mag Archives - PSX Extreme

Zipper Interactive Would’ve Delivered A Brand New FPS For PS4

Ben-Dutka April 26, 2013 PS4 21 Comments

For the record, we always thought MAG had a ton of fantastic potential.

It really was one of the most entertaining online games of the generation in our estimation, and those who played it for a while perfectly understand its appeal. That's why we were saddened to hear about developer Zipper Interactive's closing.

And unfortunately, it means we're missing out on a new PlayStation 4 title. According to VideoGamer citing former Zipper designers, the team was planning a next-gen FPS; a brand new IP, in fact. But that was "halted upon the dissolution of the studio." Zipper had also made SOCOM: US Navy SEALs , so they knew what they were doing in the first- and third-person shooter categories.

Their last title was the decent Unit 13 for the PlayStation Vita. It's too bad we'll never see that PS4 shooter but then again, we probably have enough FPSs scheduled for the new generation, don't we?

Zipper Interactive Calls It Quits After 17 Years Of Development

Ben-Dutka March 30, 2012 Archive 33 Comments

Sadly, the rumors were true.

As verified at the developer's Twitter page , Zipper Interactive is closing its doors after a solid 17 years of making video games.

The studio that brought you the well-received and popular SOCOM titles, as well as the innovative and ambitious MMOFPS, MAG , has had a great impact on the industry, and we wish all employees the best of luck in whatever it is they decide to do. Here's the farewell Twitter message:

"After 17 years it’s time to head off into the sunset. A sincere thank you to all our fans for everything you've done for us. Farewell."

Over the past week, we had heard whispers of layoffs and a project cancellation at Zipper, which just released Unit 13 for the PlayStation Vita. At the time, there was no official information concerning the fate of the team but now, it's a done deal. The developer was also known for producing MechWarrior 3 and Crimson Skies .

We never like posting news like this.

Rumor: Zipper Interactive To Close

John-Shepard March 23, 2012 Archive 29 Comments

We never like to hear news that a developer is shutting down. It's just depressing.

According to Kotaku , the studio responsible for the creation of the SOCOM series, Zipper Interactive, "is in the process of being shut down."

Zipper was also known for the the PlayStation 3 exclusive shooter, MAG , one of those online multiplayer efforts that just got a lot better as time went on. Sony won't confirm anything about the potential closing of the developer, but there appears to be some talk about major layoffs and project cancellation, so the team seems to be in some trouble. As a bit of history, don't forget that Zipper Interactive was responsible for MechWarrior 3 and Crimson Skies in the past. But their biggest contribution to gaming was undoubtedly SOCOM , the tactical military third-person shooter that flourished during the PS2 generation.

Nothing is official right now so we're allowed to hope that Zipper stays in business. But don't be surprised if this is the end…

Zipper Interactive Working On An RPG?

Ben-Dutka October 5, 2011 16 Comments

We always like to see good developers branching out…even when we really have no idea what they're doing.

Zipper Interactive is best known for their SOCOM games and the massive online multiplayer shooter, MAG . Well, a certain game blog has located the CV of Zipper's David Chambers, and there are some points of interest.

Most importantly, it appears the developer is working on two currently unannounced games for the PlayStation platform. One is another third-person shooter (perhaps along the same lines as SOCOM ) but the other is a role-playing game. …wow, really? What are we thinking? Is Zipper the kind of developer you'd trust with an RPG? And what should we expect? An MMO like MAG or something more traditional?

Personally, I'm a fan of diversity in a studio. It's great when they've got a firm grasp of one particular genre or style, but if you've got the requisite talent, why not try something new? There's no doubt that people will be skeptical, just because you've never succeeded outside your comfort zone. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't try.

One Year Later, MAG Isn’t The Game You Remember

Ben-Dutka January 25, 2011 Archive 56 Comments

MAG is celebrating its one-year anniversary and just as a reminder, this really isn't the same game that launched last January.

Any avid player will spend quite a long time telling you how far the game has come, and just how much work developer Zipper Interactive has done. They've dedicated a huge amount of time enhancing and improving this massive 256-player online multiplayer experience, and it shows. When we did the review last year, the game had only just arrived and we could easily spot the promise and potential. We also knew it would take some time before MAG truly shone… Well, that time has come and gone and as of now, it's a game you absolutely can't ignore any longer. If you're even remotely interested, you should check out the new level of depth, stability, and oh wait…did I already say depth ? There's just so much to like, even if you're not the biggest fan of shooters.

And by the way, now's a great time to get involved because Zipper and Sony are celebrating the one-anniversary in fine style . They've got a couple cool new promotions taking place, which are great for the hardcore. But we thought we'd take some time and say that MAG deserves attention it hasn't yet received; it is so not the same game you may have sampled a year ago.

Related Game(s): MAG

MAG Available On PSN, Full Game Trial For Plus Members

Ben-Dutka December 20, 2010 Archive 39 Comments

We heard about the possibility a few days ago and now, it has been confirmed.

Firstly, according to an update at the PlayStation Blog , the entire in-depth experience will be on the PlayStation Network on December 21. Yeah, that's basically today. For the same price as the Greatest Hits physical media version – $29.99 – you can sign up for one of the three factions and work towards dealing with more than 250 players on a battlefield. The downloadable version is v2.10 and comes "complete with all the bells and whistles" thus far. Furthermore, to celebrate the release, the rumored full game trial will be free for PlayStation Plus users. "Members can play the game and any of its original modes at no charge for as long as their PlayStation Plus membership lasts." The only limitation: a Level 8 character cap. Still, you will continue to earn experience if you keep playing; so when you purchase the full game later on, you'll finally get credit for that experience.

If you haven't given MAG a try just yet, now might be the time. It's quite the online multiplayer experience.

Related Game(s): MAG