Star Vault – Page 4 – MMO Fallout

Star Vault's Q1 2013 Shows Growth

Star Vault has released their Q1 2013 reports and things are looking up, somewhat. The Swedish developer notes a combination of increased subscriptions since last quarter as well as the introduction of the ability to donate money for development, as contributing to the company’s revenue growth in 2013. Star Vault’s net sales for Q1 2013 amounted to slightly over $100 thousand USD, or a 45% rise since Q4 2012. Net profit has come closer to reaching profitability with a similar 47% rise to just over seventy grand in the red.

Henrik Nystrom commented on Star Vault’s outlook:

We are cautiously optimistic about 2013, and we may for the first time in a long time see that the increase in player activity begins to appear in our quarterly report. Revenues from our movement has grown and we have achieved a positive cash flow. I would add that the figure includes a bridge loan 394 000 SEK, which in turn is related to a private placement.

Star Vault is still aiming to get Mortal Online approved via Steam Greenlight.

As for game development in the first quarter of 2013, we have mainly focused on fixing bugs and polishing the Mortal Online since we are high listed on STEAM Greenlight, called the list for the U.S. distribution channel STEAM, which we plan to release our game in the near future. Before this game release is done, we need to prepare for increased traffic both game code-wise but probably also the size of the physical game area. We continue to make the first gameplay in Mortal Online as well and smooth as possible for the players can more easily get into the game and quickly start developing their characters.

(Source: Star Vault Q1 2013 Finance Report)

Star Vault Releases Q4 Income

Star Vault has released their fourth quarter releases for 2012, and the news isn’t all bad. Net sales lowered to 463,307 Krona ($72 thousand, approximately) from 501,252 Krona ($78 thousand) in the third quarter. Net profits continued deeper into the red at -895,699 ($140 thousand, approximately) from 706,844 in the third quarter ($110 thousand).

The fourth quarter saw the release of both Mortal Online’s free to play as well as the the launch of a donation system. Overall, according to the report, the model has compensated for the loss of license sales and Star Vault has seen positive development in all areas.

The number of subscriptions in the fourth quarter was approximately the same as in the third, with a slight increase following free to play. Sale of licenses will no longer be reported due to the new business model, as they have been discontinued.

In Henrik Nystrom’s notes, he discusses that the expansion Awakening went well, but did not increase sales as expected. Nystrom references 2012 as a transitional year, noting donations as important to continued development. The company is still working to be listed on Steam, and while the new cash flow has been positive, it has had no effect on the fourth quarter. Star Vault expects to break even in 2013.

(Source: Aktie Torget Press Release)

Mortal Online Shows Higher Resolution Textures

There is no denying that the citizens of Nave have faces only a mother could love, and in many cases a body of hair that even Robin Williams would be impressed by. Not too long ago, Star Vault set up a donation system where players are able to throw a little extra into the coffers. The idea, of course, is that while Star Vault does not receive 100% of revenue from subscriptions (I’m guessing much of it goes to licensing), they are able to keep 100% of the donations, which they put toward extra development goals.

The latest goal to be announced comes in the form of $6,000 toward the “character build” update, aiming to bring a brand new look to Nave’s player folk, both in the face and armor departments. The update will also allow several other features to be put into place, including general optimizations and a few other graphical improvements. The whole list of improvements is as follows:

Much better looking player characters (rebuild of all races and genders).
Better looking character face customization; more support for scars, tattoos etc.
Rebuild of all armor meshes/materials/shaders parts making them look much better.
Allowing us to add more and new armor parts in the game.
Almost all resource material gets its real and unique look.
Much better control over the dye system.
Better performance on player characters, no more 1-2s freeze lags when loading a bunch of players.
Removal of the texture merges system which means a big memory optimization on the client and better overall performance.
More players on the screen will not add cost on the client as it did in the old system.
A full new armor set will be included in this package; new types will arrive in the future now since the new system will allow it.

The donation system has drawn some controversy, although from outside the Mortal Online community rather than inside of it. The concept may seem surprising to players outside of the game, but the community hasn’t just embraced the donation system, they are the ones who demanded it be put in place to begin with.

(Source: Mortal Online)

Mortal Online Is Free To Play

Count this one under “who could have seen that coming?” Star Vault has announced on Facebook that Mortal Online will be heading free to play. Free accounts will have a restriction of 60, out of a possible 100 skill points, with some other restrictions. Premium subscribers will have access to thievery, and are able to loot and trade expensive items.

“Our new subscription model is a perfect fit for Mortal Online. This means Mortal Online will be free to play forever, without sacrificing the quality of gameplay that makes Mortal Online great. New accounts will have access to the entire game. FTP accounts may upgrade to a Premium Account for a monthly fee and earn exclusive and powerful benefits!”

Mortal Online has suffered financial and subscriber problems since its launch. With any luck, this should bring new players who were afraid to leap into the hardcore MMO previously.

(Source: Mortal Online)

Star Vault Q3 2012

Profits and sales are down from last quarter in Star Vault’s latest reports. According to the latest financial documents, subscriber count decreased in the third quarter compared to the second, despite the release of Mortal Online’s expansion Awakening. Awakening aims to bring new players into Mortal Online by making the game more user-friendly.

Next on the list is promotion. Star Vault hopes to have Mortal Online present on Steam. And once again for the moment we all anticipate each quarter: Star Vault anticipates break even in…unknown. The previous expectation for September or October has obviously not come to fruition, due to a break in the upward trend when the estimation was first given. Star Vault will prepare Mortal Online for 2013.

Other than that, no surprises for Q3.

Star Vault Accepting Donations In Return For Perks

It’s been a while since Star Vault released Mortal Online’s latest expansion, Awakening. While current development focus is aimed directly at squashing the numerous problematic bugs that have caused problems, John VanderZwet has posted an update on the Mortal Online website to detail some upcoming changes, including a donation system set up on the request of the community:

After a community forum thread got us thinking about a donation system, we’ve decided to run with it. Very soon we’ll be opening up a new section on our website allowing you to contribute to Mortal Online’s development outside standard subscriptions. It’ll work something like Kickstarter does, only we’ll be handling it on our own. You’ll receive cool perks for donating. The more you wish to donate the more you’ll receive. We’ll unveil just what these things are shortly, but we will NEVER introduce anything that will give you an advantage in the game. We’re talking cosmetic and just simply cool things here.

Additionally, Mortal Online will be updated to include a new system to accomplish two tasks: Aid new players, and introduce more casual options that do not detract from the overall game experience.

(Source: Mortal Online)

Mortal Online Q2 2012: Sales Down, Profit Up Slightly

It is the end of August, and that means financial records aplenty. Star Vault has released their second quarter finances for 2012, and the results are mixed. The number of monthly payments during the second quarter decreased compared to the previous report, as well as the sale of licenses. In the release, Star Vault notes that the launch of the expansion Awakening aims to make Mortal Online appeal to a wider audience, and there is something for players to do constantly, even if they are not interested in conflict.

The launch of Awakening has also lead to the reactivation of accounts and an increase in sale of new licenses, according to Henrik. Star Vault now expects to break even at some point in September/October.

Star Vault’s Greatest Risk: Lack Of Demand

Earlier this month, Star Vault released their Annual Income report for 2011. There wasn’t much in the document that we didn’t already know from last year, but at one point the company lays out what it refers to as Mortal Online’s “greatest risk.”

Star Vault’s greatest risk is a lack of demand for its product. An insufficient market risk the company’s earnings and ultimately the financial position. Risk is an inherent part of all business and continuously examined, and the highest priority. Based on each individual situation later approved measures to limit the risks.

In the past, Henrik Nystrom has admitted that Mortal Online’s steep learning curve, less than user friendly atmosphere, and hardcore PvP atmosphere were the biggest factors for Mortal Online’s lack of widespread appeal. In the first quarter of this year, however, Mortal Online’s sales sharply rose 50% in February, and the developer enjoyed a subsequent rise in revenue in profits for the appropriate quarter (Q1 2012).

Star Vault’s second quarter releases should be out by the end of the month.

Star Vault's Greatest Risk: Lack Of Demand

Star Vault’s greatest risk is a lack of demand for its product. An insufficient market risk the company’s earnings and ultimately the financial position. Risk is an inherent part of all business and continuously examined, and the highest priority. Based on each individual situation later approved measures to limit the risks.

Star Vault’s second quarter releases should be out by the end of the month.

Mortal Online Q1 2012: Sales Up, Mortal Online on "Major Gaming Platforms"

More news from the Star Vault…vault. The financial details for Star Vault’s first quarter have been released, and it appears the trend may finally break. Back in February, Henrik Nystrom announced a 50% increase in sales and an 80% increase in user activity. During the 2011 interim report, Star Vault revised its projection of breaking even in 2011 to a new prediction that the game would break even in the second quarter of 2012.

According to Star Vault’s reports, the number of monthly subscriptions increased slightly compared to the fourth quarter. The sale of licenses increased 68% from last quarter. Even with the increase in sales, Henrik notes that the game could still be friendlier to new players, which the company intends to accomplish with the release of Awakening in Q2 2012.

It is important to emphasize that the expansion includes enhancements and additions that we hope will appeal to the wider audience. Among other things, it will be easier to get into the game for new players. The expansion will also lead to the constant will be something interesting to do in the game, although it would not be interested in playing conflicts and / or war.

Henrik also mentions Mortal Online appearing on “major gaming platforms.”

According to our assessment, we, following the launch of “The Awakening”, to meet the standard requirements that exist for a game to be approved on the major gaming platforms.

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