Egosoft
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Egosoft is a computer game developer based in Würselen, Germany.
Egosoft is best known for its X game series[1], a series of space simulator games noted for combining open-ended gameplay, dynamic market-driven economics and compelling storyline.[2] [3] The series includes X: Beyond the Frontier, its expansion X-Tension, the sequels X²: The Threat, X³: Reunion and the planned X³: Terran Conflict. These are based within the fictional X Universe which features a number of alien cultures.
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[edit] Releases
As of February 2008 Egosoft has released the following products:
- Flies Attack on Earth (1993) for Amiga and PC (MS-DOS).
- Imperium Romanum (1996) for PC (MS-DOS).
- X Series
- X: Beyond the Frontier (1999) for PC (Windows).
- X-Tension (2000) for PC (Windows and Linux) - X: Beyond the Frontier expansion pack.
- X-Gold (2001) for PC (Windows) - an amalgamated X: Beyond the Frontier & X-Tension release.
- X²: The Threat (2003) for PC (Windows and Linux(2006)).
- X³: Reunion (2005) for PC (Windows) and Mac.
The Linux versions of the X Series were developed by Linux Game Publishing
[edit] Future Releases
X³: Terran Conflict was announced on February 3, 2008. It is slated for release in Q3 of 2008.
In 2000, Egosoft planned a multiplayer Online game called Online Universe or X Online. This project was intended to be "the next step in the evolution of Egosoft's X universe."[4] Egosoft has since released a number of games, yet given little indication of the progress of this project. Of 2003 Egosoft staff were working on a later version - codenamed X2OL - which Egosoft Director, Bernd Lehahn, described as "our long term goal."[5][6] There is still no official information on the Online Universe, though there has been speculation that X2 and X3's 2007 uplink feature may be a positive spin-off of this project.[7]
[edit] Fan Community
Egosoft has attracted a community of over 272,000 members on their website's forum; Egosoft regularly uses this to provide news, updates and bonus game-related material to its members.
Within the X-Community exists:
- an X-Universe forum, in which members may ask questions, make comments, and share stories or advice about anything related to the X-Universe. Members often use this forum to share guides, maps, tactics, hints, and to discuss possible future developments.
- a Technical Support forum, where members can find on-line assistance for technical problems.
- a Scripting and Modding forum, where members can develop and share game modifications.
- a Creative Universe forum, for X-inspired fan-works such as graphic-art, fan-fiction, desktop-wallpapers, music, and video.
- an Off-Topic forum, for discussion unrelated to the X-Universe.
The forums are aimed at users 13 years old and over. The primary forums are in English and German, though other languages are available.
The community also includes a Developer Network - DevNet - which members may be able to join. However, access to these pages is restricted, and DevNet members are bound by a strict Non-disclosure agreement.
[edit] References
- ^ Josh Venning (2006-01-25). X3 Reunion: New Rolling Demo Tested. AnandTech. AnandTech. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ Wrentmore, John. "X2 - The Threat Review", GameZone, GameZone Online, 2003-12-12. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ Reed, Kristan. "X3: Reunion", EuroGamer, Eurogamer Network Ltd, 2005-11-06. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ ONLINE-UNIVERSE. Online Universe (Official Page). Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ Stokky (2003-05-10). Interview: X2 - The Threat. playfuls.com. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ Presley, Paul. "PC Preview: X2: The Threat", PC Zone, Future Publishing Limited., 2003-04-19. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
- ^ Caesar S.. "Egosoft updates X3: Reunion, X2: The Threat", QJ.net, Content Holdings, LLC., 2008-01-03. Retrieved on 2008-02-11.
