On top of the PS3 beta preorder players not getting into the PS3 beta on November 30 as assured (due start date for the PS3 beta: “soon”), those players learned today that Playstation Network Plus subscribers will also be given PS3 beta access when it launches. This will happen probably before Christmas if such an … Continue reading
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DC Universe Online (Now That The NDA Has Gone)
The DC Universe Online NDA has been dropped (somewhat surprisingly, since there still isn’t an official launch date) so below are my opinions based on the preorder beta. Conclusion: – If the idea of teaming up with Superman gives you a nerdgasm, DCUO may be your title. – Leveling is very quick and it is … Continue reading
DCUO PS3 Beta: A Masterclass of Marketing Mismanagement
Following on from my previous post, it turns out an Sony Online Entertainment guarantee is not a guarantee at all. The DC Universe Online PS3 beta didn’t launch on November 30 – it is still coming “soon” – and numerous PS3 players were left wondering what was going on until a very late-in-the-day Facebook post … Continue reading
DCUO: So, Is A Guarantee Actually A Guarantee?
When Sony Online Entertainment (SOE) delayed DC Universe Online (DCUO) at the start of November, they threw out some bait to potential players: pre-order by November 15 and you were “guaranteed” beta access by November 30. Guarantee is a strong word to use in this context. For PC players, the potential to meet this guarantee … Continue reading
Five Reasons Why SWOR Is A High Risk MMO: #3 The Subscription Fee Model Is Falling From Grace
Star Wars: The Old Republic is a high risk title because it is being developed for some good and bad reasons, and will cost too much… and because its core way of collecting revenue is currently on the downhill slide. Although BioWare has been coy about its revenue model, EA management is talking subscription fees. … Continue reading
Battle Royale: CoH/V vs ChampO vs DCUO vs SHSO vs Marvel MMO
Back in 2008 (sheeh, that long ago?) I wrote a piece on City of Heroes / Villains versus Champions Online versus DC Universe Online. It’s time for a review of how these direct competitors are travelling, plus the new challengers in this space. City of Heroes / Villains (Paragon Studios / NCsoft) The self-proclaimed “world’s … Continue reading
DCUO Beta: No Guarantees for Europe
DCUO’s big current push is their just launched beta and the offer that all those who preorder the title by November 15 are guaranteed beta access by November 30. Tying beta access to the preorder strikes me as a cynical way of pumping up preorder numbers, which can in turn be used promote how popular … Continue reading
DCUO Delayed Until Q1 2011; Please Pre-order It Anyway
In an announcement that surprised me so much I remained sitting in my chair, DC Universe Online has been delayed until Q1 2011. There was an indication that things weren’t going swimming given the lack of marketing build-up before launch, but now the November launch is off and has been replaced by a November public … Continue reading
The Brave, Brave Marketing Decisions of DCUO
A defining aspect of the superhero genre is bravery. The hero stands often outnumbered and outgunned, but is driven to do things to create a finer world. Regardless of what powers they have, the hero has bravery as a shield against doubt and as something that drives them forward. Inspired by this theme, Sony Online … Continue reading
DCUO: All Quiet On The Beta Front
DC Universe Online is set for a November 2 2010 launch date – exactly two months from today. Although you’ve been able to pre-order the game for a few weeks now, there is still no announcement of when any kind of public beta will be starting. Although it is concerning that some kind of public … Continue reading
World Class Villains 