Earlier this morning, we reported Trion World Network is teaming up with the Sci-Fi channel to create an MMO based on an upcoming show, a cool idea as the show's direction is intended to evolve depending on what players do in the game. That co-development agreement is not the only thing Trion has in the works, however.
Trion's first title will be a first-party game, a fantasy-themed MMO headed by Jon Van Caneghem (shown), creator of the Might and Magic and Heroes RPG and strategy franchises. Trion will self-publish in North America and Europe through its own proprietary platform
Though the company announced its platform several months ago before any games were on the horizon, it's not restricting itself to a first-party strategy; Trion also announced a publishing partnership today with Sony Computer Entertainment America to do games for the PS3 in North America, though no specific PS3 titles have been announced yet.
Both the first-party game announce and the SCEA partnership release follow the jump:
Trion World Network Announces First Game in Development
Fantasy MMORPG Helmed by Legendary Designer Jon Van Caneghem
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Trion World Network, Inc. (Trion), the publisher and developer of connected games and entertainment, has announced their first title, a fantasy-themed massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Jon Van Caneghem, Computer Gaming Hall of Fame member best known for creating the long running RPG and strategy franchises Might and Magic and Heroes, is the creative force behind the project currently being developed internally at Trion's Redwood City studio. The game represents the initial first-party title on the Trion Platform, and will be published by Trion in both North America and Europe.
Gamers will enter a seamless, persistent fantasy world, where they will significantly affect the gameplay experience through dynamic events. Battles of enormous scale will create epic moments that an unprecedented number of players can participate in. All of this will be powered by Trion's revolutionary server-based architecture, which is uniquely designed to enable massive scalability, dynamic content evolution, and cross platform development.
"This game is designed on the philosophy of putting players at the center of the game world," said Jon Van Caneghem, co-founder, President and Chief Creative Officer, Trion. "By building an extensive event system and a server architecture that allows for dynamic change, we are creating completely new opportunities for creative game design. The game will live and change along with the players, evolving in response to their actions and the creativity of our design team."
Trion's first title, led by Jon Van Caneghem, is another step that underscores Trion's momentum in building a premium publisher and developer of server-based games. Today Trion also announced a publishing agreement with Sony as well as a major co-development deal with Sci-Fi Channel. With a world class team lead by industry veterans, publishing agreements across platforms, new IP titles being developed in the Trion studios, backing from financial and media giants, proprietary groundbreaking technology and operations in key locations, Trion World Network aims to define the future of interactive entertainment.
About Trion World Network
Trion World Network, Inc. is the publisher and developer of connected games and entertainment. With its unique dynamic, multi-device platform and a premier global development and publishing organization, Trion combines the best of video games, online social media, and traditional mass-market entertainment across multiple connected platforms of choice. Trion is headquartered in Redwood City, California, and operates development studios, as well as platform and publishing teams in San Diego and Redwood City, Calif., and Austin, Texas. Privately held, Trion investors include Time Warner, NBC-Universal, GE, Bertelsmann, Rustic Canyon, DCM and Trinity Ventures.
Trion World Network Signs Licensed PLAYSTATION® 3 Computer Entertainment System Publisher Agreement for North America
PLAYSTATION® 3 Computer Entertainment System Publishing Rights Cements Trion's Cross-Platform Development Strategy for Games and Entertainment for the Connect Era
REDWOOD CITY, Calif.—(BUSINESS WIRE)—Trion World Network, Inc. (Trion), the publisher and developer of connected games and entertainment, has acquired the rights to develop and publish games for the PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system in North America through a signed agreement with Sony Computer Entertainment America Inc. (SCEA).
"Announcing this publishing partnership with SCEA is the latest step in Trion's strategic growth plans," said Dr. Lars Buttler, CEO and co-founder, Trion. "The PLAYSTATION® 3 computer entertainment system is the perfect platform to carry out our vision that the future of games and entertainment lies in the connected era, and this agreement provides Trion with a major entertainment channel to deliver ground-breaking and exciting content to the mass market in North America."
Trion's mission is to revolutionize interactive entertainment by combining the best of online, gaming and traditional media. By designing and developing powerful new technologies, new content, and new publishing capabilities, Trion is poised to be a leader in the emerging global multi-billion dollar connected entertainment market.
Led by Dr. Lars Buttler, former Vice President for Global Online at Electronic Arts, and Jon Van Caneghem, former founder and CEO of New World Computing and creator of the best-selling Might and Magic and Heroes of Might and Magic game franchises, Trion has assembled a world-class team of gaming and online veterans with proven success and talent in business, original content development and technology who have developed and shipped more than 100 original titles.
The publishing agreement with SCEA is another step that underscores Trion's momentum in building a premium publisher and developer of server-based games. Today Trion also announced the company's first title under development by industry veteran Jon Van Caneghem as well as a major co-development deal with the Sci-Fi Channel. With a world class team lead by industry veterans, publishing agreements across platforms, new IP titles being developed in the Trion studios, backing from financial and media giants, proprietary groundbreaking technology and operations in key locations, Trion World Network aims to define the future of interactive entertainment.
About Trion World Network
Trion World Network, Inc. is the publisher and developer of connected games and entertainment. With its unique dynamic, multi-device platform and a premier global development and publishing organization, Trion combines the best of video games, online social media, and traditional mass-market entertainment across multiple connected platforms of choice. Trion is headquartered in Redwood City, California, and operates development studios, as well as platform and publishing teams in San Diego and Redwood City, Calif., and Austin, Texas. Privately held, Trion investors include Time Warner, NBC-Universal, GE, Bertelsmann, Rustic Canyon, DCM and Trinity Ventures.