Free PC Gaming Blog

Bigpoint Launches Battlestar Galactica Online; Humans and Cylons Battle for Control of the Universe

Tactical Space Combat MMOG Based on Syfy’s Hit Television Series Sets New Benchmark in Browser-based Gaming; Available Worldwide in Partnership with Syfy

Hamburg – February 8, 2011 – Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) – the global market leader in browser-based massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) – today launched Battlestar Galactica Online. Based on the internationally popular Syfy television series produced by Universal Cable Productions, Battlestar Galactica Online (http://battlestar-galactica.bigpoint.com/) is a free-to-play, browser-based space combat MMOG that combines high-quality, 3D graphics with intense gameplay. Following a successful closed beta period that started in late 2010, the free-to-play game can now be enjoyed by players worldwide.

David Eick, Executive Producer of Battlestar Galactica, said, “Bigpoint has successfully embraced the spirit of Battlestar Galactica’s aggressive ship design, tactile physics, and its signature, vérité-style combat aesthetic, and taken it all to an entirely new level. Playing this game is like watching the most highly-adrenalized, nail-biting episodes of the series while chewing on a hunk of uranium. I highly recommend it – just make sure you don’t have anything else to do for a few days…”

Battlestar Galactica Online is based on the acclaimed Emmy and Peabody Award-winning television series Battlestar Galactica, which aired for four seasons on Syfy. Set during the latter part of the show’s second season, the game takes the form of a previously untold chapter in which both the Colonial and Cylon fleets are stranded in an uncharted area of space. Heavily damaged and low on critical supplies, both fleets must fight for control of the resources in the nearby star systems as the Colonials desperately search for a way to escape before the Cylons regain enough strength to destroy them once and for all.

“Our team’s passion for the series, and their dedication to maintaining its authenticity, enabled us to extend Battlestar Galactica’s iconic IP into a world-class MMOG,” said Heiko Hubertz, CEO and Founder, Bigpoint. “We are confident that a new standard has been achieved – no longer should browser games be considered subpar to their console or PC-installed counterparts.”

A blend of tactical space combat, exploration, and mission-based gameplay provides an engaging experience. For accuracy, assets from the television production have been integrated into the game, including Bear McCreary’s original score, select talent likenesses, and a number of ships modeled from schematics provided by the show’s creators.

At the start, players select a side – human or Cylon – and then are guided through a series of introductory tasks to learn basic flight controls and weapon systems. Once completed, players can customize their in-game avatars, receive situation and mission briefings, and begin to explore the vast universe. As players gain experience, they can unlock additional ships and learn a variety of skills. Inside capital ships and outposts, players can access the in-game market and customize all aspects their current ship – including weapons, engines, hulls, computers, and mining equipment.

For a period of six weeks, Syfy is Bigpoint’s exclusive distribution partner in the US (http://www.syfy.com/) and UK (http://www.syfy.co.uk/battlestar-galactica-game). In addition to Bigpoint’s game sites around the world, Syfy will also make the game available through its other international sites in Germany, France, Spain, Poland, and Russia, with more sites to be added in the weeks following launch.

Currently in open beta, Battlestar Galactica Online was developed by Artplant (http://artplant.no), a Norwegian studio that specializes in MMOGs. Post launch, Bigpoint will continue to add new content and features, paying close attention to community feedback. Battlestar Galactica Online is licensed through Universal Partnerships & Licensing on behalf of NBC Universal Television Consumer Products Group.

Nexon America opens new Web site for MapleStory themed online card game, iTGC Online

Nexon America launched a revamped Web site for its MapleStory-themed online game, iTGC Online. The updated site contains game information, updates, news, game guides and an introduction video. To access the iTGC Online site go to: http://itcg.nexon.net

iTCG Online is Nexon America’s first free-to-play browser-based game requiring no download. Details of the game’s second beta phase will be announced soon. iTCG Online game play is based on the characters and monsters found in Nexon’s wildly popular massively multiplayer online game, MapleStory.

iTCG Online has also opened a fan page in Facebook where players can connect, view game art and share details of the game with friends. The Facebook page is available now at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/iTCG/248518243426

Pirate Galaxy – gamigo announces player vs. player competition

Hamburg, 20 November 2009 – gamigo’s 3D sci-fi MMOG has sounded the starting signal on its new player vs. player competition. Every Saturday for the rest of the year, players will have a chance to participate in special events and be showered with points as a reward.

The player who earns the most points by the end will be rewarded with a credit on their gold account of one thousand times as many points as they earned. Second and third place will be rewarded with 500 times and 300 times the points they earned, respectively. Even for those who don’t end up in the ribbons, there is still the chance to win exclusive Pirate Galaxy T-shirts every week.

Pirate Galaxy is a browser-based online game of the next generation. As a daring space pirate, players explore faraway planets, set out on quests for valuable crystals and other artefacts, and battle with other players against evil alien creatures. The game captivates with its enormous in-game universe and its phenomenal three-dimensional graphics, which are unparalleled in the world of browser-based games.

For more information, game rules, and the chance to prove your own skills, head to http://pirate-galaxy.gamigo.com/

CHALLENGE GAMES RELEASES WARSTORM EXPANSION

Online Collectable Card Game Launches the Demon Expansion

AUSTIN, Texas – December 12, 2008 – Challenge Online Games, Inc. (Challenge Games) announces the first expansion set for their free-to-play online game, Warstorm (www.warstorm.com). The Warstorm Demon Expansion brings additional depth and new strategies to the game. Not only was the Demon faction added to battle with the existing Elves, Humans, Orcs and the Undead, but every faction was updated to improve the game balance. Over 170 new cards, including ultra rare and achievement were added, and fifteen new special powers were distributed across all factions.

“The Demon expansion brings in a whole new dimension to the number of strategies we have in Warstorm,” said Matt Deegler, the Lead Developer of Challenge’s Storm Team. “It plays heavily on creating combo decks that require you to really think about which cards you want to use in each battle. For example, there is the new Command special which allows certain hero cards to buff the attack value of all matching types in play.”

Each demon is driven by its elemental nature: fire, ice, or death, seeking to destroy everything and remake the world into its own image. It is up to the player to decide whether to battle their demons or become one with them.

Warstorm takes collectable card games (CCG) into the massively multiplayer online (MMO) world. Unlike other MMO titles that may require long sessions to initiate and complete a battle, Warstorm is a browser-driven game that can be played in short sessions, letting players compete with their friends in asynchronous combat.

Warstorm can be played for free, but players can select to upgrade faster by buying cards through micro-transactions or by winning card packs in tournament play where up to sixteen players can compete at-once in a skirmish bracket competition.

Warstorm is the third free short-form multiplayer online game from Challenge Games. Its debut game, Duels, was the first massively multi-player role-playing game (MMORPG) to be integrated directly with Facebook. It currently has over a quarter of a million players worldwide. Challenge Games’ second title, Baseball Boss, launched this summer. Baseball Boss is an official licensee of MLB Advanced Media and the MLBA, and it is the first game to combine baseball simulation games with collectable card games.

To play Warstorm, visit www.warstorm.com. To play Baseball Boss, visit www.baseballboss.com. To play Duels, visit www.duels.com or http://apps.facebook.com/duelsfb. For more information on Challenge Games, visit www.challengegames.com.

About Challenge Online Games, Inc.
Challenge Online Games (Challenge Games) creates online games that are fun and easy to play whether you’re a serious or casual gamer. The company was founded by veteran entrepreneur and gamer, Andrew Busey, author of Secrets of the MUD Wizards and creator of one of the first instant messaging applications. Challenge Games currently offers Warstorm, Duels and Baseball Boss - multiplayer web-based games that combine the best of the collectible card games (CCGs) and traditional role-playing games with the convenience of the short-form gaming experience. The company also holds a multi-year licensing agreement with MLB Advanced Media, LP (MLBAM), the interactive media and Internet company of Major League Baseball. Challenge Games is based in Austin, Texas and is privately held with funding from Sequoia Capital and Globespan Capital Partners. For more information on Challenge Games, visit www.challengegames.com.

InstantAction, created by GarageGames, is a new portal to play games like Marble Blast, Think Tanks and Screwjumper right through your web browser! The new "Social Gaming" site is completely free and is now in an open beta. They claim that more games will be added in the future. This is one to keep you "free gaming eye" on!!!

Full press release:

InstantAction open To Gamers

The Next Big Thing in Web Gaming is Here; Sign Up and Play at www.instantaction.com

EUGENE, OREGON – MARCH 10, 2008 – InstantAction today invited gamers across the globe to enter its public beta. Offering fully 3D, console-like games in a web browser, InstantAction is launching with four games available to the public today.

“Initial feedback on InstantAction from gamers has been very positive and we are ready to pull the covers off and let everyone take a look,” said Josh Williams, CEO of GarageGames. “Even though it’s early, and there is a lot more to add and improve, InstantAction is already impressive. Now with the community’s help, we’re going to work on making it truly mind blowing.”

With the public beta, four games – MarbleBlast Online, Screw Jumper, Think Tanks and Wideload Shorts’ Cyclomite – are already playable. More games will be added in the coming weeks, including the much anticipated FPS, Fallen Empire: Legions.

Early comments from beta testers have filled the InstantAction feedback boards. Regarding MarbleBlast Online, one tester said of his first experience with the title, “This game is surprisingly a lot of fun to play.” While another tester praised Wideload Shorts’ Cyclomite proclaiming “Cyclomite is my new favorite addiction on InstantAction.com. It’s good, crazy fun.”

Social gaming is a core part of the InstantAction experience. Gamers can host parties and invite their friends to jump into a game via a URL link which can be sent via email or IM. Gamers can also seamlessly switch games and move their party with them.

“This is only the beginning. New games and features will be added each month,” added Williams.

About InstantAction
InstantAction brings 3D multiplayer console-like games to the web browser through its unique platform. It combines high-end visuals and rapid gameplay with social gaming, allowing players to form parties and easily move from one game to the next. InstantAction’s initial portfolio of original games range from high-profile studios to newly discovered game development talent. InstantAction was created by GarageGames, an operating business of IAC (NASDAQ: IACI). InstantAction is located in Eugene, OR and on the web at http://www.instantaction.com.