As the gaming industry continues to evolve, one interesting sector that is always on my mind is browser-based gaming. When you consider how many people boot up, log on, and zone out pretty much every day, it’s amazing to think of the possibilities afforded to those making games that don’t require their users to be tied to a specific console or even platform. Obviously, a lot of the games in this genre are rather casual at the moment, but as new tech and new ideas begin to surface, companies are coming out of the woodwork to develop and support browser-based games that actually have, hold your breath, DEPTH! One such game to serve as an example is The Legend of Katha, a new browser-based multiplayer RPG that looks to blend tactical thinking with a unique art style and a compelling story inspired by Indian Mythology. We recently had the chance to catch up with Arjun Gupte, the Vice President over at Amar Chitra Katha Pvt Ltd, the company behind the game. Arjun runs the creative and leads the team in Bangalore working on the game, so who better to answer some questions about what The Legend Katha’s goals and the state of browser-based gaming.
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Interviews
When Microsoft’s Xbox 360 Product Management Director Aaron Greenberg talks, people tend to listen. Why? Mostly because he’s never afraid to speak his mind, talk a little trash (you know what we’re talking about Kaz Hirai), and deliver clues into what gamers can expect from the future of the Xbox brand. Well, that trend continues as we recently had the chance to catch up with Aaron to discuss the topics gamers want to know about the most; OnLive, the future of digital distribution, XBLA Community Games, MMOs on the 360, exactly when he expects a PS3 price cut, and a whole lot more.
We know, that’s a lot of ground to cover…Good thing Aaron likes to chat;)
We recently got the chance to catch up with Bill Roper, Design Director over at Cryptic and main man behind the upcoming MMO Champions Online. In our interview, we reveal new details about the game, it’s development, what makes it unique, and what Bill brings to the table for the highly-anticipated MMO. Oh, and we also drop a few exclusive images you’ll wanna check out as well.
Star Trek Online is going to be a big deal…with such a huge universe to pull from and a literal legion of fans, the game has the potential to fulfill many a fantasy while providing a refined MMO experience few franchises can offer.
Well, we recently caught up with Cryptic’s Craig Zinkievich, Executive Producer on Star Trek Online, to find out all about the highly-anticipated title and deliver some exclusive new in-game images (which you can click to enlarge).
We recently got the chance to catch up with Jerry Holkins (better known as Tycho) from Penny Arcade. Aside from being hilarious, he knows his way around a console or three. Well, we decided to get the low down on what’s happening with PA and deliver as his thoughts on the topics that gamers care about the most. What did he have to say? Find out below in this edition of EpicBattleAxe’s Choice Cuts.
Killzone 2 isn’t just one of the biggest games of 2009, it has the potential to be one of the biggest games of this console generation. The pressure facing developer Guerrilla has been laid on thick ever since the infamous 2005 trailer which started a hype engine that hasn’t slowed down since. So, how did the team handle that pressure, what truly makes Killzone 2 an innovative FPS, and what exactly does the game mean for Sony in the grand scheme of the console war? We caught up with Hermen Hulst, Managing Director/Co-Founder, Guerrilla to find out all of that and more in this edition of EpicBattleAxe’s Choice Cuts.
The original Skate revolutionized skateboarding games with the flick of a stick, literally, featuring the most realistic and bold skating gameplay since Tony Hawk learned to manual. With Skate 2 in stores this week, and having spent hours with Skate 2 ourselves (see our full written To The Point review here), we tapped Black Box producer Chris “Cuz” Parry to join us for a special edition of Choice Cuts to gab about the new tricks and features, to grill him about our gripes, and talk about fascinating Skate minutia like setting dumpsters on stairs, girl-on-girl taser action and even excusive DLC details you won’t find anywhere else. Think you know everything about Skate 2? Take of bite of this Choice Cut and find out even more.
When it comes to creating epic, unique, and engaging gaming experiences, very few developers have the content portfolio like that offered up by the gang over at BioWare. In fact, one of the company’s core visions is to deliver the best story-driven games in the world and its roster of robust RPGs has earned BioWare one of the best reputations in the biz. 2005’s Jade Empire and 2007’s Mass Effect proved that BioWare isn’t afraid to take chances while now iconic titles like Baldur’s Gate and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic helped solidify the company as one of the industry’s best devs.
Now, with multiple studios, tons of experience, and several key titles in the works (Star Wars: The Old Republic is kind of a big deal…), Bioware looks to once again innovate within a genre while staying true to its story-driven roots with Dragon Age: Origins. But what makes DA: Origins unique? Well, we’ve heard of games with multiple endings, but this is one RPG that’s actually offering different beginnings. We at the ‘Axe recently got the chance to hit up the game’s Executive Producer and Project Director Dan Tudge to find out more about the Origin stories and how the spiritual successor to Baldur’s Gate hopes to deliver the biggest and most ambitious title yet for the company.
Over the years, Insomniac has grown into one of the biggest and most influential gamer developers in the industry. With huge franchises like Ratchet & Clank and Resistance, you don’t need us to tell you how relevant the studio really is. Heck, they’ve even been ranked inside the top 10 of Best Small Companies To Work For (not just gaming) in America 3 years in a row!!! Well, we recently got the opportunity to go one-on-one with Insomniac’s main man, Ted Price, for the latest installment of EpicBattleAxe’s Choice Cuts to reflect on Resistance 2, investigate what the future holds for Ratchet & Clank, and even get his thoughts on industry-wide topics like digital distribution. So then, grab your favorite mead and join us as we go inside Insomniac…
With the launch of Microsoft’s New Xbox Live Experience earlier this week, a new generation of game developers are being given the chance to shine in a spotlight previously reserved for big wig studios with big budget games. That all changes with the advent of the XBL Community Games channel, which will create an environment for aspiring game developers to share their work with the masses.
One of the first to utilize this newfound “YouTube” of gaming, is Nathan Fouts, a gaming industry veteran turned independent developer who is launching his own game studio (Mommy’s Best Games) with an innovative 2-D side scroller titled “Weapon of Choice.” The title, which combines old school action with an innovative art style, recently won 3rd place overall at Microsoft’s 2008 Dream, Build, Play challenge, beating out hundreds of entries and earning top honors amongst all US-developed games.
EpicBattleAxe recently got the chance to chat with Nathan about the studio, the game, and the state of independent development.
