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'''Egosoft GmbH''' is a [[video game developer]] founded in 1988 and based in [[Würselen]], [[Aachen (district)|Aachen]], [[Germany]]. It became a commercial company in 1990. Its first products were for the [[Amiga]], but it later became a [[Personal computer game|PC game]] developer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.egosoft.com/x/xnews/200608_44NewsSpecial.html#story5 |title=Egosoft FAQ |accessdate=25 April 2009 |author=Michael Madden |date=26 August 2006 |work=Egosoft X-News |publisher=Egosoft}}</ref> |
'''Egosoft GmbH''' is a [[video game developer]] founded in 1988 and based in [[Würselen]], [[Aachen (district)|Aachen]], [[Germany]]. It became a commercial company in 1990. Its first products were for the [[Amiga]], but it later became a [[Personal computer game|PC game]] developer.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.egosoft.com/x/xnews/200608_44NewsSpecial.html#story5 |title=Egosoft FAQ |accessdate=25 April 2009 |author=Michael Madden |date=26 August 2006 |work=Egosoft X-News |publisher=Egosoft}}</ref> |
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Egosoft is best known for its [[X (game series)|X game series]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2680 |title=X3 Reunion: New Rolling Demo Tested |accessdate=11 February 2008 |author=Josh Venning |date=25 January 2006 |work=AnandTech |publisher=AnandTech}}</ref> a series of space simulator games noted for combining open-ended gameplay, dynamic [[market economy|market-driven]] economy and compelling storyline.<ref>{{cite news |
Egosoft is best known for its [[X (game series)|X game series]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.anandtech.com/printarticle.aspx?i=2680 |title=X3 Reunion: New Rolling Demo Tested |accessdate=11 February 2008 |author=Josh Venning |date=25 January 2006 |work=AnandTech |publisher=AnandTech}}</ref> a series of space simulator games noted for combining open-ended gameplay, dynamic [[market economy|market-driven]] economy and compelling storyline.<ref>{{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=12 December 2003 |accessdate=11 February 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080219021731/http://pc.gamezone.com:80/gzreviews/r19207.htm |archivedate=19 February 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{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=6 November 2005|accessdate=11 February 2008}}</ref> The series began in 1999 with ''[[X: Beyond the Frontier]]''. Since then, the series has expanded with two sequels and three standalone expansions; the latest being ''[[X Rebirth]]'' in 2013. |
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==Releases== |
==Releases== |
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==Future releases== |
==Future releases== |
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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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.online-universe.net/44index.htm |title=ONLINE-UNIVERSE |accessdate=11 February 2008 |work=Online Universe (Official Page) }}</ref> Egosoft has since released a number of games, yet has given little indication of the progress of this project. In 2003 Egosoft staff were working on a later version - codenamed X2OL - which Egosoft Director Bernd Lehahn described as "our long-term goal."<ref>{{cite web |
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."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.online-universe.net/44index.htm |title=ONLINE-UNIVERSE |accessdate=11 February 2008 |work=Online Universe (Official Page) }}</ref> Egosoft has since released a number of games, yet has given little indication of the progress of this project. In 2003 Egosoft staff were working on a later version - codenamed X2OL - which Egosoft Director Bernd Lehahn described as "our long-term goal."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.playfuls.com/gamespace_354_preview_2847_Interview_X_The_Threat_Egosoft.html |title=Interview: X2 - The Threat |accessdate=11 February 2008 |author=Stokky |date=10 May 2003 |work=playfuls.com |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081006124249/http://www.playfuls.com:80/gamespace_354_preview_2847_Interview_X_The_Threat_Egosoft.html |archivedate=6 October 2008 |df=dmy }}</ref><ref>{{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=19 April 2003 |accessdate=11 February 2008 }}</ref> There is still no official information on the ''Online Universe'', though there has been speculation that X2 and X3's 2007 [[X3: Reunion#X3 Uplink|uplink feature]] may be a positive spin-off of the project.<ref>{{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=3 January 2008 |accessdate=11 February 2008 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20110716115340/http://www.qj.net/Egosoft-updates-X3-Reunion-X2-The-Threat/pg/49/aid/110949 |archivedate=16 July 2011 |df=dmy }}</ref> |
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In Q4 of 2009 Egosoft announced that ''Terran Conflict'' completed the story started in ''X: Beyond the Frontier'', taken by some to mean the end of the franchise. However, in March 2011 they announced on their X-Universe forums that they would be attending FedCon XX in Düsseldorf on 28 April 2011, and would show preview footage of their current project,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=299039&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0|title=TNBT will soon be officially unveiled!!}}</ref> previously only referred to by the codename TNBT (''The Next Big Thing''). However, on 20 April 2011, they released a trailer officially announcing ''X Rebirth'', initially slated for a Q4 2011 release. ''X Rebirth'' will take place in the X Universe after a major catastrophe (the shutdown of the series' network of, thus starting a new chapter in the X Universe separate from the original plot line. ''Rebirth'' missed its first two proposed release dates (Q4 2011 and 2012) and was eventually released 15 November 2013.<ref name="X Rebirth release date">{{cite web|last=BurnIt!|title=X Rebirth - The wait is almost over!|url=http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=341133|work=Egosoft.com forums|publisher=Egosoft GmbH|accessdate=9 August 2013}}</ref> |
In Q4 of 2009 Egosoft announced that ''Terran Conflict'' completed the story started in ''X: Beyond the Frontier'', taken by some to mean the end of the franchise. However, in March 2011 they announced on their X-Universe forums that they would be attending FedCon XX in Düsseldorf on 28 April 2011, and would show preview footage of their current project,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=299039&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=0|title=TNBT will soon be officially unveiled!!}}</ref> previously only referred to by the codename TNBT (''The Next Big Thing''). However, on 20 April 2011, they released a trailer officially announcing ''X Rebirth'', initially slated for a Q4 2011 release. ''X Rebirth'' will take place in the X Universe after a major catastrophe (the shutdown of the series' network of, thus starting a new chapter in the X Universe separate from the original plot line. ''Rebirth'' missed its first two proposed release dates (Q4 2011 and 2012) and was eventually released 15 November 2013.<ref name="X Rebirth release date">{{cite web|last=BurnIt!|title=X Rebirth - The wait is almost over!|url=http://forum.egosoft.com/viewtopic.php?t=341133|work=Egosoft.com forums|publisher=Egosoft GmbH|accessdate=9 August 2013}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 07:50, 21 December 2016
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| Company type | GmbH |
|---|---|
| Industry | Video game industry |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Headquarters | , |
Key people | Bernd Lehahn (managing director) |
| Products | Video games |
Number of employees | ~20 |
| Website | Egosoft.com |
Egosoft GmbH is a video game developer founded in 1988 and based in Würselen, Aachen, Germany. It became a commercial company in 1990. Its first products were for the Amiga, but it later became a PC game developer.[1]
Egosoft is best known for its X game series,[2] a series of space simulator games noted for combining open-ended gameplay, dynamic market-driven economy and compelling storyline.[3][4] The series began in 1999 with X: Beyond the Frontier. Since then, the series has expanded with two sequels and three standalone expansions; the latest being X Rebirth in 2013.
Releases
Egosoft has released a number of products. Several of the X series have been released multiple times in special bundle packs or when a major update to the game was released.
| Name | Year | Series | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Detective | 1988 | Single release | For the Amiga, published by Euroline software. |
| Fatal Heritage | 1990 | Single release | For the Amiga, published by FunSoft and Softgold. |
| UGH | 1992 | Single release | For the Amiga, Published by Playbyte and Bluebyte. |
| Flies Attack on Earth | 1993 | Single release | For Amiga and PC (MS-DOS). |
| Imperium Romanum | 1996 | Single release | For MS-DOS. |
| X: Beyond the Frontier | 1999 | X series | For Windows. |
| X-Tension | 2000 | X series | For Windows - X: Beyond the Frontier expansion pack. |
| X-Gold | 2000 | X series | Features X: Beyond the Frontier and X-Tension |
| X2: The Threat | 2003 | For Windows and Linux (2006). The Linux version of X2 Series was developed by Linux Game Publishing. Mac OS X versions were developed by Virtual Programming. Ltd. | |
| X3: Reunion | 2005 | X series | For Windows, Mac OS X and Linux (2008). Linux and Mac OS X versions of X3 were developed by Egosoft themselves, as is planned for Rebirth. |
| X3: Terran Conflict | 2008 | X series | |
| X3-Gold | 2009 | X series | Features X3: Reunion 2.5 and X3: Terran Conflict 2.0 |
| X-Superbox | 2010 | X series | First featuring all 5 X-Series games, and also featuring Albion prelude for free download on Steam when registered. |
| X3: Albion Prelude | 2011 | X series | |
| X Rebirth | 2013 | X series | For Windows (later for Mac OS X and Linux) |
| Humble Weekly Bundle | 2013 | X series | Featuring Steam keys for all existing X-Series games for all platforms plus the soundtracks and bonus content.[5] |
Future releases
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."[6] Egosoft has since released a number of games, yet has given little indication of the progress of this project. In 2003 Egosoft staff were working on a later version - codenamed X2OL - which Egosoft Director Bernd Lehahn described as "our long-term goal."[7][8] There is still no official information on the Online Universe, though there has been speculation that X2 and X3's 2007 uplink feature may be a positive spin-off of the project.[9]
In Q4 of 2009 Egosoft announced that Terran Conflict completed the story started in X: Beyond the Frontier, taken by some to mean the end of the franchise. However, in March 2011 they announced on their X-Universe forums that they would be attending FedCon XX in Düsseldorf on 28 April 2011, and would show preview footage of their current project,[10] previously only referred to by the codename TNBT (The Next Big Thing). However, on 20 April 2011, they released a trailer officially announcing X Rebirth, initially slated for a Q4 2011 release. X Rebirth will take place in the X Universe after a major catastrophe (the shutdown of the series' network of, thus starting a new chapter in the X Universe separate from the original plot line. Rebirth missed its first two proposed release dates (Q4 2011 and 2012) and was eventually released 15 November 2013.[11]
On 7 December 2011, they announced X3: Albion Prelude and revealed a trailer, after stating on the previous day that "There will be something you might not have seen coming. More info soon ;)". Albion Prelude was released on 15 December, only a week after the announcement. It bridged the plot gap between the older X games and the upcoming Rebirth, featuring a storyline only hinted at in the X Encyclopedia. Albion Prelude was scheduled for boxed release at some point in early 2012, and is available free on Steam for those who register the X Superbox, or purchasable including paired with X3: Terran Conflict.
DevNet
Egosoft runs a Developer Network - DevNet - which members may be able to join. It provides an opportunity to test new software and create the scripts for it. Submitting personal information to Egosoft is enough for mere testing, however, access to pages of the higher level requires signing a non-disclosure agreement.
See also
References
- ^ Michael Madden (26 August 2006). "Egosoft FAQ". Egosoft X-News. Egosoft. Retrieved 25 April 2009.
- ^ Josh Venning (25 January 2006). "X3 Reunion: New Rolling Demo Tested". AnandTech. AnandTech. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
- ^ Wrentmore, John (12 December 2003). "X2 - The Threat Review". GameZone. GameZone Online. Archived from the original on 19 February 2008. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Reed, Kristan (6 November 2005). "X3: Reunion". EuroGamer. Eurogamer Network Ltd. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
- ^ Humble Weekly Bundle
- ^ "ONLINE-UNIVERSE". Online Universe (Official Page). Retrieved 11 February 2008.
- ^ Stokky (10 May 2003). "Interview: X2 - The Threat". playfuls.com. Archived from the original on 6 October 2008. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ Presley, Paul (19 April 2003). "PC Preview: X2: The Threat". PC Zone. Future Publishing Limited. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
- ^ Caesar S. (3 January 2008). "Egosoft updates X3: Reunion, X2: The Threat". QJ.net. Content Holdings, LLC. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 11 February 2008.
{{cite news}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "TNBT will soon be officially unveiled!!".
- ^ BurnIt!. "X Rebirth - The wait is almost over!". Egosoft.com forums. Egosoft GmbH. Retrieved 9 August 2013.