Now, Kaiko seems to be at work on another project set in an established IP. That’s as per the careers page on the studio’s website, which lists a number of open positions that it’s currently looking to recruit for. Interestingly, the page mentions that the developer is working on “an original game based on a high profile THQ Nordic IP in the action-adventure genre.”

That doesn’t necessarily narrow it down by much, if we’re being honest. THQ Nordic has a vast library of IPs, and the brief aforementioned description of the project provided by Kaiko doesn’t do much to overtly point at any one of them in particular. That said, the fact that it is described as an “action-adventure” game would suggest that it’s not referring to action RPG series Kingdoms of Amalur.

In addition to the aforementioned remaster, Kaiko has worked on a number of other expanded re-releases for THQ Nordic in recent years, including the likes of Red Faction: Guerrilla ReMARStered, Darksiders: Warmastered Edition, and Darksiders 2: Deathinitive Edition. The developer also made a new and original expansion for Kingdoms of Amalur: Re-Reckoning titled Fatesworn.

While THQ Nordic has acquired the rights to the Kingdoms of Amalur franchise, that doesn’t mean that a re-release or a remaster of Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is inbound any time soon. In a statement to Eurogamer, the publisher confirmed that EA still holds the publishing rights to that game, so anything to do with it would require their express approval before THQ Nordic could proceed.

“EA still has the publishing rights to Reckoning, about any other details about the relationship between EA and 38 Studios we can’t comment,” the statement reads. “At this stage we ‘only’ acquired the intellectual property. Given our track record, we know what the burning questions (remaster, remake, port to current-gen systems etc.) are, but we decided do not answer those specifically as we tend to put our heads together first and then do our homework, and only start to talk about anything once we feel confident and very familiar with the franchise.”

To be fair, THQ Nordic have generally done right by all the properties they have acquired- for instance, they remastered the Darksiders games for current generation systems, before finally moving on to Darksiders 3 which is due out this November for PS4, Xbox One, and PC. We could, perhaps, see a similar path adopted by them for Kingdoms of Amalur.

Then again, working with EA to wrangle out the rights might be difficult enough that THQ Nordic just decides to eschew the original, and reboot the IP entirely (although at that point, you would also have to wonder why they bothered acquiring it to begin with, when they could instead just have built a new one).

For now, all of this is speculation, and all we can do is wait and see.

2012’s Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning was an ambitious action RPG, a huge game that blended ideas from multiple games belonging to multiple genres, with a full-fledged class system to sate the hunger of RPG veterans, a winding, engaging narrative, and so much more.

It had huge talents attached to it as well, including renowned writer R.A. Salvator doing the, well, writing; Ken Rolston, former lead designer on the likes of The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Oblivion taking up that same role; acclaimed composer Grant Kirkhop making the game’s music; and superstar artist Todd McFarlane handling the art. It had a lot going for it, and when it launched, it, sadly enough, didn’t do as well as perhaps it should have.

The game had its fair share of issues, sure, but underneath those issues was a real gem, a fact that a devoted base of ravenous fans proudly trumpets to this day. Sadly, we never even got a sequel, since co-developer and publisher 38 Games filed for bankruptcy not long after its launch, and that set of ravenous fans was left sorely disappointed.

If you belong to that set of fans, I’ve got good news for you- THQ Nordic have announced on their official Twitter page that they have acquired the Kingdoms of Amalur IP, “among other assets” from 38 Studios. Which is just aces in my book. Kingdoms of Amalur was a diamond in the rough, but a diamond it was, and I’m absolutely stoked that it’s – in all likeliness – coming back.

And honestly, props to THQ Nordic for all that they’ve been doing. Their library of IP – which also includes the upcoming Darksiders 3, by the way – is frankly ridiculous at this point, and if they manage it well enough, they can be an absolute powerhouse in the coming years.

Last year, THQ Nordic purchased the rights to the upcoming Biomutant, while recently they also acquired the beloved TimeSplitters IP. That’s on top of stuff like Saints Row, Metro, Red Faction, Sine Mora, and so much more. Keep up the surprisingly excellent work, THQ Nordic- you have our complete attention by this point.

We are beyond proud to announce that THQ Nordic has acquired the "Kingdoms of Amalur" IP, among other assets, from 38 Studios.#THQNordic #KingdomsofAmalur pic.twitter.com/YSnXPm7M7e

— THQ Nordic (@THQNordic) September 6, 2018

VG247 report that 38 Studios website is back up and running. Original noticed by RPGsite, and discovered by Bitsnark that the site contains a hidden message.

“Amid the maelstrom of recent press, we realize it’s unlikely you’re here to visit the new occupants; namely, us. Meh. Our apologies. That being said, if you’re looking for updates on the former tenants: Curt Shilling, Green Monster Games, etc. Try here. Otherwise, it’s business as usual. Please excuse the mess while we move in.”

The website has three site buttons, each button gives you three options: 38 Studios, Excuse the Mess and Relaunch.

Also, RPGsite noticed the 38 Studios website different maintenance messages pop up. The following messages were: “please excuse the mess, we’re moving in” and “relaunch”.

We believe that the site domain has been bought by someone else or this might be some sort of viral marketing. Either way, it’s nice to see 38 Studios website to see back up again in some form. We’ll keep you posted for any more updates here at GamingBolt.

Known for Lord of the Rings Online, Turbine has stated that Rolston is “one of the most accomplished fantasy RPG computer and video game designers of all time, with over a decade of lead designer experience on the award-winning Elder Scrolls franchise.”

This is only a small part in a concentrated effort from Turbine to “design and deploy the next generation of online gaming.” But whichever way you cut it, Rolston is back in business, as he rightfully should be.

Source: GIBiz

A new DLC for the action-RPG, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, titled ‘Teeth of Naros” has been announced by EA and Big Huge Games. The full details are given below:

• A New City — Explore the city of Idylla, which magically floats in the sky above the Teeth of Naros featuring more than 20 side quests, multiple dungeons and a mysterious new race.
• New Enemies and Dungeons — Players will take part in a crucible of faith and tribulation with new dangers and enemies as they journey through five enormous new dungeons.
• New Twists of Fate and Items — Three new Twists of Fate, nine new armor sets, six new shields and 18 new unique weapons for players to choose from as they journey through this new world.

Teeth of Naros releases on Origin for PC, Xbox Live for Xbox 360 and PSN for PS3 on April 17 for $9.99. Stay tuned for more updates.

Ken Rolston, who is the game designer of Kingdoms of Amalur, has revealed in a Reddit IAmA that PS3 version requires a mandatory install before you can finally start playing.

This isn’t a new thing, however, since Amalur is a big RPG, and a data install is necessary in most cases. The 360 has an optional install, but it is recommended due to faster load times.

“PS3 requires an install, as usual. 360’s install to hard drive is optional. But a good idea,” said Rolston.

We don’t have the approximate install size for the PS3 yet, but we will update the post once we get our hands on it.

Tell us what you think in the comments section below.

EA and 38 Studios have just recently unveiled the pre-order bonus items for the award winning RPG, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning. There will be The Destinies Choice Pack, The Fate-Touched Weapons Pack and The Ultimate Treasure Hunter Pack depending on participating retailers. These will include exclusive armor, special dynamic weapons and ‘fate-altering treasure hunter hacks’. The game will be out on February 7, 2012 in North America and on February 10, 2012 in the UK for the Xbox 360, Playstation 3 as well as the PC. View the full press release below for more on it.

BALTIMORE–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Welcome to the world of Amalur! Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS), 38 Studios LLC and Big Huge Games today revealed the in-game bonus items that players will receive when they pre-order* the epic role-playing game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning™. In this unique game, players can choose their own destinies by customizing their characters through a wide array of varied skills and abilities. Armed with the exclusive Armor, Weapons and Treasure Hunter packs, players can help shape their destiny even further.

• The Destinies Choice Pack: Offers a unique “Twist of Fate” card to enhance the beginning of your gameplay experience, the Compass of Fate and three unique armor sets. Each armor set is tailored to a specific class which players will define and redefine during their time in Amalur.
• The Fate-Touched Weapons Pack: Players can enter battle as fully prepared as ever with an arsenal of rare Fate-Touched weapons including a longbow, hammer, staff, faeblades, daggers, scepter, chakrams, longsword and greatsword. The weapons will help satisfy every player’s combat style with Reckoning’s on-the-fly weapon swapping in combat to take down even the most dreadful of foes.
• The Ultimate Treasure Hunter Pack: For treasure hunters who will dive into every nook and cranny in the world of Amalur, the Dowsing Rod will seek out all reagents for concocting potions on your in-game map. A worthy companion tool for any adventurer, the Dowsing Rod will help players get the most out of their alchemy skill.

Participating retailers may vary. For more information on pre-order item availability and retailers, please visit www.reckoningthegame.com.

Set in an entirely new universe crafted by New York Times best-selling author R. A. Salvatore, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is brought to life visually through the trademark visceral style of renowned artist and Spawn creator Todd McFarlane. With a sprawling explorable world and deep RPG gameplay at its core, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning adds a new level of intense action combat to the genre and a one-of-a-kind advancement system as players unfold and evolve their destiny through constant character customization. Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning is being created under the leadership of Ken Rolston, lead designer of the critically acclaimed open-world RPGs Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind and Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.

Developed by 38 Studios subsidiary Big Huge Games in Baltimore, Maryland and 38 Studios in Providence, Rhode Island, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning will be available on February 7, 2012 in North America and on February 10, 2012 in Europe on the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system and PC. For more information on Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, please visit www.reckoning.com, become a fan on Facebook http://facebook.com/ReckoningTheGame and follow Reckoning on Twitter http://Twitter.com/ReckoningGame.

* Available at participating retailers in North America. Restrictions apply. Please visit www.reckoning.com/pre-order for more details.

About 38 Studios

38 Studios, LLC, an entertainment and IP creation company founded in 2006 by Curt Schilling, is developing an original fantasy IP driven by the creative and artistic visions of pop-culture icons R. A. Salvatore and Todd McFarlane. Entertainment products will include a massively multiplayer online game, novels, comics, toys, console games, movies, TV, and more.

For more information, visit www.38studios.com.

About Electronic Arts

Electronic Arts (NASDAQ:ERTS) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company’s game franchises are offered as both packaged goods products and online services delivered through Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 100 million registered players and operates in 75 countries.

In fiscal 2011, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $3.6 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognized for critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster franchises such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, FIFA Soccer, Need for Speed™, Battlefield, and Mass Effect™. More information about EA is available at http://info.ea.com.

EA, The Sims and Need for Speed are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. Mass Effect is a trademark of EA International (Studio and Publishing) Ltd. John Madden, NFL and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. Xbox 360 is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies. PlayStation is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Big Huge Games and 38 Studios co-developed action-RPG Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, will be coming out February 10, 2012. The announcement was made during the gamescom press conference.

“I can’t wait for you to get your hands on Reckoning and test out the combat for yourself,”  game designer Ken Rolsten, who’s also worked on heavyweights such as Elder Scrolls III and IV, said while announcing the release date.  “Until you’ve really played it, you just don’t have any idea how much fun it is.”

Kingdoms of Amalur will be out for the PS3, Xbox 360 and PC.