In an interview with Eurogamer yesterday, Cyrptic's Jack Emmert indicated that the decision to make Star Trek Online a free-to-play game is dependent, at least in part, on the success of one of its other franchises under a free to play model, that being Champions.
"If we did Turbine's level of success, that would certainly merit the discussion!" (Turbine re-launched Dungeons and Dragons online as a free-to-play, as well as another title of theirs which went free-to-play in Europe, Lord of the Rings Online. D&D Online has made big money for Turbine, and Cryptic will obviously be hoping that the free-to-play model, which it seems is being adapt by new gaming companies on a regular basis, will be successful for them as well.
As far as Star Trek is concerned, Mr. Emmert had this to say: "Im sure people are wondering whether we'll do it with Star Trek and the question is really how well it does for Champions." Jack offers some advice to his Star Trek fans to perhaps help guarantee a free-to-play model, or at least that will help steer their starships in that general direction: "We're not sold one way or the other with Star Trek yet. If people want Star Trek to go free-to-play then get in and play Champions and help make it a great success, because that would send a strong message."
Even so, he gave no guarantee that a success with Champions would seal the deal on a free-to-play model for Star Trek. He continued by noting "There are more people than just I on that decision and I can't begin to say it would be and automatic 'Yes, we'd do it," (if Champions is a big success.)
Champions Online's subscription structure will look like this. There will be two member tiers for play - the Silver (or free-to-play) tier and a Gold tier for paying (at $14.99/mo) tier. Silver members have limitations on classes, costumes and character slots, but the 'meat and potatoes' of the game - leveling from start to superhero status - could still be achieved without spending any money. And as with the free-to-play model, players can purchase content, items and buffs on a piece-meal basis - the "microtransaction" concept. I'd imagine that that this will be the model pursued for Star Trek...and they wouldn't be alone, a recent prime example being Everquest 2 and SOE's Everquest 2 "Extended" free to play service.
So the bottom line is this...if you are really looking to not pay for Star Trek Online in the future - then you had better pony-up and start (or keep) playing Champions Online, buy some stuff, and keep your fingers crossed.
http://www.world-gaming.com/pc-news/pc-gaming/1698-star-trek-online-a-free-to-play-future.html
Friday, November 5, 2010
Star Trek Online : A Free-to-play future?
Video: Shatner ‘Sings’ Cee Lo Green’s ‘Fuck You’
Star Trek legend and Sh*t My Dad Says star William Shatner sing-talks his way through Cee Lo Green’s obscenity-riddled hit “Fuck You” in this clip from Lopez Tonight. With the lyrics bleeped and/or altered in all the right places, you can watch this distinctly Shatner performance at work.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Holograms are becoming tangible
Holograms, staple of Star Trek, Star Wars and innumerable other science fiction universes, are creeping closer to reality.
Holographic image of an F-4 Phantom fighter. Credit: University of Arizona
The National Science Foundation announced Wednesday researchers at the University of Arizona have produced holographic video images able to be refreshed every two seconds. That still seems crude and primitive (think Captain Pike in his silly prop hospital chair in the original Star Trek series), but it remains the tantalizing stuff of make-believe to Earth-based mortals.
“This advance brings us a step closer to the ultimate goal of realistic holographic telepresence with high-resolution, full-color, human-size, 3D images that can be sent at video refresh rates from one part of the world to the other,” said project lead Nasser Peyghambarian in the foundation announcement.
Some applications of holograms being talked about are disappointingly mundane, if that’s even possible when we’re envisioning actual holograms. You have, for example, meeting attendees from other cities “beaming in” to a central conference room. Also: Draftsmen and engineers designing things with holo-helpers. Hokey examples include Japanese researchers playing with a holographic ball, and CNN’s faux holograms on the set of the 2008 presidential election night coverage.
If hologram technology ever reaches practical feasibility, the possibilities are unlimited. The boss could pop in at your workstation to check on a project or chew you out. Mom might zap into the back yard to call the kids in for dinner. NFL referees could review disputed plays without wasting all that time in those ridiculous hooded replay booths. Video-game opponents could spring to life in your game room, necessitating a quick melee response if you want to survive. Military planners doubtless would be in ecstasy.
I always thought the Star Trek Next Generation holodeck was beyond cool. Obi-Wan Kinobi’s hologram shimmering out of R2-D2 enraptured Star Wars fans. Now we can dare to imagine the prospect of the science fiction come to life.
http://blogs.standard.net/why-are-you-crying/2010/11/04/holograms-are-becoming-tangible/
Star Trek's Mr. Sulu latest voice for 'It Gets Better'
Ever since the suicide of Indiana teenager Billy Lucas, nationally known gay activist and Seattle icon Dan Savage has been rounding up celebrities for his "It Gets Better" campaign.
The latest to weigh in is Star Trek's Mr. Sulu. Actor George Takei, who came out himself several years ago, lent his distinctive voice to support bullied gay teens.
In a video posted on YouTube, Takei took aim at Clint McCanse, a school board member in Arkansas, who said he wished more gay teens would commit suicide.
"No person, let alone an elected school official, whatever their personal or religious beliefs, should ever wish death upon another human being," said Takei.
And never one to back down, Takei made it personal.
"I can only suspect that you have some, shall I say issues, to work out."
At the end of his personal message to McCanse, Takei said, "I sincerely hope you don't kill yourself Mr. McCanse, because no one should wish that upon someone else."
http://www.mynorthwest.com/category/local_news_articles/20101102/Star-Trek%27s-Mr.-Sulu-latest-voice-for-%22It-Gets-Better%22/
Simon Pegg: Star Trek 2 is written
Simon Pegg has revealed the plot of Star Trek 2 has been written, but he is still waiting to find out what it is.
The Burke And Hare star, who played Montgomery 'Scotty' Scott in JJ Abrams big screen version of the hit sci fi series, revealed the rivalry between Captain James T. Kirk and Spock was set to continue in the sequel, but that they could be united by a common adversary.
Simon said: "It's been written now, I don't know what the story is, it's not 'til next year."
He went on: "They are busy hashing out the story and they're excited about it. Damian Lindeloff had to finish Lost, and now they're at it. He has said that they're hoping to carry on the relationship between the crew and if they have the adversary."
The British actor, who is currently filming Mission Impossible IV also let slip he has a role in an upcoming secret project, but refused to give anything away.
Simon said: "Because it's not in place or definite yet, I can't say too much about it otherwise it'll be one of those parts that nearly happened.
"Too much is said too early these days. There's too much information being disseminated and there's no mystery any more."
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hH2m-J_5xTHPJcMYfv0fflDa_MVA?docId=N0092351288610844967AStar Trek's USS Enterprise: owners’ workshop manual from Haynes
The 160-page guide delves into the technical specification of the world’s most famous fictional spaceship, containing in-depth drawings and a step-by-step approach to stripping the ship down to its essentials and reassembling it.
An invaluable tool to any aspiring Scotty, the book was written by Ben Robinson and Marcus Riley with the help of former NASA designer Michael Okuda, who worked on the Sci-Fi series for more than 20 years.
Co-author Robinson said: “It's something I think people have wanted for a long time, a proper history that puts the Enterprises into context with one another and gives you the story of how they evolved, with each ship building on the last.”
This something of a departure for Haynes, who started publishing car manuals in 1965, although they have diversified somewhat in recent years, producing books on classic military aircraft, Wallace and Gromit contraptions and a manual on teenagers.
