game by Loa Webgame. Players can collect cards and assemble teams to take out enemies, hunt for treasure, and compete with others. The setting of Lies of Astaroth is fantasy, with a twist of mystery and intrigue.

Features:

Pleasing visuals: With over 600 fully illustrated cards, Lies of Astaroth’s visuals are incredibly pleasing compared to other digital CCGs.

MMORPG features: Enjoy various character classes, runes and skills and more.

Strong community: Lies of Astaroth’s online community allows the user to put his deck to the test against other players around the world. Find out where you rank on a global scale!

Multi-platform: – Enjoy the game on mobile platforms and in your web browser.