ATLANTA, GA, November 10, 2009 - Hi-Rez Studios, currently developing the action MMO Global Agenda, announced today that the game includes built-in voice chat and a number of other voice features powered by Vivox.  The feature set upon release will include:

· In-Game Player Voice Chat - push to talk voice chat enables team communication within co-op player-vs-environment missions as well as competitive player-vs-player missions.

· In-Game News Broadcasts -  delivery of voice broadcasts within the game that describe key victories and events associated with Global Agenda's persistent territory control gameplay.

· Out Of Game Player Voice Chat (Subscriber Only):  Subscribers gain the ability to talk with Agency members and other Global Agenda players while playing other games or simply browsing the web.  Players can use a variety of access methods including the Vivox Web Voice within the toolbar controls, Vivox Voice on Facebook, or calling into a specified chat channel from their phone.

"Global Agenda's combat is very team oriented, requiring close and real-time coordination between teammates in a mission," said Todd Harris, Executive Producer at Hi-Rez Studios. "Voice provided by Vivox allows our players to easily communicate with each another without requiring a separate, non-integrated solution.   Our beta community has rated the voice quality to be superb and we are excited to work with Vivox to bring this capability to our player base."

Global Agenda is a fast-paced massively multiplayer action game set in Earth's near future, a spy-fi world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. Players determine which factions to aid and which to oppose. 

"Global Agenda re-defines  fast paced MMO gameplay," said Rob Seaver, CEO of Vivox. "With Vivox voice built into the world, players will be able to link up, strategize and coordinate their battles in real-time.  It is a pleasure to work with Hi-Rez Studios to craft a distinctive universe where player experience ultimately rules the world."

Upon release in Q1 2010, players can experience Global Agenda's award-winning multi-player PvP and PvE content after a one-time purchase of the game at retail or digital distribution outlets without a monthly fee, supporting character progression to max level and unlocks of full device inventories. 

For those that subscribe to the optional "Global Agenda: Conquest" package, additional elite-level missions will be available that benefit your agency in the Alliance vs Alliance campaign for persistent territory control and scarce resources.

Hi-Rez Studios will be hosting a dev chat in their Vivox Voice on Facebook room on Wednesday, November 18th - 10:00pmEST/7:00pmPST. 

RSVP to the event at http://www.facebook.com/globalagenda.

To participate, download the Vivox Voice app at  http://apps.facebook.com/vivoxvoice/  then join us at  http://bit.ly/TC4Hy

Not near a computer, call-in with your phone! +1 646-727-4472 x365884

I know I'm not the only one excited by this news! Hi-Rez Studios today Global Agenda has finalized a pricing model! Players will be able to experience the major features of the game after a one time purchase via digital download or box sale, with no monthly subscription required. An optional subscription package called  Global Agenda: Conquest will be available for those players who wish to participate in the persistent Alliance vs. Alliance territory control game-play and access ongoing content updates.

"Throughout our Beta process, our fans, players and reviewers have consistently told us that Global Agenda's combat system is exceptionally fun and that they would love to play it as a multiplayer shooter" said Todd Harris, Executive Producer. "This single-purchase, non-subscription model will enable players to fully experience Global Agenda’s award-winning persistent shooter gameplay."

"At the same time, many players are seeking a deeper experience, and want to engage in large-scale campaigns between player-created groups over limited territory and resources.  These players can opt for the Conquest subscription plan which includes our persistent AvA world domination gameplay, and other features typically associated with MMOs."

The specific features associated with each pricing option are as follows:

Global Agenda (one time purchase - $49.99 MSRP) includes:

• Creation of up to eight different agent characters
• Character visual customization
• Access to all combat weapons and devices 
• Cooperative Player vs. Environment missions against the Commonwealth NPC faction, AI-controlled enemies, and Boss Fights
• Matchmade Player vs. Player missions with five different game types and over 20 unique maps
• Character progression through 30 levels
• Achievement and unlocks system for individual characters
• Player Inventory for suits, flair, dyes, upgrades, and loot
• Virtual Reality practice fighting area
• Vendors and accumulation of in-game currency
• Text chat with multiple channels
• Built in voice chat during missions
• Ability to join an established player-created agency
• All play is on our single-shard, hosted server environment to ensure convenient and consistent gaming experience. 
• Ability to sign up for one free month of subscription at registration (credit card required, can be cancelled at any time)

Global Agenda:  Conquest ($12.99 per month, $11.49/mo for 3 month, $9.99/mo for 6 month) includes:     

• Access to Alliance vs. Alliance (AvA) World Domination gameplay

• Auction House with bidding and buyouts
• Mail System
• Upgrade Text and Voice chat to support multiple channels and strike teams
• Player Crafting with blueprints
• Additional character customization options including elite character suits, dye colors, and seasonal flair
• Ongoing Co-Op content at max character level
• Ongoing AvA content, multiplayer PvP content, and new social areas

Global Agenda is currently in closed beta testing and scheduled to be development complete by the end of this year toward a Q1 2010 release.

For more information, please reference the Pricing FAQ.

During PAX 2009 we were able to play some of the latest additions to the FPS MMO hit Global Agenda! Three new maps have been shown to the public after they spent some time in the recent closed beta. The three maps are:

Ice-Flow is an Escort map set outside a Siberian facility with the lights of the Aurora Borealis visible against the evening sky. This map provides lots of opportunities for close encounters and the spy class performed very well here.
Seaside is a 3-point Ticket map set upon a massive drilling platform suspended above a storming Northern Atlantic ocean. The seaside map give players on both sides vantage points to target some of the more wide open combat areas. We spent some time trying out a sniper on this map.  
Climate Control is an Attack/Defend map set within the mountains of East Asia and populated with trees that sway in the blowing wind. Very cool map and allows players to dominate in turret locations and choke points. Assault classes all the way!

According to Executive Producer Todd Harris the maps have been received very well by players in beta. He had this to say about the new maps:

"First-time players are hopping on a station, playing team-based missions, and then returning with additional friends to play more. Our Dev Team here at PAX is thrilled to see players enjoying MMO game-play for its own sake rather than simply to level-up a character.  Our booth is a grind-free zone". 

Later this year, developer Hi-Rez Studios plans to introduce Campaign functionality which will initiate a massive persistent conflict between player created Agency groups for limited territory, technology, and resources in the world of Global Agenda.  Players interested in joining this pending Closed Beta Test 2 (CBT2) phase of Global Agenda can apply at www.globalagendagame.com 

Ice Flow Screenshot

 

Seaside Screenshot

Climate Control

Global Agenda is a very fast-paced FPS style MMO that uses the stunning graphics of the Unreal Engine 3. The game is set in Earth's near future in a sort of spy-fi world that has extremely advanced technology and player-driven conflict by way of Agencies battling it out for dominance. To signup for the best visit the official website at: http://www.GlobalAgendaGame.com.

This week we received some new exclusive screenshots from global agenda highlighting an extremely important item in the game; jet packs. Jet packs add a whole new level to the playing field, it's very common that enemies will come at you from the front, back, and sides, but rarely does a game allow enemies to come at you from higher vantage points, and using the jet pack your enemies will be able to burst to very advantageous locations on the map. You can, of course, also use the jet pack to your advantage and use it to get on top of structures, possibly to set up a defense turret or sniping hole, and wreak havoc upon enemies from above!

Here's a look at a few more screenshots of the jet pack in action:

Haven't heard of Global Agenda? Checkout the Global Agenda Teaser below:

I know I'm not the only one excited by this news! Hi-Rez Studios today announced the beginning of Closed Beta for Global Agenda, with phase 1 kicking off later this month on July 24th.

The test isn't your typical closed beta, though; Hi-Rez is setting up specific time periods on certain days that the servers will be available for testing, and this is different for new beta members and alpha testers. Check out the schedule below, and of course, head over to the Global Agenda website to sign up for beta if you haven't already!

Ok. Great. When does Closed Beta Begin?

The exact timelines for Closed Beta Testing Phase 1 (CBT-1) could change based on Hi-Rez’s assessment of the games’ readiness. But, at present, the plan calls for Closed Beta Phase 1 to begin on July 24th, 2009.

Testing for CBT-1 will unfold over a series of short testing windows, each labeled CBT-1A, CBT-1B, etc. The servers will only be available for testing during the specified times for each test. The first weekend of testing, CBT-1A, will have separate test windows for "NEW BETA PLAYERS" and "CURRENT ALPHA PLAYERS".

NEW BETA PLAYERS will test from FRIDAY JULY 24th AT 3 PM EASTERN DAYLIGHT TIME through MONDAY, JULY 27 T 6 AM EASTERN.

CURRENT ALPHA PLAYERS will test on MONDAY JULY 27 OM 6PM EASTERN to MIDNIGHT EASTERN.

The dates and times of subsequent CBT-1 testing phases will be released as we progress further. However, generally, testing will be concentrated during extended weekends (FRIDAY THROUGH MONDAY).

When and how will I know if I made it into Beta?

Invitations for Closed Beta Phase 1 (CBT-1) will be sent in groups.

The first group was sent in late June and was primarily directed to existing Alpha testers. Subsequent invite waves will be sent during the weeks of July 8 and July 15, 2009.

In order to participate in the Beta, players that receive an Invite must RSVP by visiting the Global Agenda website and following the instructions in the invitation. Each invitation will include a date by which a player must confirm their participation prior to the invitation expiring. Once a player confirms their participation, additional information will be sent regarding the test program.

Global Agenda has kicked off a new marketing campaign with the slogan "No Elves" and released a viral video to coincide with the campaign. If you haven't had a chance to play Global Agenda yet they are taking pre-registrations for beta on the right hand side of their website at http://www.GlobalAgendaGame.com.

The game is incredibly player driven, players create in-game agencies and use hi-tech weapons in their quest to control regions, nations, and the world. The character shown below is a recon specialist that would normally focus on sniping and stealth, there are many other classes including assault, medic, and robotic, each with dozens of upgrades and abilities, giving the player the option to spec the class in the way that best fits their gameplay.

Here's the trailer for the new "No Elves" campaign:

To see more checkout the official website they've set up for this video at http://www.AgentsVsElves.com/

We have gotten an update from Global Agenda today! They're going to be showcasing the game at E3 and we're super psyched to see it! The alpha for the game has been offline for the past month or so while they've added some major new content, that will be be unveiled at E3, and we'll be posting here. Global Agenda is built on the Unreal® Engine 3, offers fast-paced combat set in a spy-fi world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. Global Agenda is currently in closed alpha testing.  The hybrid MMO combines shooter-oriented action combat, RPG style character progression, and competition between player-created groups to capture and control territory like a grand strategy game. 

We were given an exclusive chance to play the game at GDC San Francisco and were very impressed by the highly adaptable AI, several unique character classes, simplicity in controls, and the ability to get into PVP combat extremely quickly.

Here's the latest trailer for the game:

Here's the official E3 Global Agenda Press Release:

Hi-Rez Studios to Unveil Global Agenda® at E3

Highly Anticipated Spy-Fi Action MMO Available on Expo Floor for Hands-On Preview!

ATLANTA, Georgia – May 19, 2009  Hi-Rez Studios, an independent developer of online interactive entertainment, confirmed that they will showcase their massively multiplayer online game Global Agenda at the Electronic Entertainment Expo next month in Los Angeles, California.  Global Agenda, built on Unreal® Engine 3, delivers fast-paced combat set in Earth’s near future, a spy-fi world of advanced technology and player-driven conflict. 

 Global Agenda is currently in closed alpha testing.  The hybrid MMO combines shooter-oriented action combat, RPG style character progression, and competition between player-created groups to capture and control territory like a grand strategy game. 

 "Global Agenda is very different than the typical MMO”, said Todd Harris, Executive Producer.  “The intense mission combat and team-based tactics are best experienced rather than merely explained.  We’re excited to bring Global Agenda to the show for hands-on demonstrations, accompanied by one-on-one conversations with members of the game development team.”

The Hi-Rez Studios exhibit will be located in the South Hall, Booth 2630.  Visitors will have chance to play Global Agenda and meet with its developers.

About Hi-Rez Studios

Hi-Rez Studios, Inc. was established in 2005 to create exceptional online interactive entertainment and is located just outside of Atlanta, Georgia.  For more information, visit www.hirezstudios.com.

Unreal is a registered trademark of Epic Games, Inc.

Hi-Rez Studios has given us an extremely cool Dell UltraSharp LCD Widescreen monitor to give away in promotion of their game Global Agenda. The LCD monitor is a 23-inch flat panel that's sharp enough to highlight some of the amazing features in Global Agenda, and make use of the Unreal 3 Engine that powers the game! The sweepstakes will last until May 27th and is hosted here at Curse.com. To see rules for the contest or signup please visit the Global Agenda/Dell UltraSharp Giveaway Page!

We've also got lots of information on Global Agenda for anyone looking for one of the hottest FPS MMO games we've ever seen, check it out:

Global Agenda

Global Agenda is a very fast-paced FPS style MMO that uses the stunning graphics of the Unreal Engine 3. The game is set in Earth's near future in a sort of spy-fi world that has extremely advanced technology and player-driven conflict by way of Agencies battling it out for dominance.

Here's a little background on the setting of the game:

In the wake of severe global disaster, the political face of 22nd century earth has changed. Player-created factions scheme against each other for power while simultaneously opposing a totalitarian world government bent on domination. Traditional full-scale war is a thing of the past; factions must rely on covert agencies - teams of elite special operatives - able to seize and defend key facilities. The future of humanity is their battleground, where knowledge is power, technology is a race, and everyone has a global agenda.

The players are truly in control of Global Agenda, forging alliances with their peers and executing lightning strikes against their enemies. They determine which factions to aid and which to oppose, while the only thing that stands in their way is other agencies.

Here are several key features in the game:

Develop your agent – Create, extensively customize, and improve your agent character over the course of your career, complimenting your FPS skills with RPG-style progression and high-tech gear.

Advance your agency – Join a player-created agency, compete in technology races for advanced equipment, and capture critical locations to increase your influence in the world.

Compete in fast-paced PvP combat – Work with your allies to gather reconnaissance data, then raid or capture enemy controlled facilities during objective-based missions. Equip yourself from a powerful array of weapons, armor, and strategic devices like
triggered explosives, deployable turrets, stealth suits, holographic disguises, and remote control robots.

 

 

Experience a dynamic, player-driven world – Agency leaders navigate through a global conflict of other player-run groups, striving to reach their goals first. Territory, resources, technology, and influence are all valuable commodities, with agencies engaging in politics, intrigue, and outright deception to control them.

 

We've also been given an exclusive trailer to show you:

Here are some unique screenshots of the Robotics class in battle: