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Surrounded by thousands of mad comics, games, and movie fans, we almost didn’t make it back from Comic-Con: International. Don’t believe us? We have the pictures to prove it. Okay, maybe that was a little dramatic (or not). Still, our quick trip down to San Diego was pretty hectic; leave in the morning, do our things, get back in time for dinner. But the trip was well worth it. We got to hang out with our great partners at Weta, Dark Horse, TOKYOPOP, and PocketBooks, and see the awesome Hellgate: London trailer playing at all the booths. There was even a guy dressed up as a Templar walking around, though he escaped the fate of the camera throughout the day.

Ivan spoke at a TOKOYPOP panel with the writer of the upcoming Hellgate: London manga, and it went really well. It was amazing to see so many fans sitting quietly in the middle of a stuffed convention center as Ivan spoke about life, love, and Hellgate. And then the signing. Out of nowhere, the crowd quadrupled to wait in line for autographed posters. Even Bill was seen in line. (See if you can find him in the photos.)

We got to spend a lot of time at the Weta booth with Rachel Service, Weta’s (un)official mascot, watching as hundreds of people ogled at the Hellgate statues that were encased in glass. It was almost saddening seeing them lust over something they couldn’t touch – until they bought them on the spot. Yeah, it was a good day.

Well, enough with words. Check out the grand photos we took by clicking here.

Howdy again! Before I get going, let me start by saying… go to www.gamespot.com TODAY at roughly 6:00 PM Pacific time! They will be airing the official Hellgate: London E3 trailer exclusively to this place we call Planet Earth. Cut by Brennan Ieyoub, our expert video slave, this trailer will change the Homeland Security alert in your pants to brown. You will say wow.

In other Hellgate news, we here at Flagship just hit Los Angeles (well, Santa Monica, really) and China at the same time, for E3 and China Joy, respectively. Tyler Thompson, our Director of Technology, and I went to went to the “new-and-improved” expo, and strangely enough, it went really well. We rocked the house at Microsoft’s booth, Microsoft’s Games for Windows event, and the (in)famous Barker Hangar at Santa Monica Airport. The response was extremely positive, and we got tons of great feedback. Check out some pics here. Tyler also went on air with Gamespot for a live segment. You can catch it here.

GameSpy was kind enough to put us in their top 10 list of upcoming PC games, which is truly an honor. We’re big fans of this long-running site, and to be in their Best of E3 list... makes us smile. You can find more links to a lot more of the E3/China Joy coverage by checking out this site. It aggregates stories from all over the world, giving you one nice and convenient place to get your Hellgate: London news.

Regarding the Hellgate: London Alpha, we’re slowly but surely expanding the test past friends and family as we work out some of the bigger kinks. If you want to be on the list of potential players, just register on this here site and be patient. We read your emails and hear your calls – just remember, patience is a virtue. ^_^

Lastly, next week a few us here will be at Comic-Con International: San Diego. Ivan “the Ivan” Sulic will be there in person on Saturday to talk about storytelling, whiskey, and his love for space shooters. If you’re in the area, stop by, say hi, and look for us – we’ll likely be around the Weta, Dark Horse, or TOKYOPOP booths. Oh, and bring your collectibles if you want them signed. Until then, remember the dead and fight for the living!

-kaiser

Seems like it’s been pretty quiet on the Hellgate: London front, doesn’t it? (Well, besides HanbitSoft’s insane Hellgate party in Korea last month. Check out my pics from that event here.) Well, that usually means one of two things: either there really is nothing going on, or the gears are furiously turning in the background, working towards great, great things. Well, all I can say is that I definitely hate when nothing’s going on.

As you may or may not know, what was once the mecca of all that is videogames, E3, is only a week away. While the grand scope of the Los Angeles Convention Center is now gone, word is that this year’s E3 is the biggest and busiest yet – only now it takes place in a multitude of hotels and other arbitrary buildings. Of course, Hellgate: London will be there in full force, with new levels, a new E3 trailer, and perhaps more... If you’re coming, look for me (that’s Kaiser) or Tyler around the Hellgate: London booth.

Speaking of the trailer, after seeing the final version, I think I felt a small man-tear of joy trickle down my cheek. Brennan did an awesome job of really showing off just how awesome Hellgate: London is going to be. The visuals, the sound, the editing – it’s all brilliant. For those attending E3, prepare to be blown away.

Not going to E3? Well, there’s always China Joy, taking place at the same time as E3. This year, Flagship Studios is sending an army of people to the show, so if you’re in the area, you won’t want to miss it. Plus, that awesome trailer I was just talking about will be unveiled there as well.

In other Hellgate news, some of you have been sending in some truly inspiring art. From Gi Han’s gritty and sometimes comical approach, to Jan Bintakies almost-Mike Mignola look, to Nathan Smith’s super atmospheric Templar portrait, it’s obvious that all of your creative talents and passions will lead you to great places in life. Seriously, folks, we’re left speechless after every piece of art we get. Check all of them out by clicking here.

Last but not least, Hellgate: London has been released – just not in game form. We've been hearing reports that in some areas, Weta’s amazing figures have started to ship. Having seen these things in person, it boggles the mind how much detail can be put into such a thing. If you haven’t ordered a set yet, I’d get to it. You know there are only 1000 of each made, right? Save yourself the trouble of hoping that you’ll find one on eBay for ten times the price, and get them while you can. US citizens should click here, while the rest of the world should click here. Buy them now, thank me later.

Also, Simon & Schuster/Pocket Books have just released the first book in the Hellgate: London novels. Written by the always-incredible Mel Odom, you automatically know that you’ll be getting something of quality. His take on the Hellgate: London universe is really unique, and works in ideas that feel fresh, yet fully in line with what we’re doing in the game. Check out a short excerpt here, and support the Hellgate: London cause!

If you like more pictures with your words, Dark Horse has just put together a Hellgate: London trade paperback that collects all four issues from the mini-series into one convenient format. The positive response from the books was greater than we could have imagined; so much so that many of you can’t seem to even find the original series in stores anymore. Your prayers have all been answered with this book. It’s set to ship in just a few weeks, but you can pre-order it now here.

That’s it for now. Expect much more news sooner rather than later!

Yes, as sad as it is, all things come to an end, even an insane day of playing Hellgate with our amazing community. Pulling off the event required some massive help – which we got from all the incredible people at Electronic Arts, NVIDIA, Intel, and Microsoft, as well as our overseas partners at HanbitSoft and IAH.

But enough talking. More looking! Check out some photos from the fabulous soiree right... here.

p.s. Just want to throw a personal thank you to Bobby, Phil, Tricia, Ivan, and Brennan for helping to make sure everything went smoothly, as well as everyone else at Flagship Studios for their participation. Oh, and the community. Without you guys, none of it would’ve happened.

Thanks, everyone!