As we move into the summer months, we're pleased to report once more on our development progress. While we've been able to show off in-game video and exclusive screenshots in the past few months, we've also been able to take time out to address the rich and vast lore of our developing world. Even though we know there is plenty of work ahead of us, we appreciate all the input we've gotten so far though our current testing and question of the week features.
Right now, our team is focused on implementing the crafting system to ensure players have the possibility to create all items in the game with a great number of crafting skills. The best items will come from crafters and they will have the chance to form a monopoly thanks to the resource extraction system. Many thanks to everyone that came out to the Stratics HoC chat Thursday, May 28th and gave us a chance to expand on the crafting system!
We are also working on AI, sound, and graphical optimizations of the Earthrise engine while making combat system improvements a constant priority. The Earthrise team aims to offer players the best possible experience during combat by combining a unique blend of third person shooter and RPG mechanics.
The final task that remains for the art and level design teams are the territory conquest areas, or so called Concession grounds. Needless to say, we plan to release Earthrise after all promised features are implemented and the Masthead Studios team feels that all features are working properly.
As we continue working to bring Earthrise to life, we hope you will all spread the word to your fellow gamers, extend a welcome to the new community members and keep the discussions going in the official Earthrise forums.
The roles have been reversed! We continue to put the moderators of our fansites on the other end of interviews! Join us each month as we talk to our fansite moderators and find out what makes them tick. This month we hear from Balthazar with Earthrise at Firesock!
After a brief newsletter hiatus, we are back with a lot of ground to cover! Below is a compilation of media highlights from April and May that you may have missed. As we continue to move forward in development, it's best to stay updated on the latest happenings relating to Masthead Studios and Earthrise. Whether you are new to the community or have been a solid contributor from the start, keep an eye on the Media Coverage in each newsletter for a news recap!»28 May: Stratics Central hosts Earthrise HoC Dev Chat »17 May: QJ.net talks to Atanas Atanasov on what's to come from Earthrise »11 May: Ten Ton Hammer posts exclusive VIP Earthrise interview »28 April: Masthead Studios updates the Earthrise Media Gallery »24 April: Gamesource.it talks art with Lead Artist Ed Mattinian »22 April: MTV Multiplayer blog highlights Earthrise
For the latest information check out the Earthrise News!
Although we've talked a bit before about some of the fantastic fiction lurking in Club Earthrise, I'd like to devote this issue to highlighting three of our talented artists that have recently come to attention within the community and that you should make note of.
The first artist I'd like to discuss is melkathi, who joined us in January of this year. Quickly diving in to discussions all over the place, he's made a name for himself by putting together an Unofficial Eye-Candy Database and of course, charming the community audience with The Contibears - An Earthrise Comic. Follow the adventures of two Teddy Bears serving in the SVS, Bernie and Ed. These bears are described as two of "Sal Vitas' finest, laying their stuffing on the line day after day". With a description like that and a hand drawn style not to be missed, you owe it to yourself to take time out of your busy day to check it out. You may end up craving strawberry pancakes, so don't say you haven't been warned!
Artist and Gameaholic Pixelpusher Xism splashed on to the scene in March, with his debut posting of himself as a Continoma Marauder, drawn in Photoshop CS3 with a graphics tablet. This clever artist with an eye for detail hails from the worlds of Tabula Rasa and EVE, but has firmly made himself right here at home and shared several beautiful renditions of mechs and character artwork for us to enjoy.
Our final artist for this issue, Youngblood, has brought a brighter, active style with his artwork. Some examples you might want to check out are Earthrise Space Mode and the recent Volcanus Extraction. Youngblood also issued a mech drawing challenge to long time artist Axllow18 (check out some of Axllow's work), although many other artists such as Lorgarn, Digital, and Xism hopped right in as well.
While you're taking time to enjoy these three artists, please don't forget to check out the rest of the talent lingering in Club Earthrise, our home for artists and writers alike. They have all contributed in making our forum a creative showcase filled with colorful visual treats and compelling stories to read, and if you have something to share, don't be shy - we'd love to see it.
See you next issue!