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Rumor: Daybreak Games in Talks for Possible Acquisition - MMORPG.com

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  • PhryPhry Member LegendaryPosts: 11,004
    Luwen said:


    Daybreak...powerful MMO's? What the hell am I missing? All their games are outdated or extreme garbage.



    Garbage? You think Everquest, the game that started pretty much all the MMORPGS you see today is garbage?

    K. But I guess you just mean DBG itself hasnt created EQ.
    Not sure on my history but didn't Everquest predate SOE was created by Verant? I don't think DBG did actually create anything new themselves, but rather kept things rolling so to speak, i think their focus had really been on H1Z1 and with PUBG and more recently Fortnite dominating that particular genre perhaps it just wasn't enough. :/
    Ozmodan
  • VrikaVrika Member LegendaryPosts: 7,990
    Albatroes said:

    IceAge said:



    Albatroes said:


    I dont care, I'll straight up say I hope Activision-Blizzard buys out EQ. Or even SE. SE could do a lot with the EQ IP.






    Activision, Blizzard & SE, have waaaaaay better IP's to take care of. They don't need EQ IP's.



    Its not really about if "need" it or not, its just about controlling the market. Whether people think it or not, the EQ/II progression servers did get decent traction. Activision-Blizzard pulling in those numbers before WoW Classic only cements a stronger hold on the "old school" market. Keep in mind the games have been running in "maintenance" mode for years now anyway with "new" updates, so honestly the cost to keep them up is minor in comparison to the control of the market they would get in return. And as what was said before, a lot of assets are still around that Daybreak has control of. I mean Overwatch was born from dead mmo assets so maybe Activision-Blizzard will purchase the EQ IP and flip it into an EQ inspired battle royal since the landscape and models were pretty much done. Given how "popular" battle royals have been as of late, its not a far fetched idea.
    It's really far-fetched idea. It would mean building a new game using assets that were created already some years ago, were made for a different genre, and for a different engine that Activision/Blizzard is unlikely to want to use since they've already got their own engines to support.

    On top of that, if either Activision or Blizzard were interested in developing a Battle Royale game, don't you think they'd be developing one already in secret?

    On top of that, DBG would be a PR catastrophe. Blizzard could neither shut down any of their games because then they'd take the PR hit for shutting them down, nor could they run any of the games because then Blizzard fans would suddenly expect Blizzard quality. Those games would have to go to Activision, and most likely even Activision wouldn't like the PR implications of touching them.
     
  • kinkyJalepenokinkyJalepeno Member UncommonPosts: 1,044

    Chaserz said:

    While EQ Next stumbled, fell, and died, they still own it. The EQ franchise holds substantial value even today.



    I'd still pay good money for a modernised EQ2 or Vanguard:SOH if indeed DBG still have the rights, I can't remember where they ended up.
  • JeroKaneJeroKane Member EpicPosts: 7,098
    edited April 2018
    People keep seeing how much value there is in the Everquest franchise.

    It currently has no value at all. It has two old and now heavily outdated games with a very small, but dedicated population and that's it.

    It would only be valuable if one is willing to invest serious money to create a new EverQuest game.

    With the current MMO market in shambles and no big studio willing to take these risks (not even Blizzard). Who in earth would be interested in DBG in it's current state?

    Like someone else said. Interprid Studios has barely enough money to develop their current game Ashes of Creation. I don't see how they can buyout DBG other than bankrupting themselves shortly after with a bad acquisition.

    It's a sad state of affairs nonetheless, as you have now a lot of games hanging in the balance of being shut down before the end of the year.

    EQ1, EQ2, DCUO, H1Z1, LOTRO, DDO.
  • GaladournGaladourn Member RarePosts: 1,813
    I've always felt that Ashes of Creation was in some way a successor to EQN. The number of ex-Sony employees being one key reason. Now let's see if there is any truth in these rumors. Highly unlikely, but you never know.
  • ScotScot Member LegendaryPosts: 24,445
    edited April 2018

    Scorchien said:

    We need Funcom to buy them and make ..The Secret World of Norrath Exiles..



    I always wondered why Ashes of Creation had the same initials as Age of Conan, it was a secret message showing us that one day they would become TSWoNE!
    Kyleran
  • zaxziazaxzia Member UncommonPosts: 1
    I desperately want someone to buy the EQ franchise that will do something with it, including EQN, Landmark. If they have to buy daybreak to do that then so be it. I, like others here, want it to be someone passionate about the games and what they could become. Not someone who just wants to turn a couple quickie games out for a cash grab and crash, like is so frequently done now. A lot of people put A LOT of time and effort into EQ game, and not just developers. It would be a shame to let it all just slowly waste into Oblivion when there is so much potential to work with. Hell if I were super rich is buy it myself and hire an elite team to work on it!
    alyndale
  • KnightFalzKnightFalz Member EpicPosts: 4,585
    edited April 2018
    Vrika said:
    It's really far-fetched idea. It would mean building a new game using assets that were created already some years ago, were made for a different genre, and for a different engine that Activision/Blizzard is unlikely to want to use since they've already got their own engines to support.
    None of the existing assets would have to be used in a new game. They could instead be used as visual aids in the creation of new assets with similar but improved appearance.

    The original engine wouldn't have to be used either, with the old game used as a source for what need be recreated in a modern engine.

    Such could be said for whatever company were to gain ownership of the IP, provided they had sufficient resources at their disposal.

    The value is in the IP itself though, not necessarily duplicating that currently based on it. Provided whatever game made based on the IP remains true in spirit to the originals they will likely be of interest to current fans, and those seeking a more old school style of play.
  • VrikaVrika Member LegendaryPosts: 7,990
    Vrika said:
    It's really far-fetched idea. It would mean building a new game using assets that were created already some years ago, were made for a different genre, and for a different engine that Activision/Blizzard is unlikely to want to use since they've already got their own engines to support.
    None of the existing assets would have to be used in a new game. They could instead be used as visual aids in the creation of new assets with similar but improved appearance.

    The original engine wouldn't have to be used either, with the old game used as a source for what need be recreated in a modern engine.

    Such could be said for whatever company were to gain ownership of the IP, provided they had sufficient resources at their disposal.

    The value is in the IP itself though, not necessarily duplicating that currently based on it. Provided whatever game made based on the IP remains true in spirit to the originals they will likely be of interest to current fans, and those seeking a more old school style of play.
    The value of IPs for Activision Blizzard? That's likely to be zero.

    Everquest could be of some value for creating an MMO, but not if you already own IPs for Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo.

    DC, Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons are more valuable IPs, but it's unlikely that buying Daybreak would give you a license for creating new games using them.
     
  • KnightFalzKnightFalz Member EpicPosts: 4,585
    Vrika said:
    Vrika said:
    It's really far-fetched idea. It would mean building a new game using assets that were created already some years ago, were made for a different genre, and for a different engine that Activision/Blizzard is unlikely to want to use since they've already got their own engines to support.
    None of the existing assets would have to be used in a new game. They could instead be used as visual aids in the creation of new assets with similar but improved appearance.

    The original engine wouldn't have to be used either, with the old game used as a source for what need be recreated in a modern engine.

    Such could be said for whatever company were to gain ownership of the IP, provided they had sufficient resources at their disposal.

    The value is in the IP itself though, not necessarily duplicating that currently based on it. Provided whatever game made based on the IP remains true in spirit to the originals they will likely be of interest to current fans, and those seeking a more old school style of play.
    The value of IPs for Activision Blizzard? That's likely to be zero.

    Everquest could be of some value for creating an MMO, but not if you already own IPs for Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo.

    DC, Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons are more valuable IPs, but it's unlikely that buying Daybreak would give you a license for creating new games using them.
    Activision/Blizzard aren't the only companies around, and the value of an IP isn't confined solely to the use of it, but also the control of it.

    Since I imagine neither of use know the specific terms of the licenses in question any speculation regarding them will amount to nothing but that... speculation.
  • cheyanecheyane Member LegendaryPosts: 9,405
    I want to go back and be able to see my characters from Everquest and I can never do that again if they shut it down. I hope some company buys them.

    Lot of good games there. Don't forget Vanguard is there too. Some company could bring that game back too. I know pipe dream but still here's hoping.
    Garrus Signature
  • sschruppsschrupp Member UncommonPosts: 694
    Development studios these days reminds me of NFL teams. Each year the same employees shuffle around to some other random teams. They're all the same players just switching jerseys now and then.

    Personally I think it's all a big conspiracy. Taco Bell actually owns all these "developers" and "publishers". They're just using these different buyouts and mergers to hide shady funds transfers. It was all predicted in Demolition Man.
  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,654
    Kyleran said:
    ghrendel7 said:
    pretty sure ashes of creation's kickstarter was only for advanced features, they already had the money to make the game

     @Slapshot1188 's summary of the interview:

    Stephen "said" he is "committed" to fund the core viable product (quite different from having put $30M into the company). 

    https://www.mmorpg.com/mobile/videos.cfm?videoId=5362&game=1465&ismb=1

    He is a master at wordplay, and I can no actual evidence he is personally putting up $30M 




    Right from the beginning I knew that some dedicated fans would be unable to make the distinction between what Steven actually said and what they wanted to believe he said. 

    Anyhow.  Looks like they opened new Pre-order packages recently so I’m sure that all this talk from new accounts has nothing to do with driving traffic there.

    Still looking forward to the day that Steven cuts me a check.



    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

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  • VrikaVrika Member LegendaryPosts: 7,990
    Vrika said:
    Vrika said:
    It's really far-fetched idea. It would mean building a new game using assets that were created already some years ago, were made for a different genre, and for a different engine that Activision/Blizzard is unlikely to want to use since they've already got their own engines to support.
    None of the existing assets would have to be used in a new game. They could instead be used as visual aids in the creation of new assets with similar but improved appearance.

    The original engine wouldn't have to be used either, with the old game used as a source for what need be recreated in a modern engine.

    Such could be said for whatever company were to gain ownership of the IP, provided they had sufficient resources at their disposal.

    The value is in the IP itself though, not necessarily duplicating that currently based on it. Provided whatever game made based on the IP remains true in spirit to the originals they will likely be of interest to current fans, and those seeking a more old school style of play.
    The value of IPs for Activision Blizzard? That's likely to be zero.

    Everquest could be of some value for creating an MMO, but not if you already own IPs for Warcraft, Starcraft and Diablo.

    DC, Lord of the Rings and Dungeons and Dragons are more valuable IPs, but it's unlikely that buying Daybreak would give you a license for creating new games using them.
    Activision/Blizzard aren't the only companies around, and the value of an IP isn't confined solely to the use of it, but also the control of it.

    Since I imagine neither of use know the specific terms of the licenses in question any speculation regarding them will amount to nothing but that... speculation.
    The idea I was quoting was about Activision Blizzard buying it.

    Other companies are a different matter, but Activision Blizzard buying DBG is far-fetched idea.

     
  • Slapshot1188Slapshot1188 Member LegendaryPosts: 17,654
    SBFord said:

    UPDATE #1 From Intrepid's Steven Sharif:

    It has long been my personal policy not to comment on rumors.  Even if we were in talks with Daybreak for an acquisition, we would not be able to comment. Additionally, I saw the news of recent layoffs at Daybreak today and would like to extend my condolences to those affected.  Daybreak (SOE) has an incredible history of creating some of the most cherished franchises that are near and dear to our hearts, and the people laid off today are some of the most talented developers in the industry. Intrepid Studios wishes them the best in their future ventures and I know they will go on to accomplish great things.

    In other news today Slapshot1188 stated:

    Its long been my policy not to address rumors.  I will not comment on the rumor floating around that I could be the angel investor, but if it were true I would dedicate up to a billion dollars to the effort.  If I held a Kickstarter it would only be to further flesh out the staff beyond the minimum.

    In the interim I will speak platitudes towards the staff and talk about my fond memories of the company and games it produced in the hopes of directing those fans to my pre-sale for my own crowdfunded game.

    But that’s all theoretical because I don’t comment on rumors or try to stir them up.

    JamesGoblin

    All time classic  MY NEW FAVORITE POST!  (Keep laying those bricks)

    "I should point out that no other company has shipped out a beta on a disc before this." - Official Mortal Online Lead Community Moderator

    Proudly wearing the Harbinger badge since Dec 23, 2017. 

    Coined the phrase "Role-Playing a Development Team" January 2018

    "Oddly Slap is the main reason I stay in these forums." - Mystichaze April 9th 2018

  • WellspringWellspring Member EpicPosts: 1,464
    I want StoryBricks to buy the EQ IP, so they can finish Next
    --------------------------------------------
  • GaladournGaladourn Member RarePosts: 1,813
    I want StoryBricks to buy the EQ IP, so they can finish Next
    What are you talking about, StoryBricks failed to deliver on its own proprietary technology, and is partially responsible for the cancellation of EQN. (the other part being the voxel technology that was too cumbersome on present-day systems).
    craftseeker
  • WellspringWellspring Member EpicPosts: 1,464
    Galadourn said:
    I want StoryBricks to buy the EQ IP, so they can finish Next
    What are you talking about, StoryBricks failed to deliver on its own proprietary technology, and is partially responsible for the cancellation of EQN. (the other part being the voxel technology that was too cumbersome on present-day systems).
    StoryBricks were in talks though to buy EQ from SoE before it got sold to CN. Who knows if the game would've been cancelled had things turned out differently. And who else knows EQN better than StoryBricks?

    I know SB isn't around anymore, but I can still dream!
    --------------------------------------------
  • TheocritusTheocritus Member LegendaryPosts: 10,015
    Daybreak...powerful MMO's? What the hell am I missing? All their games are outdated or extreme garbage.
    Has DBG actually made anything? All these games were already done when they took over weren't they?
    Kyleran
  • OzmodanOzmodan Member EpicPosts: 9,726
    Interesting speculation's here.  Unfortunately, I do not see a fit any of the western publishers much at all.  If some company is going to buy them, it will probably be one of the Asian companies.  The problem with Daybreak, all their assets are old and they dropped all development on anything new.  The newest, H1Z1, was built for the zombie craze which has faded.  While they have retrofitted it for the battle royal craze it is not that popular.

    If anyone is hoping for new development on any of these IP's they own I think you will be sadly disappointed.  The time is long past when any of them are that valuable.
  • MadFrenchieMadFrenchie Member LegendaryPosts: 8,505
    As sad as it is for the front-line employees, these games dying means a release of a playerbase into the wild that can be leveraged by new companies/projects.

    Out with the old and mediocre, in with the new and (hopefully) innovative.
    MrMelGibson

    image
  • TalulaRoseTalulaRose Member RarePosts: 1,247
    My guess would be Perfect World Entertainment may scoop them up. They have a stable of games that have been out out to pasture.
  • MaxBaconMaxBacon Member LegendaryPosts: 7,846
    Wait Wait, the buyer will be TRION WORLDS!

    Now that would backfire :P 
    MrMelGibson
  • MendelMendel Member LegendaryPosts: 5,609
    Daybreak...powerful MMO's? What the hell am I missing? All their games are outdated or extreme garbage.
    Has DBG actually made anything? All these games were already done when they took over weren't they?
    The only things I believe that has been released since the takeover is maybe 2 expansions, 1 for EQ! and 1 for EQ2  (and I may be wrong on these).  They also 'published' then closed Landmark.  I don't know how much of these were started before the takeover, nor how successful they have been.  They may have made some advancements in EQ:N as Daybreak, but these were never released to the public.  I don't play (or follow) H1Z1 or Planetscape 1 or 2.  So, I don't know how much new, creative work Daybreak has done.

    I only know I didn't purchase any new product since 2010 or 2011.




    Logic, my dear, merely enables one to be wrong with great authority.

  • VikingGamerVikingGamer Member UncommonPosts: 1,350
    Daybreak and Intrepid merging might not be a bad idea. Daybreak hasn't had anything new in a long while but they have a stable following, a long standing IP and all the infrastructure in place. Intrepid has a strong new project with good ideas and lots of enthusiasm. But they probably are still needing to build up infrastructure to actually run their game on a large scale. It would be a good merger but I don't see intrepid being able to afford it on their own. Now if they can secure the capital needed from an outsider that say wants to get into the part of the game industry but doesn't have much or any experience in the industry then you will have the final necessary piece falling into place. No guarantee certainly but very possible.

    Daybreak will almost certainly get scooped up though. Take a look at all the big MMOs right now. (WoW, FFXIV, ESO, GW2) all of them have strong, long standing, directly owned IPs. Most every other company into MMOs is doing a brand new IP, a considerably less developed IP, or a licenced IP. What would happen if a company came in and started developing and promoting the EQ ip across several different games like Square or Blizzard does. Blizzard hasn't succeeded because their IP is so much better. They have succeeded because they have been smarter with that IP.

    All die, so die well.

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