Destructoid: Last week, I had some hands-on time with Zipper Interactive's SOCOM 4, the studio's first SOCOM game in four and a half years (the last entry in the franchise that the developer worked on was the 2006 PSP game SOCOM: Fireteam Bravo 2). This isn't the first iteration of the series on the PS3 -- Slant Six Games developed the online-only SOCOM: Confrontation, which launched in October 2008 to middling reviews.
Original-Gamer.com: "Sony has decided to shutdown the servers for SOCOM Confrontation, SOCOM 4, and MAG in January 2014. SOCOM 4 and MAG were developed by Zipper Interactive while SOCOM Confrontation was developed by Slant Six Games."
MAG is not even too old yet, this doesn't make any sense. It's still fairly populated with the dedicated fans, even one of my friends recently got back into it. Hell even Confrontation has a pretty decent sized dedicated player base, I think only 4 is pretty deserted.
This really makes no sense, the games aren't old. They better be making new games in the future at least.
Come on now, MAG's pretty old, their new console is coming out, and there's only about 5000 individual players coming on every month, if that.
It's run its course, a fantastic game while it lasted. Hopefully, we can get a few massive battles in before the servers close, knowing the community, I expect it.
Also, a lot of MAG is on Dust 514 now, which isn't amazing, but is still alright.
It makes sense.
MAG is no longer selling, so Sony is making no money from it. In fact, it's costing them money to keep it alive.
Maybe with PS4 pay-for-online and microtransactions (read: ongoing support), you'll get a better service.
@HammadTheBeast
"Come on now, MAG's pretty old"
No it isnt, you want really old check out:
Warcraft 3, Starcraft 1, Counter strike. Then tell me why those games are still running?
Sony closing servers to older games is just a tactic to force users on board their next console.
Its the nature of console gaming, too controlled with console gamers having little to no rights at all. Hell if Sony closes PS3 online services after PS4 launch there is nothing console gamers can do about it.
MAG is barely alive now these days. Domination is only playable early AM hours (CST) when the JP players get on and that only last a few hours. Only thing going on is Sabo or Suppression.
Lucky to get an Interdiction or Acquisition going.
Kind of ironic i recently put mag back in and got all the updates and restored all my skill points. And OMG i could not kill anybody for nothing, it was quite weird. I used to be beast at that game and i went negative for a few games before finally i quit. Felt like i was doing worse for the team then helping.
It wasn't very populated then, but hate to hear that.
H-Hour is the new Socom. You can still support the development studio by way of Paypal, and you still get access to all of the Kickstarter rewards, but only until the end of the month.
http://sofstudios.com/index...
H-Hour is set to come out on PS4 and PC.
@all
MAG was released in 2010, just 3 years ago! You're telling me I should expect online servers to be around for just 3 years?
"It's still fairly populated with the dedicated fans."
You only see one side of this. Sony sees the stats of how many players are playing on average. No reason to waste server power for a handle full of people. Yes that handle full could be a few thousand but still.
From what I remember during MAGs development. Zipper was given a blank check and setup a server farm for MAG.
No reason to let all those servers go to waste. They will most likely use them for the PS4.
Where's the outrage? They effectively saying that you've been renting MAG all this time. Online only games shouldn't have their servers shut so soon.
There's about 200 people on at any time now.... and most from the free demo.
^^
So? You're perfectly fine an online-only game that people are still playing will be shut down
#Corpser
Yes there is a community, but a very small one. It's the same case with White Knight Chronicles 1/2. Both MAG and WKC I've played heavy enough to say they had a very small community that most likely didn't warrant Sony paying the money to keep the servers going for any longer. It sucks, but it happens when it's a case like this.
If anything, I'm more surprised that MAG is being shutdown much later than WKC was. IMO, it should of been the other way around.
Haha, some have no clue of exactly what you just did there. Or am I reading too much into it?
In other news, the 2007 X360 online only game, Shadowrun, is still playable on its online server. This show where the priority is for both companies when it comes to online gaming.
MAG community is far from dead, why?
And no wonder GameStop has been selling the game used for $0.99. It's an online-only game too
It's a shame, I enjoy playing MAG more than just about any other shooter out there. I know many do not agree, as it does have some very obvious flaws, but it's a gem of a game beneath them.
That's the only problem I have with digital downloads and multiplayer only games. If they shut the servers down your screwed...
I would hope such a service would work for a game like MAG, enough of the community (that is already dwindling) would need to know about that capability, and actually be bothered to want to try using it in order for it to work. I think it's just going to kill the community enough to make the game unplayable, as MAG relies on very large matches.
H-Hour. We need you. Deliver the tactical third person shooter goods that we deserve!
And in a run up to a sequel they should be giving this game away free on PS+ at least, or just make it a free to play game. Its a game I always wanted to platinum but there are never enough people on for domination games etc
Great game though
Announced yesterday, a couple of former Zipper developers are lacing up their boots again in preparation to begin working on new tactical shooter, Takedown.
I was looking forward to that game but now that zipper is touching it? I dont know they been making crap for almost 10 years now Socom 1 and 2 are the only thing good they have done
i really disagree, Unit13 is still my most enjoyed Vita game yet. it was quite good, and I for one am glad to hear this news.
I bought Unit13 on release but only started playing it yesterday. I cannot believe how underrated and under appreciated this game is.
This game is not only better than the likes of COD in terms of military shooter, but the stealth gameplay is beautiful! It's like MGS but with a more military feel.
I dont have a Vita yet so I havnt tried it maybe I spoke too soon I was just really burnt by Socom 4 but Ill try Unit 13 when I have the cash.
i've learned this site is nothing but kiss asses and fanboys so I usually don't even comment anymore. I read the news and leave. Although your comment will be "disagreed" into oblivion it is 100% fact. Its also the reason ZIPPER GOT CLOSED DOWN. I'm sure the lower level workers aren't really to blame, but there is no denying their games and how bad they were and what they did to SOCOM. What a joke. Glad Zipper is gone.
@ dead eye. its not opinion it is fact. go search "sony closes Zipper interactive" it didnt happen because they were making great games.
"Big Huge Games" got shut down as well (I hope they get picked up by a worthy publisher), yet KoA was greatly received. I personally think MAG is definitely underrated too.
"TAKEDOWN will be developed on PC as the lead platform, and then brought to consoles afterwards"
PC is lead platform then consoles coming after.
so the tags are messed up.
I can't wait to see what David Jaffe does on pc unless it's a facebook game.
In this Episode, Jack is joined by Commander Claymore Fury via SatCom as they discuss the 2011 Tournament Season and what is in store for 2012. The Nuketown Hooligans bring a little Modern Warfare 3 Spec Ops tips and Lt. Leadhead brings us Ghost Recon: Future Soldier
hooyah
Never played a Socom game before but this one looks very promising. I may have to see what all the fuss is about :)
Socom 4 should have been a priority over making MAG. Everyone that was still playing Socom: Combined Assault couldn't wait for Socom on PS3 because thats when they were going to go out and buy a PS3. Socom 2 and Combined Assault were my two favorite Socom games, and to of my favorite games of all time. I hope Socom 4 can bring the magic back.
I want a demo for this.
Burn and yes I will probably agree once its out...