MWT Dev Change

The MechWarrior Tactics team released a press release today that contained some rather surprising news… Roadhouse Interactive is no longer the Developer for the game (IGP remains publisher).  The official Developer is now Blue Lizard Games.

First.. I’m saddened to hear this, I’ve met some of the folks over at RHI, and they were all great guys who had a real interest in BattleTech.  So, if Chris or any of the other RHI folks see this..  I don’t know what happened, but it sucks to see you guys leave.  Good Luck on all your future projects!  I’ll keep an eye out for the next big RHI hit!

As part of the press release, we got a new ‘Dev Diary’ which features Kelly Zmak (IGP President) as well as Alfredo Chaves (CEO of Blue Lizard)

On the plus side, based on Mr. Chaves’ comments, it does seem like the BL folks are also BattleTech fans, so, hopefully, that’ll make the transition a smooth one.  IGP knows that this dev switch mid-stream is going to raise a lot of questions, so they’ve stated there will be an ‘Ask Me Anything’ on Reddit this coming Thursday (more details to come soon).

For a tidbit of where the game is at development-wise there is a stress test planned for mid-August! So, if you’re not already in the beta, and are looking to get in – keep an eye out for more information on that – it might be a good way to get a peek.

I’ll admit that personally, I’m a tad concerned about the mid-stream dev switch.  I’m hoping that the AMA Thursday answers a LOT of the questions that everyone has.  This will certainly trigger some “the game is ended” doom and gloom type thoughts and posts on the MWT forums… so it will also be a good check for how communicative BL is.

The press release can be viewed here, and after the jump.

What are your thoughts on a mid-stream Dev switch?

MechWarrior Tactics Emerges from the ‘Mech Bay: Get All-Access Pass to Development Enhancements and Updates

Newest Trailer for MechWarrior Tactics Goes Behind the Scenes and Showcases New Gameplay, UI Updates, Graphical Enrichments and More for the BattleTech®-Inspired Online Game

MONTREAL — JULY 30, 2013 – MechWarrior Tactics moves closer to its long-awaited open beta phase, thanks to developer Blue Lizard, who has taken the development reigns for the game. In a video released today from Infinite Game Publishing, fans can get a close look at the game’s graphical enhancements and cleaner UI for the online browser-based tactical strategy game. Currently in Closed beta, MechWarrior Tactics is poised for Open Beta later this year. Fans that purchase a Founder’s pack (https://mwtactics.com/founders) can get instant Beta access and help the developers shape the game while securing exclusive perks. MechWarrior Tactics was announced last year as the free, online version of the beloved and classic table top collectible card game BattleTech®. A stress-test is planned for mid-August, to allow the team to test the near-final server environments.
“We have an incredible core fan base that’s been with MechWarrior Tactics since early Alpha. These fans have helped us shape the game into a true-to-history BattleTech experience,” said Kelly Zmak, long-time BattleTech fan and president of Infinite Game Publishing. “The early stages of development built the foundation for what we needed to see from the gameplay and now, working with Blue Lizard, we’re confident that the final stages of development will exceed our expectations and deliver a world-class BattleTech-style game that fans around the world can play and enjoy.”
MechWarrior Tactics is the latest evolution of turn-based strategy blending tactical gameplay, deep collectability and unique online features as you command numerous BattleMechs against an online opponent towards victory. MechWarrior Tactics allows players the freedom to collect and purchase combat and cosmetic resources to outfit each ‘Mech and assemble a Lance of four ‘Mechs. Master each ‘Mech Chassis, perfect insidious tactical maneuvers and develop endless new configurations in your Mech Bay. Assemble a Lance for the ages and keep one step ahead of both your friends and enemies.
Get in the closed beta now by becoming a Founder: www.mwtactics.com.

About Blue Lizard Games
Founded in 2008 by industry veterans, Blue Lizard is the leading developer studio in South America and a rapidly expanding office in Montreal, Quebec. Harnessing proven talent in the online and browser based games space, Blue Lizard has partnered with Canadian-based Infinite Game Publishing to deliver to market MechWarrior Tactics, a browser-based online strategy game set in the BattleTech® universe. More information about Blue Lizard can be found at www.bluelizardgames.com.

About Infinite Games Publishing
IGP is a newly formed publisher of AAA online interactive entertainment. Formed by industry vets with a passion for great games, IGP’s leadership is driving online entertainment forward by partnering with best-in-breed developers to bring high-octane excitement to PC gamers everywhere.
Official Web site: www.infinitegamepublishing.com.