Bigpoint http://bigpoint.net We do games. Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:19:12 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Anchors aweigh! Pirate Storm is going live http://bigpoint.net/2012/02/anchors-aweigh-pirate-storm-is-going-live/ http://bigpoint.net/2012/02/anchors-aweigh-pirate-storm-is-going-live/#comments Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:28:07 +0000 m.mirlach http://bigpoint.net/?p=3627 ]]>

In addition to the classic “Seafight,” Bigpoint is now happy to present “Pirate Storm” – yet another dynamic pirate game that can be played for free directly in your browser.


“Pirate Storm” is a more contemporary version of one of our favorite game concepts,” says Executive Producer at Bigpoint Marco Matz. “Complete with gripping duels on the high seas, “Pirate Storm” is an exciting addition to our portfolio that is aimed at pleasing the many players who really enjoy playing pirate-themed games.”


“Pirate Storm” is also intended for beginners by offering uncomplicated game entry and an enthralling introduction into the world of buccaneers. Alone or with other pirates in their guild, players must face monsters from the darkest depths of the ocean and greedy, enemy pirates. Players must give their all – because waiting for them at the end of this Flash game’s challenging missions is legendary treasure … or death!


Pirate Storm is internationally available as of now in over 24 languages. Click here to play for free http://www.piratestorm.de.


Additional links:
- http://www.piratestorm.de
- http://www.bigpoint.net
- http://www.bigpoint.com
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2012/02/anchors-aweigh-pirate-storm-is-going-live/feed/ 0 Party for millions: Farmerama, the popular casual game, is turning 2 years old http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/party-for-millions-farmerama-the-popular-casual-game-is-turning-2-years-old/ http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/party-for-millions-farmerama-the-popular-casual-game-is-turning-2-years-old/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:51:51 +0000 k.frank http://bigpoint.net/?p=3599 ]]> Hamburg, January 25, 2012 – Bigpoint’s (http://www.bigpoint.com) casual game Farmerama (http://www.farmerama.com) is celebrating its second birthday with over 35 million registered users and close to 500,000 Facebook fans. This impressive number of fans and players makes Farmerama one the most successful casual games of all time. Farmerama’s great success can be attributed not only to ever-increasing user registrations and the millions of active and satisfied players, but also – and most importantly – to Farmerama becoming a core game in Bigpoint’s portfolio within just two years.

Farmers around the world are partying until the cows come home – Farmerama’s turning 2!
It’s Farmarama’s birthday: reason enough to go hog-wild! It doesn’t matter if you are a new or an experienced farmer, everyone is invited. So lay down those pitchforks and start hanging streamers and blowing up balloons until you just can’t decorate anymore! Farmerama is having the rootin‘est, tootin‘est hoedown for farmers all around the world! 2 years of Farmerama – that entails a whole lot more than planting and harvesting crops and cleaning out stalls. Rather, players can expect weekly quests and events like an emotionally stirring royal wedding, Oktoberfest complete with delicious pretzels or the hair-raising full moon event. Farmerama’s players have earned a raucous shindig, complete with exciting quests, colorful decorations and a heap of cooky surprises. Loyalty will be rewarded: the top prize for hard-working farmers is a reward that gets better the longer a player has been registered.

“In developing Farmerama, we have finally created a game that is played by as many men as women, and with just as much pleasure. The game’s continued success is thanks to the team, who has captured the hearts of millions of virtual farmers with their always-fresh and increasingly creative game ideas, “says Heiko Hubertz, CEO and founder of Bigpoint. He is grateful for all their hard work!

Farmerama: A Success Story Farmerama
Farmerama is not only one of the most successful online games and one of the zaniest casual games ever, but its simulated farming situations have won many awards (including the German Development Prize 2012, the LARA Online Award 2012, and European Games Award 2010). Since its release in 2012, over 35 million players have chosen a simpler life down on the farm. Now available for Farmerama: Harvest Time, the Farmerama Companion, which is also compatible with all Apple mobile products.

]]> http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/party-for-millions-farmerama-the-popular-casual-game-is-turning-2-years-old/feed/ 0 Bigpoint Exceeds 250 Million Registered Players http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/bigpoint-exceeds-250-million-registered-players/ http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/bigpoint-exceeds-250-million-registered-players/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:23:56 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=3593 ]]>
San Francisco – January 31, 2012 – Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) – a worldwide leader in online games – today announced that it has surpassed 250 million registered players for its free-to-play (F2P), browser-based online games. Bigpoint – which has established a global publishing network of 1000+ game portals, social networks, and media sites – attracts over 250,000 new players to its key titles every day, such as Battlestar Galactica Online, Drakensang Online, Dark Orbit, and Farmerama.

“Since 2002, we’ve strived to bring high-quality games and experiences to the widest possible audience,” said Heiko Hubertz, CEO and Founder, Bigpoint. “With players hailing from every corner of the globe, today’s milestone underscores our success – and we’re not done. We’ll continue to challenge the notion of what online games are and can be.”

Bigpoint introduced the concept of F2P games, a business model that allows players to spend small amounts of money on virtual items and in-game bonuses, to the western world with the launch of IceFighter in 2002, which Hubertz personally developed. Since then, Bigpoint has amassed a portfolio of 60+ casual, core, and hardcore games. In addition to its own internally-developed titles, Bigpoint outsources the development of several projects, and also publishes games from other companies.

Over the past decade Bigpoint has radically improved the quality of the online games. Beginning with relatively simple Flash-based titles, Bigpoint has released a number of high-quality games built atop the Unity development platform in the past year. The company is planning a series of new launches in 2012, including new titles that leverage world-class Hollywood intellectual property.

Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Bigpoint made international expansion a top priority in early 2010 when it established its first North American office in San Francisco. Presently, the company maintains operations in Hamburg, Malta, San Francisco, Sao Paulo, London, France, and Spain – with more scheduled to open in 2012.
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2012/01/bigpoint-exceeds-250-million-registered-players/feed/ 0 No sign of international crisis: Skyrama now has comprehensive economic system http://bigpoint.net/2011/12/no-sign-of-international-crisis-skyrama-now-has-comprehensive-economic-system/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/12/no-sign-of-international-crisis-skyrama-now-has-comprehensive-economic-system/#comments Wed, 07 Dec 2011 14:34:37 +0000 m.kuhnert http://bigpoint.net/?p=3343 ]]> Hamburg, December 7, 2011 – Successful airport managers need to utilize all their skills in Skyrama (www.skyrama.com), the newest title in Bigpoint’s (http://www.bigpoint.com/) casual gaming series: The largest most recent content update incorporates a comprehensive economic system in which players manage production, trade and freight logistics at their airports.

Skyrama lets players manage their own airport, including air traffic controlling and maintaining passenger and customer satisfaction. Now there are exciting new features: Players can dispatch their airplanes all over the world to import exotic raw materials. Subsequently, the materials can be processed at the airport and the products sold to passengers. The already existing buildings have been integrated into the new system and a few modifications have been made to increase economic benefit: Old warehouses have been removed to make way for freight parking spaces which provide sufficient storage space for raw materials. In addition to new freight airplanes, freight parking spaces and warehouses, there are now many new airport shops from which players can choose. The previously available duty-free goods have been adapted to fit the new system. Another new feature is that passenger waiting times at the airport have been reduced. Now passengers only wait a maximum of two nights at the online airport before they decide to go elsewhere and are thus no longer available to the airport manager.

“By increasing the number of tasks an airport manager has, we are taking the concept of an airport development game to a higher level”, says Tobias Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “The focus is no longer on just coordinating airplanes in the air, but now includes all facets of a busy airport.”

Play the live version of Skyrama on the official website http://www.skyrama.de. Fans are invited to find out more about Skyrama on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/skyrama/) or watch the trailer on the official Bigpoint YouTube channel http://www.youtube.com/bigpoint.
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/12/no-sign-of-international-crisis-skyrama-now-has-comprehensive-economic-system/feed/ 0 Bigpoint Scoops European Business Award http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-scoops-european-business-award/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-scoops-european-business-award/#comments Wed, 23 Nov 2011 15:15:10 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=3276 ]]>
Barcelona, November 23, 2011 – Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/), an international leader in online games, was celebrating last night after being named the Infosys Business of the Year with Turnover of €26-150m (Germany) at the European Business Awards.
Regarded as Europe’s toughest business competition, Bigpoint was one of 11 winners selected from the shortlisted 111 Ruban d’Honneur recipients participating from across the continent, in a programme which engaged with over 15,000 organisations in over 30 countries. Showcasing the best in class, the European Business Awards winners represent a diverse range of industries including cosmetics, engineering, fashion, online businesses, manufacturing and transport. The awards were held in Barcelona and presented in front of an audience comprising heads of state, leading industrialists, entrepreneurs, business leaders, media owners and academics from across 30 European nations.

The award is another notable achievement in what has already been a phenomenally successful year for Bigpoint. Reflecting the company’s rapid growth, it secured $350million worth of investment in April and subsequently passed the 200 million user milestone in June. Furthermore, in September of this year, CEO and founder Heiko Hubertz was named ‘Entrepreneur of the Year’ at the Investor AllStars Venture Capital Awards.

Commenting on the award win, Bigpoint CCO Nils Henning said: “This award win is another terrific accolade for Bigpoint. The European Business Awards honour the most elite businesses from across multiple industries and we’re tremendously proud to have been recognised as a company which is driving a high level of growth and innovation in such a challenging economic environment.”
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-scoops-european-business-award/feed/ 0 Bigpoint Unearths The Mummy Online Closed Beta http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-unearths-the-mummy-online-closed-beta/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-unearths-the-mummy-online-closed-beta/#comments Thu, 17 Nov 2011 10:55:00 +0000 k.frank http://bigpoint.net/?p=3256 ]]>
San Francisco – Nov. 15, 2011 – Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) – a worldwide leader in online games – today announced that The Mummy Online (http://themummy.bigpoint.com/) has begun accepting registrations for its closed beta period. Developed in collaboration with Universal Partnerships & Licensing, The Mummy Online is a breakthrough, action-adventure RPG that delivers high-end gameplay through an engaging story inspired by the massively successful film franchise.

“We’re excited to get The Mummy Online into the hands of the fans,” said Arash Amini, Producer, Bigpoint. “As is the case with our entire portfolio of games, which can be improved and optimized on the fly, community feedback will be critical to this project’s success.”

Participants interested in joining The Mummy Online’s exclusive closed beta can register for access at http://themummy.bigpoint.com/. Once in-game, players will fight their way through a single-player tutorial level before selecting their allegiance (Raider or Cultist) and class (Gunslinger/Assassin, Brawler/Enforcer, or Scholar/Priest). As players gain experience through both PvE and PvP gameplay, they will be able to learn new skills, unravel special capabilities, and purchase more powerful equipment.

Battle across Cinematic Environments
Based on the existing terrain of Egypt, players can explore the map of Amarna with several PvE regions that include the Dunes, River, Maze, and Rocky Fields. Here, players will confront a range of monsters, including several types of scarabs, scorpions, pygmies, Anubis warriors, and mummies. Within the PvP areas of the Tomb, Oasis, and Ruins, players can battle against players of opposing allegiances and capture ancient obelisks to dominate the playing field.

With the closed beta expected to last several weeks, Bigpoint will unlock player accounts in waves to ensure game stability and performance. At the conclusion of the closed beta period, Bigpoint will review all feedback, optimize virtually every aspect of the game, and ready The Mummy Online for the official open beta launch.

Players are encouraged to follow the closed beta’s progress and provide input through the community forum: http://en.board.bigpoint.com/mummy/.
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/11/bigpoint-unearths-the-mummy-online-closed-beta/feed/ 0 One page, one account, over 60 games: the new Bigpoint.com http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/one-page-one-account-over-60-games-the-new-bigpoint-com/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/one-page-one-account-over-60-games-the-new-bigpoint-com/#comments Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:18:59 +0000 m.mirlach http://bigpoint.net/?p=3164 ]]> Multiphase portal relaunch at Bigpoint.com

Hamburg, October 31, 2011 – Bigpoint, a leading international provider of online games, has concluded several months of intense development on its game portal at Bigpoint.com (http://www.bigpoint.com) and is raising the curtain on the new Bigpoint.com: one central hub offering access numerous online game highlights in a clear, modern layout. The site’s 225 million registered users – and all new users as well – will appreciate the major improvements to the design and in some cases completely reworked functionality.

One significant change at Bigpoint.com is the account management system: Currently registered gamers can now link their access data for various games to their Bigpoint portal login, meaning only one login is now needed to enjoy a variety of immersive worlds of gaming. The same also applies of course to new registrations to Bigpoint.com – the portal login offers immediate, free access to all games. Facebook members can also log in directly to Bigpoint.com using the Facebook account and then start playing immediately.

“Bigpoint brings joy to millions of gamers through its modern, high-quality online games that can be played directly and for free using an internet browser,” says Heiko Hubertz, CEO and Founder of Bigpoint. “Even during the first phase of its relaunch, Bigpoint.com promises an outstanding framework for our gaming universes – there’s something to draw in every kind of gamer and make them feel at home!”

Action, casual, strategy, MMORPG and sports: Over 60 games in five categories serve the broadest possible range of gaming preferences. Among the biggest hits are games developed in-house at Bigpoint as well as casual gaming phenomenon Farmerama, the action MMORPG Drakensang Online and the deep space classic DarkOrbit, as well as highly regarded titles from partner publishers EA and mail.ru. The game lineup is continually being expanded; gamers can always find a quick overview in the News section and Top Games category to ensure they’re in early for the newest hits. All games are presented at Bigpoint.com with extensive information, videos and screenshots. By integrating social network services like Facebook and Twitter and the portal-wide rating function, gamers can quickly determine based on their fellow gamers’ opinions which Bigpoint highlights they can’t afford to miss.

The new Bigpoint.com will be launched in several phases: After the initial start phase, a number of new functions will be introduced to the site in the coming weeks and months, including additional social content. With its accessible, user-friendly design and simple navigation, a visit to check out the new portal at http://www.bigpoint.com as always time well spent.

The renovations have extended beyond the new Bigpoint.com portal. The corporate website at www.bigpoint.net has also been completely redeveloped in recent days.


Additional online links:
- http://www.bigpoint.com
- http://www.bigpoint.net
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/one-page-one-account-over-60-games-the-new-bigpoint-com/feed/ 0 RamaCity is booming: New features pump life into the city http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/ramacity-is-booming-new-features-pump-life-into-the-city/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/ramacity-is-booming-new-features-pump-life-into-the-city/#comments Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:04:30 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2967 ]]> • Multiphase portal relaunch at Bigpoint.com

Hamburg, October 27, 2011 – Bigpoint, a leading international provider of online games, has concluded several months of intense development on its game portal at Bigpoint.com (http://www.bigpoint.com) and is raising the curtain on the new Bigpoint.com: one central hub offering access numerous online game highlights in a clear, modern layout. The site’s 225 million registered users – and all new users as well – will appreciate the major improvements to the design and in some cases completely reworked functionality.

One significant change at Bigpoint.com is the account management system: Currently registered gamers can now link their access data for various games to their Bigpoint portal login, meaning only one login is now needed to enjoy a variety of immersive worlds of gaming. The same also applies of course to new registrations to Bigpoint.com – the portal login offers immediate, free access to all games. Facebook members can also log in directly to Bigpoint.com using the Facebook account and then start playing immediately.

“Bigpoint brings joy to millions of gamers through its modern, high-quality online games that can be played directly and for free using an internet browser,” says Heiko Hubertz, CEO and Founder of Bigpoint. “Even during the first phase of its relaunch, Bigpoint.com promises an outstanding framework for our gaming universes – there’s something to draw in every kind of gamer and make them feel at home!”

Action, casual, strategy, MMORPG and sports: Over 60 games in five categories serve the broadest possible range of gaming preferences. Among the biggest hits are games developed in-house at Bigpoint as well as casual gaming phenomenon Farmerama, the action MMORPG Drakensang Online and the deep space classic DarkOrbit, as well as highly regarded titles from partner publishers EA and mail.ru. The game lineup is continually being expanded; gamers can always find a quick overview in the News section and Top Games category to ensure they’re in early for the newest hits. All games are presented at Bigpoint.com with extensive information, videos and screenshots. By integrating social network services like Facebook and Twitter and the portal-wide rating function, gamers can quickly determine based on their fellow gamers’ opinions which Bigpoint highlights they can’t afford to miss.

The new Bigpoint.com will be launched in several phases: After the initial start phase, a number of new functions will be introduced to the site in the coming weeks and months, including additional social content. With its accessible, user-friendly design and simple navigation, a visit to check out the new portal at http://www.bigpoint.com as always time well spent.

The renovations have extended beyond the new Bigpoint.com portal. The corporate website at www.bigpoint.net has also been completely redeveloped in recent days.


Additional online links:
- http://www.bigpoint.com
- http://www.bigpoint.net
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/ramacity-is-booming-new-features-pump-life-into-the-city/feed/ 0 European Business Awards – The Winners Conference http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/gamesville-expo/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/gamesville-expo/#comments Thu, 06 Oct 2011 10:06:13 +0000 bigpoint http://bigpoint.net/?p=2815 Lecture on Bigpoint
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/gamesville-expo/feed/ 0 GDC San Francisco (USA) http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/g20-young-entrepreneur-summit/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/g20-young-entrepreneur-summit/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:02:41 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2836 Session “Growth Opportunities for Online Games Beyond Facebook”
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/g20-young-entrepreneur-summit/feed/ 0 Casual Connect Europe http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/19-21-oktober/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/19-21-oktober/#comments Sun, 02 Oct 2011 10:03:09 +0000 bigpoint http://bigpoint.net/?p=2812 Hall G, Foyer – booth 1
]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/10/19-21-oktober/feed/ 0 An army against evil: Drakensang Online and one million players http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/an-army-against-evil-drakensang-online-and-one-million-players/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/an-army-against-evil-drakensang-online-and-one-million-players/#comments Tue, 27 Sep 2011 09:58:35 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2762 ]]>
  • Drakensang Online sets new milestone after less than two months
  • Various new features expand game world and thrill the community
    • Hamburg, September 27, 2011 – Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) celebrates a huge success story: With over one million players registered for Drakensang Online (http://www.drakensang-online.com) since the official launch of the Open Beta on August 8, 2011, it’s not just the registrations that are on the rise, but the excitement too: With the first big update launched as well as many more to come, such as the community’s highly anticipated PvP features, Bigpoint Berlin is keeping players on their toes with new adventures and challenges in the epic fantasy world of Drakensang Online.
    “Drakensang Online helped us prove, only after just a few short weeks, that it’s possible to launch browser games with the same level of quality as traditional PC or console games,” says Philip Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “Action RPG fans looking for an outstanding gaming adventure should definitely get in on this game now and experience the free-to-play Drakensang Online for themselves!”
    Since the launch of the first big update just a few short weeks ago, Drakensang Online players have had the chance to delve into “Teganswall” and discover not only many new quests and new items but also a completely new game region. The development team also plans on expanding the game with other PvP features, including a guild system, arena battles, statistics, buddy lists and a PVP-only server.
    “Our community keeps us supplied with a continual pool of ideas to further improve Drakensang Online,” says Bernd Beyreuther, Head of Development of Bigpoint Berlin. “We already have a plethora of new content updates planned – and Drakensang Online is just in its infancy. As a developer, it’s a great feeling to be able to develop the game world together with the game fans themselves.”
    Drakensang Online’s free-to-play and browser-based Open Beta is available to play on the official website http://www.drakensang-online.com/ in a variety of different languages such as German, English, French not to mention Spanish, Italian and Polish. Additional game information can be found on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/drakensangonline/) as well as Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/drakensang/).
    Further online links:
    - http://www.drakensang-online.de/
    - http://www.facebook.com/drakensangonline/
    - http://www.twitter.com/drakensang/
    - http://www.bigpoint.com/
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/an-army-against-evil-drakensang-online-and-one-million-players/feed/ 0     Skyrama clears its first large update for takeoff http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/skyrama-clears-its-first-large-update-for-takeoff/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/skyrama-clears-its-first-large-update-for-takeoff/#comments Thu, 22 Sep 2011 09:53:32 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2756 ]]>
  • Transition from beta phase to live version
  • Over three-million users registered already
    • Hamburg, September 22, 2011 – Skyrama (www.skyrama.com) leaves its beta phase behind: More than three-million registered users will move onto the live version. Now the latest addition to the Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) casual games arsenal will include new expansions and special features. Get a taste of things to come in Skyrama and feast your eyes on the new official trailer at http://www.youtube.com/bigpoint!
    Skyrama lets players manage their own airport, prepare airplanes and take care of travelers. Airport managers can now look forward to exciting new additions to their virtual airports, such as Ramacopters and a new map that will allow them to send their planes across the ocean to the Americas. Now users will not only be able to see which of their friends are currently online, but they’ll also be able to try out all the new decoration items to give their airport a more personal touch.
    “We never expected to see over three-million registered users in the start phase of Skyrama,” says Tobias Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “This clearly shows us that an online airport is just what many casual gamers were looking for.”
    The live version of Skyrama can be played on the official website: http://www.skyrama.com. Fans can also get more info on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/skyrama/.
    Further online links:
    - http://www.skyrama.de/
    - http://www.facebook.com/skyrama/
    - http://www.bigpoint.com/
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/skyrama-clears-its-first-large-update-for-takeoff/feed/ 0     “KULTAN: The World Beyond” launches the international Open Beta http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/%e2%80%9ckultan-the-world-beyond%e2%80%9d-launches-the-international-open-beta/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/%e2%80%9ckultan-the-world-beyond%e2%80%9d-launches-the-international-open-beta/#comments Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:12:22 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2733 ]]>
  • “KULTAN: The World Beyond” launches in multiple languages
  • Latest Bigpoint title geared towards fantasy MMORPG fans
    • http://bigpoint.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=2733&action=edit&message=1
    Hamburg, September 13, 2011 – Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) is sailing into international waters this month with the action-packed new fantasy MMORPG “KULTAN: The World Beyond”. English, French, Spanish, Italian and Spanish versions of the game will allow intrepid explorers to set sail on an epic voyage of discovery to the mystical, once-forgotten continent of Kultan. “KULTAN: The World Beyond” can be played for free directly in browsers at http://www.kultan.com. The German version of the game has been online since September 1, 2011.
    Three factions ready for mystery and action
    As fearless captains in “KULTAN: The World Beyond”, players develop seafaring skills to master the challenges and perils of the New World. The character development of the three available classes is just as important as recruiting the right officers to hone the player’s skills and strategy, and keep their crew’s morale high. Players can select their captain from one of three detailed factions: The proud and unrelenting kingdom of Tian, who obsessively pursue their goals and don’t hold back from using dark powers of mysticism to achieve them; the Almeerah Caliphate, who draw on the great wealth of their long history. Their wisdom and inexhaustible experience leaves them only to fear a prophecy that an ancient, unspeakable evil may rise out of the depths of the ocean once more. And the Republic of Gudtholm, which was recently united following a long war of succession, and now confidently faces a prosperous future.
    The gripping story of “KULTAN: The World Beyond” can be experienced together with other players, cooperatively or competitively. Rival flotillas must battle it out in epic sea skirmishes for oceanic dominance and make their fortune from the great gold rush for Aicanum treasure. A passion for discovery, a heart full of courage and a dash of daring are all the qualities of a captain destined for greatness.
    “‘KULTAN: The World Beyond’ is not a game for the unadventurous!” according to Philip Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “Fantasy MMO fans will be blown away by our latest game. The vast, beautiful game world, state-of-the-art graphics and a story full of twists and turns, secrets and dangers, make KULTAN a truly unique browser experience which is immediately available in multiple key languages.”
    Kultan comes to life
    In addition to its complex story, “KULTAN: The World Beyond” offers a gaming world brought to life with impressive Unity 3D graphics. The stories of competing nations, all from very different cultures, are as detailed and lifelike as the myriad of terrifying sea creatures and boss monsters featured in the game. Combined with 36 ship types to allow players to fully customize their crafts, the game offers players the ocean adventure of a lifetime.
    Starting immediately, Bigpoint’s free-to-play game “KULTAN: The World Beyond” will be internationally playable in German, English, French, Italian and Spanish at http://www.kultan.com.
    Further online links:
    - http://www.kultan.com
    - http://www.bigpoint.com
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/%e2%80%9ckultan-the-world-beyond%e2%80%9d-launches-the-international-open-beta/feed/ 0     Bigpoint takes over the entire development team of 49Games GmbH http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/bigpoint-takes-over-the-entire-development-team-of-49games-gmbh/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/bigpoint-takes-over-the-entire-development-team-of-49games-gmbh/#comments Tue, 13 Sep 2011 09:48:01 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2747 ]]>
  • Renowned studio for sports-entertainment software sells its entire development team to Bigpoint
  • 43 workers switch to a new employer and will be developing online games instead of console titles
    • Hamburg September 12, 2011 – Bigpoint, an international leader in online games, is immediately taking over the entire production team of the internationally successful development studio 49Games. More than 40 full-time employees will now become part of Bigpoint’s international team and will be developing online games instead of console titles. The current projects under development in 49Games will be completed by the production team. Aside from the production team, all rights to their multiplatform technology, assets, licenses etc. remain the property of 49Games GmbH.
    Bigpoint will concentrate solely on the development of online and mobile games in the future. The veteran expertise of the recently taken-over developers will be put to use on upcoming Unity 3D projects.
    “The team at 49Games is one of the best development teams in the console sports-games industry. We’re very excited to add them to the Bigpoint team for our online games,” explains Heiko Hubertz, CEO and founder of Bigpoint. “Together with our development team, we’re going to continue our mission to deliver our users top-quality gaming fun.”
    “I’m very pleased with Bigpoint’s acquisition of our development team and I’m confident that the team will deliver fantastic 3D MMOs for the quickly growing international online company,” claims Jan-Hendrik Ohl, CEO of 49Games GmbH.
    After the takeover and merger of Radon Labs and Elofd in Berlin last year and the purchase of Planet Moon Studios at the start of 2011, this is the fourth takeover for the world’s largest browser-based online game provider Bigpoint.
    “We plan on expanding,” states so Heiko Hubertz, “and so we’re still on the lookout for other excellent studios like 49 Games. In the future, we’re definitely going to make more international acquisitions.”
    The 49Games GmbH – one of the leading development studios in Europe
    The Hamburg-based game development studio, 49Games, is the leading independent development studio of console-sports games in Europe. The company spun off from the VCC entertainment company in 2004 and has developed 18 multi-platform sports titles since. These titles were published for the XBox 360, Wii, PS3, PS2 and PC.
    The studio’s team is composed of 45 full-time developers who have developed the beloved games: Winter Stars, Winter Sports 2011 – Go for Gold, Summer Challenge 2010, RTL Wintersports 2010 and many other top titles.
    Further online links:
    - http://www.bigpoint.net
    - http://www.bigpoint.com
    - http://www.49games.de
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/bigpoint-takes-over-the-entire-development-team-of-49games-gmbh/feed/ 0     Battlestar Galactica Online Jumps past Five Million Players; Humans and Cylons Steeped in Competition for Control of the Veil Sector http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/battlestar-galactica-online-jumps-past-five-million-players/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/battlestar-galactica-online-jumps-past-five-million-players/#comments Wed, 07 Sep 2011 09:25:52 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2740 ]]> San Francisco – Sept. 7, 2011 – Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com) – a worldwide leader in online games – today announced that Battlestar Galactica Online (http://battlestar-galactica.bigpoint.com/) has surpassed five million registered players worldwide since its February launch. Based on the internationally popular Syfy television series produced by Universal Cable Productions, Battlestar Galactica Online is a free-to-play, browser-based space combat MMO that combines high-quality graphics with intense gameplay. The Unity-based title recently won ‘Best Browser Game’ at the 2011 European Games Awards. Battlestar Galactica Online is licensed through Universal Partnerships & Licensing on behalf of NBCUniversal Television Consumer Products Group.
    “As BSGO continues to evolve, we’re excited to offer new content to the fans and growing community,” said Sarah Levantine, Producer, Bigpoint. “We listen very closely to what the players ask for and are happy to announce that more features and items, including a number of new ships, are on the way.”
    Since its launch, Bigpoint has added a number of new ships and game modes to the title. To bolster the available fleet, a new line of Fleet Recon ships will soon become available for both Colonial and Cylon players. Armed with the ability to “Jump-To-Target” in proximity of an erupting battle, these light freighters are built to aid in combat as Recon versions of the series’ classic Raptor and Heavy Raider. Bigpoint maintains a multi-tiered development schedule, which organizes the team’s activity into three key areas: ongoing optimization and bug repair, short-term updates, and long-term content additions.
    Beginning mid-September, basic models of both vessels will be obtainable with Cubits, BSGO’s in-game premium currency that can be earned through gameplay or purchased with real money, along with advanced models that will enable greater mission flexibility. The recently unveiled Brimir Class Carrier is also scheduled to become available this fall, though its size, complexity, and impact on game balance must be optimized before its general release.
    In the recent European Games Awards ceremony held in Cologne, Battlestar Galactica Online was presented the award for Best European Browser Game, Europe’s largest and most prestigious consumer-voted gaming award. Bigpoint’s vast international distribution network of over 1,000 media partners, localization in 25+ languages, and team of worldwide community managers has helped Battlestar Galactica Online attract over five million users to the game, with over 25,000 new pilots enlisting every day.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/09/battlestar-galactica-online-jumps-past-five-million-players/feed/ 0     4shared.com launches entertainment platform with Bigpoint as its exclusive cooperation partner http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/4shared-com-eroffnet-entertainment-plattform-bigpoint-ist-exklusiver-kooperationspartner/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/4shared-com-eroffnet-entertainment-plattform-bigpoint-ist-exklusiver-kooperationspartner/#comments Tue, 23 Aug 2011 13:25:25 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2518 ]]> Hamburg, July 27, 2011 – The file-storage platform 4shared.com is expanding its online portfolio by offering a new, globally available gaming portal http://www.4shared.com/onlinegames/, where games won’t just be downloadable but available directly in the browser. The online-game provider Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) is now 4shared.com’s exclusive cooperation partner and will pro-vide a large number of its games.
    From the very start, Seafight, DarkOrbit, Farmerama, Zoomumba, SkyRama and Battlestar Galactica Online will all be playable on the 4shared gaming platform. More games will be added over the coming months. The games will be universally available and playable in English, German, Portuguese, Spanish, French and Italian.
    4shared isn’t just looking to reach game-loving target groups with their new product offers but are trying to expand their platform beyond the bounds of just file storage. Bigpoint will now also reach out to the millions of new 4shared.com users around the world.
    “4shared.com is a website with one of the highest user bases worldwide,” states Nils Holger Henning, CCO at Bigpoint. “We’re very excited to offer our successful games to new user groups via our latest cooperation partner 4shared.”
    Andrew Liulko, Head of Sales and PR at 4shared had this to say: “The integration of Bigpoint games onto our portal will greatly expand our entertainment selection. This is the first time we’re integrating online games and are excited to see how our users will respond.”
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/4shared-com-eroffnet-entertainment-plattform-bigpoint-ist-exklusiver-kooperationspartner/feed/ 0     TV and gaming unite: TF1 and Bigpoint enter joint agreement http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/tv-and-gaming-unite-tf1-and-bigpoint-enter-joint-agreement/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/tv-and-gaming-unite-tf1-and-bigpoint-enter-joint-agreement/#comments Fri, 19 Aug 2011 13:38:39 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=2532 ]]> In the new multiplayer section, users will be able to play casual games like the farm-simulation game Farmerama as well as core games such as the space-adventure game DarkOrbit. The ten games* can be played for free based on the “Free2play” business model: To advance through the game faster, users can purchase virtual goods with real money within the game. The portal launch will be accompanied by an extensive TV nation-wide campaign in France which will focus on the titles Farmerama and Seafight.
    “TF1 is the largest entertainment provider in France and therefore a particularly attractive cooperation partner for Bigpoint,” states Nils Holger Henning, CCO at Bigpoint. We look forward to working with them to provide our games to a large online-friendly target group in one of our largest user markets.”
    Claude Charpin, Deputy Director of New Media at eTF1: “We’re very excited about this cooperation with Bigpoint. It allows us to expand and complete TF1.fr’s range of games via a myriad of free-to-play games. The cooperation helps us to offer a wider range of products to our players and reach new target groups.”
    *(Farmerama, Zoomumba, Skyrama, Darkorbit, Seafight, Battlestar Galactica Online, Deepolis, Waroftitans, Xblaster, Soccermanager)
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/tv-and-gaming-unite-tf1-and-bigpoint-enter-joint-agreement/feed/ 0     Baaa-rilliant news: Farmerama prepares for shear madness as Shaun the Sheep joins the farm http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/baaa-rilliant-news-farmerama-prepares-for-shear-madness-as-shaun-the-sheep-joins-the-farm/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/baaa-rilliant-news-farmerama-prepares-for-shear-madness-as-shaun-the-sheep-joins-the-farm/#comments Wed, 10 Aug 2011 08:39:27 +0000 m.kuhnert http://bigpoint.net/?p=2291 ]]> Farmerama gets the flock treatment as Shaun the Sheep and the gang join the popular online game
  • Bigpoint launches one of the biggest updates to Farmerama with significant partnership with Aardman Animations and provider of branded virtual items, Iconicfuture


    • Hamburg, August 10, 2011 – Love Shaun the Sheep’s naughty antics, but reckon that if you were the farmer, you could manage to prevent some of his more mischievous mistakes? Well, with the arrival of Shaun the Sheep into Bigpoint’s popular online game, Farmerama (www.farmerama.com), now you can.

    Shaun the Sheep and his flock including Shirley, Timmy and Timmy’s Mother will arrive in the game in the middle of August 2011 and Farmerama’s existing 150 million sheep are already getting excited to become part of Shaun’s flock. However, Bitzer the put-upon sheepdog is definitely concerned that with such a big increase to Shaun’s flock there may well be baa-mageddon!

    Tobias Reisberger, Chief Games Officer, Bigpoint, says: “We know that Shaun the Sheep is one of the most popular TV shows across the world and we’re delighted to welcome him into Farmerama. With over 30 million players of Farmerama across the world, this addition is Shaun to be a star.”

    So, here’s looking at ewe, let’s get playing this unbleatable game at: www.farmerama.com
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/baaa-rilliant-news-farmerama-prepares-for-shear-madness-as-shaun-the-sheep-joins-the-farm/feed/ 0     A new legend is born: Drakensang Online launches its Open Beta http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/drakensang-online-launches-its-open-beta/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/drakensang-online-launches-its-open-beta/#comments Mon, 08 Aug 2011 10:07:20 +0000 m.mirlach http://bigpoint.net/?p=1374 ]]>
  • Drakensang Online heralds the next generation of free-to-play online browser games
  • International release to go live in 19 languages
    • Hamburg, August 8, 2011 – Bigpoint’s (http://www.bigpoint.com/) quest for heroes and warriors to step into battle against the dark forces of the Anderworld has begun!
    With the long-awaited launch of the Open Beta, fans of action RPGs will finally be able to explore the epic world of Drakensang Online (http://www.drakensang-online.com/), the free-to-play online browser game.The game invites players to take up arms as fearless Dragonknight freedom fighters or wise and magical Spellweavers to wage a brutal war against the terrifying dragons and savage monsters of the Anderworld. The international release of the game will be offered in 19 different languages including German, English, French, Spanish and Italian.
    “Drakensang’s going online!” rejoiced Bernd Beyreuther, Head of Development at Bigpoint Berlin “The launch of this game allows us to realize a long-held ambition of developing a fully immersive action RPG game that can be enjoyed by all players from the first moment of playing, and is brought alive by its large community. We have developed a rich story within the game and will be constantly tailoring and expanding the game based on user demands.”

    In addition to its two selectable character classes, Drakensang Online has been wowing fans in Closed Beta with a variety of different character skills, exciting and challenging quests, an impressive armoury of weapons and magic, and over 100 hours of gaming content.
    The visually stunning game world, featuring picturesque medieval towns, green forests, murky swamps and dark caves, was developed by Bigpoint using their in-house “Nebula3“ engine, impressing players with a level of 3D graphics and effects that have not been seen in browser games before.
    “Exactly one year ago we took over Radon Labs, one of Germany’s most prestigious developer teams and the creators of the original Drakensang PC games, and expanded our Bigpoint Berlin operations,” says Heiko Hubertz, Co-CEO of Bigpoint. “The fact that we’re releasing Drakensang Online’s Open Beta today exceeds all expectations we had for the game. The team has accomplished amazing work and Drakensang Online is not only an action-packed gaming experience but also a technical achievement which every gamer should test out, especially since it’s free to play online in your browser.”

    Cooperation is the key to strength: Gamers will have to fight as one if they wish to survive Drakensang Online’s treacherous dungeons. Players can meet up in public gathering sites such as cities or military camps to get to know each other, take on challenges together and hatch plans to march into battle united. In addition to cooperative gameplay, gamers can also test their mettle against each other in the PvP arena located in the capital of Kingshill and find out who is the mightiest hero in Drakensang Online.

    The start of the Open Beta is just the beginning for Drakensang Online: The team at Bigpoint Berlin is currently working on the first updates and new content in order to expand the world of Drakensang Online on a weekly basis.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/08/drakensang-online-launches-its-open-beta/feed/ 0     Bigpoint celebrates 30 million registered users in Farmerama http://bigpoint.net/2011/07/bigpoint-celebrates-30-million-registered-users-in-farmerama/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/07/bigpoint-celebrates-30-million-registered-users-in-farmerama/#comments Wed, 20 Jul 2011 14:46:45 +0000 m.kuhnert http://bigpoint.net/?p=2057 ]]>
    Since its launch one and a half years ago, more than 30 million gamers have chosen the a virtual life on a farm, either as wool cultivator, a farmer on a tropical island, a woodman in the forest planting cherry trees or palm trees – gamers everywhere can create their own virtual version of a rural lifestyle.

    Farmerama: a success story continues
    To celebrate this achievement, Bigpoint will reward its users with various mini events in the game, such as double drop chances for resources, double experience or double production in the mill. These fun events have been part of Farmerama’s unparalleled success story in the casual games genre, and numerous real-world events have also been incorporated into the game, including the Football World Cup, Oktoberfest and Halloween.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/07/bigpoint-celebrates-30-million-registered-users-in-farmerama/feed/ 0     Develop Evolve Conference http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/develop-conference/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/develop-conference/#comments Thu, 30 Jun 2011 14:13:32 +0000 oliverkoester http://bigpoint.net/?p=1100 ]]> The Evolve programme will help game developers tackle the issues arising from emerging platforms and digital marketplaces, connected gaming, user-generated content, and the crossover between games and Internet services.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/develop-conference/feed/ 0     The groundwork has been laid – RamaCity launches its open beta http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/the-groundwork-has-been-laid-%e2%80%93-ramacity-launches-its-open-beta/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/the-groundwork-has-been-laid-%e2%80%93-ramacity-launches-its-open-beta/#comments Wed, 22 Jun 2011 14:34:53 +0000 h.berg http://bigpoint.net/?p=1109 ]]>
  • RamaCity lets players build their own urban paradise
  • Bigpoint’s latest casual game appeals to a wide audience

    • Hamburg, June 22, 2011 – With the RamaCity Open Beta set to launch today, Bigpoint’s building up its portfolio of fun and exciting games (http://www.bigpoint.com/). Starting immediately players will be able to build their own online city and tend to the needs of their adorable, fun-loving citizens in the browser game RamaCity (http://www.ramacity.com/).

    Bigpoint‘s RamaCity promises to attract the attention of a wide array of target groups: Due to its intuitive controls and easy-to-navigate game start, typical of casual games, players will immediately feel right at home in RamaCity. Various game options, such as the ability to expand their city and customize it to their needs, invites fans and players of classic city-building simulation games to switch over to RamaCity. Visually stunning graphic design captures the essence of real city life.

    “We have great expectations for RamaCity and even believe that our latest title will trump the success of our other casual games such as Farmerama or Zoomumba!” explains Tobias Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “RamaCity is very unique because it takes the fantastic features of city-building game and wraps them up in one casual game, and thereby allows us to delight an even larger community for RamaCity!”

    In RamaCity, it’s up to players to build a city that is just as beautiful as it is efficient. They have to properly arrange residential homes, industrial zones, recreational facilities and commercial units, so that their Urbies don’t have to live next to stinky factories. Players will constantly have to reposition their buildings in their rapidly expanding cities. Taking on the role of mayor, players must watch out for their citizens’ well-being: Urbies are enthusiastic consumers who like to spend money on items players produce in the game, such as shoes, rubbier duckies or soccer balls!

    In RamaCity players don’t only have to interact with their citizens, but they also have the chance to communicate with other city mayors via social-game features such as a buddy list. The social interaction provides healthy competition and will help motivate players to beautify their city as much as they can! That’s why they can switch up the colors of their buildings and literally paint the town!



    H2 Headline


    No matter how players envision their dream city, they’re bound to have a fantastic time in the free-to-play browser game which is available now at the official website: www.ramacity.com. The game’s Facebook page (http://www.facebook.com/ramacity) offers players another option to shoot the breeze with other RamaCity players and find out the information they need.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/the-groundwork-has-been-laid-%e2%80%93-ramacity-launches-its-open-beta/feed/ 0     Bigpoint Surpasses 200 Million Gamers Worldwide http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-surpasses-200-million-gamers-worldwide/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-surpasses-200-million-gamers-worldwide/#comments Mon, 20 Jun 2011 09:00:11 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=1604 ]]>
  • Online Gaming Pioneer Credits Diverse Portfolio and Global Distribution for Continued Success
  • Company Registers Over 250,000 New Gamers Daily

    • San Francisco – June 20, 2011 – Bigpoint (www.bigpoint.com), the global market leader in browser-based online games, today announced that it has surpassed 200 million registered users worldwide, doubling from 100 million users in less than 18 months. The rapid growth rate sets a new record for the company, which ranks among the top gaming networks in the world.
    “This is another major milestone that our company has achieved in a short period of time,” explains Heiko Hubertz, founder and Co-CEO of Bigpoint.com. “It shows that members of our community recognize our commitment to delivering high-quality games and online experiences, and we want to celebrate that.”
    Unlike traditional game developers – and many upstart social gaming companies – Bigpoint has built and perfected a global distribution network that includes over 1000 media partners who promote the company’s games. To account for such widespread distribution, which requires its titles to be localized into 25 languages, Bigpoint has integrated over 180 payment solutions. The company processes over one billion transactions every day.
    Bigpoint’s browser-based game portfolio includes titles for every segment in the market, including hardcore, core, and casual games. Popular titles like Seafight (http://www.seafight.com/), Farmerama (http://www.farmerama.com/), and Battlestar Galactica Online (http://www.battlestar-galactica.bigpoint.com/), which alone garnered more than two million registrations in just three months, exemplify the company’s strategy of developing and distributing games for diverse groups of gamers.
    Upcoming titles like The Mummy Online (http://www.themummy.bigpoint.com/), Drakensang Online (http://www.drakensang-online.com/), and RamaCity (http://www.ramacity.com/), are also expected to attract legions of new fans thanks to high-end graphics and compelling gameplay.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-surpasses-200-million-gamers-worldwide/feed/ 0     German-Russian partnership: Bigpoint and Mail.Ru Group announce plans for an international collaboration over the long run http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/german-russian-partnership-bigpoint-and-mail-ru-group/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/german-russian-partnership-bigpoint-and-mail-ru-group/#comments Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:00:06 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=1633 ]]>
  • Mail.Ru Group and Bigpoint to offer each other’s games on their portals immediately
    • Hamburg, June 14, 2011 – Online game providers Bigpoint and Mail.Ru Group have agreed to a long-term partnership. As a result of the contract that was recently signed by both parties, Bigpoint and Mail.Ru Group will soon offer selected partner games on their portals.
    Russian-speaking players who log in via Mail.Ru will be able to find such renowned Bigpoint games as Farmerama, DarkOrbit, Seafight or Battlestar Galactica Online there. On the other hand, Bigpoint users will also be able to access award-winning MMORPGs such as Legend Legacy of the Dragons, Juggernaut, Empire Craft, GodsWar Online via bigpoint.com. Bigpoint games won’t only be added to the gaming portal Mail.Ru but they’ll also be integrated into the Mail.Ru Group’s social networks, Od-noklassniki and My World, which are popular in Russian-speaking countries.
    By collaborating with each other, both platforms hope to gain access to new target groups. It’s the perfect opportunity for Bigpoint to open its games to a diverse Russian-speaking community and for Mail.Ru Group to benefit from bigpoint.com’s large network of almost 200 million registered users.
    “As successful browser-game providers, Bigpoint.com and Mail.Ru are a match made in heaven,” says Nils Holger Henning, CCO at Bigpoint. “We’re happy to expand both our game portfolio and our international network of partners at the same time.”
    “Given the Bigpoint strong positions in Europe and Mail.Ru dominating positions in the Russian market, these two companies are the perfect partners for each other”, – says Vladimir Nikolsky, VP Games at Mail.Ru. “Cooperation is the next logical step in our strategy of development.”
    For more information, please visit:
    http://www.bigpoint.com
    http://corp.mail.ru/en
    http://mail.ru
    http://mailrugames.com
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/german-russian-partnership-bigpoint-and-mail-ru-group/feed/ 0     Bigpoint and the Media Design University for Design and Computer Science combine forces to develop an online-game project about renewable energy http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-and-the-media-design-university-for-design-and-computer-science-combine-forces/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-and-the-media-design-university-for-design-and-computer-science-combine-forces/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:46 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=1648 ]]>
  • Subject of renewable energy to be delivered online with charm
  • Tribute to cartoons of the 1950s
  • Hamburg, June 9, 2011 – “Green industries” are the talk of the town: Solar panels, wind turbines and bio-energy are becoming million-dollar industries. In a time of world catastrophes, renewable energy has become an attractive alternative. Battery-powered cars, energy-efficient appliances and recycling centers are increasingly replacing smokestacks, nuclear power plants and coal mines. Thanks to a tectonic shift in public opinion within recent years, the world is now more environmentally conscious and it’s time for online gaming to go green too. This is the starting position for the cooperation between Bigpoint and the Media Design University for Design and Computer Science of Berlin. Students working towards their bachelors in game design are working to develop a single-player online game about renewable energy. This edutainment game will humorously delve into the subject of “renewable energy” and combine sun, water and wind energy together in an informal, relaxed but educational way.
    Practical, interdisciplinary and reflective – Bigpoint supports the school of game design in the conception, planning and application of an online game
    Within the “Planning and completion of projects” module of the Media Design University for Design and Computer Science in Berlin, 2009 bachelor students are to gain hands-on experience by working on a real industry project. The lecturer and producer of the project, Jan Dérer, contacted Bigpoint about creating a 2D single-player flash game together with the students. Throughout the project, Christian Godorr, Head of Game Design at Bigpoint, will supervise and advise the students of the Media Design University from the developer’s point of view. Bigpoint will subsequently decide whether or not to publish the game on the company’s portal and, if necessary, further develop it.
    A 50s-cartoon-style homage to the modern exaggerated picture of the future
    A futuristic, chaotic laboratory, an intern, who shovels coal in the basement, a power outage and a runaway experiment, set the stage for the game. Armed with an “element” pistol and solar, wind and water energy as its ammunition, the player must make their way through the lab, completing various missions in order to bring the power back online and work their way up to the highest level, where they can find the generator. To create long-term game entertainment, the game will include user-generated content in the form of a level editor and a group high-score system.
    ]]> http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-and-the-media-design-university-for-design-and-computer-science-combine-forces/feed/ 0 Bigpoint und die Mediadesign Hochschule verwirklichen gemeinsames Online-Spiele-Projekt im Bereich „erneuerbarer Energien“ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-und-die-mediadesign-hochschule/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-und-die-mediadesign-hochschule/#comments Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:04 +0000 katharinalohse http://bigpoint.net/?p=1642 ]]>
  • Das Thema „erneuerbare Energien“ wird mit Charme in einem Online-Spiel umgesetzt
  • Das Projekt ist eine Hommage an die Cartoons der 50er Jahre
    • Hamburg, 9. Juni 2011 – „Green Industries“ ist das Buzzword der Zeit: Sonnenkollektoren, Windräder und Bioenergie sind zum Milliardengeschäft avanciert. Erneuerbare Energien sind im Zeitalter von Umweltkatastrophen zu einer attraktiven Alternative geworden. Batteriebetriebene Autos, energieeffiziente Geräte und Recycling-Anlagen lösen rauchende Schornsteine, Atomkraftwerke und Kohleminen mehr und mehr ab. Nach den bahnbrechenden tektonischen Ansichtsverschiebungen der letzten Jahre hin zu mehr Umweltbewusstsein wird es Zeit auch Online-Spiele ganz in grün zu gestalten. Das ist die Ausgangslage für die Kooperation zwischen Bigpoint und der Mediadesign Hochschule Berlin, bei der Bachelor-Studenten des Studienganges Gamedesign ein Single-Player-Online-Spiel im Bereich „erneuerbare Energien“ entwickeln. Das Spiel wird sich humorvoll mit dem Thema „erneuerbare Energien“ auseinander setzen und kombiniert Sonnen-, Wasser- und Windenergie miteinander, ohne dass es zu formal und lehrreich in den Bereich des Edutainments abschweift.
    Praxisnah, interdisziplinär und reflektiert – Bigpoint unterstützt den Fachbereich Gamedesign bei der Konzeption, Planung und Umsetzung eines Online-Spiels
    Im Rahmen des Moduls “Planung und Durchführung von Projekten” der Bachelor-Studiengruppe des Jahrgangs 2009 an der Mediadesign Hochschule in Berlin sollen die Studierenden den Umgang mit Projekten, anhand eines realen Projekts mit der Industrie erlernen. Der Dozent und Producer des Projekts Jan Dérer hat dazu den Kontakt zu Bigpoint aufgebaut, um ein 2D-Single-Player-Flash-Game mit den Studierenden umzusetzen. Christian Godorr, Head of Game Design bei Bigpoint, betreut und berät von Entwicklerseite die Studenten der Mediadesign Hochschule während des Projektes. Bigpoint wird im Anschluss entscheiden, das fertige Spiel als Publisher über das firmeneigene Portal anzubieten und bei Bedarf weiterzuentwickeln.
    Eine Hommage im Cartoon-Style der 50er Jahre an das überzeichnete Zukunftsbild dieser Zeit
    Für den passenden Spielhintergrund sorgen ein futuristisches, chaotisches Labor, ein Praktikant, der im Keller noch Kohle schaufeln muss, ein Stromausfall und entlaufene Experimente. Mit einer Elementarpistole und den Energien Sonne, Wasser und Wind als Munition bewaffnet, erhält der Spieler die Mission, in den verschiedenen Abteilungen des Labors den Strom wieder herzustellen und sich so nach und nach in die oberste Ebene zu arbeiten, wo er den Generator wieder zum Laufen bringen muss. Für den Langzeit-Spielspaß sorgt ein „User Generated Content“, d.h. nutzergenierter Inhalt, in Form eines Level-Editors und einem Gruppen-Highscore.
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/bigpoint-und-die-mediadesign-hochschule/feed/ 0     Now online: Bigpoint lifts off with SkyRama http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/now-online-bigpoint-lifts-off-with-skyrama/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/now-online-bigpoint-lifts-off-with-skyrama/#comments Tue, 07 Jun 2011 08:22:56 +0000 m.mirlach http://bigpoint.net/?p=1236 ]]>
  • Bigpoint introduces new browser-based airport manager game
  • SkyRama expands its casual games portfolio

    • Hamburg, June 7, 2011 – From small regional airport to international transport hub: Bigpoint’s latest casual game SkyRama lets players manage their own airport, organize flights and tend to airport customers and flight guests. The new browser game can be played for free at http://www.skyrama.com or on the Bigpoint portal http://www.bigpoint.com!

    In SkyRama, which was co-developed with the Austrian-based game development studio Sproing, users can carry out a number of different airport-related tasks. Starting out with only a runway, players must quickly expand their airport to fulfill the wishes of traveling passengers and international cargo carriers. And to ensure smooth airport operations, they must also see to it that every airport employee, from baggage handler to air-traffic controller and pilot, pulls their weight and does their job. Punctual takeoff and landing of planes will earn players money as well as special bonuses, which they can then invest in their airport to build new buildings such as larger hangars or hotels.

    Cooperation among users plays an important role in SkyRama: Via the buddy list, players can coordinate flight plans and send flights to each other’s airports, thereby opening up new travel destinations as well as increasing airport productivity through mutual agreements.

    “The idea from Sproing’s development team to make an airport manager game impressed us right away” says Tobias Reisberger, Chief Games Officer at Bigpoint. “We’re happy to welcome SkyRama aboard our successful ‘Rama’ game series as our latest game.”

    With its user-friendly interface and direct start in the game, gamers don’t need a pilot’s license to quickly create their own airport. New daily goals, a variety of items, buildings and 15 various airplanes combined with many different features ensure an amazing time for all. SkyRama’s diverse gameplay merged with visually impressive graphics and an entertaining story make sure it’s always fun and challenging.

    Starting today the SkyRama Open Beta can be played on the official website: http://www.skyrama.com. Fans can also find out more about the game on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/skyrama/).
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/06/now-online-bigpoint-lifts-off-with-skyrama/feed/ 0     Battlestar Galactica Online Blasts past Two Million Registered Players in Three Months http://bigpoint.net/2011/05/battlestar-galactica-online-blasts-past-two-million-registered-players-in-three-months/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/05/battlestar-galactica-online-blasts-past-two-million-registered-players-in-three-months/#comments Thu, 26 May 2011 13:15:06 +0000 bigpoint http://bigpoint.net/?p=812 ]]>
    • Bigpoint’s First “High-End” Title Benefiting from New Content, Features, and Worldwide Distribution; New Ships Added for High-Level Players


    San Francisco – May 25th, 2011 – Bigpoint (http://www.bigpoint.com/) – the global market leader in browser-based massively multiplayer online games (MMOGs) – today announced that Battlestar Galactica Online (http://battlestar-galactica.bigpoint.com/) has passed two million registered players in its first three months of worldwide availability, attracting more than 20,000 new players to the space combat MMO every day. Based on the internationally popular Syfy television series produced by Universal Cable Productions, Battlestar Galactica Online is a free-to-play, browser-based space combat MMOG that combines high-quality, 3D graphics with intense gameplay.

    Since its official launch, the game has benefitted from new Colonial and Cylon ships, a Merit system that enables the purchase of high-value items like nuclear missiles, and the ability for players to take control of their faction’s capital ships, the Battlestar Pegasus or Cylon Basetar.

    “With BSGO continuing to achieve new benchmarks, and receive such a strong positive response from the fans, we’re excited to take its development to the next level,” said Rob Ollett, managing director, Bigpoint International. “At just three-months in we’re at a point now where we can shift the majority of our attention to adding new content and addressing the community’s wish list.”

    New major content additions include the addition of new tier three “line” ships for both human and Cylon players. The Gungnir joins the Colonial fleet and the Nidhogg joins the Cylons – both are powerful, multi-role attack ships. Basic models of both can be unlocked with Cubits (in-game premium currency), and advanced models can be purchased with Merits, which players earn through gameplay such as helping to destroy enemy outposts.

    Both ship names follow the Norse mythology theme, which has been used to name the existing line ships. Gungnir is Odin’s spear, and Nidhogg is the main dragon in Norse mythology, which gnaws on the roots of the World Tree. In addition to ongoing game balancing, performance
    ]]>     http://bigpoint.net/2011/05/battlestar-galactica-online-blasts-past-two-million-registered-players-in-three-months/feed/ 0     New-found knowledge: Farmerama unlocks the Magical Glade http://bigpoint.net/2011/05/new-found-knowledge-farmerama-unlocks-the-magical-glade/ http://bigpoint.net/2011/05/new-found-knowledge-farmerama-unlocks-the-magical-glade/#comments Fri, 20 May 2011 10:27:15 +0000 bigpoint http://bigpoint.net/?p=451 ]]>
    • The Magical Glade waits to be explored by adventurous country folk
    • The Tree of Wisdom shares its knowledge with all the farmers

    Hamburg, May 20, 2011 – Whether it was to find food or gather wood to build ships and homes, forests have always played an important role in human life. Their scenic landscapes have even served as the setting in many classic fairy tales and epic stories. After the success of Baharama and the animal pasture, the makers of Faramerama (http://www.farmerama.com) are bringing you the Magical Glade. Farming fans will now be able explore this enchanted forest, discover its hidden powers and unlock them to use on their farms. With almost 28 million registered players, the award-winning online game Farmerama is Bigpoint’s (http://www.bigpoint.com) most successful casual game.
    The Magical Glade binds Farmerama players in its spell with its fanciful design and new features
    Forest farmers must plan forestation carefully and cut down trees at certain times only. That’s why upon reaching level 14, the way to the mystical clearing will open up via the map, revealing not only the Magical Glade itself but also a babbling brook from which farmers can draw irrigation water for free. Users will also find the Tree of Wisdom here which possesses valuable age-old secrets: They can collect stars in the game, so the tree can teach them how to open up new lots in the Magical Glade as well as learn new skills to breed more animals, build more animal houses, plant more trees and rack up even more experience! The tree’s branches are divided up into different sections to represent the different type of skills that can be learned: There are social skills, breeding skills and general upgrade skills.
    Check out the latest Farmerama podcast to learn more about the Magical Glade and the Tree of Wisdom: (http://www.youtube.com/farmerama).
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