The Furious Angels

FA Discussion => General => Topic started by: Tbone on March 17, 2008, 12:16:29 am

Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on March 17, 2008, 12:16:29 am
The Agency is a new MMO currently being developed by SOE. It will be the next game that FA heavily concentrates on. We plan on involving ourselves intimately with the community and world of the game, potentially shifting our focus primarily towards this game. This forum will be used to discuss the development of the game and ideas to involve ourselves until we have designed a website that caters more to this game.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Strod on March 17, 2008, 05:23:25 am
Thanks for adding this Tbone.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on March 17, 2008, 09:25:40 am
Thanks T!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on March 17, 2008, 11:23:10 am
I meant to bring this up in the discussion on TS last night, but should we work on developing FA's backstory for The Agency?  I know FA had an intricate backstory developed for MxO before the game was even in beta.

I know we don't know much about The Agency's storyline yet, but I think it would be great if we could pull some ideas together and build a story around FA's injection into the game.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 17, 2008, 01:02:53 pm
Quote from: "ManicVelocity"
I meant to bring this up in the discussion on TS last night, but should we work on developing FA's backstory for The Agency?  I know FA had an intricate backstory developed for MxO before the game was even in beta.

I know we don't know much about The Agency's storyline yet, but I think it would be great if we could pull some ideas together and build a story around FA's injection into the game.

I like this idea.

I really like this idea.

Good thinking, Manic.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on March 17, 2008, 01:36:14 pm
Quote from: "Tecknik"
Quote from: "ManicVelocity"
I meant to bring this up in the discussion on TS last night, but should we work on developing FA's backstory for The Agency?  I know FA had an intricate backstory developed for MxO before the game was even in beta.

I know we don't know much about The Agency's storyline yet, but I think it would be great if we could pull some ideas together and build a story around FA's injection into the game.

I like this idea.

I really like this idea.

Good thinking, Manic.


Would it be too much to ask for a stickied thread to start throwing together ideas for this underneath this announcement?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on March 17, 2008, 01:51:02 pm
Like I said, it might be good if we knew a bit more about what The Agency's story is before we start work on our own story for it.  As of right now, all we know is that it's spy vs. spy.  We know there are two rival spy organizations, but we don't really know why they're rivals, how they formed, or what their respective goals are.  Presumably they both have the same goal, and that's where the rivalry comes into play, but we don't know that for sure.

MxO was different because anyone who had seen the movies pretty much knew exactly what to expect from the game.  Ultimately, our expectations fell short pretty damn quickly, but that's beside the point.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Heironymus on March 17, 2008, 05:15:53 pm
Um... like you said, until we know more we can't really do a toooo much but I would just like to point out that if we did continue with the "ships" it would be more like Countries if we chose NATO.. (and that means the Canadians finally get a ship)

My question, can someone outline the steps to get involved. I haven't really ever alpha or beta tested a game and would like to get as involved as time will allow but for lack of experience i am at a loss as to how. I know someone posted an email to send to but what do you send? I am interested in getting involved in testing your game?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on March 17, 2008, 06:24:14 pm
Quote from: "Heironymus"
My question, can someone outline the steps to get involved. I haven't really ever alpha or beta tested a game and would like to get as involved as time will allow but for lack of experience I am at a loss as to how. I know someone posted an email to send to but what do you send? I am interested in getting involved in testing your game?


To get potentially involved in The Agency:

-Send an e-mail to jointheagency@soe.sony.com.
Subject Line: "Confidential: New Recruit from Furious Angels"
Body: "I, #name, would like to enlist in The Agency. Thank you."

We think it's just a database to build up names at the moment.

Beta testing is really just about playing the game normally while finding every bug that you possibly can, and then reporting it to the development team. It's also about testing the limits of the game and trying to find any exploits so that they can be squashed before release. It's basically trying to perfect the game before it Launches.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 17, 2008, 07:56:14 pm
"#name" being your actual name, or your in-game name?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on March 17, 2008, 08:02:33 pm
I don't think it matters. I believe that I used Anamodiel, but you can use your real name if you want. o.0
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 17, 2008, 08:19:49 pm
Email sent, from Tecknik. ;)
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 17, 2008, 08:45:34 pm
Quote from: "ManicVelocity"
Like I said, it might be good if we knew a bit more about what The Agency's story is before we start work on our own story for it.  As of right now, all we know is that it's spy vs. spy.  We know there are two rival spy organizations, but we don't really know why they're rivals, how they formed, or what their respective goals are.  Presumably they both have the same goal, and that's where the rivalry comes into play, but we don't know that for sure.

MxO was different because anyone who had seen the movies pretty much knew exactly what to expect from the game.  Ultimately, our expectations fell short pretty damn quickly, but that's beside the point.

Spies vs. Private Army, actually.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Heironymus on March 17, 2008, 09:31:46 pm
Yeah, I know the concept of beta testing I was just saying generally, some games, allow early beta testing to people active on forums and whatnot... that is more the angle I was wondering about.. but it is probably different with every game developer.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lits on March 18, 2008, 02:55:20 pm
you know i really don't want to have anything to do with soe, but if you guys are going.... are you SURE there's not a better game out there?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Heironymus on March 18, 2008, 03:28:32 pm
I think this is the closest good game we can find to switch over to.. SG worlds and the other ones are too far off.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on March 18, 2008, 04:02:36 pm
Quote from: "Heironymus"
I think this is the closest good game we can find to switch over to.. SG worlds and the other ones are too far off.


Plus, from what I hear, SGW is vaporware.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on March 18, 2008, 05:48:14 pm
This definitely sounds interesting.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on March 18, 2008, 06:34:30 pm
There might be one or two of you that is not excited about this game, but I know in the meeting we had the other night with a majority of members online, everyone seemed to be excited with little objections. I think this is as close as we're going to get to everyone agreeing on a single game, so we're commiting to it. I'm excited!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on March 19, 2008, 12:16:57 pm
Quote from: "Tbone"
There might be one or two of you that is not excited about this game, but I know in the meeting we had the other night with a majority of members online, everyone seemed to be excited with little objections. I think this is as close as we're going to get to everyone agreeing on a single game, so we're commiting to it. I'm excited!


MEH TOO!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on March 19, 2008, 04:23:17 pm
I've been following this game for a while and I'll be there with you all when the beta starts.
Title: The Agency
Post by: NoCry on March 19, 2008, 04:49:32 pm
mmmmm dmax.......
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 19, 2008, 06:52:41 pm
So Broin, are you like the top consultant for this game?

Any questions the DEV team has, they come to you?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Heironymus on March 19, 2008, 08:25:28 pm
Quote from: "Tecknik"
So Broin, are you like the top consultant for this game?

Any questions the DEV team has, they come to you?


If he told you he would have to kill you.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on September 27, 2008, 03:52:02 pm
Is anything going on on this front?  Any new info anyone has been able to dig up?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lits on October 04, 2008, 03:19:47 am
Okay... I'm working four jobs right now (accountant, Personal Assistant to a film co. Owner/Pro Boxer manager, Stage manger GRT, Stage Manager Lillian Theatre)

and yet I find myself listening to Rob Dougan's 'Furious Angels' and missing MxO and wondering with desperation when we'll mount The Agency and make it our bitch?

What's the word, yo?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Subb on October 04, 2008, 07:24:04 am
DCUO has me wetting myself. Me wants it.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on October 04, 2008, 05:56:45 pm
Quote from: "Lits"
Okay... I'm working four jobs right now (accountant, Personal Assistant to a film co. Owner/Pro Boxer manager, Stage manger GRT, Stage Manager Lillian Theatre)

and yet I find myself listening to Rob Dougan's 'Furious Angels' and missing MxO and wondering with desperation when we'll mount The Agency and make it our bitch?

What's the word, yo?


Need an assistant?


....and what the fuck is DCUO?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on October 04, 2008, 08:13:33 pm
Quote from: "Phienyx"

Need an assistant?


....and what the fuck is DCUO?



It's DC Universe Online
http://dcuo.station.sony.com/
Title: The Agency
Post by: Subb on October 05, 2008, 04:52:37 am
Quote from: "Boombye"
Quote from: "Phienyx"

Need an assistant?


....and what the fuck is DCUO?



It's DC Universe Online
http://dcuo.station.sony.com/



Phienyx makes me cry :'(
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on October 05, 2008, 02:16:08 pm
Wow, a website. Actually, DCUO looks kinda...lame. lol. But I haven't done much research on it.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anonymous on October 05, 2008, 07:29:57 pm
Kind of veering off topic aren't we? :)
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on October 06, 2008, 08:31:12 am
Quote from: "Woodgrain"
Kind of veering off topic aren't we? :)


Yes, but it doesn't sound like there is any additional information on The Agency from our end or the dev end.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lits on October 07, 2008, 10:40:25 pm
Who exactly is in charge of keeping track of updates?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Adad on October 08, 2008, 10:32:20 pm
I'd just play to hang out with batman...
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on October 08, 2008, 11:16:21 pm
I have to admit, an MMO where everyone in the world is a superhero kinda defeats the purpose of being a super hero for one and is just plain lame for another.  I would never play it.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Adad on October 09, 2008, 01:37:13 am
but you can hang with batman!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lithium on November 02, 2008, 05:01:20 pm
Found this, its a week old, but,

http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm/game/292/feature/2359/A-Day-in-the-Life-of-An-Agency-Intern-Part-One

(Sounds like we need to get her in the faction when we go live for this game, hahah, yeah. The name eris or something like that comes to mind, hahaha.)
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on November 07, 2008, 05:19:22 pm
I was doing some perusing around about the Agency because I have nothing to do tonight, and I found this forum. It isn't official, but, so far, two Agency game developers have signed on to the forum and posted multiple times (but not with any information about the Agency). This place seems to have a good array of information about the Agency and seems to stay pretty updated (plus, it has information from Fan Faire that hasn't really circulated that well among many of the gaming sites that we've been looking at), so I figured that I would give you guys the link.

http://forums.massivehq.com/index.php

You don't need to register to view the forums (at least I didn't), so I wouldn't bother unless you REALLY feel like posting there. However, since I think that we're still trying to keep everything of what we're doing under wraps, you might want to use an alias if you do end up registering.

Happy readings!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lits on November 08, 2008, 01:02:38 am
Sweet, thanks Ana
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on November 08, 2008, 03:16:52 pm
This may not be entirely relevant or related to the Beta/release of The Agency, but Free Realms (another SOE MMO) is now sending out Beta invites.

From many of the interviews throughout The Agency's short history, the developers have commented on maybe following Free Realms decision to use transaction-based payments (rather than pay-per-month). They said that they would monitor how it does before they come to a final decision. This is hypothetical on my part, but I'd like to wager a guess that we'll see the Beta of the Agency near the time that Free Realms decides to go Gold (give or take a few weeks).

Of course, I could be entirely wrong, and we could see the Beta invites sent out in the next few weeks for the Agency for all I know.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on November 18, 2008, 07:34:22 pm
Have any of you seen this yet:

http://www.escapistmagazine.com/news/view/87525-The-Agency-Has-Not-Been-Cancelled-Yet
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on November 18, 2008, 11:35:14 pm
Even if it gets axed for the PS3, I'm sure it'll still be developed for the PC. Maybe they took it off the queue since there is no set release date yet. There was a link someone else had which blogs about an intern who just started working on The Agency. I imagine as long as that is still being updated, The Agency is alive.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on November 18, 2008, 11:41:51 pm
Very true, but they sure aren't doing much to encourage people's interest.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Jeyk on November 21, 2008, 04:48:45 pm
Heh, I guess this is why we haven't seen much at these recent shows...they were too busy working on the game!  Apparently we'll see something next Summer.

http://kotaku.com/5095570/the-agency-underground-emerges-next-summer
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on November 21, 2008, 10:10:24 pm
Wow, next SUMMER? At least we've got time to build OUR content, eh?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lits on November 22, 2008, 04:25:36 pm
Oiy
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on November 23, 2008, 09:05:31 pm
Darkfall should be closer than this. :)
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on November 24, 2008, 08:13:03 am
I'm sick of the "sword and sorcerer" era of MMOs, but Darkfall looks to be something genuinely new.  I hope for all our sakes they can pull off what they are attempting.

My idea of a perfect MMO would be SWG merged with Eve Online.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on March 26, 2009, 11:16:01 am
Looks like The Agency is delayed until 2010.  I'm betting either Q3, or even Q4 for the holiday season.

http://www.joystiq.com/2009/03/24/gdc09-the-agency-and-dc-universe-online-coming-2010
Title: The Agency
Post by: Adad on March 26, 2009, 12:41:56 pm
Fuck that.  Damn.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on March 26, 2009, 01:43:04 pm
At least Darkfall will tie us over until then...
Title: The Agency
Post by: Ash on March 26, 2009, 01:48:52 pm
aw for fuck's sake...
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on March 26, 2009, 02:06:56 pm
... and at least we'll be very well prepared with the website...
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on March 26, 2009, 08:22:23 pm
Will we want to switch over by then?
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on March 27, 2009, 07:46:45 am
I'm waiting patiently.  The delay sucks, but hopefully it means that they're working hard on perfecting it.

Of course it could mean that it's just on the back burner till later. :(
Title: The Agency
Post by: Bellthazor on March 27, 2009, 08:18:58 am
They are still working on it, and have release date still of Dec 2010 (we all know that release dates can change)

I'm not sure where it is on the priority board, but at least there is still information going out to the public.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on May 29, 2009, 05:32:16 pm
A slew of pictures has been released for Pre-E3:

http://media.pc.ign.com/media/848/848448/imgs_1.html

New CG Trailer:

http://g4tv.com/videos/38511/Exclusive-The-Agency-CG-Trailer/
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on May 29, 2009, 10:18:53 pm
Quote from: "Anamodiel"
A slew of pictures has been released for Pre-E3:

http://media.pc.ign.com/media/848/848448/imgs_1.html

New CG Trailer:

http://g4tv.com/videos/38511/Exclusive-The-Agency-CG-Trailer/



Good stuff
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lithium on May 30, 2009, 10:46:21 pm
I don't understand these stupid ass trailers that feature no actual gameplay footage and just a bunch of bullshit, super rendered for 3 days, CGI scenes. What a waist of time when the people working on trailers like that could be putting time and money into actual game play. Major Minus Points Here--

Some of the screen shots look slightly enhanced, but never the less, feature actual content. So a few points for that.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on June 02, 2009, 06:40:21 pm
The site has had an overhaul.

http://theagency.station.sony.com

Take the quizzes for fun; they don't yet lead to a Closed Beta application.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tecknik on June 04, 2009, 08:15:03 am
According to The Agency's Facebook page, 1UP.com named the game it's "Best of E3 2009 Nominee" for "Best PC Game".

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2374612&id=11229097734&ref=mf
Title: The Agency
Post by: Adad on June 08, 2009, 10:04:12 pm
New Agency vids on Gamespot from E3.

Part1: http://e3.gamespot.com/video/6211572/?hd=1
Part2: http://www.gamespot.com/ps3/rpg/theagency/video/6211577/the-agency-game-demo-part-2-of-2-when-in-doubt-use-a-grenade?hd=1

Oh, and by the way, as the video shows, cross platform play is possible.  Nice.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on June 08, 2009, 10:34:02 pm
Interesting. Kinda funny that those guys suck at their own game...lol.

I'm interested to see how PvP and competition will work, and exactly how quickly you'll find yourself going to the same places doing the same missions over and over again to skill up.

I like the modern setting and spy-ness. Kinda seems watered-down and cheesy, though. As opposed to Darkfall, they spell everything out for you and make it as easy as possible. Trying to RP against Dr. Evil Man may start to feel a bit ridiculous. I like how it seems to be an action FPS MMO, though - kinda like "Goldeneye MMO".
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on June 09, 2009, 11:41:26 am
I love the hacking feature.  That's what I always thought MxO should have had.  A pop-up of an actual console that requires you to input code.  Though the "codes" in that demo seemed really archaic, like old arcade game cheats.  Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right.  Congrats, u r teh uber haxor! I hope they make the codes much more complex in the final product.  

The interface looks very clean and simple, allowing you to focus on the game and not have too much visual clutter from the HUD.  I hope they keep it that way, but I'll bet a month's salary that it changes dramatically as it gets closer to launch.  

I agree with Tbone that the mission/objective system does look very watered-down.  Every mission objective flashes like a mirror in sunlight, showing you exactly where you need to go.  I wish game developers would be more trusting with their players in letting them figure things out for themselves.

Really excited to see how this develops!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Phienyx on June 09, 2009, 07:34:45 pm
My impressions actually mirrored T's.  It kinda looks like "My First MMO" by Tyco.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Anamodiel on September 19, 2009, 11:38:47 am
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/smedley-calls-the-agency-cancellation-rumors-ridiculous/

It's going to be released next year sometime.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on September 19, 2009, 12:42:11 pm
Quote from: "Anamodiel"
http://www.joystiq.com/2009/09/16/smedley-calls-the-agency-cancellation-rumors-ridiculous/

It's going to be released next year sometime.


Sony sure likes announcing things everyone already knows.
Title: The Agency
Post by: Tbone on September 19, 2009, 02:29:20 pm
Sounds like "We figured out the game sucks and are trying to make it not suck before giving away anymore information that would make people think it sucks." :(
Title: The Agency
Post by: Lithium on September 19, 2009, 04:30:54 pm
Quote from: "Tbone"
Sounds like "We figured out the game sucks and are trying to make it not suck before giving away anymore information that would make people think it sucks." :(


SOE: OMG We have this really hot intern chick working on the graphics team!! PLAY AGENCY NOW! FOR REAL!
Title: The Agency
Post by: Manic Velocity on September 19, 2009, 07:02:51 pm
It doesn't bode well for your game when you have to keep reminding people that it's not vaporware.
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