ultima online

Raph Koster On Game Grammar and Creating Fun

8:00AM Maggie Greene | Gamasutra has a long (long) interview up with Raph Koster (lead designer of Ultima Online and founder of Areae). It’s long. But Koster touches on a ton of stuff – the shift in game design, the ultra-casual market like Habbo Hotel vs. WoW, this idea of ‘game grammar’, why patents are a necessary evil, and is ’single-player gaming dead’? – and it’s an interesting read. Even some interesting ideas on the us vs. them mentality present in the industry (or is it?): I love when you chided everyone [at GDC Austin]. I watched Sulka Haro [of Habbo Hotel] talk, and … I could feel this slightly electric vibe of tension between the MMO guys in the audience and Haro. I don’t want to overgeneralize, but… I got this “We don’t like you, and you don’t like us,” kind of feeling, because they feel like he’s doing something different. RK: Sulka has been coming to GDCs for years! He’s a guy who has been bridging the gap all along. Honestly, it’s more cases like… Nexon never comes out and talks, because they really do think that they’re just a different industry, as far as they’re concerned. I don’t want to ascribe motives — I don’t really know — but they just don’t do the talks! Because honestly, how relevant would many of the talks here this year be to them? Not very! I think it’s really, really, really important that people in any industry get out of their village and go anywhere else and check out what’s going on. Travel is broadening. It’s an enjoyable interview to read with some different ideas on a number of aspects of the industry. Defining Games: Raph Koster’s Game Grammar [Gamasutra] More »

10 Years Of Ultima Online

7:34AM Mike Fahey | Ten years ago yesterday the age of the MMO was ushered in with the release of Ultima Online. While not technically the first MMORPG, it was the first one that gained a widespread audience, paving the way for games like Everquest and World of Warcraft. In celebration of this anniversary, Electronic Arts is inviting players from the entirety of the game’s 10 years to return to the game for free from now until October 9th using their old username and password to experience the recent changes that came with the Kingdom Reborn makeover. The in-game celebration includes special events like a monster hunt where players can win prizes like maps of Britannia, an ahnk pendant, commemorative sculpture, or a virtue armour set. All players will also receive a wand of fireworks and 10 decor tokens, whatever those might be. Happy 10th Ultima Online! May you last another 10 years with the tiny player base you have left! More »

Ultima Online Is Reborn

1:20AM Mike Fahey | Nearly a full ten years since the original game was launched in September of 1997, Ultima Online reborn as Ultima Online: Kingdom Reborn launches in North America. Much lumber will be gathered this day in celebration of the massive graphical overhaul the game has undergone to keep up with UO’s tendency to look 5-7 years old at any given time. On top of the graphics, the game has received an enhanced UI, and an updated new character experience to help ease players into the world. The update is completely free for all, with new players able to try the game for 14 days to see what they’ve been missing these past ten years. Part of me is tempted to give the game a try, but the other part of me that has gone back to try to find enjoyment in the game multiple times over the past decade took that part out to the woods behind my apartment and beat the shit out of it. For those not as conflicted, hit the jump for download locations. More »