PSLS: With many of us reeling from the after-effects and trauma of SOCOM: Confrontation, in steps Zipper Interactive to save the day with SOCOM 4. After a stop off at MAG, the team is back at work on the series they made famous and this is a great thing for any shooter fan out there as I am here to say that SOCOM 4 is legit. I recently sat down with the shooter at this years Game Developers Conference and came away feeling like I had just been in the thick of battle. For those unsure of what that means, let me elaborate.
Original-Gamer.com: "Sony has decided to shutdown the servers for SOCOM Confrontation, SOCOM 4, and MAG in January 2014. SOCOM 4 and MAG were developed by Zipper Interactive while SOCOM Confrontation was developed by Slant Six Games."
MAG is not even too old yet, this doesn't make any sense. It's still fairly populated with the dedicated fans, even one of my friends recently got back into it. Hell even Confrontation has a pretty decent sized dedicated player base, I think only 4 is pretty deserted.
This really makes no sense, the games aren't old. They better be making new games in the future at least.
Come on now, MAG's pretty old, their new console is coming out, and there's only about 5000 individual players coming on every month, if that.
It's run its course, a fantastic game while it lasted. Hopefully, we can get a few massive battles in before the servers close, knowing the community, I expect it.
Also, a lot of MAG is on Dust 514 now, which isn't amazing, but is still alright.
It makes sense.
MAG is no longer selling, so Sony is making no money from it. In fact, it's costing them money to keep it alive.
Maybe with PS4 pay-for-online and microtransactions (read: ongoing support), you'll get a better service.
@HammadTheBeast
"Come on now, MAG's pretty old"
No it isnt, you want really old check out:
Warcraft 3, Starcraft 1, Counter strike. Then tell me why those games are still running?
Sony closing servers to older games is just a tactic to force users on board their next console.
Its the nature of console gaming, too controlled with console gamers having little to no rights at all. Hell if Sony closes PS3 online services after PS4 launch there is nothing console gamers can do about it.
MAG is barely alive now these days. Domination is only playable early AM hours (CST) when the JP players get on and that only last a few hours. Only thing going on is Sabo or Suppression.
Lucky to get an Interdiction or Acquisition going.
Kind of ironic i recently put mag back in and got all the updates and restored all my skill points. And OMG i could not kill anybody for nothing, it was quite weird. I used to be beast at that game and i went negative for a few games before finally i quit. Felt like i was doing worse for the team then helping.
It wasn't very populated then, but hate to hear that.
H-Hour is the new Socom. You can still support the development studio by way of Paypal, and you still get access to all of the Kickstarter rewards, but only until the end of the month.
http://sofstudios.com/index...
H-Hour is set to come out on PS4 and PC.
@all
MAG was released in 2010, just 3 years ago! You're telling me I should expect online servers to be around for just 3 years?
"It's still fairly populated with the dedicated fans."
You only see one side of this. Sony sees the stats of how many players are playing on average. No reason to waste server power for a handle full of people. Yes that handle full could be a few thousand but still.
From what I remember during MAGs development. Zipper was given a blank check and setup a server farm for MAG.
No reason to let all those servers go to waste. They will most likely use them for the PS4.
Where's the outrage? They effectively saying that you've been renting MAG all this time. Online only games shouldn't have their servers shut so soon.
There's about 200 people on at any time now.... and most from the free demo.
^^
So? You're perfectly fine an online-only game that people are still playing will be shut down
#Corpser
Yes there is a community, but a very small one. It's the same case with White Knight Chronicles 1/2. Both MAG and WKC I've played heavy enough to say they had a very small community that most likely didn't warrant Sony paying the money to keep the servers going for any longer. It sucks, but it happens when it's a case like this.
If anything, I'm more surprised that MAG is being shutdown much later than WKC was. IMO, it should of been the other way around.
Haha, some have no clue of exactly what you just did there. Or am I reading too much into it?
In other news, the 2007 X360 online only game, Shadowrun, is still playable on its online server. This show where the priority is for both companies when it comes to online gaming.
MAG community is far from dead, why?
And no wonder GameStop has been selling the game used for $0.99. It's an online-only game too
It's a shame, I enjoy playing MAG more than just about any other shooter out there. I know many do not agree, as it does have some very obvious flaws, but it's a gem of a game beneath them.
That's the only problem I have with digital downloads and multiplayer only games. If they shut the servers down your screwed...
I would hope such a service would work for a game like MAG, enough of the community (that is already dwindling) would need to know about that capability, and actually be bothered to want to try using it in order for it to work. I think it's just going to kill the community enough to make the game unplayable, as MAG relies on very large matches.
H-Hour. We need you. Deliver the tactical third person shooter goods that we deserve!
And in a run up to a sequel they should be giving this game away free on PS+ at least, or just make it a free to play game. Its a game I always wanted to platinum but there are never enough people on for domination games etc
Great game though
Announced yesterday, a couple of former Zipper developers are lacing up their boots again in preparation to begin working on new tactical shooter, Takedown.
I was looking forward to that game but now that zipper is touching it? I dont know they been making crap for almost 10 years now Socom 1 and 2 are the only thing good they have done
i really disagree, Unit13 is still my most enjoyed Vita game yet. it was quite good, and I for one am glad to hear this news.
I bought Unit13 on release but only started playing it yesterday. I cannot believe how underrated and under appreciated this game is.
This game is not only better than the likes of COD in terms of military shooter, but the stealth gameplay is beautiful! It's like MGS but with a more military feel.
I dont have a Vita yet so I havnt tried it maybe I spoke too soon I was just really burnt by Socom 4 but Ill try Unit 13 when I have the cash.
i've learned this site is nothing but kiss asses and fanboys so I usually don't even comment anymore. I read the news and leave. Although your comment will be "disagreed" into oblivion it is 100% fact. Its also the reason ZIPPER GOT CLOSED DOWN. I'm sure the lower level workers aren't really to blame, but there is no denying their games and how bad they were and what they did to SOCOM. What a joke. Glad Zipper is gone.
@ dead eye. its not opinion it is fact. go search "sony closes Zipper interactive" it didnt happen because they were making great games.
"Big Huge Games" got shut down as well (I hope they get picked up by a worthy publisher), yet KoA was greatly received. I personally think MAG is definitely underrated too.
"TAKEDOWN will be developed on PC as the lead platform, and then brought to consoles afterwards"
PC is lead platform then consoles coming after.
so the tags are messed up.
I can't wait to see what David Jaffe does on pc unless it's a facebook game.
In this Episode, Jack is joined by Commander Claymore Fury via SatCom as they discuss the 2011 Tournament Season and what is in store for 2012. The Nuketown Hooligans bring a little Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops tips and Lt. Leadhead brings us Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
"From the very beginning of my time with SOCOM4I was made very aware of the fact that it is a hardcore, tactical shooter that was not going to allow me to run around and gun at my leisure. SOCOM4is the very definition of a shooter that will make you run for cover, coming out only to take a few shots and then move to your next bit of cover. In other words, the title makes your blood rush and kicks your survival instincts into gear."
Man, the wait is killing me. Can't wait to play the beta.
I played the game at GDC and must say that I enjoyed it more than Black Ops.
Co-op sounds fun for SOCOM 4
Well made maps, non-overpowered weapons, the need to use cover, interesting game modes and tight controls.
Sounds very much like Metal Gear Online but probably a little better in everything.
Its sad that MGO never got to much attention due to the whole Konami ID thing...its a great online experience.
all these people making articles and commenting on Socom 4, have any of you played any Socom for ps2/ps3 previously? Socom psp DOES NOT COUNT!
Because when I hear comments like, "Zipper makes great shooters", "I enjoyed the demo more than Black Ops", "feeling the trauma of Socom Confrontation", it's like people are comparing apples and oranges, think that somehow Socom is a copy of MAG, and people never stuck around to see Confrontation turn into a great game with all the patches and huge DLC pack.
Every time Socom comes out I fear whoever made it will ruin the CORE aspects of it and for the most part the game was great. Socom 4 is by far my least anticipated console Socom EVER from all the announced features, BUT I will buy it like all other Socoms and see for myself.
And any of you questioning my knowledge of Socom, I've put over 1000 hours in Socom 2, nearly 1000 into Confrontation, and 3 and Combined Assault probably a combined 500 hours.
Zipper is changing the Socom franchise, things the community NEVER asked for. Almost seems like it's a typical FPS with a 3rd person camera.
Like I said, I'll get the game and play it strong for a while, but if it is ruined based on comparisons and my history with other Socom's I'll gladly go back to playing Confrontation and BFBC2 as my online shooters.
Sure newcomers may think it's cool because they don't know any better, Zipper is catering to the more casual/noob friendly players.