Egosoft

Egosoft is a computer game developer based in Würselen, Germany.

Egosoft is best known for its X game series [cite web |url=http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2680 |title=X3 Reunion: New Rolling Demo Tested |accessdate=2008-02-11 |author=Josh Venning |date=2006-01-25 |work=AnandTech |publisher=AnandTech] , a series of space simulator games noted for combining open-ended gameplay, dynamic market-driven economics and compelling storyline. [cite news |first=John |last=Wrentmore |title=X2 - The Threat Review |url=http://pc.gamezone.com/gzreviews/r19207.htm |work=GameZone |publisher=GameZone Online |date=2003-12-12 |accessdate=2008-02-11 ] [cite news |first=Kristan |last=Reed |title= X3: Reunion |url=http://www.eurogamer.net/article.php?article_id=61555 |work=EuroGamer |publisher=Eurogamer Network Ltd |date=2005-11-06 |accessdate=2008-02-11 ] The series includes ', its expansion ', the sequels "", and the planned . These are based within the fictional X Universe which features a number of alien cultures.

Releases

As of February 2008 Egosoft has released the following products:
*"Flies Attack on Earth" (1993) for Amiga and PC (MS-DOS).
*"Imperium Romanum" (1996) for PC (MS-DOS).
*X Series
**"" (1999) for PC (Windows).
**"" (2000) for PC (Windows and Linux) - "X: Beyond the Frontier" expansion pack.
**"" (2001) for PC (Windows) - an amalgamated "X: Beyond the Frontier" & "X-Tension" release.
**"" (2003) for PC (Windows and Linux(2006)).
**"" (2005) for PC (Windows) and Mac.The Linux versions of the X Series were developed by Linux Game Publishing

Future Releases

was announced on February 3, 2008. It is slated for release at the end of September 2008.

In 2000, Egosoft planned a multiplayer Online game called "Online Universe" or "X Online". This project was intended to be "the next step in the evolution of Egosoft's X universe." [cite web |url=http://www.online-universe.net/44index.htm |title=ONLINE-UNIVERSE |accessdate=2008-02-11 |work=Online Universe (Official Page) ] Egosoft has since released a number of games, yet given little indication of the progress of this project. Of 2003 Egosoft staff were working on a later version - codenamed X2OL - which Egosoft Director, Bernd Lehahn, described as "our long term goal." [cite web |url=http://www.playfuls.com/gamespace_354_preview_2847_Interview_X_The_Threat_Egosoft.html |title= Interview: X² - The Threat |accessdate=2008-02-11 |author=Stokky |date=2003-05-10 |work=playfuls.com] [cite news |first=Paul |last=Presley |title=PC Preview: X2: The Threat |url=http://www.computerandvideogames.com/article.php?id=89980 |work=PC Zone |publisher=Future Publishing Limited. |date=2003-04-19 |accessdate=2008-02-11 ] There is still no official information on the "Online Universe", though there has been speculation that X² and X³'s 2007 may be a positive spin-off of this project. [cite news |author=Caesar S. |title=Egosoft updates X3: Reunion, X2: The Threat |url=http://www.qj.net/Egosoft-updates-X3-Reunion-X2-The-Threat/pg/49/aid/110949 |work=QJ.net |publisher=Content Holdings, LLC. |date=2008-01-03 |accessdate=2008-02-11 ]

Fan Community

Egosoft has attracted a community of over 272,000 members on their [http://forum3.egosoft.com/index.php website's forum] ; Egosoft regularly uses this to provide news, updates and bonus game-related material to its members.

Within the X-Community exists:
* an X-Universe forum, in which members may ask questions, make comments, and share stories or advice about anything related to the X-Universe. Members often use this forum to share guides, maps, tactics, hints, and to discuss possible future developments.
* a Technical Support forum, where members can find on-line assistance for technical problems.
* a Scripting and Modding forum, where members can develop and share game modifications.
* a Creative Universe forum, for X-inspired fan-works such as graphic-art, fan-fiction, desktop-wallpapers, music, and video.
* an Off-Topic forum, for discussion unrelated to the X-Universe.

The forums are aimed at users 13 years old and over.The primary forums are in English and German, though other languages are available.

The community also includes a Developer Network - DevNet - which members may be able to join. However, access to these pages is restricted, and DevNet members are bound by a strict Non-disclosure agreement.

References