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[Free for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/31/free-for-all-casual-is-as-hardcore-does-and-the-daily-gaming-li/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Nest screenshot
It's always a lot of fun to compare casual players to hardcore players. We've all seen many articles and had our own discussions on the topic and it never seems to stop being entertaining. After all, how much or how intensely a player plays an MMO can help predict how that player might react to market changes or to new titles, so we can easily see how developers will always be interested in the information even when we tire of it.

For me, personally, I would rather skip the whole discussion and just talk about how I play casually. I can list hours played and titles accessed, but I think it would be a better idea to sketch out a rough but typical day or week in my household to illustrate just how someone who considers himself casual is actually quite committed. Does that mean I am hardcore in certain cases? I don't care anymore, frankly. What I care about is seeing if how I play is completely alien or if there are other players out there who love to do what I do.

Let's call it a cry for help... or at least information.

Continue reading Free for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list

MassivelyFree for All: Casual is as hardcore does and the daily gaming list originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointdc-universe-onlinedcuodie2nitef2pfeaturedffafleckforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumglitchgrepolisillyriadillyriad-gamesinnogamesjagexlagooniaopinionparallel-kingdomperblueremanumrise-and-shinyrunescapeself-aware-gamessuper-herosuperheroestiny-speckvelvet-ropeWed, 31 Oct 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/11/the-soapbox-theres-no-such-thing-as-pay-to-win/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online screenshot
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I hate it when MMORPG players completely misrepresent this hobby. I cringe every time I find myself in the middle of a discussion about "MMOs" when most of the people chatting are pulling only from their experience as a World of Warcraft raider and nothing more. There are hundreds -- actually, thousands -- of MMOs in existence. Discussing MMOs without knowing about as many as possible is really talking about specific titles, not a genre. You wouldn't catch a group of "foodies" basing all of their passions on a few items from a handful of menus. The same should apply to MMO discussions if we ever want the genre to be taken more seriously by outsiders.

MMO players love to pigeonhole titles. What are some of the worst descriptions? "Hardcore" is one. What does that even mean? Does it mean a title is hard to play? In what way is it hard? Does it mean that it takes time to play? How much time equals hardcore? "Facebook game" is another term that drives me crazy, and it's often used by many MMO fans to dismiss all sorts of titles. While I know that the term generally refers to FarmVille-style gaming, using the term literally reflects how little the person knows about the variety of games that actually appear on or are connected to Facebook.

The term that drives me the craziest of all is pay-to-win.

Continue reading The Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win

MassivelyThe Soapbox: There's no such thing as pay-to-win originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allods-onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointblizzardcash-shopCollectible-Card-Gameeditorialfeaturedgpotatolord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromagic-the-gatheringop-edopinionpay-to-winrantrantssoapboxthe-soapboxturbinewizard101World-of-WarcraftTue, 11 Sep 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: MMO streaming services have a long way to go]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/mmobility-mmo-streaming-services-have-a-long-way-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/mmobility-mmo-streaming-services-have-a-long-way-to-go/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/mmobility-mmo-streaming-services-have-a-long-way-to-go/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Splashtop screenshot
I've been a huge fan of streaming technology for a while mainly because it gives players an opportunity to access more powerful and flexible devices from the convenient location of their hand-held tablets or phones. The tech has come a long way even since I started reporting on it, and it continues to impress me. What's the point, you might ask? Why not just sit down at a desktop to play MMOs like everyone else? Well, the truth is that moving around is sometimes more relaxing and can definitely be better for your health.

Being able to get up, walk around, check in on a game from different locations, and just be mobile isn't just a neat gimmick. Some MMOs also work much better with a touchscreen device, especially MMORTS titles and games that require only a button press to perform an action. There are options for those who need a fully functioning joystick or control scheme, but they are not yet available to everyone. Let's go over the options we do have. Be sure to try out one or two on your tablet... you just might find that playing on a smaller screen is really fun.

Continue reading MMObility: MMO streaming services have a long way to go

MassivelyMMObility: MMO streaming services have a long way to go originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedmmo-streamingmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoOnLiveopinionphonesmartphonesplashtopSplashtop-remote-desktopstreamed-mmostreamingstreaming-desktopstreaming-servicetechnologyFri, 10 Aug 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online inches toward 10M players, hands out swag for anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/battlestar-galactica-online-inches-toward-10m-players-hands-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/battlestar-galactica-online-inches-toward-10m-players-hands-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/30/battlestar-galactica-online-inches-toward-10m-players-hands-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

BSGO
Battlestar Galactica Online has quietly but surely expanded its reach across the cosmos, netting nearly 10 million registered players as the title hits its first anniversary. To celebrate the dual achievement, Bigpoint is dishing out goodies to all of its players over the next week.

From today through May 6th, Bigpoint is handing out in-game gifts and bonuses to players. Players need to log in each day to grab these prizes, however. In addition to distributing freebies, BSGO is increasing the daily merit cap and offering special deals for its item shop.

Bigpoint CEO Heiko Hubertz sees Battlestar Galactica Online's first year as both a success and the beginning of a great run: "We are thrilled with the tremendous growth of BSGO and how the game has performed over the past year. We're excited to move forward with this momentum, celebrate our achievements, and reward all of our players in the community who helped us get to this point."

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online inches toward 10M players, hands out swag for anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10-million10-million-playersanniversarybattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbonusesbrowserbrowser-basedbsgof2pfree-bonusesfree-goodsfree-swagfree-to-playHeiko-Hubertzsci-fiten-million-playersMon, 30 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint teases Battlestar Galactica Online carrier ships]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/bigpoint-teases-battlestar-galactica-online-carrier-ships/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online - carrier-class ship
Bigpoint has let us know that it's about to kick off what it calls "space trials" for some new carrier-class ships in Battlestar Galactica Online. The craft will be visible on the Kobol beta server today in both Colonial and Cylon variants.

Carriers function as support and supply vessels and can also serve as mobile outposts with repair and recharge capabilities.

What's that? You say you want to pilot one of these shiny new vessels? Well, this is Bigpoint, so you'll need to enter a lottery via the community forum for your chance to jump in the cockpit of BSGO's latest and greatest. If you're not up for that, the ships will be available to all players on all servers after the completion of the trial period at the end of this month. You'll need to be level 40 (and in possession of nearly 500,000 in-game cubits) to get one for yourself.

MassivelyBigpoint teases Battlestar Galactica Online carrier ships originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowsercarrier-shipscarrierscasualf2pfree-to-playlotterysci-fiFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint surpasses 250 million registered users]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/bigpoint-surpasses-250-million-registered-users/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bigpoint logo
The folks at Bigpoint must be feeling quite nice about themselves about now, as a new press release from the company has announced that the studio's games now have a total of 250 million registered users worldwide. Heiko Hubertz, CEO and founder of the browser-focused MMORPG developer, is quite pleased with the development, claiming that "since 2002, [Bigpoint has] strived to bring high-quality games and experiences to the widest possible audience... and we're not done."

The press release goes on to make the bold claims that "Bigpoint introduced the concept of F2P games" and that "over the past decade, Bigpoint has radically improved the quality of... online games." The statement conclues that "the company is planning a series of new launches in 2012, including new titles that leverage world-class Hollywood intellectual property." We already know that Bigpoint is the studio behind the upcoming MMOs based on A Game of Thrones and The Mummy, but what else does the studio have up its sleeve? We'll just have to wait to find out.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBigpoint surpasses 250 million registered users originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>250-million-registered-usersa-game-of-thronesbattle-star-galactica-onlinebigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-mmosbrowsersbsgof2pfree-to-playheiko-hubertzindustryregistered-usersthe-mummy-onlineTue, 31 Jan 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint and gPotato join forces, host contest to celebrate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/bigpoint-and-gpotato-join-forces-host-contest-to-celebrate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/bigpoint-and-gpotato-join-forces-host-contest-to-celebrate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/bigpoint-and-gpotato-join-forces-host-contest-to-celebrate/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

gPotato logo
Two of the big players in the F2P MMO industry, publisher gPotato and Battlestar Galactica Online developer Bigpoint, have teamed up with one another in order to bring Bigpoint's browser-based titles to gPotato's ever-expanding library of titles. Bigpoint titles such as BSGO and more will be available at gPotato's game portal site, and in order to celebrate the arrival of the new games, gPotato is giving away $900 US in prizes. Ten Facebook fans will receive $50 in gPotato currency just for telling the folks at gPotato which new browser titles are their favorites. Five others will win a SUMO beanbag chair or a Razer mouse.

For the full details, check out the link below and head on over to gPotato's official site to try the new game selections for yourself.

[Source: gPotato press release]

MassivelyBigpoint and gPotato join forces, host contest to celebrate originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bigpointbigpoint-gamesbrowserbrowser-based-gamebrowser-based-gamescontestcontestsf2pfree-to-playgpotatopartnershipTue, 24 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
If mankind's exploration into outer space has taught us anything at this point, it's that sooner or later we're going to need to strap big guns on our bubbles of life support and blast each other out of the cosmos. It's already a prevailing theme among MMOs, with titles like EVE Online, Star Trek Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Black Prophecy, and Battlestar Galactica Online allowing us to jump forward a few hundred years of technological growth so we can have some space shootin' fun.

As of late there seems to be two camps developing regarding MMO space shooters. With the advent of SWTOR, some are warming up to the cinematic on-the-rails style of its space combat game. Tunnel shooters allow for a more scripted -- and potentially more exciting -- experience, and this type of combat has a long history in single-player games dating back to Starfox and before.

Of course, the other camp just loathes rail shooters, much preferring the ability to fly anywhere one wants and engage in combat on one's own terms. The freedom of this style of space combat appeals to the inner individualist who doesn't want to conform to what everyone else is doing.

In which camp have you struck your tent? Are you for free-form space combat or on-the-rails shooters? Let your vote be heard after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter

MassivelyLeaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlineblack-prophecydo-a-barrel-rolleveeve-onlinefeaturedfree-form-flightfree-form-space-combatleaderboardon-the-railson-the-rails-shooterpollpollsrail-shooterspace-combatstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxesstar-wars-the-old-republicstarfoxstoswgswtortunnel-shootervotevotersvotesMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/03/the-soapbox-bigpoints-cash-shop-policies-and-why-they-are-ok/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Bigpoint sign
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I have been tasked with explaining to Massively readers why I am OK with Bigpoint's very public policy on selling "advantages." I imagine that this will not be an easy task. After all, we gamers aren't much different than the rest of humanity in the way we tend to care about things that have little or no effect on us. We all have an opinion on "selling power," but I think it's high time that someone attempts to explain why it really isn't always power that Bigpoint is selling -- and why it would be fair even if it were.

I will attempt to stick to the specific topic of Bigpoint's policies, but much of what I say will probably apply to any game developer that sells practically anything for real world money. Yes, I am talking about those wonderful collector's editions and favorite cash-shop mounts. They all fall under the same category that Bigpoint's ships or special drones do.

Click past the cut and I'll explain why.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Bigpoint's cash-shop policies and why they are OK originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointbrowserbrowser-basedcash-shopdark-orbitf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftpsoapboxthe-soapboxunityzeus-droneTue, 03 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Win a life-size Cylon statue from Bigpoint and Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/win-a-life-size-cylon-statue-from-bigpoint-and-battlestar-galact/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/win-a-life-size-cylon-statue-from-bigpoint-and-battlestar-galact/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/12/08/win-a-life-size-cylon-statue-from-bigpoint-and-battlestar-galact/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online - life-sized Cylon statueBigpoint's in the news again this week, and for once the company is steering clear of microtransaction controversies. It seems as if there's a giveaway afoot, and Battlestar Galactica Online fans will be pleased to note that they have a chance to win a life-size Cylon statue (settle down guys, it's a Centurion, not a Number Six).

The browser-based sci-fi MMO also features 15 new paint jobs for Cylon and Colonial ships, each of which may be purchased with real money or in-game credits.

Bigpoint says more color schemes are on the way, and oh yeah, if you want a chance at the statue, you'll need to log in at least five times during the month of December. Head to the official BSGO forums for the official contest rules.

MassivelyWin a life-size Cylon statue from Bigpoint and Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 08 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbsgbsgoby-your-commandcylon-statuecylonsf2pfree-to-playgiveawayslife-size-cylon-statuepaint-jobspromotionssci-fishipsThu, 08 Dec 2011 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online adding new ships this month, surpasses 5M registered players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlestar-galactica-online-adding-new-ships-this-month-surpass/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlestar-galactica-online-adding-new-ships-this-month-surpass/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/07/battlestar-galactica-online-adding-new-ships-this-month-surpass/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica - the fleet
Bigpoint just can't seem to stay out of the news today, and whether its the incendiary pay-to-win remarks of an executive or an update to its Battlestar Galactica browser MMO, there's a lot of interesting buzz swirling around the company of late.

The devs are adding a new line of fleet recon ships to Battlestar Galactica Online, and the craft will enable both Colonial and Cylon players to jump directly to their targets while "in proximity of an erupting battle." The ships will debut in mid-September and are modeled on the Raptor and Heavy Raider craft from the beloved Syfy television series. Bigpoint's latest press release also mentions that the Brimir-class carrier will be "available this fall, though its size, complexity, and impact on game balance must be optimized before its general release."

Finally, the company is trumpeting some new metrics, and the release says that BSGO has surpassed the five million registered player mark.

[Source: Bigpoint press release]

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online adding new ships this month, surpasses 5M registered players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>5-milliion-registered-playersall-this-has-happened-before-and-it-will-happen-againbattlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrimirBrimir-class-carrierbsgbsgocolonialcyloncylon-raiderf2pfilmheavy metalHeavyMetalmetricsnew-shipsplayer-metricspress-releasesci-fiWed, 07 Sep 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/27/free-for-all-so-what-else-can-you-get-for-150-dollars/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Recently, fans of the upcoming MMO Star Wars: The Old Republic had the pleasure of plopping down 150 clams to pre-order a special collectors edition of their favorite game they have never played. I've seen this before, and have even pre-ordered a few in my day (I'm looking at you, giant Warhammer Online box.) Pre-orders are the oldest form of virtual goods...they were cash-shops before cash-shops appeared in every game. The funnest part is seeing hardcore cash-shop haters gladly paying huge sums of money for a robot pet or a cool looking cape. Somehow, they see it as a different thing altogether than buying a shiny mount or pink dress from in-game.

Still, I understand the impulse. I get it every time I am in the check-out lane and the new flavors of gum have been released. Even worse is when one of my favorite games releases new items in their cash shop. New mounts, housing goods, heck even new weapons or stat-increasing potions...they make me drool.

So, I decided to take a 150 dollar budget and see what I could get for it. Click past the cut and let's look at the list!

Continue reading Free for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars?

MassivelyFree for All: So what else can you get for 150 dollars? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanbsg-onlinecash-shopcylonEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-realmsfree-to-playftpillyriadkingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogiNexonwizard-101wurm-onlineWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online unveils new Brimir Class Carrier]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/battlestar-galactica-online-unveils-new-brimir-class-carrier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/battlestar-galactica-online-unveils-new-brimir-class-carrier/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/25/battlestar-galactica-online-unveils-new-brimir-class-carrier/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bigpoint Games has announced that Battlestar Galactica Online will be welcoming a new addition to its fleet of ships this fall. The new arrival comes in the form of the Brimir Class Carrier, a rather hefty tier 4 ship. The ship is a relic of earlier Colonial designs, most of which were eventually replaced by Battlestars.

The Carrier, however, brings its own unique surprises to the table. Its heavy armor allows the Brimir Class Carrier to survive enemy onslaughts while it deploys squadrons of strike craft to overwhelm opposing ships. Whether these strike craft will be controlled by AI or players is to be determined, but players will be able to send their strike craft after specific targets. The novel fleet support vessel will be available for purchase with cubits (in-game currency that can be earned via gameplay or bought with cash) coming this fall.

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online unveils new Brimir Class Carrier originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbigpoint-gamesBrimir-class-carrierbsgbsgof2pfree-to-playnew-shipnew-shipsshipsMon, 25 Jul 2011 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online sheds "beta" tag]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlestar-galactica-online-sheds-beta-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlestar-galactica-online-sheds-beta-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/07/06/battlestar-galactica-online-sheds-beta-tag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bigpoint announced today that its game Battlestar Galactica Online has dropped its "beta" tag and is now wearing the big-boy pants of a fully launched game. Since its open beta release less than five months ago, the game has garnered over three million registered users, so it's probably safe to say the game is indeed ready to move out of beta.

What does this mean for the future of the game? Well, it's simple really: It means that the BSGO team is shifting its focus away from optimization and patches and will instead be zeroing in on adding new content and features to the game. For more information about Battlestar Galactica Online, or to sign up to give the game a go for yourself, head on over to the official site.

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online sheds "beta" tag originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebetabigpointbsgbsgof2pfree-to-playlaunchopen-betaWed, 06 Jul 2011 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Battlestar Galactica Online launches private 1v1 battles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/battlestar-galactica-online-launches-private-1v1-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/battlestar-galactica-online-launches-private-1v1-battles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/29/battlestar-galactica-online-launches-private-1v1-battles/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bigpoint broke all the conventional rules when creating Battlestar Galactica Online as a browser-based MMO. Now, the developers are continuing to improve on this unique title by giving players the ability to challenge other players in PvP matches. These instanced matches can be 1v1 duels or ranked dogfights with members of the same or opposite faction, adding a little bit more excitement in the search for Earth.

If you're into PvP for the pure sport of it, you can duel any consenting player of any faction, rating, ship size, or class in a private 1v1 match. However, if your into the rewards or you want to prove that you are indeed the best, join in the ranked matches. The game's matchmaking system pairs up players of similar arena rating, ship size, and class in their own private portion of space for a battle to the death. The top 100 on the Top Gun Leaderboard will be recognized with a special icon above the pilot and ship name.

And when you're playing BSGO with the three million other registered players, check out the two new star systems in the Veil Sector: Nilfhel and Muspell. These two areas contain high-level NPCs for you and your allies to conquer.

For more information, visit the official website, or better yet, just play the game. It's free!

MassivelyBattlestar Galactica Online launches private 1v1 battles originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1v1Battlestar-Galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointBSGOinstanced-pvpMuspellNilfhelone-on-onepvpranked-duelsranked-matchesTop-GunVeil-SectorWed, 29 Jun 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint and Mail.Ru partnering for global distribution deal]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/14/bigpoint-and-mail-ru-partnering-for-global-distribution-deal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bigpoint and Mail.Ru Group have just announced a corporate partnership that aims to bring titles from each publisher to new prospective markets. Bigpoint, a browser MMO specialist most famous for its free-to-play Battlestar Galactica title, will bring its games to Mail.Ru's Russian-speaking audience via the latter's existing portal delivery service.

Similarly, Bigpoint users will find Mail.Ru titles like GodsWar Online accessible via the Bigpoint website. Bigpoint games will also be making their way to Mail.Ru's Odnoklassniki and My World social networking services.

"As successful browser-game providers, Bigpoint.com and Mail.Ru are a match made in heaven. We're happy to expand both our game portfolio and our international network of partners at the same time," said Bigpoint CEO Nils Holger Henning in a recent press release.

MassivelyBigpoint and Mail.Ru partnering for global distribution deal originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-gamesf2pfantasyfree-to-playgodswar-onlinemail.ruOdnoklassnikiodnoklassniki-rupartnershippress--releasepress-releasesci-fisocial-networkingTue, 14 Jun 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: Casey says frak edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/02/the-mmo-report-casey-says-frak-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

This week's MMO Report is all about Casey's ego. Not one shred of MMO news bullied its way onto the show this week, unless you count a story about Battlestar Galactica Online reaching two million subscribers as news. OK, maybe you can count Age of Conan going free-to-play, or maybe the newest Minecraft update is technically news. Perhaps Perfect World Entertainment buying Cryptic Studios would be considered news, too. But let's not forget: The MMO Report is really about Uncle Casey's Mail Bag. So that is exactly what will fill the rest of this post.

The Mail Bag this week is all about love, love, and memes. Fans share their love for each other, love for Casey, and love for Morgan Webb. Yes, she's been gone for two weeks, but apparently Casey's manly smell has not ousted the memory of the time Morgan hosted the MMO Report. One fan has not forgotten; he was so inspired that he created a meme about it just to show how much he cared.

Jump past the break if you are interested in catching a glimpse of Casey Schreiner's ego. We have the full video ready to go. Maybe you will catch the news that we missed while staring at Casey's incredible beard.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Casey says frak edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Casey says frak edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaocbattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointbsg-onlinebsgocasey-schreinercryptic-studiosfuncomg4g4tvminecraftmmo-reportmorgan-webbperfect-world-entertainmentthe-mmo-reportuncle-caseys-mailbagThu, 02 Jun 2011 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Bigpoint announces two million player mark for Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/bigpoint-announces-two-million-player-mark-for-battlestar-galact/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/bigpoint-announces-two-million-player-mark-for-battlestar-galact/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/bigpoint-announces-two-million-player-mark-for-battlestar-galact/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Bigpoint announced today that its sci-fi MMOG Battlestar Galactica Online, based on the immensely popular Syfy series of the same name, has reached two million registered players in its first three months of service. The free-to-play game has been under constant construction since its launch, with the addition of new ships for both the Colonial and Cylon factions, the introduction of the Merit system (which "enables the purchase of high-value items like nuclear missiles"), and even the ability for players to pilot their factions' trademark capital ships.

What's next for BSGO? Rob Ollett, managing director at Bigpoint International, has this to say: "With BSGO continuing to achieve new benchmarks and receive such a strong positive response from the fans, we're excited to take its development to the next level. At just three-months in we're at a point now where we can shift the majority of our attention to adding new content and addressing the community's wish list."

To join the exciting, paranoia-fueled (ohgodohgodohgod who's a Cylon!?) universe of Battlestar Galactica Online, head on over to the official site.

MassivelyBigpoint announces two million player mark for Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2-million-playersbatlestar-galacticabattlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbigpoint-internationalbrowserbrowser-basedbsgbsgof2pfree-2-playfree-to-playrob-ollettsci-fisyfyWTFBOOMWed, 25 May 2011 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Battlestar Galactica Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/one-shots-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/one-shots-battlestar-galactica-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/27/one-shots-battlestar-galactica-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Today's One Shots illustrates something that the MMO world is learning pretty quickly: You can find great-looking games right in your browser window. Dezmo has been enjoying Battlestar Galactica Online:
Dezmo here, checking in from the Beta Antini System. If you haven't had a chance to check out Bigpoint's browser based space game, it would be a great idea if you did. Behind me is a human outpost ship, one of the many moons and the blazing light from a star. My Rhino is in the foreground. It's quite a hearty little ship. Off to make some Cylons pay!
Sci-fi week continues tomorrow: Are you loving Perpetuum? Immersed in Battlestar Galactica Online? Beta testing Black Prophecy? Let your favorite sci-fi game strut its stuff this week by sending a great screenshot to us at oneshots@massively.com. Include your your name, the name of the game, and a description of what we're seeing, and we'll post it up and give you the thanks!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Battlestar Galactica Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointbrowser-basedbsgbsgodezmof2pfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotsWed, 27 Apr 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Controlling share in Bigpoint purchased for $350 million]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/controlling-share-in-bigpoint-purchased-for-350-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/controlling-share-in-bigpoint-purchased-for-350-million/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/04/26/controlling-share-in-bigpoint-purchased-for-350-million/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The prolific MMO developer Bigpoint is answering to couple of new bosses today. According to Gamasutra, Summit Partners and TA Associates have banded together to heavily invest in the company -- and by doing so, to take a controlling share in Bigpoint. The two firms, which are now on the board of directors, have jointly invested $350 million into Bigpoint. These funds will recapitalize the studio and expand its presence worldwide.

Bigpoint founder and CEO Heiko Hubertz, who controls 30 percent of the company, appears optimistic: "The investment by TA Associates and Summit Partners is a validation of Bigpoint's leadership position within the gaming industry, and will give us a huge boost toward becoming one of the most successful gaming companies worldwide."

Bigpoint has a wide portfolio of titles including Battlestar Galactica Online, DarkOrbit, and the upcoming Drakensang Online.

MassivelyControlling share in Bigpoint purchased for $350 million originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlinebigpointboard-of-directorsbsocontrolling-sharedarkorbitdrakensang-onlinegamasutraheiko-hubertzinvestorssummit-partnerst-and-a-associates-is-a-completely-different-companyta-associatesTue, 26 Apr 2011 11:30:00 EST