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[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Views from a beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/17/one-shots-views-from-a-beta/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Views from a beta
It's hard not to turn into a total tourist when you're checking out a new beta. Out comes the fanny pack, the giddy delight of a new world, and most importantly, the camera.

Reader Michelle kicks off this week's One Shots column with a screenshot of the first Neverwinter beta weekend. It's a shot of her character Nora overlooking the edge of aptly named Neverdeath Graveyard. We're guessing that the caretaker down there has his hands full.

Would you go into such a place if you saw it in real life? I guess that's why we have our avatars to be bold where we would flee! Let's take a look at a few other places where angels fear to tread.

Continue reading One Shots: Views from a beta

MassivelyOne Shots: Views from a beta originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoanarchy-onlineaobring-back-one-shotsclassic-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfirefallfpsfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgallerymmo-shooterneverwinterone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpvppwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterthird-person-shooteruser-submissionswarwishSun, 17 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Dancing with my homies]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/10/one-shots-dancing-with-my-homies/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Dancing with my homies
First of all, thank you guys so much for responding to our One Shots rallying cry and absolutely flooding us with screenshots! My cup overfloweth, and that's a delightful change of pace for this column. Even though we're quite literally set for months now, please keep sending in your favorite old or new screencaps!

To kick us off this week is Jerry, who's showing off how Anarchy Online can party down with the best of them: "This is Yardsale, a level 220 Trader, dancing with his trader pets in Borealis."

At first glance, I almost thought we were in the Matrix. But even with polygons so sharp that you can cut yourself on them, this title definitely has a style all its own. Hit the jump to see this and other wonders of the screenshotted world.

Continue reading One Shots: Dancing with my homies

MassivelyOne Shots: Dancing with my homies originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfreedomfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactivefuncomgalleriesgallerygameforgegameforge-berlinhorrormythologyncsoftone-shotsparagonparagon-studiospics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsromrunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroestaboreathe-secret-worldtswuser-submissionsSun, 10 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/funcoms-joel-bylos-on-the-centralized-tsw-aoc-and-ao-team/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Bylos expounds on the centralized team for AO, AoC, and TSW
By now, most MMO gamers are pretty familiar with the fact that Funcom underwent restructuring. But what does that mean; what exactly did it entail? The term "restructuring" in itself signifies changes but does nothing to actually enlighten folks on what the changes are. Other than the fact that Joel Bylos was named creative director for all three of Funcom's titles -- Age of Conan, Anarchy Online, and The Secret World -- and that the team will be in one centralized in location, we know little of the details.

How many developers survived the restructuring and relocated to remain on the team? Is this move foreshadowing one or more games slipping into maintenance mode? How will the coveted dev attention be divvied up? What does the future hold? Devoid of facts, players are left left wondering about how these changes will impact their favorite games.

While chatting with Joel Bylos in an exclusive interview, I was able to ask some of these very questions.

Continue reading Funcom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team

MassivelyFuncom's Joel Bylos on the centralized TSW, AoC, and AO team originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playcentralized-temaclassic-mmoconanf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriainterviewinterviewsJoel-Bylosmassively-exclusiveMassively-exclusive-interviewmassively-exclusive-interviewsmythologyrestructuringsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 07 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom's Bylos named creative director on AoC, AO, and TSW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/26/bylos-named-funcom-creative-director-overseeing-tsw-aoc-and-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Bylos named Funcom creative director, overseeing TSW, AoC, and AO
Funcom has announced that The Secret World creative director Joel Bylos is now the creator director for all three of the firm's MMORPGs. This includes TSW, Age of Conan, and Anarchy Online. Bylos has penned letters from the game director for TSW and AoC, while AO's Dave "Ilaliya" Williams passes the torch via a forum post.

Bylos' TSW letter talks additional content plans up to and including Issue #12 (the live game currently sits on Issue #5, with #6 scheduled for early March). Bylos has a special place in his heart for AoC stemming from his time as the lead designer on the Rise of the Godslayer expansion, and his initial game director letter reflects on both coming home and the opportunities for expanding Hyboria. He also talks a bit about the pros and cons of having a single production team working on three live titles.

Finally, outgoing AoC producer Craig "Silirrion" Morrison recaps his four years at the helm and hints at a "new opportunity within the MMO world."

[Thanks to David for the tip.]

MassivelyFuncom's Bylos named creative director on AoC, AO, and TSW originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playbylos-new-creative-directorclassic-mmoconancraig-morrisonf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriajoel-bylosmythologysci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldsilirrionskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedTue, 26 Feb 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online set to finally merge servers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/anarchy-online-set-to-finally-merge-servers/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE.
How do you get together after 12 years of separation? That's a question the Anarchy Online community is going to have to answer tomorrow as the game undergoes a server merge, bringing together two communities that have been apart for more than a decade. PvP will be chaotic, the state of community relations will be chaotic, cats and dogs will be living next to one another... you get the idea, general mass hysteria.

Both servers will be brought offline at 5:00 a.m. EST on February 26th. The maintenance required to merge the two servers is expected to run for 24 hours, with the usual caveat that it may run longer depending on any issues encountered during the process. Afterwards, players will be able to log in to the new combined server and start welcoming their new neighbors... or start shooting them in their faces for property rights. As we said, general mass hysteria.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online set to finally merge servers originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmocommunity-mergedowntimef2pfree-to-playfuncomnewssci-fiserver-downtimeserver-mergeserversMon, 25 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/funcom-game-directors-talk-relocation-effects-on-tsw-aoc-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Funcom logo
Funcom has published game director letters for all three of its MMOs this morning, and one of the topics on everyone's mind is of course the studio's reorganization. As it turns out, the dev teams for The Secret World, Age of Conan, and Anarchy Online will all be operating out of the company's Raleigh, North Carolina facility which was previously the sole domain of the Funcom customer service team.

TSW's Joel Bylos notes that the move will cause some "development turbulence," and that the game's DLC and update schedule will slow down temporarily as a result. He has more details on both the game's Issue #6 update and veteran rewards in his letter. AoC's Craig Morrison says that the fantasy title isn't going anywhere, although he also acknowledges some staff turnover due to the relocation. He also notes that having the game's dev team and community team in the same building will be a huge benefit. Finally, Anarchy Online's update echoes the first two, but game director Dave "Ilaliya" Williams writes that the engine upgrade, server migration, and new player experience are all still on the table.

[Update]: Funcom has also published an update on the restructuring process on its main website.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyFuncom game directors talk relocation, effects on TSW, AoC, and AO development [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playclassic-mmoconancraig-morrisondave-williamsf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyboriailaliyajoel-bylosmythologysci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldsilirrionskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswunchainedFri, 25 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/22/jukebox-heroes-eleven-mmo-soundtracks-you-can-get-for-free/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free
Collecting MMO soundtracks is a scattered, scavenger-like experience. Releasing video game soundtracks isn't exactly high up on studio and publisher to-do lists (although we're seeing more love from digital stores), so whether or not a title will get a music release is really a crapshoot. What does get released is never in the same place twice: Some game soundtracks are released as special editions only, some only as CDs, some as full MP3 album releases, some directly from the composer, some are buried on websites, and so on.

So I'm constantly looking everywhere trying to beef up my MMO soundtrack library, and as a result I've uncovered several scores that the studios are giving away for free. I'm all over free (legal) music, especially when it's in my area of interest!

If you've been looking to start an MMO soundtrack collection or are looking to add to what you have, I've put together a list of 11 MMO scores that you can get today free of charge. Sound good? It does to me!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Eleven MMO soundtracks you can get for free originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarebrowserbrowser-basedccpccp-gamesclassic-mmocomposercomposersddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedfpsfree-musicfree-to-playfuncomgagame-musicgiveawayglitchglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studiosinternet-spaceshipsjagexjagex-games-studiojukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilinuxlucasartsmacmmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmmofpsmusicnexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpcplaneshiftrsrunescaperyzomsandboxsci-fantasysci-fishootersoundtracksoundtracksspreadsheets-onlinespy-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortactical-mmothe-old-republicthird-person-shootertortpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-odysseyultima-xultima-x-odysseywinch-gatewinch-gate-property-limitedwinch-gate-property-lldwinchgateTue, 22 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Funcom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/17/funcom-restructures-montreal-branch-keeps-games-operational/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumor Funcom closes Montreal branch
Funcom is taking hedge trimmers to its Montreal offices today. Senior Game Designer Tanya Short posted the following this afternoon on her Twitter account: "When your branch shuts down, I guess it's less like being fired and more like honorable discharge. Thanks for going down with the ship! Bye!"

Massively contacted Funcom for an official statement. Director of Communications Erling Ellingsen confirmed layoffs but assured us that Funcom's games will continue on: "We are currently in a restructuring process and the Montreal office is part of that process along with our other branches. This process unfortunately involves a reduction in staff, but the studio is not closing down. It will continue on, but in a different form and function than today. Anarchy Online, as well as The Secret World and Age of Conan, will definitely continue to operate and be an important part of the company's focus going forward." He said that the studio would provide more details when it had finished with the process.

Funcom previously stated that it was restructuring the company to make it more profitable. The Montreal office was established in 2009 and employed 110 people.

MassivelyFuncom restructures Montreal branch, keeps games operational originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedanarchy-onlineaoaocaoc-unchainedbuy-to-playclassic-mmoconanerling-ellingsenf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomhorrorhyborialayoffsmythologyrestructuringsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlesstanya-shortthe-secret-worldtswunchainedThu, 17 Jan 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/12/the-game-archaeologist-how-to-return-to-older-games/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Overcoming obstacles in returning to older games
Let's face it: It's just not that easy to either try out or return to an older MMO. It defies logic because you would think that these games would explicitly crave people to come play them, but it's almost like there's a chest-high wall topped with itchy fiberglass shreds warning people away. It's not impossible to surmount, of course, just inconvenient and a little daunting. And so we log back into World of Warcraft or (thrashes around for a random title) Champions Online instead.

However, this column doesn't care about them fancy games with their exclamation marks and free-to-plays, no sirree. We're all about the love for classic MMOs, and it would behoove us to consider supporting that which we love.

It's that time of year when I feel the call to return to one of my first MMO loves, Anarchy Online. After tangling with the account page, looking for a subscription variant that apparently no longer exists, and mentally adjusting to the extremely dated graphics, I started to wonder if it was even worth it. But a little perseverance paid off, and I wanted to share a few lessons learned about overcoming obstacles when it comes to diving back into the past.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: How to return to older games originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetasherons-callchampions-onlineclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscustomer-supportf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-archaelogistgraphicsguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesubscriptionthe-game-archaeologistturbineturbine-entertainmentuiuser-interfaceworld-of-warcraftSat, 12 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callasherons-call-2blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxeaelectronic-artseqeq-maceq1eqmaceqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomfuncomgame-archaelogistlord-britishmeridian-59mythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsci-fiSeekers-of-Adoulinshadowbanesoasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-game-archaeologistturbineultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/jukebox-heroes-anarchy-onlines-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Anarchy Online's soundtrack
In all of the MMOs I've played, Anarchy Online's music has stuck out at me like nothing else I've ever heard. I'm not saying that it's the best MMO score in the world or anything, but there's a really unique quality to its synth ambiance that hard-triggers my memories of the game.

The score was handled by a trio of composers: Morten Sørlie, Tor Linløkken, and Bjørn Arve Lagim. The team attempted to create an infinite score that used overlapping music samples which reacted to what was going on around you. The process is kind of fascinating, and you can read more about it on Gamasutra. However, the end result of traditional tracks are what we're going to be listening to today.

A large chunk of the Anarchy Online soundtrack is actually free to download. The first volume used to be available but has since been pulled. The second volume and the Shadowlands soundtrack are still up on Funcom's FTP server for those interested in listening to it. That said, let's dive into my favorite songs from all three!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Anarchy Online's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmocomposercomposersf2pfeaturedfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicopinionsci-fisoundtracksoundtracksTue, 18 Dec 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online moves forward with graphics overhaul and server migration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/03/anarchy-online-moves-forward-with-graphics-overhaul-and-server-m/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online moving forward with graphics overhaul and server migration
Executive Producer David Williams is completely pumped about the new graphics engine coming to to Anarchy Online, and in his most recent developer update, he gushes about it while explaining why it's not quite ready for prime time. There are a set of new pictures to help with the wait, however.

One of the more interesting features of the new game engine is that it gives the developers the ability to both import old art assets and create brand-new ones for the game. "Since AO is huge, for most assets we don't have time to remake them," Williams explains. "The new player experience, for example, has all new assets. Most things won't."

He also mentions that the team is finalizing some issues regarding the upcoming server merge and that this winter's holiday content will go live in the game next week.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online moves forward with graphics overhaul and server migration originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaochristmas-2012classic-mmodave-williamsdavid-williamsenginef2pfree-to-playfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-engine-updateholiday-contentillyriamonthly-development-updateproducers-lettersci-fiscreenshotsserver-mergeMon, 03 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do MMO crossovers break your immersions?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/16/the-daily-grind-do-mmo-crossovers-break-your-immersions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Do MMO crossovers break your immersions?
When I was a kid, I read a post-Vietnam fantasy novel called Doomfarers of Coramonde that should have ruined crossover fiction for me forever. I just couldn't take seriously an Army hero whisked away by magic and plunked into a world of dragons and castles and sorceresses.

MMO crossovers can likewise break my immersions. I'm not talking about sequels, and I'm not even talking about the unholy marriage of EVE Online and DUST 514. I'm talking about Funcom putting leet pets from Anarchy Online into The Secret World's cash shop, which is a thing that did in fact happen yesterday. It joins the Ultima Online ankh necklace my character wore in Warhammer Online on the list of bizarre cross-MMO promotions that really don't make a whole lot of sense in-character. Why in the world would my character in TSW have an adorable leet pet from the the planet of Rubi-Ka? What's next -- cupid wings on Ewoks? Oh. Right.

So what do you think, morning crew and minipet-hoarders? Does this sort of promotion satisfy some deep craving, or does it just break your immersions?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Do MMO crossovers break your immersions? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Anarchy-Onlineankhaobreaking-my-immersionsbrian-daleybrianna-royce-tdgcross-promotioncrossoverdaily-grinddoomfarers-of-coramondefuncomimmersionimmersionsleetminipetmmo-crossoveropiniontdgthe-daily-grindthe-secret-worldtswFri, 16 Nov 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/06/anarchy-online-dev-update-talks-new-engine-server-migrations-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more
There's a new monthly development update for Anarchy Online on the game's official forums. It's a fairly lengthy read, but then again there's a lot going on with Funcom's long-running sci-fi MMO.

First of all, the devs are extending Halloween festivities through November 12th due to Hurricane Sandy. The team is also finalizing its scripts for the upcoming server migration, and work continues on the much-anticipated Dreamworld engine upgrade. New character models, animations, textures, and mesh armors are all on the table, and Funcom says it's "in the home stretch" on the project as a whole.

Finally, this month's letter touches on AO's Steam presence as well as Funcom's plans for upgrading the new player experience. Read all about it on the game's official forums.

MassivelyAnarchy Online dev update talks new engine, server migrations, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineanarchy-online-updateaoclassic-mmodreamworlddreamworld-enginef2pfree-to-playfuncommergessci-fiserver-mergesTue, 06 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online prepares for Steam debut]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/01/anarchy-online-prepares-for-steam-debut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Anarchy Online prepares for Steam debut
You can't teach an old dog new tricks? Don't tell that to Anarchy Online because the classic MMO is preparing to carve a place for itself on Valve's digital distribution platform. AO Producer Dave Williams writes that the title should make its way to Steam very soon. In addition, he posted a chart of all of the new subscription options and bonuses that are now available.

Williams touches on a number of important developments in the most recent producer's letter, in particular some staff reshuffling and word about the server migration.

Of course, what everyone wants to hear about is the graphics engine upgrade. Williams confirms that it and the new player experience are still on course for an early 2013 public beta, and he was able to show one of the new features that the engine will allow: armor meshes. These meshes will allow the Funcom team to create additional 3-D objects to stick onto armor, giving players a more unique (and updated) look.

MassivelyAnarchy Online prepares for Steam debut originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoclassic-mmodave-williamsdream-enginef2pfree-to-playfuncomgraphics-enginegraphics-updatenew-player-experienceproducers-lettersci-fisteamsubscription-optionsvalveMon, 01 Oct 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online offers subscription bonuses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/anarchy-online-offers-subscription-bonuses/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Anarchy Online offers subscription bonuses
Anarchy Online wants your business,- and it's prepared to undertake a fair bit of bribery to make that happen. Funcom is offering a pair of promotions for new and existing players who choose to subscribe any time between now and November 12th.

For new players, AO will dish out more bonus items the longer you stay subscribed. These bonuses include Funcom points, a luxury apartment, fancy armor, and even all of the Anarchy Online expansions.

Existing players who sign on for a 12-month subscription will get over $100 of bonuses including Funcom points, all expansions, armor, and consumables.

MassivelyAnarchy Online offers subscription bonuses originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoapartmentclassic-mmoexpansionsf2pfree-to-playfuncomfuncom-pointsluxury-apartmentpromopromotionssalesci-fisubscriptionsubscription-promotionMon, 24 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy Online's director leaves the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/18/anarchy-onlines-director-leaves-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

This is never good news.
Parting is such sweet sorrow, and fans of Anarchy Online are receiving a full dose of that sorrow. Fia Tjernberg, the game's current director, has announced in a forum post that she is leaving her post as director due to the deteriorating health of a family member and the numerous Funcom layoffs. As she puts it, her departure ensures that the existing staff will have less pressure to reduce its numbers, which she feels is better for the health of the game in the long run.

Tjernberg stresses that the team behind Anarchy Online has completed or nearly completed a number of wonderful projects that improve the overall game experience, including the graphical revamp, which is slated to be released in the near future. At this time there has been no announcement of who will be the game's next director. This comes in the wake of Tjernberg's previous statements regarding the layoffs and Anarchy Online and last week's announcement that senior content designer Brad McAtee is departing the game.

[Thanks to David for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy Online's director leaves the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaobrad-mcateeclassic-mmodesigndevelopmentdevelopment-teamf2pfia-tjernbergfree-to-playfuncomfuncom-layoffsgame-directorlayoffsmmo-industryproductionsci-fistaff-reductionTue, 18 Sep 2012 18:00:00 EST