AFK News and Press
01.27.11: AFK Interactive Brings EverQuest II to Mobile for Sony Online Entertainment
Stay Connected... Here, There, Everywhere with EQII Mobile!
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) proudly welcomes the latest addition of the EverQuest® II (EQII) franchise with EQII Mobile, a new cross-platform mobile application that bridges the game world and the real world. EQII Mobile allows players to connect to EverQuest II remotely and interact with various game features while communicating with other players in-game. Whether gamers are on the road or in their own home, EQII Mobile links them to the information and social tools to stay connected. EQII Mobile will be available as a free application downloaded from the Android, iPhone and Blackberry device marketplaces.
Available at launch:
- In-Game Chat & Mail – Players can stay connected with their friends with chat through any world or guild channel and in-game mail messages!
- Character Profile Access – Users can view and share their character stats, including faction, achievements, currentlyequipped items and more!
- Guild Tools - View your guildmates’ online status and map location
- Norrath Map Indicator – View your characters current location and nearby landmarks
EQII Mobile will be available for Android, iPhone and BlackBerry devices on our around January XX, 2011. To access the application users can search for EverQuest Mobile in their phone’s app store or visit www.EQIIMobile.com for more information.
For assets, log on to www.soepress.com
Sony Online Entertainment LLC (SOE) is a recognized worldwide leader in massively multiplayer online games, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers around the globe. SOE creates, develops and provides compelling entertainment for the personal computer, online, game console and wireless markets. Known for its blockbuster franchises and hit titles including EverQuest®, EverQuest® II, Champions of Norrath®, Untold Legends™, and PlanetSide®, as well as for developing Star Wars Galaxies™, SOE continues to redefine the business of online gaming and the creation of active player communities while introducing new genres on various entertainment platforms. Headquartered in San Diego, CA, with additional development studios in Austin, TX; Seattle, WA; Denver, CO; and Tucson, AZ , SOE has an array of cutting-edge games in development.
12.20.10: Fallen Earth's New app Sets the Standard
No matter where you are, you should be able to admire, tweak and gloat over all the shiny loot you’ve amassed in your favorite MMO. PC Gamer believes this is a fundamental human right. MMOS including World of Warcraft and Aion have taken up the call with apps that let you take your game with you- but Fallen Earth’s is the best of the lot so far.
The app (free to download in the Apple iOS, Android and Blackberry stores) allows users to look at their characters’ stats, gear, inventory, mail, achievements and crafting queues, browse the auction house, and chat with friends via IM or in their clan’s chat channel without paying a cent.
The free features are impressive, considering that no other MMO app, even paid ones, currently have that level of live-server interaction. But a one-time $10 fee (much easier to swallow than the monthly fee some MMO apps ask for) also unlocks full mail, crafting and auction house features.
Being able to craft a component for a rifle, toss it in my bags, and then pick up the rest of the necessary components from the auction house all while away from my PC is a huge gain. When I’m home, I can focus on playing the run-and-gun parts of the game and leave the rest of it for when I’m getting my car’s oil changed. JA - Jan. 2011 issue
09.15.10: Premium Features Now available on Fallen Earth Mobile App
Icarus Studios and partner AFK Interactive today released premium features for the Fallen Earth (MMO) Mobile Companion App. Customers can purchase account access to these features
via the official Fallen Earth website (www.fallenearth.com) for iPhone, Android and Blackberry devices. Coinciding with the MMO’s one-year anniversary, the partners also announced today the availability of the original app at no cost indefinitely.
By way of the original Fallen Earth Companion App, players have been granted remote, real-time live game server access, with the option to perform tasks such as:
- View crafting queue, achievements, character stats, pack, gear, world map and Auction House
- Check and delete in-game mail, and
- View who’s online and send and receive in-game chat messages
With the release of today’s premium feature access, players now have the ability to access additional interactive “premium” features, allowing to:
- Download and send in-game mail messages and attachments
- Bid, purchase and post items at the Auction House, and
- Craft items using pack components
Players of the popular post-apocalyptic game are encouraged to download and install the original Companion App at no charge via iTunes, the Google Android App Store or Blackberry App World.
Premium features may be obtained through the Fallen Earth website for a one-time charge of $9.99 for all compatible devices.
Fallen Earth Companion App Users have a chance to Win in-game Prizes!
As a special anniversary gift, players logged in remotely via the Companion App on Wednesday, September 15, will randomly be selected and awarded in-game prizes.
For more information on the Fallen Earth Companion App, to access premium features or for upcoming tutorial videos, visit www.fallenearth.com/mobilefaq.
09.03.10: Craft, Buy, Sell on Fallen Earth Mobile
Icarus Studios, co-developer of the MMOG, Fallen Earth, and partner AFK Interactive, have announced plans to provide premium features for the Fallen Earth Companion App, enabling players to craft items and obtain full auction house and full in-game mail access all via their mobile device. This is scheduled for release September 14.
Fallen Earth app users currently have the ability to interact with other online players via chat, receive in-game mail, visit the auction house and view maps, character stats and crafting recipes, however, with the new features, players will now also have the ability to:
* Craft items, manage and complete their crafting queue
* Buy and sell items at the Auction House
* Send and receive in-game mail, including attachments
"We’re excited about the release of the expanded Fallen Earth mobile companion app," commented Doug Dyer, president of AFK Interactive. "The feature set available to players is far and above anything available and will give them constant access to several much used features of the game. This is truly a first of its kind app."
Beginning today, all current app users have the ability to access the premium features for a limited-time trial, ending September 13.
Access to the Fallen Earth app premium features will be available for all supported devices via the official Fallen Earth website (www.fallenearth.com) for a one-time charge of $9.99 (USD).
Customers must have the Fallen Earth companion app, available from iTunes App Store, the Google Android App Store or Blackberry App World. A network connection and active game account are required for use.
07.13.10: AFK keeps gamers connected to their worlds from anywhere
AFK Interactive’s M4 platform (Massively Multi-user Mobile Monetization) is the holy grail for gamers: It allows you to stay connected to massively multi-player online games (MMOs) like World of Warcraft, virtual worlds like Second Life, and social games like Farmville from any mobile device.
AFK is well aware that the majority of mobile devices, in particular low-end cellphones, won’t be able to run MMOs and complicated virtual worlds for some time. Instead, it has developed a way to accomplish key interactive tasks from your phone, like chatting with users in-game, buying and selling virtual goods, and crafting items. M4 supports practically every mobile platform available, including iPhone, Android, BlackBerry, Windows Mobile, and Java-based devices.
The M4 platform is a server-based, thin-client platform that can be easily deployed by any game publisher. Since it’s thin-client based, much of the work is done on the server and is then pushed to the user’s mobile device — allowing for complicated tasks to be done on low-end hardware. It also allows users to log directly into their online game profiles.
AFK believes that mobile companion apps for games, like Blizzard’s recent World of Warcraft Auction House iPhone app, are going to become huge in the coming months. Since its M4 platform is already capable of doing much more than mere auction house work, and is easily deployable, AFK hopes that developers see it as an easy way to get their games connected to mobile devices.
The company also has multiple revenue models in mind: Revenue sharing with publishers on micro-transactions, revenue sharing on game subscriptions (for MMO’s that require monthly fees), and it also have the ability to charge a set price for every downloaded app.
AFK’s first product was for the MMO Fallen Earth, which launched in June. It’s also negotiating on deals for major upcoming MMOs, fantasy sports games, and virtual worlds.
source: MobileBeat2010
06.30.10: AFK Interactive to present at the MobileBeat 2010 - July 12-13
Today AFK Interactive was announced as one of the 20 finalists in the MobileBeat 2010 Startup Competition. Proving that it has what it takes to stand out in the crowd, AFK Interactive was picked by a panel of experts and advisors as one of the hottest companies in the mobile space. As a finalist the company gets its chance to present it's M4 Platform for creating connected mobile companion apps - which gives users real-time, in-game access to their favorite MMOG, virtual world, or social network game. The event will host over 450 influencers, investors, and press as they compete for the top spot and a coveted Tesla award.
Hosted by VentureBeat, MobileBeat 2010 is taking place July 12-13 in
San Francisco at The Palace Hotel. This year’s theme is “The Year of the
Superphone and Who Will Profit” with top executives from AT&T, Google,
Facebook, Samsung and many others sharing their thoughts. MobileBeat is
known as Silicon Valley’s premier mobile event, bringing together 500 of the
industry’s top VCs, mobile execs, journalists and entrepreneurs. Many previous
winners of the Startup Competition have gone on to become mobile juggernauts,
including AdMob, Loopt and Touchnote.
There is still time to register for MobileBeat and see AFK Interactive present in
person.
06.29.10: Fallen Earth Companion App on BlackBerry!
BlackBerry users rejoice! The Fallen Earth mobile companion app for BlackBerry devices is now available through BlackBerry App World. BlackBerry users will enjoy all of the same features available on iPhone and Android devices.
Download Fallen Earth for BlackBerry here!
06.08.10: Icarus Studios, AFK Launch Fallen Earth Mobile Companion App
Compatible with iPhone and Android. Blackberry to follow.
Cary, NC – June 8, 2010 – Icarus Studios and Fallen Earth, LLC, developers of the self-titled massively multiplayer online game (MMO), today announced the launch of the Fallen Earth Companion App with partner AFK Interactive, available for iPhone and Android devices. The app allows players real-time access to the live game server, where they can check in-game mail, view auctions, send and receive chat messages and more!
"The development of the iPhone application has allowed our team to extend the capabilities of Icarus Studios’ xScape Platform," said Phil Hall, CEO of Icarus Studios. "The degree of mobile interactivity is unparalleled. Players now have the ability to interact with the live game server in ways that, until now, weren’t possible without a PC."
Making life in the apocalypse a little easier for survivors, the Fallen Earth companion app feature set includes the ability to:
- Check in-game mail
- Interact with clan members and online friends
- Visit the auction house to browse bids and keep tabs on auctions
- View available crafting recipes and check progress on those active
- Examine character profiles and equipped gear
- Access the world map
The iPhone application also allows players to view all acquired achievements, those in progress and their overall achievement score.
As development on the app continues, players can expect to see future updates available through the Fallen Earth online store. The next slated update for the app, available in the coming months, will include the ability to send in-game mail and attachments as well as craft new items and buy and sell at the auction hous
"The Fallen Earth app is a taste of the future of mobile connectivity," said Doug Dyer, president of AFK Interactive. "It’s really the first of its kind with this much real time, connected functionality across multiple platforms and, at AFK, we’re betting it’s just the beginning."
The Fallen Earth companion app is a one-time download and available today for both compatible platforms. Players may purchase the app directly from iTunes or through the Google Android App Store for $1.99 (USD). The Blackberry app will be available in the coming weeks and may be purchased directly through Blackberry App World for $2.99 (USD).
A network connection and active game account are required for use.
For more information about the Fallen Earth Companion App, visit the FAQ at www.fallenearth.com/mobilefaq
About Fallen Earth, LLC
Formed in 2003, FALLEN EARTH, LLC is a special purpose entity born out of Icarus Studios dedicated to the production of the independently produced and published, massively multiplayer online game (MMO), Fallen Earth. Set in the Grand Canyon in 2156 and mixing first-person shooter-style action with role-playing game design, Fallen Earth allows players to explore a post-apocalyptic world through crafting, trading, and scavenging. Fallen Earth is co-developed with Icarus Studios using the patented technology xScape Platform and available exclusively for the PC. Fallen Earth is rated “M” for “Mature” by the ESRB.
About ICARUS STUDIOS, INC.
Located in Cary, North Carolina, Icarus Studios is a next generation game developer and technology provider. The studios’ xScape game development platform enables the production and cross integration of massively multi-player online games, iPhone and Facebook applications. Icarus Studios’ recent game credits include co-developing the award winning MMOG Fallen Earth, and developing Showtime’s Dexter iPhone game. Icarus Studios provides its partners with a total solution that includes design and content production, monetization, customer support, hosting, and a tightly integrated technology platform.
About AFK INTERACTIVE
Located in Cary, North Carolina, AFK Interactive has created a technology platform designed to take advantage of the enormous growth and popularity of MMOGs, social network games, and virtual goods. AFK’s M4 Platform allows MMOG developers and publishers to quickly and efficiently deliver connected mobile companion apps across multiple mobile operating systems which provide users the ability to log-in and interact directly with the actual game via real-time, connected modules.
Contact:
Tricia Jenkins, on behalf of Icarus Studios
707.327.7662
Doug Dyer, on behalf of AFK Interactive
919.807.5611
03.09.10: Icarus Studios Chooses AFK Interactive to Extend the Fallen Earth Mobile Companion Application to Additional Mobile Devices
Following the recent announcement of Icarus Studios’ development of a Fallen Earth mobile companion iPhone application, Icarus Studios, co-developer of Fallen Earth, the critically-acclaimed MMORPG, has teamed up with technology start-up AFK Interactive to extend the Fallen Earth mobile companion application to the Blackberry, Android, Brew, and Java platforms, set to be released in Q2.
The mobile companion application, described by early reviewers as “game changing,” allows Fallen Earth players in-game and real-time access to several key features of the MMOG from their mobile phone. Similar to the upcoming iPhone application, the app will enable players on other mobile devices to log in to the live Fallen Earth server and interact with their character(s) and other players via several different modules such as Chat, Crafting and the Auction House.
“People have been talking about interconnectivity between MMOGs and mobile devices for a long time, but until now, no one has gone so far as to build an app that provides real-time interaction to this level,” said Jim Hettinger, CEO of Icarus Studios. “Just the ability to chat with members of your clan in-game from your mobile phone is a huge benefit, but this product does so much more than that.”
In addition to providing the ability to chat and send and receive in-game mail, the app allows users to perform a number of other tasks, such as:
• Manage crafting queue and craft items
• Access all of the in-game features of the Auction House
• Interact with clan members
• View character profiles
• View the world map
“There are so many other cool features we can pull from the game and bring to the mobile phone,” commented Doug Dyer, President of AFK Interactive. “We’ve built a powerful platform based on commercially-launched technology that’s taken years to develop. This platform enables the app to be run on low-end to high-end mobile devices and will be able to deliver everything from interactive game wikis to virtual goods storefronts that support multiple revenue models and integrated billing. This is the next direction for online games.”
The Fallen Earth mobile companion app will be available for download from the Fallen Earth website in Q2. AFK Interactive will continue to support the product across new devices and operating systems on an ongoing basis. In addition, upgraded versions of the app with new feature modules are planned for the future.
Following the availability of the upcoming applications, several of the Fallen Earth mobile app features will be made available via the Fallen Earth website for players without a compatible mobile device.
Providing a glimpse at the new application, AFK Interactive will be offering demonstrations at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco March 11-13 in Booth #712. Icarus Studios team members will also be on site demonstrating the soon-to-be-released iPhone application.
About AFK INTERACTIVE (www.afkinteractive.com)
Located in Cary, North Carolina, AFK Interactive has created a technology platform designed to take advantage of the enormous growth and popularity of MMOGs, social network games, and virtual goods. AFK’s M4 Platform allows MMOG developers and publishers to quickly and efficiently deliver connected mobile companion apps across multiple mobile operating systems which provide users the ability to log-in and interact directly with the actual game via real-time, connected modules.
About ICARUS STUDIOS, INC. (www.icarusstudios.com)
Located in Cary, North Carolina, Icarus Studios is a next generation game developer and technology provider. The studios’ xScape cloud gaming development platform enables the production and cross integration of massively multi-player online games, iPhone and Facebook applications and virtual worlds. Icarus Studios’ recent game credits include co-developing the award winning MMOG Fallen Earth, and developing Showtime’s Dexter iPhone game. Icarus Studios provides its partners with a total solution that includes design and content production, monetization, customer support, hosting, and a tightly integrated technology platform. The Icarus xScape technology platform was built from the ground-up on industry standards to accelerate time to market, reduce development and running costs, and enable new revenue streams through 3D, Web, Flash™, and mobile user experiences.
Media/Press Link
Download logos, images, PDF brochure and video demo.
www.afkinteractive.com/afk-media.php
01.25.10: AFK Interactive exhibits at GDC 2010 San Francisco
Stop by GDC booth #712 and see a live demonstration of the M4 Platform.
AFK Interactive lets developers extend MMOGs, Virtual Worlds and
Social Games to mobile devices! AFK's platform enables users to engage
with MMOGs or virtual worlds from their iPhone, Android, Blackberry or
other mobile device. Chatting, crafting, storefronts, and more
in-game and real-time. Come see our live demo and let's talk.