MPG-Net, GameStorm, Simutronics: Three from the online wars
Multiplayer meets multipayer in the online marketplace
by Robert Mayer 04/10/1998
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Text-based and proud of it Though Kesmai and MPG-Net may be the most visible online providers, they aren't the only ones in that niche. There's also St. Charles, Missouri-based Simutronics Corporation. Another long-lasting online company, with roots going back to its foundation in 1987, Simutronics also pursues the low road to success. Low costs and low overhead, communications manager Melissa Whatley notes, not low quality. Simutronics keeps costs low through a variety of tactics. Their games are mostly text-based RPGs, with a sprinkling of sparse, bandwidth-friendly graphics. These games are surprisingly entertaining, though very much in the style of the traditional Infocom games, with more RPG elements in place of those games' extensive puzzles. Pricing is on a per-game basis, rather than an all-you-can-eat package, and the company now runs its own servers, accessible through the world wide web. The games used to be available through AOL's games channel, but recent upheavals surrounding AOL's creation last year of its own WorldPlay games company and the online service's switch to flat-rate pricing convinced Simutronics to go it alone. Losing that chunk of revenue that AOL's millions of members provided wasn't all that palatable, but things seem to be working out for the best. Simutronics won't reveal its subscriber numbers, but Whatley notes that the company is doing well, with paying customers, server load, and hardware capacity in synch with each other. The gaming service is seeking to grow its business through some strategic partnerships with industry giants, as well. Two of these deals stand out as particularly interesting. A partnership with Universal Studios is bringing Hercules and Xena: Alliance of Heroes to Simutronics, with a role-playing game based on the wildly popular TV shows Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess. The game uses a modified version of the company's standard RPG engine, which powers their existing games Gemstone III, DragonRealms, and Modus Operandi, and is geared towards more casual and less experienced players. According to Whatley, the goal is to draw in gamers who might not take a stab at traditional RPGs, but who will enjoy acting out the roles and events from their favorite television shows. Simutronics' other major partnership is with Sony Interactive Studios America, for a retail version of CyberStrike 2. A battling giant robot-style online action game, the current CyberStrike is Simutronics' only graphical offering, and the sequel will feature much-improved (and accelerated) 3D graphics. Sony will be handling the retail version of the game, which will likely come with some amount of free online play. Unlike Simutronics' other games, CyberStrike 2 will feature solo as well as multiplayer gaming. Sony already has Tanarus, an online tank game, up and running, and is planning the RPG EverQuest for later this year. Not quite as big perhaps but certainly indicative of the company's aggressive search for new markets is Simutronics' relationship with Renaissance Entertainment Corporation (REC), the major organizer of Renaissance faires in the US. Simutronics' games will feature on REC's website, and in their promo literature for the 1998 faire season. Renaissance Faires are typically held in the Spring and Summer, and feature a variety of historical and quasi-historical events and attractions, from jousting to fencing to munching on giant turkey legs. Simutronics hopes to tap into the market offered by the estimated 4.5 million faire visitors each year. Currently, Simutronics also has a deal working with AT&T's WorldNet service, for access to the company's games. Staking out territory on web is an issue all online game companies are having to deal with, and Simutronics seems to be holding its own. While overall numbers aren't available, Whatley notes that the service usually averages 2000 or more simultaneous users most days, which she claims is quite good; it's a number that provides decent revenue without overloading the system. When asked whether the company plans to offer an "all you can eat" package, Whatley is doubtful, but the possibility exists that there might well be tiered pricing in the future. Users may eventually be able to get discounts when they subscribe to more than one game, for instance, or fan club members might get more free time on Hercules and Xena. Currently, all games are $9.95 a month, basic rate, except CyberStrike which is a bit less due to its older graphics. Simutronics also offers premium subscriptions, with more character slots, storage space, and privileged access to special events and promotions. Such memberships usually run about $30 a month, and, according to Whatley, are surprisingly popular. Next Previous

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