E3 06: Age of Reckoning running on Xbox 360

MMOG publisher shows off Warhammer Online behind closed doors--on Microsoft's next-gen console; 360 version not announced...yet?

LOS ANGELES--Tucked away behind Sony's gigantic West Hall stand at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo is a Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning booth belonging to Mythic Entertainment. Visitors to the booth are being invited to get hands-on with the upcoming massively multiplayer online game, where they can check out one of the game's areas on live servers and play alongside members of the development team who are playing from the company's Virginia headquarters.

What none of these players have realized, though, is that one of the "green-skins" questing alongside them is being controlled by a player not armed with a mouse and keyboard, but with a wireless Xbox 360 controller. That player is in a closely guarded room to the rear of Mythic's booth.

To be clear, Mythic is not announcing an Xbox 360 version of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning, but in what was purportedly a period of only six weeks, the developer has managed to get its game up and running on Microsoft's new console simply to prove that it can be done. Given the content of Bill Gates' "Live Anywhere" speech at Microsoft's pre-E3 conference, it seems that Mythic's timing could hardly have been better. To quote one of Mythic's senior staffers, "What Microsoft is talking about, here is a company that's doing it."

We had an opportunity to see the PC and Xbox 360 versions of Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning running alongside each other, and although the console demo lacked any kind of user interface, its widescreen, high-definition visuals were practically indistinguishable from those on the PC. Furthermore, the character on the Xbox 360 was interacting with PC players, and if it wasn't for the fact that one of the games was running on a huge TV rather than a monitor, it would be difficult to tell them apart.

Mythic says the work done optimizing Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning for the Xbox 360 made the development team realize that they could use similar techniques in the PC game. So what started out as an experiment to get an MMO game running on a console has actually resulted in some improvements for the PC version.

Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning is currently scheduled for release on the PC in the fall of 2007. Whether or not the game will ever see a release on the Xbox 360 or any other console remains to be seen, but one thing is certain--it's definitely a possibility.

68 Comments

  • Kez1984

    Posted Jun 3, 2008 11:58 am PT

    thekey hasn't a clue what he's taking about. The MMO market is larger on pc than consoles.

  • ORK_KING

    Posted Dec 28, 2007 5:28 pm PT

    i know how the type to each other you can buy like this minmy keyboard that goes on your controller . it's called a messenger kit you can buy it at like futrure shop and best buy and junk

  • boshlonavish

    Posted Jun 7, 2007 9:33 pm PT

    I dont get it..how will you type messages to other people on the 360?
    or will you have to use a mic?

  • GearMaster13

    Posted May 28, 2007 6:26 pm PT

    IT prolly wouldnt work the best but the new key board that came out for texting could possibly add more buttons to work for the game

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Aug 26, 2006 9:07 pm PT

    cool

  • anagh88

    Posted Jun 23, 2006 8:40 am PT

    AHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • Tolwan

    Posted Jun 23, 2006 2:37 am PT

    If i hear another person say FPS's on consoles are good..... I believe there is a common consensus that Mouse/keyboard > Controller.

    PC Has the advantage of much easier controls and much, much more buttons to push (Thus allowing you to create actual complex games). I am positive MMO's will never work on Consoles, i've played MMO's for years and trust me, the dumbing down required to work with a controller would destroy any MMO (look at SWG, they revamped it to put it to consoles, but the console port got cancelled shortly after).

    And come the hell on, it is NOT expensive to keep a decent PC upgraded. As a matter of fact, i would argue its cheaper than keeping up with the newest consoles (not to mention their games rediculous prices).

  • thefrontgate

    Posted Jun 21, 2006 1:38 am PT

    "...the most complex and in-depth fantasy world outside of TSR's Forgotten Realms."
    You mean WotC's Forgotten Realms. They bought out TSR years ago.

  • SavoyPrime

    Posted May 16, 2006 2:33 pm PT

    Could be cool if it makes it to the 360.

  • townsenda1

    Posted May 15, 2006 10:16 pm PT

    Great news for all Xbox 360 fans out there.

  • DevJin

    Posted May 15, 2006 9:52 pm PT

    rubbish.

  • Sinister904

    Posted May 15, 2006 7:39 pm PT

    it would be nice to bring something like that to the 360

  • mariomaniac92

    Posted May 15, 2006 5:14 pm PT

    Maybe if the 360 made some platforming games.......

  • NandoSupes

    Posted May 15, 2006 2:22 pm PT

    I have never played any Warhammer game before , but I have to say that this game looks very cool , it looks dark as hell and they said that the characters are going to be able to change their facial and physical appearance once you progress on levels. I imagined this game having a lots of nice details like this.

  • ghsacidman

    Posted May 15, 2006 10:15 am PT

    DrakeWindwalker: Boy I hope not... or atleast that they are different versions... Why do you all consoler think it would be a good idea anyways? have you played FFXI?

    Cause most of us can't afford to keep our PC's running fast enough to have any fun with PC games. Atleast my 360 works and is more user friendly then my PC.

  • ghsacidman

    Posted May 15, 2006 10:11 am PT

    I hope it comes out on 360, my computer wouldn't be able to handle this game.

  • terrabreak13

    Posted May 15, 2006 9:10 am PT

    I think this is MSFT's vision with Vista and Live anywhere. If they make the Live interface for PC then developers can easily make cross platform games and don't have to worry much about UI. Communication between players would be easy and there really is no need for a keyboard.

    And for the people talking about PC vs Console games don't think consoles are at a disadvantage. If Halo 2 was cross platform you would find out that there are people that could 0wn you with a controller even though you have a mouse. I know people that don't waste sniper bullets, if you know what I mean.

  • danmp18

    Posted May 15, 2006 5:15 am PT

    I don't see the point of getting it working on the 360 if you aren't ever going to release it on it. Why put the effort in? Just to prove you could do it? How much did that cost?

  • IcemanX5

    Posted May 14, 2006 6:51 pm PT

    Dont just test it on the 360 but make it or port it what ever.... Bring it to the 360. Thank You.....lol

  • nemes1s3000

    Posted May 14, 2006 3:14 pm PT

    Hey if it's possible then it's possible.

  • battle_chaser9

    Posted May 14, 2006 12:20 pm PT

    Hmmm if only they can figure out a way to do the keyboard and mouse thing, I will be sold!!!! World of Wacraft please!!!!!!

  • chrisdojo

    Posted May 14, 2006 11:10 am PT

    cool i guess.

  • OmahaGTP

    Posted May 14, 2006 9:20 am PT

    agree with DrakeWindwalker, oh god please don't do this Mythic. The Xbox Live community is the most obnoxious, childish, and immature gaming community to be cursed with existence.

    My experience with Socom online and other PS2 titles has been just the same. Live seems to be a bit better because you have to pay for an admission ticket. At least Xbox Live's reputation system helps filter those players out. Free online services like PS2's let anybody and everybody in.

  • miiiguel

    Posted May 14, 2006 7:43 am PT

    I'm into sigle-player RPG's more, but... it's kinda cool...

  • calanorn

    Posted May 14, 2006 5:56 am PT

    I would not mind if they made a console version but seperate to the PC ground like eq did on the ps2 and pc. ive been palying MMORPG since ultima and ive met less kids overall in all these yrs then i did the first day i went on 360 live.

    i like my 360 and playing it online even with the kids when it comes to pdz or fnr3. but something like this which requires player skill and teamwork if it comes out pc/360 combined i think il give it a miss and wait for vanguard.

  • jcloverboy

    Posted May 13, 2006 11:45 pm PT

    Hopefully this drops on the 360 indeed.

  • thekey

    Posted May 13, 2006 11:21 pm PT

    If thats the case tr00pa_26
    Then Video games are not for the PC then. Even though it takes a PC//computer what ever to make the game, video games came out on consoles first, long before PCs. Can you say The magnavox Odyssey? Which came out in 68, before there were PCs.

    Anyways the console market is greater then the PC market so of course developers are going to make MMORPGs for the consoles, larger audience means more money in there pockets so of course there going to go for it.

  • 00Huddy

    Posted May 13, 2006 11:20 pm PT

    tr00pa_26
    MMORG are for pc not console
    -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Same argument that everyone had with FPS console games years ago. Only now we have Halo and a slew of other great FPS games that play well on the consoles.

  • tr00pa_26

    Posted May 13, 2006 4:45 pm PT

    MMORG are for pc not console

  • Manatassi

    Posted May 13, 2006 3:59 pm PT

    I dont get why people think that console MMORPG's are a bad idea at all? I mean its not like there are any examples to go from and there are plenty of people who would lke the chance to play an MMORPG without having to spend a fortune on a decent PC rig. We are already seeing ways of putting RTS games on the 360 so why not an MMORPG?

    oh and FFXI dosent count that game was badly ported and its aincient anyway bad idea in the first place.

  • minerl99

    Posted May 13, 2006 3:47 pm PT

    GmrXboxy
    I agree with DrakeWindwalker, oh god please don't do this Mythic. The Xbox Live community is the most obnoxious, childish, and immature gaming community to be cursed with existence.

    ==============================

    GmrXboxy,

    I would agree the demographics of conole vs PC are different. Console tends to be younger, but I'm 48, so that's not always the case...

    Additionally, both on the PC and the Console it varies game by game. Don't generalize.

    The Halo crowd is much younger than the Perfect Dark crowd, which is much younger still than the GRAW crowd. On GRAW for instance you very rarely find team killers. You also hear very little smack talk and much more talking among teammates during gameplay to plan strategy and tactics.

    On racing games, Forza is a sim, so it's an older demographic. Burnout and other more arcade titles are more kids.

    If you don't like to hear younger kids, either mute them (some or all) or play games which they don't find as interesting (ie more complex and/or sim type games). Stay away for the titles younger kids enjoy.

    Lastly, I had Live on the Xbox almost on day one. I've noticed on the 360 it's a much better behaved crowd as well. Partly, due to the price of the 360 and partly due to the new reputation system.

    Hope this helps.

  • T_U_M_E_G

    Posted May 13, 2006 2:55 pm PT

    bobreturns:
    isn't age of reckoning a wrestiling game for gamecube

    lol I think your talking about DAY of reckoning

  • BlazeDragon132

    Posted May 13, 2006 1:52 pm PT

    War Hammer Online on 360 would rock, glad every company is testing their game on 360. Keep it coming, 360 can handle it.

  • bobreturns

    Posted May 13, 2006 1:30 pm PT

    isn't age of reckoning a wrestiling game for gamecube

  • XAF1

    Posted May 13, 2006 11:05 am PT

    GmrXboxy, that's what I don't understand. It's not all of the Xbox live community it is certain individuals, and I see the same thing sometimes on the PC. I just stay away from those individuals, block them, or turn the volume down. I agree that certain types of MMO's are better left to the PC, but if it's an action MMO---which are starting to pop up more now--- then things are different. Also with the new gen of dev tools for PCs and the 360 the menu intergration can be done more simply from the start. I do think that taking a game that is already on the market and trying to make it 360 contoller friendly is quite hard to do but that's when it is up to the developer to say hey you guys might want to use a keyboard for this game. I bought a wireless key board and mouse for the FFXI beta but the game itself was just horrible. I also agree that there are those who don't want to play PC against Xbox 360 gamers but for those who would like to have the choice it should be there. Controls can be worked out using a controller and keyboard combo setup for 360 someone just has to do it. Or someone could make a special MMO keyboard for the 360 for we gamers who would like that. I see them for the PC all the time.

  • DrakeWindwalker

    Posted May 13, 2006 9:45 am PT

    XAF1 the problem with porting mmos to consoles... other then what gmrxboxy said is the the controler you have two choices, one you go far 3rd person and use four 4 buttons for movement and then have the rest for hotkeys/jumping/siting/etc.. but you can't really control the camara or go 1st and get full control of the camara and make it hard to use the hotkeys, the new MMOs are going to alot faster sytle. If you havn't played an mmos of late you just don't under stand how fast it can be. TO make an MMO work for a controller ONLY you have to really mess with the UI and simplfic the number of skills. The only way I wouldn't mine it being on consoles is if it was different verison or keyboard and mouse requiered.

  • GmrXboxy

    Posted May 13, 2006 9:21 am PT

    I agree with DrakeWindwalker, oh god please don't do this Mythic. The Xbox Live community is the most obnoxious, childish, and immature gaming community to be cursed with existence. Not only that, they even said on the IGN article how they would have to "simplify" features in order to appeal to the idiotic market that makes the Xbox 360 market. The Xbox Live community with their obnoxious behavior is what made me quit and makes much more communities (Such as the WoW community) very tolerable. If they MUST do this, I sure just hope for different versions, Final Fantasy XI's interface was a broken mess, I'm willing to bet because they tried to design it with a controller in mind.

  • OmahaGTP

    Posted May 13, 2006 9:19 am PT

    Wonder if we will pay for Live AND Monthly Fee?

    You can use the free service of Live and pay the montly fees seperate for MMORPG's. For example, FFXI. You just need the silver service. Which is everything gold is, minus multiplayer, for free.

  • XAF1

    Posted May 13, 2006 9:12 am PT

    DrakeWindwalker
    Boy I hope not... or atleast that they are different versions... Why do you all consoler think it would be a good idea anyways? have you played FFXI?
    ___________________________________________________________

    Drake don't compare something new to something old and out dated. FFXI has nothing that truly says that it was developed on the 360. Seeing the similarities between the PC dev tools and the 360's, a great deal of PC/Xbox 360 games would be great. If the production cost for the PC/360 are about the same then maybe we will eventually see some of the savings on 360 games. Also I played the Beta for FFXI and was not impressed because there was nothing about it that said 360 quality only PS2--also it was boring. With PC and Xbox 360 gameplay merging we could play with friends who aren't crazy about buying consoles. Not to mention we would be getting great game play and graphics made for the 360.

    Because from my observation---though there are many Japanese developers who are pledging 360 support----most are putting their star franchises on the PS3. I welcome great games from Japan for my 360 but I'm not betting on there be a great number. We have a great deal of US/European development talent who have mainly worked on computers now welcoming the 360 console into their studios. We should embrace them and enjoy having even more gamers to play against aswell. It ups the competition and I like that. I also like prolonging my console's lifespan past the traditional 3-4 years.

  • LosDaddie

    Posted May 13, 2006 8:34 am PT

    It will be on the x360 eventually.

  • Agulf

    Posted May 13, 2006 7:58 am PT

    Wonder if we will pay for Live AND Monthly Fee?
    And how teamplay might work if it's cross-platform. There has to be VoIP: otherwise I wont team with "console gimps" who can't chat

  • Paul_TheGreat

    Posted May 13, 2006 5:53 am PT

    It's coming to PS3 and Xbox 360.

  • thekey

    Posted May 13, 2006 5:40 am PT

    Yes!!!! If it comes on the 360 it will be another $58 for them from me!

  • AncientDozer

    Posted May 13, 2006 3:39 am PT

    What. . what does it all mean!? Well, for one thing, it's incredibly easy to make games for the 360 or move it to them. . And I'm not surprised. It seems so like Paul.

  • UrbanMessiah

    Posted May 12, 2006 10:18 pm PT

    Wonder if the REAL reason for it being done isn't 'just to see if it could be done' but rather 'we're in the process of pitching the idea to MS and we're waiting on approval before we make a formal announcement'?

    Gawd, I hope so. -=x

  • alberto2045

    Posted May 12, 2006 8:32 pm PT

    ok just get it out

  • Jedi_Osborn

    Posted May 12, 2006 7:21 pm PT

    That'd be sweet on the 360

  • sitgom

    Posted May 12, 2006 7:11 pm PT

    sounds like an incredible game!!!!!

  • bulldog7

    Posted May 12, 2006 7:00 pm PT

    it has to be coming to 360.

  • Khimarhi

    Posted May 12, 2006 6:50 pm PT

    Wow. . another MMORPG. . there are like 100 coming out in the next year. . who cares about a new one. . .Plus 360 has a bunch coming it's way too. The industry into the new MMORPG trend. I have an Idea. . start a new trend.

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