5/6/97
New News about DWANGO:
From John Molliver, DWANGO/IVS Corporation, Director of Moderator Services:
DWANGO is going through
many changes. It has signed a deal with Microsoft which I am sure
most of you know about by now. This puts us on their Microsoft's
Gaming Zone, which already has over 200,000 members. All the low
latency games out their will be piped through to DWANGO. I am
still not sure on the logistics of how it is all going to work.
Also I now you guys have been told about new games and modems for
a long time and it is indeed still true. Each existing server is
going to be fully upgraded. Everything is going to be rack
mounted, faster CPU's, 33.6 modems, dedicated machines to make 8
player games capable such as duke and quake. These improvements
will take place in the very near future. Also, DWANGO plans to
add another dozen or so servers across the country. I am sure a
lot of users will be happy to hear that. The E3 (electronic arts
expo) is going to be in Atlanta at the end of June. This is where
DWANGO hopes to makes it leaps and bounds. So hang tight things
are coming your way...and tell that to the users.
GAMES:
Well I also know about the problem with DWANGO's games. There are
not too many new ones. This is all going to change. We all want
quake on our server as much as everyone else does. And we will as
soon as all the bugs are out of it. I have also been told that we
are going to release Blood registered and maybe the SW versions
to DWANGO. This should be released in a matter of weeks. You have
to understand also that a lot of the games out there are playable
on DWANGO but we still do not have them on our system. You would
not believe the legalities and issues that are involved with all
these games. I am sure glad I don't have to deal with that crap.
I have also asked if we were going to get the duke 1.5 version
and that is a big probability too, along with other game updated
versions.
The latest from "PC Magazine"
(April 22, 1997, pg. 29)
The online pricing wars rage on, only this time we're not talking about America Online, CompuServe, or Prodigy. The combatants in this battle are are the online game services. Unlike the online service providers that charges a monthly fee, some online game providers are exploring pay-per-play pricing as well as free, advertising-supported models.
Engage Games Online launched its game services in March ('97) on a pay-per-play basis. According to president Jeff Leibowitz, "The subscription model does not work for games." Instead of charging a monthly membership fee to play games such as Descent ][ and WarCraft2 online, Engage will charge either $1.95 per hour, or, for an "advertising-free gaming experience," $2.50 per hour.
Engage made its move a week after MPath Interactive announced that it would adopt an advertising-only revenue model for its MPlayer game service. MPath president and CEO Paul Matteucci says he didn't want MPlayer to be at a pricing disadvantage, especially when compared to free online game services such as Blizzard's Battle.Net and Westwood Studio's Westwood Chat.
Bob Huntley, president of Dwango, one of the older, non-Internet-based game services, says that MPath's pricing move was "the smartest thing they could do" and a sign of things to come in the online gaming industry.
"The hottest growth area next year will be gaming," says Pete Higgins, Microsoft group vice president of interactive media. He describes the Internet Gaming Zone, which Microsoft acquired last year, as Microsoft's well-kept secret. The service -- which Microsoft relaunched in March -- matches up online opponents to play games, such as Monster Truck Madness, that they've bought at stores. The Zone plans "made for the medium" and "massively multi-user" games. Although its classic games are free, this summer it plans to offer a lineup of pay-per-play premium games.
According to industry analysts, the online game market is on the verge of enormous growth. But right now, the market is far too young to indicate whether or not an advertising-only model or a pay-per-play model will succeed.
--- Article written by Michael E. Ryan, PC Magazine
DWANGO's Plan For Their Future
DWANGO is looking for funding and hopes that by the end
of May they'll have completed a financing round of less than $10
million.This funding on top of the partnership with Microsoft's
Internet Gaming Zone, will give them the backing they desperately
need to stay in competition with the other online gaming services
that have the ability to pour funds into marketing. Hopefully,
this will also grow the subscriber base which currently
"isn't significant" according to Bob Huntley, CEO of
DWANGO. He expects that the user base will hit the10,000 mark
this year. Currently, the service offers 10-15 titles to their
subscribers with plans to add another 12 games by the end of
June. In fact, DWANGO has obtained rights to GT Interactive's
first person shooter, Blood. Also,because of the relationship
with Microsoft, games such as NBA Full Court Press and The
Condemned will also be available on the service. Until next time,
this is Joe McCloud for PC Games.com saying, "I bid you all
godspeed."
LucasArts
Entertainment Company to offer multiplayer gaming through
Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone
Outlaws, LucasArts' First Multiplayer Title, to
be featured on the Zone; Matchmaking for three new Star Wars
retail titles to follow
SAN RAFAEL, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 10,
1997--LucasArts Entertainment Company, a leading international
developer and publisher of interactive entertainment software,
has selected Microsoft Corporation's Internet Gaming Zone as the
primary host for its forthcoming Internet capable multiplayer
titles. The first featured LucasArts game available through the
Zone will be Outlaws, a challenging first-person action adventure
set in the Old West, followed by the highly anticipated Star Wars
multiplayer titles, X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter, Jedi Knight: Dark
Forces II and Star Wars Rebellion.
To connect gameplayers with the Zone, LucasArts
has created Rebel HQ (http://www.rebelhq.com), a unique
multiplayer game launching area. Rebel HQ provides a direct link
to the LucasArts area on the Zone, and furnishes players with the
latest frequently asked questions about LucasArts multiplayer
titles, as well as helpful hints and tips about on-line gaming.
"LucasArts and Microsoft share similar
goals regarding multiplayer gaming on the Internet," says
Jack Sorensen, president of LucasArts. "Our primary
motivation for entering into a relationship with Microsoft is
that the Zone will provide a simple and accessible means for
players to connect with each other through a popular, established
site. The Zone will achieve that objective by offering free
matchmaking for gamers who want to experience the diverse
multiplayer capabilities of LucasArts' new games."
The Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone
(http://beta.zone.com) is an easy-to-use Internet-based
multiplayer gaming service which brings together players from
throughout the world to play games cooperatively and against each
other. The Zone boasts more than 200,000 registered gamers.
"Microsoft's Internet Gaming Zone is the
premier Internet game site, so a partnership with LucasArts, one
of the leading publishers of game software, represents a
significant leap forward in on-line gaming," says Pete
Higgins, group vice president of Microsoft's Internet media
group. "The abundance of features offered by the Zone,
combined with the strong line-up of LucasArts titles, will take
gameplayers to a new level."
Microsoft last month announced several
enhancements to the Zone including Zone Match, a free and easy
way for players of LucasArts' upcoming games to find each other
on the Internet and begin a game with just three clicks of the
mouse.
LucasArts Multiplayer Titles
Outlaws
First-Person Action Adventure
Inspired by the gritty spaghetti westerns of
the 1960s, Outlaws tells the classic Old West tale of a loner who
rides into town seeking vengeance against a power-hungry railroad
baron and his posse of murderous gun-toting thugs. The richly
cinematic first-person 3D action adventure features three
gameplay variations as well as multiplayer capability. Single and
multiplayer demos are currently available at
http://www.lucasarts.com . Outlaws was released on April 4.
X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
Space Combat Simulation
In the ultimate battle between the Galactic
Empire and Rebel Alliance, X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter is the first
multiplayer combat simulation allowing head-to-head competition
in the Star Wars universe. Up to eight players can engage each
other in X-wings, TIE fighters and assorted other craft in a
climactic struggle between good and evil. X-Wing vs. TIE Fighter
will release April 29.
Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II
First-Person Action
The long-awaited multiplayer sequel to the
award-winning Dark Forces, Jedi Knight continues the story of the
young mercenary Kyle Katarn as he pursues a quest into his past
and learns the ways of the Jedi. With this knowledge he must stop
seven Dark Jedi from unlocking the powers of a hidden Jedi burial
ground. With three multiplayer styles, Jedi Knight fulfills Star
Wars game fans' ultimate wish -- an opportunity to experience the
power of the Force and, with lightsaber in hand, become a Jedi
master. Jedi Knight is expected to release in summer 1997.
Star Wars Rebellion
Strategy
The Galactic Empire and Rebel Alliance
dramatically collide in Star Wars Rebellion, a grand single and
multiplayer strategy game. Star Wars Rebellion challenges players
to build, deploy and direct the Empire and Rebel forces to
victory. Star Wars Rebellion is expected to release in summer
1997.
About LucasArts
LucasArts Entertainment Company develops and
publishes single and multiplayer entertainment software for a
variety of computer and console platforms. Based in San Rafael,
California, as well as on the internet at www.lucasarts.com,
LucasArts is one of four Lucas companies. Lucas Learning Ltd. is
engaged in the development of educational multimedia for home and
school. Lucas Digital Ltd., comprised of Industrial Light &
Magic and Skywalker Sound, serves the needs of the entertainment
industry for visual effects and audio post-production. Lucasfilm
Ltd. includes George Lucas' feature film and television
activities, as well as THX and Lucasfilm Licensing.
About Microsoft
The Internet Gaming Zone has served Internet
gamers since October 1995. In May 1996, Microsoft acquired
Electric Gravity Inc., the original designer of the Internet
Gaming Zone. The Zone is also available as a free Essentials
service on MSN, The Microsoft Network, at http://zone.msn.com/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) is the
worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company
offers a wide range of products and services for business and
personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier
and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power
of personal computing every day.
Note to Editors: Star Wars, X-Wing, TIE
Fighter, Dark Forces, and the LucasArts logo are registered
trademarks, and Jedi Knight, Star Wars Rebellion and Rebel HQ are
trademarks of Lucasfilm Ltd., used under authorization. Outlaws
is a trademark of LucasArts Entertainment Company.
Microsoft is a registered trademark, and the
Internet Gaming Zone is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation. All
other marks are the property of their respective owners.
CONTACT: For LucasArts
Tom Sarris, 415/444-8222
or
Manning, Selvage & Lee
Leasa Vignale, 213/782-6600
or
For Microsoft
Paula Gottlob, Shandwick USA, 206/452-5400
REDMOND, Wash. — March 10, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today unveiled significant enhancements to its rapidly growing Internet Gaming Zone, announced several new Zone strategic relationships, and outlined its publishing framework for Internet gaming.
The Zone ( http://beta.zone.com/) , having grown from just 15,000 users in May 1996 to over 200,000 today, is already one of the most active gaming sites on the Internet. It boasts free* matchmaking support for some of today’s most popular games and now adds an easier-to-use, fully Web-integrated interface and several new features to enhance the multiplayer gaming experience. Among the new features unveiled today are improved ZoneMatch lobbies, which allow players to find each other easily on the Internet and start a game with just three clicks of the mouse.
"Since the beginning, we’ve believed that players shouldn’t have to pay multiple times or be computer engineers to simply play a retail game over the Internet," said Steve Murch, product unit manager of the Internet Gaming Zone. "We’ve designed ZoneMatch to be easy and free for just that reason."
Currently, 11 multiplayer games, from bridge and chess to the Microsoft(r) Monster Truck Madness™ racing simulator game and Microsoft Golf 3.0, can be played via the Zone. Backgammon, the game most asked for by Zone members, will be released later this spring.
The preview of the new Zone also includes ZoneMessageÔ , which allows players to find each other more easily across the many areas of the Zone. Another new feature, ZoneLAN, allows gamers to use the Zone’s matchmaking features to play multiplayer games that require the IPX networking protocol.
Alliances to Expand the Scope of the Zone
Microsoft today also announced two new agreements that will dramatically expand the number of games and features offered to Zone players during 1997:
•Hasbro Interactive Worldwide. Hasbro Interactive’s line of popular games is scheduled to be available for matchmaking in the Zone this summer. Players around the world already know how to play great games such as Monopoly, Scrabble, Risk and Battleship, and the Zone will allow the easiest way to play these games over the Internet. "We’re pleased to be working with Microsoft Internet Gaming Zone to make online gaming relevant to a truly mass-market audience," said Gary Carlin, Hasbro Interactive vice president of marketing. "Joining Hasbro Interactive’s best-selling CD-ROM games with the Zone’s easy Internet play gives the average person and family a compelling reason to go online."
•DWANGO. To help satiate hard-core gamers’ appetites for consistently fast gameplay at the absolute lowest possible latency, the Zone is working with DWANGO to provide Zone members with easy access to DWANGO’s network of dial-up gaming servers. Starting this summer, the agreement will allow Zone members the use of dial-up matchmaking services through DWANGO’s dedicated network of servers, which are currently available in 22 U.S. cities. Using DWANGO servers will provide hard-core gamers a premium, low-latency multiplayer option at a low cost.
Microsoft’s Publishing Framework for Internet Gaming
Microsoft plans to continue to provide free matchmaking for CD-ROM games as well as classic games. The company will fund this free space through advertising and corporate sponsorship. Offering free matchmaking services will enable Microsoft to deliver an unprecedented volume of gamers to publishers who use the Zone for Internet play.
From a technical perspective, ZoneMatch supports the Microsoft DirectPlay(r) application programming interface (API), which provides an easy foundation for game developers to multiplayer-enable their game. Together, DirectPlay and ZoneMatch provide a development framework and a publishing vehicle for game developers interested in delivering an Internet game to a ready market.
"Made-for-Medium" Games and Tournaments Deliver High-Flying Fun
Microsoft is developing "made-for-medium" games designed exclusively for Internet play. The first such game, currently titled Fighter Ace™, is being developed withVR-1 and is scheduled to debut on the Zone this summer.
Microsoft Fighter Ace is an online World War II air combat game using accurately replicated aircraft from the United States, Britain, Germany and the Soviet Union. The game, which will support more than 100 players in a single flight arena, features 12 different planes, scenario- and arena-based combat, team play, variable difficulty (rookie through expert), player and flight records, plus realistic aircraft graphics and terrain modeling. It will be easy to set up and install, so minimal skill and effort will be required to get up and flying.
Fighter Ace, and other made-for-medium games to follow, will carry subscriber fees that allow players to pay by the day or by the month.
In addition to made-for-medium games, Microsoft also plans to fulfill gamers’ interest in on-line tournaments. This summer, the company plans to join with AT&T Corp. and Golf Digest to sponsor a nationwide best-ball Microsoft Golf 3.0 tourney on the Zone. Additional Zone tournaments are scheduled to take place later this year.
The Internet Gaming Zone has served Internet gamers since October 1995. In May 1996, Microsoft acquired Electric Gravity Inc., the original designer of the Internet Gaming Zone. The Zone is also available as a free* Essentials service on MSN™, The Microsoft Network, at http://zone.msn.com/.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
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* Internet access charges may apply.
Microsoft, ZoneMatch, Monster Truck Madness, ZoneMessage, DirectPlay, Fighter Ace and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft Network LLC.
For more information, press only:
Paula Gottlob, Shandwick Seattle, (206) 452-5400, pgottlob@shandwick.com
Adam Kahn, Shandwick Seattle, (206) 452-5400, akahn@shandwick.com
For online product information:
Internet Gaming Zone Web site: http://www.zone.com/
Microsoft games Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/games/
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/corpinfo/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
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© 1997 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.