GameSpot's Look at the Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy – 12/16/05
GameSpot's firsthand look at the Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy delivers new insight on the new campaigns, turning point battles, updated War Planner feature, and more.
Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy Q&A – 11/17/05
Associate Producer Matt Stokes talks more about Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy in this new GameSpot interview, including more on the new factions and tug-of-war mode planned for the official expansion.
1.2 Update Now Available – 11/15/05
The 1.2 Update for Empire Earth II has been released. This latest update includes many new features and fixes including an updated lobby and bonus skirmish maps.
Empire Earth II Art of Supremacy expansion pack announced– 10/11/05
Sierra Entertainment and Mad Doc Software are developing the first expansion pack for their best-selling strategy game, Empire Earth II, scheduled for release in Spring 2006.
Empire Earth II: The Art of Supremacy will return gamers to the front lines of the greatest battles in history with new civilizations at their command, new campaigns to undertake and a host of new features that make this year's greatest strategy game more addicting than ever. Bold victories on far-off battlefields, from wintry Russian plains to scorching African deserts, will establish the player’s undisputable reputation as the world’s greatest leader – past, present and future.
Empire Earth® Mobile Coming to Europe This Month – 10/10/05
Empire Earth Mobile, the first title in the award-winning Empire Earth series for mobile devices, will be available to mobile customers across Europe this month.
Based on the award-winning gameplay of the original PC title, Empire Earth Mobile will allow players to command the past, present and future, while building a civilization across four ages.
Empire Earth Mobile features a full combat system combined with rich strategic resource management, providing players with the means to capture and control enemy territory and move forward in time. Each age brings its own challenges, new units and additional complexity.
Designer Interviewed – 9/27/05
Empire Earth II Heaven talks with Empire Earth II's John Cataldo about his programming background and love of board games.
Paris and Frankfurt Residents ? Get Paid for Your Feedback! – 9/19/05
We?re looking for real-time strategy fans to participate in a two-hour market research event in Frankfurt, Germany on October 13th and October 14th in Paris, France. Qualified participants will be real-time strategy fans familiar with Empire Earth II, at least 18 years of age, and able to provide their own transportation to our offices in either Paris or Frankfurt.
If you match these requirements please contact us at forumadmin@vugames.com for more details. Sessions will be conducted in French (Paris) and German (Frankfurt). All qualified participants will be paid for their time!
Sierra Entertainment at Dragon*Con – 9/01/05
Look for us this Labor Day weekend in Atlanta, Georgia at Dragon*Con, America's largest popular arts convention, where we'll be hosting daily Empire Earth II and SWAT 4 tournaments in a massive 36 PC LAN! Lucky conference-goers will also receive demo discs of the upcoming game F.E.A.R.!
Empire Earth II National Championship Winners Announced – 8/29/05
The Empire Earth II Ladder and National Championships, hosted by iGames Game Centers, has concluded!
With gut-wrenching anticipation, the Empire Earth II finalists played their last matches Wednesday evening. [VSA]Neo won round 1 with a quick strike into [ZC]Zeo's base taking out his king in just 2 minutes, 23 seconds. The second round was a tougher match (lasting 10 minutes, 54 seconds) with Zeo holding off Neo's initial assault, but Neo was eventually able to bring to the field an overwhelming number of aircraft taking out Zeo's Fortress and King in a single mighty pass.
Sierra Entertainment, Mad Doc Software, and iGames would like to thank all tournament participants and sponsors, including Alienware, Intel, and NVIDIA, for making this event a triumphant success.
iGames Semi-Finalists Chosen – 8/15/05
We're down to only twelve players in the iGames Empire Earth II National Championships presented by Intel. Winners will take home a king's ransom in prizes including great products from Intel, NVIDIA, and a new Alienware system for the top-ranked player. Visit the iGames Ladders website for up to the moment results.
Lead Level Designer Interviewed – 8/12/05
Empire Earth II Heaven talks with lead level designer Dan McClure about his background and inspiration.
Developer Interview on Empire Earth II Heaven – 7/27/05
Go behind the scenes with veteran designer in Empire Earth II Heaven's interview with Steven Nadeua.
Unit Modding "How To" on Empire Earth Heaven – 7/15/05
Learn how to modify units with Empire Earth Heaven's Unit Modding walkthrough for Empire Earth II. Prepared with direction from Mad Doc Software, these step-by-step instructions explain how unit abilities and properties can be modified by the user.
The Unit Modding walkthrough is not officially supported by Mad Doc Software or Sierra Entertainment, so use at your own risk.
Game Designer Offers Auto-Balancer Details – 6/24/05
Empire Earth II Heaven has an indispensible Auto-Balancer How-To from Mad Doc's Matthew Nordhaus. The article provides insight into the tool used by the developers to modify unit balance in Empire Earth II.
The Auto-Balancer tool is not officially supported by Mad Doc Software or Sierra Entertainment, so use at your own risk.
Leading Fan Site Goes "Mad" – 6/11/05
Members of the Heaven Games staff recently converged on the Lawrence, MA headquarters of Mad Doc Software. While there, the guys were granted an all-access office tour including a one-on-one with the Mad Doctor himself, Ian Lane Davis. Find the complete tour diary and photolog on Heaven Games.
Empire Earth II Championships Begins - 6/6/05
The Empire Earth II Ladder and National Championships, hosted by iGames Game Centers, begins Wednesday, June 8th.
The competition, open to all players in North America 13 years and older, features over $10,000 in prizes, including five Intel® Pentium® 4 processors with HT Technology and Intel motherboards, 10 NVIDIA/MSI graphics cards, and a Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition-based Alienware® computer as the grand prize.
Players will be able to play on LAN with other players at their local game center, on WAN for some center vs. center competition, and online from anywhere. Prizes will be awarded at your local game center’s weekly challenge nights (Wednesdays) and at the National Championship. So make sure you sign up at your closest game center. Besides the weekly events at your local center, you can help build your rank by challenging other players in additional matches during the week.
For contest news, rules, standings and registration, visit the iGames Empire Earth II Ladder Website.
CG Underground Interviews Ian Davis - 5/24/05
Ian reflects back on the development of Empire Earth II and hints at future projects in his interview with CG Underground.
1.1 Update Now Available - 5/23/05
The 1.1 Update for Empire Earth II, including fixes to known network and game issues, is now available for download.
Empire Earth II Reviewed on CNN.com- 5/23/05
CNN calls Empire Earth II "a gem for megalomaniacs and history buffs alike"
Mad Doc Software Q&A – 5/20/05
Dr. Ian Lane Davis talks to Gamecloud about the worldwide response to Empire Earth II and what's next for the studio.
iGames Hosts Empire Earth® II Premier – 5/11/05
Sierra Entertainment, in conjunction with iGames, the world's leading game center organization, is giving gamers all across North America the chance to play Empire Earth II for free at the Empire Earth II iGames Premiere Event to be held Saturday, May 14th at game centers across North America.
This is your chance to gather together with other gamers for an evening of fun and competition.
Download the Uncut Opening Cinematic – 5/4/05
We've uploaded the original Empire Earth II opening cinematic to the Gallery section. This is the full unedited version that runs more than three minutes.
Win an Alienware Area 51™ PC – 5/4/05
We've been grinning from ear to ear since we fired up our latest Alienware systems. Now you can get that same feeling too, for free! Register to win a new Area 51™ PC featuring an Intel® Pentium® 4 Processor 560J w/HT Technology 3.6GHz 1MB Cache and a NVIDIA® GeForce™ 6600 GT graphics processor.
Codes can be found inside one of the first 270,000 copies of Empire Earth II and in the Alienware/Empire Earth II Sweepstakes ad in the June issue of PC Gamer magazine, on newsstands today.
Penny Arcade Presents Empire Earth II – 4/28/05
The guys at Penny Arcade never fail to make us laugh. Today is no different as an original PA strip based on Empire Earth II arrived at our offices.
Empire Earth II Ships to Retail Stores – 4/26/05
Empire Earth® II has shipped to retail stores and will be available worldwide beginning by Thursday, April 28th. Contact your local software retailer for exact availability in your area, or to ensure prompt delivery, order online from the VU Games store and get 10% off, a FREE bonus DVDand free 2 day shipping when you use code VU2DAY!
Empire Earth II has already received critical praise from gaming publications. PC Gamer Magazine gave the game a 94% score and "Editor's Choice" award in their review, declaring that "Empire Earth II is the new king of real-time strategy gaming." In addition, Warcry.com asserts, "if you're going to play one RTS game this year, play this one."
IGN.com Editor's Choice, 8.9 of 10! – 4/25/05
IGN, one of the Internet's largest entertainment news destinations, has awarded Empire Earth II their prestigious Editor's Choice award. The game is a "...truly deep and enjoyable real-time strategy experience on all levels," according to the glowing final review.
Unique Units Revealed on IGN – 4/22/05
With over 500 units to command, Empire Earth II is truly a game of epic proportions. Today IGN reveals many of the game's unique units, when used wisely, can give each civilization a specific edge on the battlefield.
Blockbuster Strategy Feature on GameSpy – 4/22/05
Learn to unlock the power of each civilization in with winning strategies straight from the developers! GameSpy's "From Nomads to Nanotech" feature also includes in-depth description for each of the game's regions, powers, and unique units.
New Empire Earth II Trailer Debuts – 4/22/05
Just in time for next week's launch, the new Empire Earth II Trailer is now available in the Gallery section.
Ian Davis on GameSpot – 4/20/05
Now the game is busily being manufactured, creative director Ian Davis settles in with GameSpot to chat about the AI, multiplayer, and his favorite civilizations.
AIIDE Conference Registration Opens – 4/19/05
Join Empire Earth II creative director Ian Davis and other leading minds at the upcoming Artificial Intelligence and Interactive Digital Entertainment (AIIDE) Conference June 1-3, 2005 in Marina Del Rey, CA. Your registration includes entry to the exhibits and conference sessions.
"Gold" Unveiled at I-CON – 4/15/2005
The "gold" version of Empire Earth II was unvelied to the public at the I-CON 24 Convention at the State University of New York at Stony Brook this past weekend.
All one hundred PCs in the annual convention's gaming room were loaded with the recently released SWAT 4 and Empire Earth II which arrives April 28th.
Empire Earth II Nabs PC Gamer Editor's Choice, 94% Review Score – 4/15/2005
We're proud to announce an incredible 94% review score from PC Gamer, the world's best-selling PC game magazine. Their review, to be published in the June 2005 issue, proclaims the game as "the new king of real-time strategy."
IGN Looks At Multiplayer – 4/15/2005
IGN delves into the multiplayer game types today in their front page featured story on Empire Earth II.
Empire Earth II Goes Gold – 4/08/2005
Empire Earth II has gone gold and will begin hitting store shelves around the world on Thursday, April 28th. The game carries a suggested retail price of $49.99, with an ESRB "T" for Teen Rating (Blood, Violence).
Please contact your local retailer for availability in your area or pre-order online and score a Bonus DVD packed full of bonus features!
Single-Player Hands-On Preview – 4/07/2005
GameSpot has posted their Single-Player Hands-On Preview of Empire Earth II.
"The near-final version of the game that we played appears to be fairly bug-free, which is a good sign. Developer Mad Doc has spent the last few months working to balance and polish the game, and it looks to have paid off. Empire Earth II feels like a faithful follow-up to the original, and we should see the game ship by the end of the month."
Compete in the Multiplayer Demo & Win – 4/04/2005
We're proud to announce the Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo Arena Contest sponsored by GameSpy & FilePlanet. The top seven players will be eligible for prizes from NVIDIA and Logitech and will be entered into the final climactic battle against the Empire Earth II creators themselves!
Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo – 4/04/2005
A new age of epic conquest has arrived! In the Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo you'll experience three of the game's fifteen exciting epochs (Renaissance, Imperial, and Enlightenment) as you match wits against players around the globe. Adapt your tactics to manage changing seasons and inclement weather as you lead the German, American, or Korean civilizations to victory.
FileFront Gets "Mad" – 4/01/2005
Creative Director Ian Davis, a.k.a. "The Mad Doctor," relects on the development cycle so far in this new Empire Earth II interview on FileFront.
Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo Coming April 4th! – 3/29/2005
The Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo will be released Monday, April 4th. The demo will offer both single- and multi-player gameplay giving gamers their first chance to play Empire Earth II against others online.
In the Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo, gamers will experience three of the game's fifteen exciting epochs (Renaissance, Imperial, and Enlightenment) as they match wits with others around the globe in epic battles with up to 10 players. They'll need to adapt their tactics to manage changing seasons and inclement weather as they lead the German, American, or Korean civilizations to victory. Three of the game's nine challenging multiplayer modes — Conquest, King of the Hill, and Territory Control — are included.
In addition, the Empire Earth II Multiplayer Demo includes an updated version of the first, single-player-only demo that was previously released, adding several new features. These new features include the ability to set variables such as: game pace, starting resources, population cap, diplomatic settings, and weather & environment details before the game starts.
Control is the Key to Conquest – 3/29/2005
The latest Empire Earth II print ad, "Control is the Key to Conquest," (PDF) will begin appearing in magazines across North America in the days ahead.
Die hard fans will want to keep their eyes peeled for the May issue of Computer Games magazine which includes a special wall poster.
See Through the Eyes of a Mad Doc – 3/29/2005
Follow the day-to-day happenings of the Empire Earth II team in historic Lawrence, Massachusetts with the Mad Doc Software Web Cam.
Tom's Hardware Guide Posts Preview, New Screens – 3/25/2005
"From all of the screenshots and commentary, you can probably see that this is definitely a leap forward in RTS design and game play," according to an extensive new preview on Tom's Hardware Guide. "It is the type of game that has the power to make you experience clock amnesia. ("3AM! I just looked at the clock and it said 11:30PM!")"
Empire Earth II Goes to Heaven – 3/21/2005
HeavenGames' extensive Empire Earth II preview is now online complete with new screens and in-depth impressions of the games' new features.
EE2U Attendee Recap – 3/20/2005
Attendees to the Empire Earth II University have posted their own accounts of the event held earlier this month in Los Angeles.
GameSpy Gets Schooled! – 3/17/05
A brave reporter infiltrates the ranks of Empire Earth II University, a weekend-long gathering of developers and fans from across the country, and returns with exclusive coverage from the frontlines of game design. GameSpy's multi-part Empire Earth II roundup includes the feature Art & Design: Finding the Balance at Empire Earth II University and a brand-new hands-on preview.
Empire Earth II Available for Pre-Order – 3/17/05
Fans of Empire Earth II, the upcoming historical real-time strategy game and sequel to GameSpot's 2001 Game of the Year, can secure first day availability by pre-ordering the game at North America's leading software retailers.
Fans who pre-order their copies will receive a Bonus DVD loaded with extras including the Empire Earth II Single-Player Demo, 20 minutes of exclusive behind-the-scenes video, exclusive multiplayer maps, the Empire Earth II Soundtrack, concept artwork, and more. Pre-orders are now being accepted at participating retailers.
The pre-order period will last through the April 26th ship date or until supplies last. Please contact your local store to confirm availability of the Pre-Order item in your area.
Why is it Raining on ArmchairGeneral? – 3/15/05
ArmchairGeneral's Empire Earth II preview is all wet, if only at times! "Perhaps it's because I live with it all of the time, but the first thing that really impressed me on loading the game was the weather - it was raining, pouring down in fact. Actually, weather plays a large factor in Empire Earth II, severe blizzards can hamper vision and movement, whereas the sunshine can get one trigger finger itching to get cracking with a nice summer campaign to crush your opponents."
"Students" Arrive at Empire Earth II University – 3/11/05
Contest winners, community VIPs, and members of the press have arrived in Los Angeles today for Empire Earth II University. During their weekend stay they'll get the chance to play a special hands-on preview of the game and share their thoughts with Creative Director Ian Davis and other members of the Empire Earth IIteam.
We've installed D-Link Securicam Network™ DCS-5300 Internet Cameras to beam the event out to the Internet at-large. Follow along on the Empire Earth II University webcams.
WorthPlaying Preview Posted – 3/11/05
"It looks like an Empire Earth title will once again be the reason RTS fans will spend quite a few evenings building up their empires and crushing those who oppose it," declares WorthPlaying's preview. "Empire Earth II not only adds to itself from content and technological standpoints, but it also adds a couple of new features that just might become standard in RTS titles to come."
"Twice" Magazine Campaign Begins – 3/2/05
The first advertisements for Empire Earth II have begun to appear in print magazines world-wide this week. Download the "Twice the Power. Twice the Glory" PDF (Requires Adobe Acrobat).
New Developer Diaries Added – 3/1/05
Several new Empire Earth II Video Developer Diaries have been posted to the Videos section. Go behind-the-scenes with the team as they reveal the inspiration behind many of the game's innovative features.
Empire Earth II Single Player Demo released – 2/25/05
The long-awaited Single Player Demo is now available for you to download and play! Lead the German, American, or Korean civilization to glory as you match wits against two cunning AI opponents. Click here to download the demo.
Empire Earth II University Promotion Announcement – 2/25/05
Sierra Entertainment and Mad Doc Software are proud to announce Empire Earth II University, an invitation-only game symposium to be held in Los Angeles March 11-13.
As part of the event Sierra Entertainment and GameSpot.com will choose two lucky GameSpot Complete members to receive fully paid "tuition" including an all expenses paid trip to Los Angeles . Winners will also take home a new GamerLounge™ wireless router (DGL-4300) with GameFuel™ technology from D-Link.
You can find complete rules and details here: http://www.gamespot.com/promos/empireearth2/index.html
Warcry.com Preview Posted – 2/24/05
"Empire Earth II is one of those games that get things so right, even hardened cynics like your humble reviewer can appreciate it," gushes WarCry.com's hands-on preview. "If you're going to play one RTS this year, play this one."
Yahoo! GamesDomain Posts Preview – 2/23/05
The folks over at Yahoo! have posted their In Depth Look of Empire Earth II. "Like the original, Empire Earth II is an overly ambitious "all-in" game, but this time the developers are arming players with tools that can keep the chaos at bay."
New Empire Earth II Site Launches – 2/22/05
If you're a regular visitor to this site you will have noticed our brand new look! Today's site update includes more screenshots, news, and behind-the-scenes videos than ever before. Keep us bookmarked – you won't want to miss all the news to come.
GameSpy Posts Multiplayer Hands-On – 2/9/05
Read Delsyn's Empire Earth II Multiplayer Hands-on for an epic tale of the Americans, the Mayans, game developers and game industry journalists competing for world domination.
The hands-on test vs. human players was a good demonstration of the role diplomacy plays in the game. "Empire Earth II is introducing the "Great Game" of diplomacy to the RTS arena, simulating the fact that wars are often won and lost at the conference table as much as they are on the battlefield," writes GameSpy.
More Hands-On Previews Arrive – 2/4/05
GamesSpot and IGN have posted hands-on previews in time for the weekend. "From our brief time with the game, it's clear this is every bit an epic-scale real-time strategy offering as the original," writes GameSpot.
GameSpy Posts Hands-On Preview – 2/2/05
GameSpy posted their Hands-On Preview today, exclaiming that the "the level of customization and control available to players in Empire Earth II is unbelievable."
"Rather than try and re-invent the wheel, Mad Doc has instead decided to layer a sort of "over-game" on top of the traditional game of unit and economic management. It pulls players back from the traditional myopic view common to most RTS games and instead created a title that has an almost SimCity-esque management feel - albeit much faster and with lots more gunfire," writes GameSpy.
Creative Director to Speak at Industry Events, Seminars – 1/27/05
Empire Earth II's Creative Director Dr. Ian Davis will appear at several upcoming workshops and industry panels. Go say hello!
- MIT Workshop
"Artificial Intelligence in Games"
Cambridge, MA
January 27
- Carnegie Mellon University, Robotics Institute Seminar
"Get a Life: How AI in Video Games Makes Characters Come Alive"
Pittsburgh, PA
February 11
- Game Developers Conference
"Can The Cost of Product Piracy Be Measured?"
Ian Davis, Panel Member
San Francisco, CA
March 9, 9:00am - 10:00am
- Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) Panel
"Developing better characters, better stories: How a game character's emotion, passion, and intelligence makes the game experience real"
Ian Davis, Moderator
Los Angeles, CA
May 18, 9:30-11:00
Empire Earth II January Newsletter Arrives – 1/25/05
The January issue of the Empire Earth II Newsletter has been sent to subscribers today. The newsletter includes the debut of the Empire Earth II Teaser Trailer, and as always, the first looks at new units, screenshots and a letter from creative director Ian Davis.
Not a subscriber? Register to receive the Empire Earth II Newsletter via email.
GameSpot Posts New Empire Earth II Trailer – 1/24/05
The new Empire Earth II Teaser Trailer has been released to GameSpot this afternoon. Head on over and check it out!
Empire Earth II Hits Top 2005 Watch Lists – 1/18/05
Empire Earth II is a game to watch in 2005. GameSpy has added the game to their "Most Wanted PC Games of 2005" roundup. IGN's RTS Games of 2005 feature declared "this one could be the first big RTS of the year." "Some of the new features make a person wonder why they had never been included in RTS games in the past."
Ian Davis on Gamersinfo.net – 1/11/05
Ian Davis, CEO of Mad Doc Software & Creative Director of Empire Earth II, talks about weather, civilizations, and the general design philosophy behind the game in a recent interview with Gamersinfo.net.
See Empire Earth II at CES – 1/03/05
Empire Earth II will be shown at the NVIDIA booth at the 2005 International CES January 6-9, 2005. Come by to demonstrate the latest build of the game on the latest hardware from NVIDIA!
Empire Earth II Newsletter Debuts – 12/27/04
The first edition of the Empire Update (December 2004) is now online. This email newsletter is your monthly ticket for news, epoch & unit previews, videos, and an exclusive developer letter from creative director Ian Davis.Sign-up to get the Empire Earth II Newsletter delivered directly to your email box!
GameSpot Releases New Screens – 12/21/04
Check out five new Empire Earth II screens posted today on GameSpot. Immediately noticeable will be the seasons, weather, and time of day made possible by Empire Earth II's all-new game engine.
PC Gamer Interviews the Mad Doc – 12/03/04
PC Gamer has posted an interview with Ian Davis, CEO of Mad Doc® Software, covering many of the new and exciting aspects of the upcoming sequel.
FileFront Interviews the "Mad Doctor" – 10/13/04
Dr. Ian Davis talks about Empire Earth® II's innovations such as the new Territories System and Citizen Manager in an interview published today at FileFront.
Empire Earth II Featured at the WCG Exposition – 10/11/04
Players from around the world traveled to San Francisco last week to compete in the World Cyber Games Grand Finals. The prestigious event is the world's largest computer and videogame festival. Huge in Asia, this year was its first time in North America.
Empire Earth II was one of the few new games to be included within the four-day exposition. Ian Davis, Mad Doc's CEO and mad scientist, barely edged out a victory in the multiplayer tournament which paired him against a cadre of international journalists.
The game wowed players, guests, and the press alike. "Empire Earth II is one of the most exciting pure RTS games I've seen in a while, and its handful of little innovations take the pain out of the upkeep of an army, and put the emphasis right where it should be -- in the combat," raved GameSpy.
Don't miss previews from GameSpy, IGN, and GameSpot (text and video).
Empire Earth 2 Fan Site Kit Online – 8/30/04
The Empire Earth® 2 fan site kit contains logos, concept art, screenshots, music and other items of interest to the Empire Earth™ 2 fan.
Jeux-Strategie.com Interviews Ian Davis – 8/10/04
Jeux-Strategie.com interviewed Ian Davis, CEO and Mad Scientist at Mad Doc Software, about the upcoming Empire Earth 2. The interview provides a broad picture of the anticipated sequel, as well details about the campaigns, scenario editor and unit balancing.
Empire Earth 2 Announced – 4/26/04
Vivendi Universal Games (VU Games) today announced development of Empire Earth® 2, the ambitious sequel to GameSpy.com's 2001 "PC Game of the Year," Empire Earth. Developed by Mad Doc Software and due for release in the first half of 2005, Empire Earth 2 will build upon the award-winning formula of its predecessor by adding features requested both by casual game players interested in a brief spin through history and by more hard core gamers who demand a real-time strategy game that will challenge them for dozens, if not hundreds, of hours.
Watch this in the months ahead for more details.
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