Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Anarchy in the APB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy in the APB
If you think drive-by shootings, exploding vehicles, and an epidemic of robbery and murder on the streets of San Paro wasn't enough anarchy for you, GamersFirst has just introduced Chaos Mode to its crime MMO APB: Reloaded.

Joining a Chaos district will put you into a survival mode that allows you to gain points by killing as many players of the opposite faction as possible. All of the district's contacts are gone, replaced by vendors. So there's no other mission but to kill, and kill quickly. A leaderboard tracks the best of the best and several new titles and a new role have been added.

You can check out an early prototype of Chaos Mode in the game between now and June 6.

[Thanks to Derek for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy in the APB originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedanarchyapbapb-reloadedapbrchaos-modecrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpThu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/second-wind-all-points-bulletin-reloaded/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

APB reloaded screenshot
I could make this a very short piece by saying that APB: Reloaded is simply as fun now as it has ever been. The game is a blast in more ways than one. Heck, I could close it right now by telling you that not only was my return to the game well worth the effort but also that it also served to slap me on the side of the head to say, "Hey, dummy, remember how fun it is to run over people?" I'd rather give you more details, though, especially for those of you who might not have played the game or haven't played it in a long time.

APB: Reloaded is essentially a lobby-based shooter. The lobby -- or social district, as it is called -- and the instanced battle arenas are massive places. While I livestreamed the game last week (you can watch the embedded video after the cut), someone accurately commented that watching it was like watching "GTA Online." I agree, but it's also so much more than that. Join me past the cut and I promise not to run you over.

(EDIT: I was able to order an APB: Reloaded box from Newegg.com for $7.99 USD which contains "over $50 value" like a permanent Magnum gun, a Cisco car, 500 G1 credits and 30 days of premium. I paid no shipping fees at all and received it within three days of ordering, but after this article went live.)

Continue reading Second Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded

MassivelySecond Wind: All Points Bulletin Reloaded originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aimbotsall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedbeau-hindmancash-shopf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpgamersfirsthackersmmofpspost-launchre-reviewsecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windupdated-impressionsFri, 26 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/the-perfect-ten-final-moments-of-mmos-part-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Final moments of MMOs, part 2
LAST TIME ON THE PERFECT TEN: Games were shut down, tears were shed, memories were dragged unwillingly from long-term storage, and videos were shown. Also, Marty totally suckered Biff into driving into a truck full of manure and then got his parents to kiss at a dance so that he wouldn't be erased from the space-time continuum.

AND NOW FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION!

Is it completely morbid to want to revisit (or see for the first time) the final moments of MMOs? Yes, but also no. Really, it's just interesting to me, and I have no great agenda at play here. Sometimes seeing how a game goes out can tell you a lot about its community and dev team. So join us now as we hit the second half of 10 videos showing the last few minutes of these online RPGs.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Final moments of MMOs, part 2 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrback-to-betabetabrowserbrowser-basedcasualcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxcrimef2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfreedomg1gamersfirstglitchhipsterhumorlego-universencsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvproundupsandboxsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroesthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listunlauncheningThu, 25 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2013: How APB exploded into a franchise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/gdc-2013-how-apb-exploded-into-a-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/gdc-2013-how-apb-exploded-into-a-franchise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/gdc-2013-how-apb-exploded-into-a-franchise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

GDC 2013 How APB exploded into a franchise
By now, pretty much everyone knows the story of how GamersFirst swept in to save the DOA All Points Bulletin by relaunching it as APB: Reloaded. Since then, the title's done immensely well for the company and has prompted Reloaded Games to look into turning APB into a bona fide franchise.

How this happened was explained to us by PR Manager Darek Connole at GDC. Connole said that the devs are constantly taking suggestions from the community and sorting them into different buckets. While some of the buckets represent doable ideas, one bucket is full of great ideas that are impossible to implement in the current game.

"We're taking the NPCs from APB: Reloaded and bringing them into their own game," Connole said. "It's going to be a traditional first-person shooter, but it's also going to have non-traditional elements."

Read on to discover how APB's world is going to get a lot more crazy with APB: Vendetta -- and how the team is even thinking about future games in the same world.

Continue reading GDC 2013: How APB exploded into a franchise

MassivelyGDC 2013: How APB exploded into a franchise originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-fpsapb-kickstarterapb-reloadedapb-vendettaapbrBjorn-Book-Larssonconconferenceconsoleconsolesconventioncrimedarek-connoleeventevent-coverageeventsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playg1game-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gamersfirstgdcgdc-2013massively-event-coverageplaystation-4ps4pvpreloadedreloaded-productionsSun, 31 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

APB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding
Hey, guess what, it's another Kickstarter project based off an earlier game! This time, though the earlier game in question is still alive and presumably well. Reloaded Productions is looking to fund an action FPS called APB Vendetta that's some sort of riff on MMO shooter APB Reloaded.

The project page mentions private servers and server-modding tools, "extreme movement mechanics," and a "fighting game ethos" as opposed to APB Reloaded's open-world design. The two games will share some sort of account-level crossover functionality with the potential to import and export certain items.

The game will use the Unreal engine and the $300,000 funding goal will go toward creating a "separate dedicated development" and "expanding the APB universe."

[Thanks Genobee!]

MassivelyAPB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-fpsapb-kickstarterapb-reloadedapb-vendettaapbrcrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpreloadedreloaded-productionsWed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB: Reloaded dev blog talks optimization]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/apb-reloaded-dev-blog-talks-optimization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/apb-reloaded-dev-blog-talks-optimization/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/apb-reloaded-dev-blog-talks-optimization/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

APB Reloaded dev blog talks optimization
Devs say the darndest things. In APB: Reloaded's latest dev blog, optimization of the live game is likened to changing your car's oil while speeding along at 65 mph. While not an admission of actually attempting the latter, this fact-filled dev diary does get into the nitty gritty of the optimization process; it offers a view (literally, with graphs and pictures) of both the software and hardware optimizations that are in the works.

A new OTW (Open Test World) called Overkill will soon come online to test a new bit of hardware developed specifically for the game to help improve performance. Those who are current OTW testers can expect to see Overkill in the next two weeks, while all players can expect to see release 1.10.2, with its performance improvements, very soon.

If you want to see exactly what is being done to improve your FPS in game, this is the blog to read.

MassivelyAPB: Reloaded dev blog talks optimization originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrcrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirsthardwareoptimizationOTWpvpsoftwareTue, 19 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB: Reloaded celebrates Steam success, teases new content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/apb-reloaded-celebrates-steam-success-teases-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/apb-reloaded-celebrates-steam-success-teases-new-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/apb-reloaded-celebrates-steam-success-teases-new-content/#commentsFiled under: , ,

APB Reloaded celebrates Steam success, teases new content
GamersFirst can enjoy a new bragging right today in the realm of free-to-play MMOs as APB: Reloaded has held steadily to a top-five position for most-popular free-to-play MMOs on Steam for a year. Currently ranked in the number four spot, APB:R has expanded its reach to Brazil and Russia in that year, while adding new content including Fight Club, Asylum, tons of new weapon and clothing packs, and more.

As the team looks forward to 2013, players can expect a new update entitled Settling the Score in the just a few weeks and rumors of an "all-new APB experience" being revealed in the coming months.

[Source: GamersFirst press release]

MassivelyAPB: Reloaded celebrates Steam success, teases new content originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrcrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpsettling-the-scoresteamTue, 29 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamersFirst offers exclusive deals to cafe owners and resellers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/gamersfirst-offers-exclusive-deals-to-cafe-owners-and-resellers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/gamersfirst-offers-exclusive-deals-to-cafe-owners-and-resellers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/13/gamersfirst-offers-exclusive-deals-to-cafe-owners-and-resellers/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

GamersFirst offers exclusive deals to cafe owners and resellers
GamersFirst is looking to make headway in two important markets: internet resellers and gaming cafés. To do so, the company set up a merchant center to offer a partnership with business owners to help promote and sell goods for APB and Fallen Earth.

Café owners are tempted to feature these titles more prominently in exchange for a premium service. This service may, but not necessarily has to, include exclusive items, 20% more XP earned, 20% more loot earned, and login preference.

Internet resellers also have good incentive to pimp GamersFirst products, especially as the company makes the point that they can set their price once game codes are purchased. Some of the things that can be sold include monthly subscriptions, in-game items, exclusive items, player currency, and exclusive packages.

[Thanks to Hutch for the tip!]

MassivelyGamersFirst offers exclusive deals to cafe owners and resellers originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 13 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrbangcrimef2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1game-cafegamersfirstgaming-cafeinternet-cafeinternet-resellerinternet-resellersmerchant-centerpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpsandboxsci-fiwastelandsSun, 13 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 228: A Glitch in the system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/massively-speaking-episode-228-a-glitch-in-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/massively-speaking-episode-228-a-glitch-in-the-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/massively-speaking-episode-228-a-glitch-in-the-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 228
MMO worlds are shutting down left and right lately, and fans wonder whether this is the fabled onlinepocalypse we've feared for years. The Mayans predicted the end of such gaming worlds, but their contemporaries thought them mad, and historians didn't know what to make of an ancient civilization talking about "welfare epics," "XP grinds," and "Massively Speaking."

If it is the end of the world, wouldn't you like to hold the hands of two soothing podcasters who have plenty of popcorn to share? If we were you, we would totally do it. Listening to this episode is the next best thing, really.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

Get the podcast:
[iTunes] Subscribe to Massively Speaking directly in iTunes.
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[MP3] Download the MP3 directly.
Listen here on the page:



Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 228: A Glitch in the system

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 228: A Glitch in the system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrback-to-betabetabrantbrianna-roycebrowserbrowser-basedcasualccpccp-gamescode-clubcrimeend-of-nationseoneveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedflashfree-to-playg1gamersfirstglitchhipsterhumorinternet-spaceshipsjustin-olivettimassively-speakingmmortsopinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespodcastpodcastingpodcastspvprtssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlinetinyspecktriontrion-worldsunlauncheningwarwurmwurm-onlineTue, 11 Dec 2012 13:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 228Massively.com Staff00:56:15podcast<![CDATA[APB locks and reloads for Christmas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/apb-locks-and-reloads-for-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/apb-locks-and-reloads-for-christmas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/10/apb-locks-and-reloads-for-christmas/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

APB locks and reloads for Christmas
All Points Bulletin is preparing for a bloody Christmas siege -- and if you can get through this holiday event without saying, "Now I have a machine gun. Ho ho ho," then you are better people than we. The game is kicking off its holiday festivities on Wednesday, December 12th, and has a few twists from last year's event.

During the event, players will need to seek out Elves for a few new missions. These Elves aren't messing around, either; they're prepared to hand out weapon skins and cool threads for the street-tough. The studio also floated the rumor that there will be a snowball grenade launcher up for grabs.

The studio has a 12-day promotion starting on December 13th for shoppers. Each day, the cash shop will hand out a different surprise gift to those dropping money on the title.

[Source: Reloaded Productions press release]

MassivelyAPB locks and reloads for Christmas originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrchristmaschristmas-2012crimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstholidayholiday-2012holiday-eventin-game-eventpromotionpvpsnowball-grenade-launcherMon, 10 Dec 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[APB celebrates Steam anniversary with free cigars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/apb-celebrates-steam-anniversary-with-free-cigars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/apb-celebrates-steam-anniversary-with-free-cigars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/07/apb-celebrates-steam-anniversary-with-free-cigars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

APB celebrates Steam anniversary with free cigars
There are anniversaries and there are anniversaries. Steam anniversaries are apparently a thing now, as Reloaded Productions is celebrating All Points Bulletin's debut appearance on the digital distribution platform, as well as its official relaunch day. According to the studio, APB has proven incredibly popular on Steam during its year run.

Chief Marketing Officer Rahul Sandil conveys the company's appreciation: "We want to thank our player community and our friends at Steam for all the support and love they have shown APB Reloaded for the last year. With over three million downloads delivered, APB has established itself as one of the hottest game franchises in the online games industry. Over the next few days we will be making other exciting announcements about the expansion of the APB franchise, so stay tuned."

To celebrate the anniversary, the studio is discounting the ATAC 424 NCFP 3 weapon in the store and handing out free cigar and celebrate emotes to all players.

[Source: Reloaded Productions press release]

MassivelyAPB celebrates Steam anniversary with free cigars originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedanniversaryapbapb-reloadedapbrcigarcigarscrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpromotionpromotionspvprahul-sandilsteamFri, 07 Dec 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB: Reloaded's version 10 to feature car surfing and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/apb-reloadeds-version-10-to-feature-car-surfing-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/apb-reloadeds-version-10-to-feature-car-surfing-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/27/apb-reloadeds-version-10-to-feature-car-surfing-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

apb version 10 dev blog
GamersFirst has taken the wraps off APB: Reloaded's next patch. The version 10 update, otherwise known as New Breed Part Three, will appear "in the next few weeks" according to the latest edition of the APBR dev blog.

The patch introduces two new T5 contacts, Birth and Templeton, both of whom bring a laundry list of new features to the game including vehicles, weapons, and modifications like Spotter and Car Surfer. The former is about what you'd expect given the name, as it allows players to paint enemy targets and display them to teammates (even through walls). Car Surfer, naturally, allows you to ride on a vehicle's roof. Check out a couple of quick example videos after the break. You'll find more like them on APBR's official site.

Continue reading APB: Reloaded's version 10 to feature car surfing and more

MassivelyAPB: Reloaded's version 10 to feature car surfing and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-new-breed-part-3apb-reloadedapbrbirthcar-surfercrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpsan-parospottertempletonversion-10Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fallen Earth and APB: Reloaded go trick-or-treating]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/fallen-earth-and-apb-reloaded-go-trick-or-treating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/fallen-earth-and-apb-reloaded-go-trick-or-treating/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/fallen-earth-and-apb-reloaded-go-trick-or-treating/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth and APB Reloaded go trickortreating
GamersFirst is bringing scary back to two of its biggest titles for Halloween. The publisher announced special events and seasonal sales for APB: Reloaded and Fallen Earth, some of which are happening at this very moment.

Players in APB can get a preview of the upcoming Asylum District as they go there to compete in the Fright Club. A costume contest is scheduled for October 31st as well, and GMs will be present to lead a grand parade through the streets. Finally, the pumpkin-happy devs are throwing another Pumpkin Head Customization Contest with even better prizes than last year.

In the vast wasteland of Fallen Earth, survivors are encouraged to go trick-or-treating with the devs for exclusive items. The location of said trick-or-treating will be hinted at in chat. Fallen Earth is also selling its cosmetic gear for half off starting tomorrow.

MassivelyFallen Earth and APB: Reloaded go trick-or-treating originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrcrimedealf2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirsthalloweenhalloween-2012post-apocpost-apocalypticpromotionpvpsandboxsci-fiwastelandsTue, 30 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: APB Reloaded]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/why-i-play-apb-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/why-i-play-apb-reloaded/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/25/why-i-play-apb-reloaded/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Why I Play APB Reloaded
Those of you who have followed me on this quaint little internet of ours for any reasonable amount of time know that I'm a sandbox guy. I love freedom, choice, and the leg room to explore and build to my heart's content. I'm not a big fan of PvP, general chat, bored griefers, or people acting like idiots. But in direct contrast to this claim, APB: Reloaded is one of my all-time favorite MMOs.

APB: Reloaded is one of those games that I happily jump into when I'm feeling bored with other games or just miss real action. When I'm solo, it's a bit of an outlet for any stress or frustrations I might have because I can just be a complete jerk and it's part of the game. But when I'm with a group, the dynamic changes completely. Sure, the game has its problems and is notorious for the lag and cheater issues, but that doesn't really affect why I play the game.

Then why do I play APB: Reloaded?

Continue reading Why I Play: APB Reloaded

MassivelyWhy I Play: APB Reloaded originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrcrimeeditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playg1gamersfirstmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionpvpwhy-i-playThu, 25 Oct 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB: Reloaded previews new map for Halloween festivities]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/apb-reloaded-previews-new-map-for-halloween-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/apb-reloaded-previews-new-map-for-halloween-festivities/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/22/apb-reloaded-previews-new-map-for-halloween-festivities/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

APB Reloaded previews new map for Halloween festivities
Like in most virtual worlds, APB: Reloaded's San Paro is preparing for Halloween. In honor of the occasion, a new map will be brought out for two weeks of celebration. The appropriately themed Asylum map will be used to host a Fright Club, which will replace the regular Fight Club starting today.

Trick and Treat, the respective Halloween Contacts for Criminals and Enforcers, will be chilling in the Asylum with missions to hand out. Players will be able to go through six levels of holiday missions. In addition, players will be able to smash pumpkins -- and smashing pumpkins unlocks titles! Not only will players unlock the Pumpkin Chaser, Murderer, Assassin, and Terminator titles unlocked at various numbers of pumpkins smashed, but the top player in each world for pumpkin smashing will unlock the title of Pumpkin King or Queen.

Two contests will round out the festivities: the Headless Gunman Pumpkin Head Contest and the Halloween District Parade Costume Contest. Check out the official contest forums for all the details on that heap o' goodness.

MassivelyAPB: Reloaded previews new map for Halloween festivities originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrasylumcontestcontestscrimef2pfight-clubfree-to-playfright-clubg1gamersfirsthalloweenhalloween-eventholidayholiday-eventpvpsan-parotreattricktrick-and-treatMon, 22 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Creating content for cash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required Creating content for cash
Housing. Mission generators. Player-run festivals. Music. Overall general sandboxy goodness. Since its debut over a year ago, Some Assembly Required has covered a number of topics related to player-generated content as well as the games that offer such features. However, recent events have turned my attention toward a different aspect of PGC.

Between the Dota 2 incident and last week's announcement from Sony Online Entertainment, I am actually looking at player-generated content in a whole new way: as a revenue generator. That's right -- collecting cold hard cash for your creativity. Although plenty of titles allow players to create content and share it within the games, very few let players sell that content for real-world money. This column explores the cash-for-content phenomenon in MMOs: what games have it, how to use it, and whether it is likely to become the next big thing.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Creating content for cash

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Creating content for cash originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sometimes the line between criminals and enforcers is just which van you're blowing up.
It's patch day for APB: Reloaded with one of the larger patches in the game's lifespan. Patch 1.9.0 has gone live and brought along brand-new Activities. Activities are special side missions that players can complete during Fight Club; they take the form of minor challenges in three tiers of difficulty and provide an optional goal for players looking for bigger rewards. The patch also brings a new store with new outfits and weapons, and of course there are several bug fixes and balance changes.

But if you're not lured in by the promise of a new patch, the staff at GamersFirst has put together several promotions to encourage players to jump into the game once again. Until the end of the month, 20% of funds spent in the game's store will be refunded to the players (with the refund taking place after the promotion ends). Players will also be given a free code for Joker tickets to start outfitting their characters, also good until the end of the month. If you're happily shooting away or you've taken a break, now would be the time to jump into the game and give it a shot.

MassivelyAPB: Reloaded drops a major patch with major promotions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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All right, maybe not that immersive.
Let's take a look at the acronym MMORPG for a moment. If you're reading this site, you surely know what it stands for: massively multiplayer online role-playing game. Ever since World of Warcraft hit the big-time, MMOs have been cropping up left and right in more shapes and sizes than many would have ever guessed. Swords and sorcery: check. Spreadsheets and spaceships: check. Roman orgies: coming soon.

But somewhere along the line, game developers have forgotten something. Before there were MMORPGs, there were just RPGs, played by folks gathered around the kitchen table armed with nothing more than pencils, paper, and their trusty dice. I'm not going to pretend that "I was there, man" because -- being a '90s kid -- I didn't get into pen-and-paper games until my teens in the 2000s. But even I know that those games put an emphasis on the "RP" part of RPG in a way that MMORPGs simply don't, and in some ways, can't. But I'm sure that I can't be the only one who still wants to escape to another world, to become fully immersed in that world and in my character. So in my Frankenstein's monster experiment today, I'm going to try my best to meld modern MMO features into an immersive fantasy roleplaying world. Won't you join me?

Continue reading MMO Blender: Matt's immersive cyberpunk monstrosity

MassivelyMMO Blender: Matt's immersive cyberpunk monstrosity originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 20 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinarmchair-game-designasherons-callchampions-onlineeverquest-iifavorite-mmofeaturedgame-designgame-mechanicsguild-wars-2gw2mechanicsmmo-blendermmo-mechanicsmmo-mix-tapemmo-mixologyopinionstar-wars-galaxiesterathe-matrix-onlinethe-secret-worldFri, 20 Jul 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB's Reloaded Games merges with parent company]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/apbs-reloaded-games-merges-with-parent-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/apbs-reloaded-games-merges-with-parent-company/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/05/apbs-reloaded-games-merges-with-parent-company/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

APB's Reloaded Games merges with parent company
Reloaded Games, the operator of the revived APB Reloaded, has merged with parent company K2 Network. The new company retained the Reloaded Games moniker and intends it to signify a move to running more cross-platform MMOs. This is a change from K2's old practice of merely importing Korean games.

The new Reloaded Games covers both the GamersFirst platform (which includes, among other games, Fallen Earth) and Reloaded Productions studio. The studio will continue to be a subsidiary of the company.

Reloaded Games CEO Bjorn Book-Larsson says that this is just the first sign of a bold new initiative by the company: "We have already signed contracts with independent developers to use our platform and portal for their free-to-play game distribution. We will announce those agreements in the next couple of weeks."

MassivelyAPB's Reloaded Games merges with parent company originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrBjorn-Book-Larssoncrimef2pfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstk2k2-networkpost-apocpost-apocalypticpvpreloaded-gamesreloaded-productionssandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 05 Jul 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/31/the-perfect-ten-worst-mmo-launches-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
First things first: Whatever MMO release is currently ticking you off is the worst launch of all time. It would be folly of me to try to convince you otherwise. You've been roundly slapped in the face and you don't want me to convince you that the pain was in vain. I understand.

Getting past that, however, would it be possible to examine the subsequent 10 worst launches in the MMO industry? If your trauma isn't too great, that is. It would be? Terrific!

What constitutes a horrible game launch is varied, although each and every one of the following games made an unfortunate blunder that caused the title to stumble instead of sprint out of the gate. It's not the end of the story, of course, but it does make for a good tale to tell to youngsters camping in the open woods or a particularly seedy LAN center.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst MMO launches of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 31 May 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaionall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedallodsallods-onlineanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedapbapb-reloadedapbrascensionastrum-nivalbattleground-onlineblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassic-mmoconanconsoleconsolescrimef2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomg1gala-netgalaxiesgamersfirstgpotatohumorhyboriancsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenpvproundupsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgotelonthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtruly-freeunchainedvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftworld-war-ii-onlinewowThu, 31 May 2012 17:00:00 EST