E3 2009 Awards
Find out who gets the hardware for Game of the Show and what other games took home honors in our 2009 MMORPG.com E3 Awards.
Awards By Dana Massey on June 24, 2009
Editor’s Choice: Global Agenda (Hi-Rez Studios)
(Our Preview / Our Video Interview)
Global Agenda was easily the most fun on the floor at E3 2009.
It absorbed us from the get-go in a way no other game at E3 did, and really deserves the honor. They didn’t play it on a screen for us to watch, they didn’t stand over our shoulders and coax us around the rough patches. They sat us in chairs, said have fun, and that’s exactly what we did.
;)
Forget their marketing hype as a spy-MMO, this is an MMOFPS that isn’t content to just translate FPS gameplay into an MMO environment, but actually fundamentally expands and improves core FPS dynamics.
Hi-Rez Studios accomplished this in two ways, one revolutionary and one evolutionary.
Jet Packs are something that’s been done before in FPS games. Tribes, for example, gained a cult following that lasts to this day. In Global Agenda, everyone has a jet pack, but wisely, the developers have decided to forbid firing thrusters and guns simultaneously. Many people didn’t like the fact that a single gun fight in Tribes could span miles of surface. This change has made jet packs more strategic and created very tight levels full of natural conflict points. The levels themselves, while often narrow, expand vertically, which really keeps people on the lookout and some interesting combat scenarios.
Their revolution is in the first really good integration of melee combat into an FPS. Players have guns and rocket launchers, but they also have things like electronic power axes. These not only look cool, but they’re also very deadly thanks to the top notch level design. A well timed run and jet pack burst can toss a tank into the middle of a pack of enemies who stand no chance as the axeman cuts them down one by one.
Many naysayers will say that this isn’t an MMO, but Hi-Rez has definitely put a lot of effort into progression, persistence and common areas. Yes, there are no hot bars, but characters still gain new skills and abilities over time that can be useful as they head into combat. There are large common areas, or towns for people to explore and socialize in and there are also PvE missions that fall somewhere between a typical FPS mission and an MMO dungeon crawl.
;)
The combat itself is highly instanced, but this is in many ways a strength of the game. Planetside had epic, open world PvP and it may be the single biggest reason that no one has made a truly AAA MMOFPS since. Instancing allows for predictable numbers, which lets Hi-Rez craft really solid and fun levels for people to blow each other up in. That just isn’t possible in a truly open world.
Hi-Rez Studios may be an upstart, but they’ve taken full advantage of the Unreal 3 Engine to create a beautiful visual look. The characters are stunning and move organically through the world and the facial customization is on par with any mainstream game out there.
Sure, Global Agenda likely won’t take down World of Warcraft and no one would wager on it selling more boxes than Star Wars, but quite simply, it was the most polished, complete and absolutely fun experience at E3 and that earned it Game of the Show.
/sigh
While they all look like really interesting games, none of them are done in a style I'm overly fond of.
Heh, I have a similar feeling.
If they were all single player games, I'd buy them in a heartbeat.
As it is, I know I'll *have* to try Bioware's SW:TOR, and maybe APB (if the PvP is balanced in numbers, I enjoy it, but gank and spank style PvP is too juvenile to interest me). DC Universe? Meh, I was never a comic book fan (though I enjoyed CoH for a while).
Global Agency sounds too much like Fury with blasters however. As a single/multiplayer game, it might be worth 40 bucks, but as an MMO where I have to pay monthly? Not so sure...
Was there not an article you guys did like a month ago about games of the year and where they are.
Didn't you state in that article that you guys never pick games that are successful?
I wonder if this is a sign of what will become of these games....
Of course I could be mistaken.
Well...lol...I guess it's a good thing that I have no interest in playing any of the titles they chose, I suppose.
'gratz to GLOBAL AGENDA !
I've been waiting forever to get my FPS fix AND my MMO fix in one tasty package. Looks like GA may deliver.
now can I get into beta?
Wheres MO?
Hehe. If you want to enter for a chance to win a beta key, Mission Control is giving away 10 more incase you missed the last contest they had.
http://forum.globalagendagame.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?f=71&t=5333
You may find the contest details at that link. Good luck :D
Also, it has been rumoured that beta will start on or around July 10th (ONLY 2 WEEKS :O )
I like all of them and all look promising, but I think Star Wars: The Old Republic stole the show. When it comes out Star Wars: The Old Republic will be the beat, but first it will be the one to copy. It is the new and only hope for the survival of the MMO industry.
If you mean Mortal Online - was the only one I could guess from that rather common acronym - we didn't see it at E3, so it wasn't considered.
Heheh, this is so true. So on that note, since they didn't mention the game I would pick as the best MMORPG of E3, that means Great things for FFXIV. While I am slightly interested in STOR, I could care less about the others. Personally I think Champions ONline looks better than DC universe, but that may be due to all the video and information out there on Champs Online.
Still, I only want FFXIV to come out. Well that and Star Trek Online. I'd be happy with just those 2 for a few years! Fantasy fix and my sci fi fix. Heheh.
I liked your criteria for the picks: What was fun to play? We refugee gamers invest about 90% more emotional stock in upcoming games than any we are presently playing, so nice use of them critical faculties in the here and now.
In its niche, where its Dev's put it... <grin> GA does look like fun, but we will have to see how it works out. One of the fun parts of Tribes was the jet pack battles, so its too bad they've cut that out.
I cant help but feel that Global Agenda paid to take the number 1 spot. I wonder if MMORPG.com sold out on this one.
Sorry if I am going against the grain on this one. But I'm just calling it how I see it.
I just can't see how Global Agenda will be any good. No one is even talking about it, the wierd thing is besides SW:TOR there are no games on that list that are in the buzz right now. I guess E3 isn't what it used to be in creating buzz and marketing games. The games that seem they will be successful in the near future, MO, Aion, SW:TOR and the new Blizzard MMO aren't showcased. Obviously Blizzard's MMO won't be showcased since they've boycotted E3 in order to bolster their own Blizzcon.
FFXIV isn't on the list......It will be as big or bigger than SWtoR.
imo this list is epic fail, and not for only the above reason.
You need to take the developer's reputation and history of delivering on their games. Bioware and Square Enix are 2 of the greatest developers of all time in my book. with deep pockets and incredible talent backing them up.
SWtoR and FFXIV sould head this list, IDC which one is first, but thoes 2 WILL be blockbusters.
We know almost next to nothing about FF14. It would be stupid awarding it anything at this point.
The list is fine, you're otaku nerdrage is what brings the fail. Don't go bashing MMORPG.com just because they're not pimping your proffered game.
As for taking in the history of the developer...no...just look at DAoC -> WAR. Or DDO -> Lotro. Judge a game based off it's merits, not the past history of it's developer.
The thing about Global Agenda is it is being developed and published by an unknown team. Obviously this being Hirez's first game, they don't have the multi-million backing like most of the MMOs.
Just because it is not talked about, does not mean it is not good. Did you not read the reviews on it? Or even this one for that matter? I've read virtually every reputable article on the interwebs about this game, and tbh, none of them were negative. An alpha tester I know stated he quit WoW to play the alpha. Yes - you read that right - he quit a game in a different genre to play this. Does that not speak for itself?
Your logic of "this game won't be popular because it isn't from a major company" is flawed.
And fill me in on why you feel that way. Hirez is a small company. They would not even have enough money to make a bribe like that. Their entire backing is by the Exec producer, who, to my knowledge, is funding the entire developement.
Why, because you don't think anyone except a giant company could make a good game?
After seeing this list of games, all I can say is: Thank God for Blizzard. This list isn't the only one that I have no interest in. Games made this year have NO elements that are attractive to me. Am I getting older and over games of this type? I don't think so, 'cause I'm very excited about Diablo 3 (not really an MMO but it has multiplay elements :D ) and Guild Wars 2. Other games that are out now or are coming soon are pathetic (copy of a copy of a copy...). I ain't paying for crap anymore.
Why, because you don't think anyone except a giant company could make a good game?
I can't speak for Emberz, but if we're anything alike, it is more because the game fails to appeal to us in any manner on any front, mechanically, visually or otherwise. I don't care who is developing it: I've just read a lot of adrenaline- and testosterone-driven commentary, seen screenshots of Unreal Tournament characters, watched videos of crappy-looking gameplay, and read the same kind of bad sci-fi short stories that preceded Tabula Rasa. I can't help but think that I would have loved it as a preteen boy, but today....
It is nice to see an MMOFPS with decent character customization, though. That the facial customization is better than that of most recent MMORPGs is a pretty sad fact for the latter.
One thing I would point out is that basically all of the gameplay footage that's been publicly released so far is in the form of a collection of short clips, as opposed to actually seeing how a game plays out. Personally, I wish they would release some more lengthy footage so people could see more of the actual gameplay, as opposed to just people shooting at each other. But that probably won't happen until later on when things are more finalized.
One thing I would point out is that basically all of the gameplay footage that's been publicly released so far is in the form of a collection of short clips, as opposed to actually seeing how a game plays out. Personally, I wish they would release some more lengthy footage so people could see more of the actual gameplay, as opposed to just people shooting at each other. But that probably won't happen until later on when things are more finalized.
Closed beta is less selective. You will likely see all sorts of leaked footage some time after closed beta starts early next month.
Or, you may simply sign up for the beta :D
FFXIV was just an unveiling/video. There was no interaction. I think the list is pretty solid. GA has a lot of work put into it and it is a pretty unique and interesting experience. They just need to focus heavily now on making the FPS side as entertaining as some of the top tier FPS's and they will have a hit. They took on a serious challenge because not only do you have to implement the MMO aspect into FPS's, but it won't succeed unless it's as good as the regular FPS's in the first place. No one will keep playing an FPS with some RPG stats or persistant map if it isn't close to as good as the regular online FPS's out there. APB is an interesting concept and it could work out well. SW:TOR is a no brainer. I am surprised DC Univ beat out Champions Online, but I haven't followed each all that much lately or their E3 coverage.
Nice write up. Man can you imagine next year's E3? Could be really sick if the rumored Elder Scrolls Online was unveiled, FFXIV, Heroes of Telara, maybe some Earthrise, Secret World from Funcom, maybe some World of Darkness from CCP, and I bet Trion may unveil their MMORTS or their scifi channel MMO too. I am hopeful for the next few years and MMO development and progression. Exciting stuff.
One thing I would point out is that basically all of the gameplay footage that's been publicly released so far is in the form of a collection of short clips, as opposed to actually seeing how a game plays out. Personally, I wish they would release some more lengthy footage so people could see more of the actual gameplay, as opposed to just people shooting at each other. But that probably won't happen until later on when things are more finalized.
Right, but keep in mind I gave it the award based on interview, video and playing the actual game with minimal supervision for about an hour.
I wouldn't have given it the sticker unless it really was a lot of fun.
Again two of your 4 picks are real shaky. APB is borderline and Global agenda is just not a MMO, they are both far more like Diablo which we all agree is not a MMO than any MMO I have played.
I agree the pickings were slim at E3, still a lot of unannouced MMO's out there. Next year should be far more interesting when we get to see some of them.
It remains to be seen if DC Universe will be the success that people are hailing it with. SOE has yet to sway me that they have changed. I personally think they will ruin the game with RMT. We will just have to wait and see.
No, Executuve producer, is not funding it
While this year's picks are games that I'll most likely never pick up, since I'm not a fan at all for FPS, I'm still glad for the exposure. It was also a pretty interesting read of the efforts developers put forth to entice gamers.
We are beings of change and evolution (and occasionally revolution too), and it's good to see what's outside the box - of norm.
As for the speculation of a bribe, it's more hassle than its worth. Even if it's actually possible for Global Agenda to pay a bribe... once the game BETA/release doesn't match up with the article, mmorpg.com would totally lose all credibility, something I'm sure they don't want to risk, considering how many subscribers this site has and how many would be alienated. At least I know I would.
P.S. - It's refreshing to see staff taking an active role and participating in the forum.
Oh trust me, I know. :) Full disclosure here, I'm an Alpha tester for the game. It really is quite fun. That's why I'd like them to release more extensive footage, because I've experienced how fun the gameplay can be and they small amount of publicly-released footage doesn't capture that. :)
No, Executuve producer, is not funding it
Hi-Rez Studios' C.E.O. Erez Goren is funding it out of his own pocket. He was previously the C.E.O. for other software companies in the business sector:
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/10/13/daily3.html
http://www.hirezstudios.com/about_hi-rez_studios.html
Yeah, if anyone thinks I took a bribe, feel free to go tell that to my 1999 Sunfire.
Seriously some people need to tighten their tinfoil hats ;)
Hi-Rez Studios' C.E.O. Erez Goren is funding it out of his own pocket. He was previously the C.E.O. for other software companies in the business sector:
http://atlanta.bizjournals.com/atlanta/stories/2003/10/13/daily3.html
http://www.hirezstudios.com/about_hi-rez_studios.html
Ok, I was slightly wrong on the title, but the concept stays the same. Hirez has no backing from any well known deep pocketed company. This is all off one person's cash.
and clearly NOT just another WoW-wannabee.
Good to see they aren't afraid to try something a bit, uh... DIFFERENT!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NPZkgK-TkY
While i look into these games i realise how differently they have evolved over the ears... :) I eagerly await starwars to be launched and see it in action but.. what makes this E3 edition soo special is that there is a sense of surprise we have to look out for in the furure... This is usual for the game event but i found this time its different despite the economic slow down.. I am convinced the MMOs wil eventually adapt a better way to keep ppl busy 27X7 than mindless grinding and Monster killing.
You are kidding me, 2 mmofps with lobby system get a MMORPG award. Why isn't there a Diablo 3 forum here actually, i mean your char is saved server side (you have the skill system) and you also have a lobby!
I can't speak for Emberz, but if we're anything alike, it is more because the game fails to appeal to us in any manner on any front, mechanically, visually or otherwise. I don't care who is developing it: I've just read a lot of adrenaline- and testosterone-driven commentary, seen screenshots of Unreal Tournament characters, watched videos of crappy-looking gameplay, and read the same kind of bad sci-fi short stories that preceded Tabula Rasa. I can't help but think that I would have loved it as a preteen boy, but today....
It is nice to see an MMOFPS with decent character customization, though. That the facial customization is better than that of most recent MMORPGs is a pretty sad fact for the latter.
In other words, it doesn't sport the beating-a-dead-horse-with-several-horse-corpses turn based hotbar whack-a-mole combat, and cookie-cutter generic fantasy setting of the majority of MMOs for the past ten years.
I also love the "It's not an MMO unless it has gameplay derived from MUDs, and must be turn based with hotbars!!! OMGZ!! ANGST!!" comments from others. Sorry to break it to you, but MMO != MMO3DMUD (i.e., EQ, WoW et al, most any with turn based hotbar combat, auto-attack-and-wait gameplay). The entire concept of a massively multiplayer game is to take a multiplayer game and add more players. Both APB and GA meet those criterion, but since they aren't 1:1 clones of the boring stream of MMO3DMUD (see EQ, WoW et al) clones we've had for the past decade, people are going to whine about them constantly.
Honestly, as a gamer and game developer, the trend of the term MMO to be redefined to narrowly refer ONLY to games that are direct clones of EQ/WoW/etc. (i.e., MMO3DMUDs, which is really what they are, since almost ALL of the gameplay in those games can be directly traced back to MUDs, i.e., combat, which is the primary gameplay in MMO3DMUDs (aside from meta-gameplay, such as item collection, stat/level mill, socialization)) was starting to thoroughly disgust me, given the potential possible for ANY type of multiplayer game to be made massive. It's about damn time other developers have pulled their collective heads out of their arses and realized that a LOT of genres are fun to play on massive scale.
I think people need to begin to accept that things are changing within the MMO world.
Peoples expectations and technology are changing all the time and unless MMOs evolve they ultimately will be replaced by a new genre. Either that or gamers will have to adjust their definition of MMO to encompass the new types of game.
I'm in the Global Agenda alpha and even the alpha version of GA is an incredibly fun game - period. To claim the manufacturers bribed a journalist because you're experiencing cognitive dissonance is pathetic and is the kind of negative attitude that's slowly destroying the original 'community' aspect of MMOs.
Personally, I'm a low-fantasy kinda guy but even so, the mechanics of GA make it so much more engaging than the classic 'hotbar' style games. I can live with the hi-tech setting in the same way I could live with Pacman's crap graphics - the basic game is fantastic so the peripheral elements become less significant. It's like the lobby system that many people are sceptical about. Cities in WoW are just lobbies with no restrictions. And if no restrictions is all it takes to make you feel like you're truly immersed in what is basically a cartoon world, I have to wonder about your mental age. All competitive activities, e.g. sports, require some degree of infrastructure to bring players together. Otherwise, as with games like WAR, competitive battles never happen, have no direction or just fade out before getting started.
GA won't be everyone's cup of tea, but no game ever will be. I think it will be extremely popular though, particularly if they market it well.
SWToR and FFXIV won't even be out before the next E3. Maybe one of them will have enough actually gameplay to warrant a best of show then.
Truth is Bioware has no MMO experience, and theres game's are carried by their storylines (the actual gameplay of their game's are generally mediocre at best). And Square Enix developed FFXI... a game thats is incredibly underwhelming given the IPs potential.
Global Agenda is something different, atleast compared to the stuff thats been put out over the last several years. And its apparently quite fun to play. Maybe you are more interested in brand names and cinematic movies, but I'm personally looking for a good game to play. Kudos to MMORPG for not taking the easy way out and actually giving us a real opinion.
I think Star Wars the Old Republic is going to be huge. I can't wait until that game comes out!