Free! Star Trek Online beta keys

1500 keys, right here, right now!.
Star Trek Online, the new space-borne MMO from Cryptic Studios, has finally entered its open beta phase and we've teamed up with publishers Namco Bandai to offer you one of 1500 beta keys, so you can explore the very outer limits of the Star Trek universe.

Click here to read the full article

http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=231716?cid=OTC-RSS&attr=CVG-General-RSS

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Associated Press reveals new Star Trek Online details

[reposter form Joystiq]

We're just hours away from Cryptic's world reveal of Star Trek Online during the Star Trek Experience event in Las Vegas, but those wishing to jump the phaser on all the hubbub would be wise to read http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5ikj6V-CYYWISldz8cmkiJ9avC11QD92E92UG0.

In said interview, a number of intriguing details about the MMO are revealed -- chief among these include word that players will be able to choose an alien species to play as, or create their own, in an uncharacteristic show of disregard for Star Trek canon. New players will then captain their own Starfleet or Klingon ship, the size and crew of which will grow as the player progresses. Players will also be able to leave their ships to explore planets in true Trek fashion.

Don't expect to see many familiar, pointy-eared faces on your travels, however -- Emmert explained that the game takes place "a few generations" after the last Star Trek film. It seems your best bet of running into Shatner in an MMO is to continue searching World of Warcraft for a shaman with unusual vocalized pauses.

http://feeds.joystiq.com/~r/weblogsinc/joystiq/~3/361223267/

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Cryptic Exec: What's In/Not In Star Trek Online [Star Trek Online]

[reposted from Kotaku]

Cryptic flacked its upcoming gameplay debut (and webcast) to the Associated Press, and the wire was a taker. Yesterday, the AP moved an interview with Jack Emmert, Cryptic's chief creative officer, and he gives gamers an idea of what to expect, what not to expect, and a little of how the deal went down when they acquired the title from Perpetual Entertainment.

Or, well, the license, because there is nothing developed by Perpetual that's going into the game. "We took no assets," Emmert said. "There was nothing to be had, to be honest. We're building everything from the ground up."

Emmert also assures us Sunday will be a bonafide gameplay reveal. "You're going to see the actual game working and functioning," said Emmert. "This isn't renders. This isn't concept art. Everything that people will see on Sunday is going to be taken right from 'Star Trek Online' as it stands today, so hardened people should know that a release date might be closer than they think."

If you don't want to read the whole thing, here are the high points:
• The game will be set a few generations following the last Star Trek film, so no Kirk, Picard or other familiar faces in the game.
• "There might be a ship called Enterprise flying around, but it's probably not the same ship anymore," Emmert said. Worlds and galactic locations familiar to fans will also be in the game.
• Characters can be created from existing Star Trek races, or new alien species can be invented altogether.
• "There's going to be tons of space to investigate," says Emmert "We have a great system for exploration, which will allow for almost infinite possibilities."

Star Trek Online is Ready to Beam Up [Associated Press, via Blue's News

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/360551148/cryptic-exec-whats-innot-in-star-trek-online

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Star Trek Online Debut Webcast This Sunday [Star Trek Online]

[reposted from Kotaku]

The big gameplay reveal of Cryptic's Star Trek Online is taking place this Sunday in Las Vegas, with a special guest appearance from Spock, who portrays Leonard Nimoy in real life. If you, like me, have spent several hours sitting in the corner curled up in a ball crying because you couldn't be there, dry those tears! The Star Trek Online website has updated today with info on the simultaneous live webcast of the event. It kicks off at 1:30 PM Pacific on Sunday afternoon, so you might want to pencil that stardate down on your...starcalendars?

Sure, it'll be in a small window and you won't be able to physically touch Mr. Spock, but think how much nicer your house smells compared to the event! Come to think of it, if I wanted to smell unwashed Trek fans I just wouldn't shower for a couple days. Bad smells are better when they're yours.

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/359638342/star-trek-online-debut-webcast-this-sunday

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2K's First MMO: Champions Online

[reposted from Kotaku]

City of Heroes developer Cryptic Studios have found a publisher for their next superhero MMO, Champions Online - none other than 2K Games. The MMO, in development for the Xbox 360 and PC (though Microsoft hasn't approved the concept yet), will mark 2K's first entry into the MMO market.

"2K Games is a terrific publishing partner for Champions Online," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic is proud that Champions Online will be 2K's first MMO title and we look forward to working together towards a tremendous launch next year."

An interesting move on the part of Take-Two's publishing arm, delving into this new industry segment while TT is still being eyed like a giant cartoon roast chicken by EA. I suppose it doesn't hurt to baste every now and then.


NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--2K Games, a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO), announced today that it will be the North American and international publisher for Cryptic Studios'™ highly anticipated massively multiplayer online (MMO) action game, Champions Online™, being developed for the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft* and Games for Windows®. Champions Online is scheduled for release in spring of 2009.

"2K Games is excited to work with such a talented group as Cryptic Studios," said Christoph Hartmann, president of 2K. "Given their stellar pedigree and amazing grasp of the MMO genre, we are confident that Champions Online will deliver an innovative and exciting action MMO experience to gamers."

Cryptic Studios, based in Los Gatos, CA and established in July 2000, is one of the leading independent developers of massively multiplayer online games for Windows PC and current generation systems. As an independent, employee-owned company, Cryptic is committed to delivering high quality, innovative cross platform MMO gameplay. Cryptic is best known as the creator of the award-winning City of Heroes® and City of Villains™ MMO titles. Based on the popular Champions™ pen-and-paper RPG, Champions Online will give players the power of total customization for their hero experience while they explore a vast comic book universe.

"2K Games is a terrific publishing partner for Champions Online," said John Needham, CEO of Cryptic Studios. "Cryptic is proud that Champions Online will be 2K's first MMO title and we look forward to working together towards a tremendous launch next year."


Champions Online is not yet rated by the ESRB. For more information, log onto www.champions-online.com

http://feeds.gawker.com/~r/kotaku/full/~3/331839172/2ks-first-mmo-+-champions-online

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