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[Wurm Online's summer update tweaks graphics, UI, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/wurm-onlines-summer-update-tweaks-graphics-ui-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/wurm-onlines-summer-update-tweaks-graphics-ui-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/wurm-onlines-summer-update-tweaks-graphics-ui-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Wurm Online's summer update tweaks graphics, UI, and more
Ready for Wurm Online's summer update? It happens tomorrow, June 18th, and it's all about enhancing client performance in the long-running browser-based sandbox. Also on tap are new housing extensions, fence types, mystical sorcery powers, and overhauls of the foraging and botanising system.

The UI and the graphics are getting an overhaul, too, thanks to new creature models, animations, inventory grouping and more. So, yeah, it's a pretty substantial patch. You can read more about it at Wurm's official blog and be sure to check out our recent revisit of the classic sandbox game.

MassivelyWurm Online's summer update tweaks graphics, UI, and more originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedcode-clubf2pfantasyfree-to-playsandboxwurmwurm-graphicswurm-onlinewurm-sorcerywurm-summer-updateMon, 17 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Paradox Interactive drops Salem; Seatribe to continue development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/15/paradox-interactive-drops-salem-seatribe-to-continue-developmen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's in our mutual best interests to pile lumber around a central pillar for reasons that are entirely wholesome and not what you're thinking at all.
If a game has spent a year in beta with no launch in sight, good things are not generally around the corner. So it goes for Salem, the early-America-themed permadeath sandbox MMO. Paradox Interactive has decided to separate from the title altogether, leaving all costs and work associated with the game in the hands of the two-man development team at Seatribe. The split will be final on July 8th, with a slow phase-out in place until then.

According to the official announcement, both Paradox Interactive and Seatribe feel that this decision is for the health of the game now and in the future, and there are no immediate plans for a shutdown or anything of the sort. Players will be given a discount coupon for Paradox Interactive's online store and a free bundle of Salem's microtransaction currency. What happens with the game after the handover is complete remains to be seen.

[Thanks to Chrysillis for the tip!]

MassivelyParadox Interactive drops Salem; Seatribe to continue development originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 15 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedbusinessbusiness-arrangementsf2pfantasyfree-to-playhistoricalmmo-industrynew-englandparadoxparadox-interactivepermadeathsalemsandboxseparationSat, 15 Jun 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The Chromebook 'All-In-One' project: More games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-more-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-more-games/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-more-games/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chromebook Pixel screenshot
This will be my last week using the new Chromebook Pixel, at least here on Massively. I will continue to look at its techier side of things on my personal blog, just as I did with the original Chromebook All-In-One project. The shorter time frame for this series can be explained by the fact that Chromebooks do admittedly cut out a lot of the browser-based MMOs out there by not allowing the usage of Unity or other plugins. Flash is allowed, but Adobe and other companies' recent disapproval of the use of Flash for mobile platforms came with a reason: It's often hard to run. Once HTML5 becomes more standard thanks to publishers like Jagex, I'll be able to comment more on that. It's also important to note that the Pixel is really just a nicer Samsung model, so you can refer to the older posts as well.

I want to encourage everyone who is interested in Chromebooks to check out the Samsung ARM-based Chromebook I talked about last time. It's very inexpensive and quite literally does everything that the Pixel does, albeit on a much smaller screen that is attached to a weaker device that has a much lower build quality. Still, my time with the Pixel has amazed me with a wonderful, touchable screen, but the Pixel has also convinced me that the Samsung should be the flagship device for Chromebook, hopefully kept at the same price range while slowly improving in quality.

Now, let's talk about the games. I found a few that run much better on the Pixel's beefier stats, but please refer to my Samsung coverage for 30 MMOs that run on both machines. The following list is especially good for touchscreens.

Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All-In-One' project: More games

MassivelyMMObility: The Chromebook 'All-In-One' project: More games originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-one-projectbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromebookchromebook-all-in-one-projectDoctor-who-worlds-in-timedungeon-overlordfeaturedgame-of-thrones-ascentgooglegrepolishabbo-hotelinnogamesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepseudo-mmossmartphonesocial-gamingthree-ringsTurn-basedwarmage-battlegroundsFri, 14 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top ten list screenshot
I couldn't just sit back and let Justin Olivetti have all the fun, could I? When he published The Perfect Ten: My gaming pet peeves, I swept my fist to the sky and screamed "Sypsterrrr!" Literally a week earlier I had jotted down an idea for a similar column. I mean jotted down because I keep yellow pads around the house for late-night ideas or dog-walk eurekas.

Of course his will probably end up the superior article as he is the better writer (and has a good bit of facial hair), but I'm going to present mine anyway. In fact I'll do one better by listing 11 of my MMO pet peeves because, well, I jotted down 11.

Continue reading Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves

MassivelyFree for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanccpdefianceeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumGuild-Wars-2justin-olivettilord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimilmommortsNexonnexon-americaopinionperfect-tenplanetside-2RyzomSandboxsci-fiscience-fictionspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellbornTop-Tentriontrion-worldsturbinevelvet-ropeWed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/07/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-the-pixel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Two Google Pixels image
If you caught my first Chromebook All In One project, you'll be familiar with the details of the series. If not, allow me to fill you in. Essentially I took a wonderful little device, the Samsung Series 3 Chromebook, which utilizes an Exynos-based processor, and I used it for most of my work-related activities for weeks. It proved a capable device but couldn't play everything or do everything as easily as I would have liked. For $249 US, however, it's not a bad deal. I still use the light notebook every single day. It's easily my favorite device in the house alongside my Nexus 7 tablet.

But now, it's time for an upgrade. This time I will be looking at the Google Pixel, a hotrod of a Chromebook that Google is using to show just how the OS can work on a premium build. It boasts a core i5 processor, 4 gigs of DDR3 RAM, a 32 or 64 gig SSD and an incredible screen. At 2560 x 1700, 239 PPI, 400 nit brightness, and 4.3 million pixels, it is the best-looking thing I've ever computed on. The touchscreen is great for some gaming, and the build quality is top-notch.

So why does it matter? Why would an MMO fan want or need a device that cost at least $1,299.00 and that runs only the Chrome OS? I'll try to figure that out over the next few weeks.

[Update: The loaner model is actually the 4G LTE model, not the $1299 US WiFi-only.]

Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel

MassivelyMMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - The Pixel originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-one-projectbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromechromebookchromebook-pixelDoctor-who-worlds-in-timefeaturedgoogle-chromebookmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepixelsmartphoneFri, 07 Jun 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Anno Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/rise-and-shiny-anno-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/rise-and-shiny-anno-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/rise-and-shiny-anno-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Anno Online screenshot
At first, Anno Online reminded me of The Settlers Online, a similar title that was brought to us by Ubisoft, the same publisher. Both games look good and mostly avoid hardcore combat, and both move slowly and concentrate on proper building placement and trade. I have to admit that I grew tired of The Settlers Online because it was hard to keep up with influence from local bandits and the constant destruction of the environment. In Anno Online I don't have to worry about trees or mines or running out of goods, and there are no enemies.

The pace of play is slow for sure, but I enjoy it. I can keep the game running all day in my browser with no performance hit and I can even play it on my Samsung Chromebook. It's a game of slow growth and trade, and it's more of a pseudo-MMO that allows players to connect with friends loosely. Still, it's wonderful to look at and it's a quality game.

But let's get to the details.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Anno Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Anno Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-onlinebeau-hindmancity-builderf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinystreamthe-settlers-onlineThe-Simsthe-sims-3twitchtwitch-tvUbisoftvideoSun, 02 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/free-for-all-interviewing-achaeas-matt-mihaly-for-mud-may/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Achaea artwork
MUD May has been a very enjoyable experience, but the main thing I learned is that a month is not long enough to cover all of MUDdom. Not by a long shot. The fact is that MUDs have a much longer history than graphical, 3-D MMOs, and here we are on an entire site dedicated mainly to those! We owe a lot to MUDs, but I always try to point out to current or former players that we should not refer to these games only in the past-tense. They are still alive, filled with players and ongoing. That means they are just as viable and worthy of mention as World of Warcraft. How many of our favorite 3-D MMOs will be around for two or more decades?

These wonderful games do need to improve in many areas, though. Some MUD developers are attempting to bring these text-based MMOs into the future, none better than Iron Realms Entertainment's Achaea. I sat down with Matt Mihaly, the CEO and Founder of Iron Realms since 1995, for an interview to talk about Achaea and the future of MUDs.

Continue reading Free for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May

MassivelyFree for All: Interviewing Achaea's Matt Mihaly for MUD May originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanearth-eternalf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumiron-realmsiron-realms-entertainmentmatt-mihalymudMUD-MayMUDsopinionvelvet-ropeWed, 29 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Mechanist launches City of Steam's patch 1.2: The Vault Unsealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/mechanist-launches-city-of-steams-patch-1-2-the-vault-unsealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/mechanist-launches-city-of-steams-patch-1-2-the-vault-unsealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/mechanist-launches-city-of-steams-patch-1-2-the-vault-unsealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

City of Steam: Draug and Riven
Tomorrow (or tonight, depending on your point of view) is patch day for free-to-play, browser-based title City of Steam. Starting at 2 a.m. EDT, the game will be taken offline for four to six hours while Mechanist Games pushes live patch 1.2: The Vault Unsealed.

This new patch adds quite a bit of content to the still-in-development City of Steam, including new quests, the return of the Riven and Draug as playable races, the addition of a new content hub by the name of The Vault and a brand-new Wilderness level known as The Broken Stair. The level cap has also been raised up to 32, and PvP enthusiasts will find a new map and new tournament event in which to slay their fellow players.

Mechanist is promising more details once the servers come back online; in the meantime, you can discuss the patch over at the official City of Steam forums.

MassivelyMechanist launches City of Steam's patch 1.2: The Vault Unsealed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-testbeta-testingcity-of-steamf2pfantasyfree-to-playfreemiumgoblinmechanistmechanist-gamesmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspatchpremiumsci-fisteampunktestingThe-Vault-UnsealedTue, 28 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III stats, LoL All-Stars tournament, and new MOBAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Diablo III stats, LoL AllStars tournament, and new MOBAs
Path of Exile revealed plans to expand its multiplayer options with new group loot options in the next patch, which should come as good news to anyone who runs endgame maps with other players. Blizzard continued its Diablo III anniversary celebrations with an interesting new infographic packed full of stats on the game's first year of operation.

The League of Legends All-Stars tournament was a huge success, with the massive event in Shanghai being streamed live around the world. In celebration, Riot Games also released a new cinematic trailer. Russian MOBA Prime World prepared for its upcoming second closed beta event, and Infinite Crisis expanded its roster with new champion Shazam.

Upcoming sci-fi sandbox Elite: Dangerous showed off redesigned ships in its latest development newsletter, and it's not the only new game in development. This week we heard of upcoming military-themed browser MOBA Merc Elite and MOBA Dawngate, the latter of which aims to bring RTS elements back to the genre.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Diablo III stats, LoL All-Stars tournament, and new MOBAs

MassivelyNot So Massively: Diablo III stats, LoL All-Stars tournament, and new MOBAs originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgall-starsbatmanbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabend3david-brabenDawngatedcdc-comicsdev-diarydiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiie-sportseliteesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesinfinite-crisisjokermilitarymobamultiplayernew-titlesnivalonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepoeprime-worldpvevprpgsandboxsci-fishootersupermanthe-jokertournamenttrailerturbinevideowarner-broswaystonewaystone-gameswonder-womanMon, 27 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/mmobility-why-a-tablet-version-of-runescape-is-so-important/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/mmobility-why-a-tablet-version-of-runescape-is-so-important/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/mmobility-why-a-tablet-version-of-runescape-is-so-important/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape 3 screenshot
If you have heard the news about RuneScape 3, you fall into one of two camps. You're either really excited and cannot wait for this new version of one of your favorite games or you really don't see what the fuss is all about. It's possible there is a third category for those who are interested but have played the game only once or twice. I easily fall into the first category, and I think the announcement of RuneScape 3 isn't important because it represents a new version of a long-running and very successful browser-based title; it's important because it will represent a massive shift in mobile technology and in how people perceive MMO gaming on a mobile device.

So many people seem to think that tablet or smartphone gaming is different from gaming on any other device. It is different in the way we interact with the game, in the way that we actually hold the tablet or touch the screen, but the device itself is just a smaller version of the ever-familiar PC, the personal computer. RuneScape 3 could prove that a tablet or smartphone is just as good as any other delivery system -- and in many ways, it might be superior.

Continue reading MMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important

MassivelyMMObility: Why a tablet version of RuneScape is so important originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedfeaturedIOSjagexmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonerunescaperunescape-3smartphonetablettabletsFri, 24 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/free-for-all-an-interview-with-thresholdrpgs-michael-hartman/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

ThresholdRPG screenshot
The last time I explored ThresholdRPG, I had a blast. It was one of a batch of MUDs that I used to re-introduce myself to the ancient gaming genre, and I enjoyed its simplicity and friendly community. MUDs can seem to be very similar to each other, so in order to enjoy them, you must be able to pick out the finer details that separate them. In ThresholdRPG, I particularly enjoyed fishing, roleplay, customization, and a free-to-play model that was years ahead of its time when first released 17 years ago.

The game can be a bit odd, like any MUD. During MUD May I've discovered just how confusing many of these titles can be, but I have also grown to enjoy solving the "mystery" of each game's particular set of code-words that unlock actions. ThresholdRPG is like other MUDs and introduces players to basic commands, but once out in the world a player is on her own. The good news is that an out-of-character help chat is always available and sits right on top of the standard roleplay-enforced chat. That juxtaposition of both channels actually helps immerse me in the game, allowing me to see literally where and when I can use out-of-character speech.

I asked Michael Hartman, president and CEO of Frogdice, to talk about MUD development and branching out into other styles of gaming.

Continue reading Free for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman

MassivelyFree for All: An interview with ThresholdRPG's Michael Hartman originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>achaeabeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewmichael-hartmanmudMUD-MayMUDsopinionthresholdthreshold-rpgthresholdrpgvelvet-ropeWed, 22 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New video details the website changes for RuneScape 3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/new-video-details-the-website-changes-for-runescape-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/new-video-details-the-website-changes-for-runescape-3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/22/new-video-details-the-website-changes-for-runescape-3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

I believe this man is named Scores. Hi, Scores.
What's in a website? Quite a lot when your game is based in a browser client, as it happens. With RuneScape 3 around the corner, the team at Jagex is hard at work putting together a new and improved website, and a new video from the development team shows off just what players can expect. Which is quite a lot.

For example, one of the centerpieces of the revised design is a series of six buttons front-and-center on the page. The trick is that three of the buttons can be customized by you, allowing you to immediately jump to the most useful parts of the page for your particular playstyle. The team is also revamping the high score pages to incorporate weekly high scores, meaning that newer players can still have a shot at the top. There will even be rewards for people who do well in a given interval. For more details, check out the full video past the break.

Continue reading New video details the website changes for RuneScape 3

MassivelyNew video details the website changes for RuneScape 3 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiorsrunescaperunescape-3sandboxvideovideoswebsitewebsite-improvementsWed, 22 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape 3 dev diary gets serious about audio]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/runescape-3-dev-diary-gets-serious-about-audio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/runescape-3-dev-diary-gets-serious-about-audio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/runescape-3-dev-diary-gets-serious-about-audio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

RuneScape 3 dev diary gets serious about audio
RuneScape 3 is coming soon. To get you all excited about it, the devs have released a new video talking about audio improvements in the game. The team recently recorded an orchestral score, but that's apparently just the beginning of its plans for RuneScape 3's audio. A lot of smaller recordings have been done to provide music for menus, incidentals, and poignant story moments. Audio isn't limited to just music, though. Jagex is focusing on strong, believable voice acting to draw players into the world and narrative. Ambient sound effects are also getting some loving polish.

Skip below the cut to hear (get it?) all about the upcoming improvements.

[Source: Jagex press release]

Continue reading RuneScape 3 dev diary gets serious about audio

MassivelyRuneScape 3 dev diary gets serious about audio originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiobrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiorsrunescaperunescape-3runescape3sandboxThu, 16 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family First Impressions of World of Trinketz
I have to begin this week's column with a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Facebook, and I'm even less a fan of Facebook games. The only one I found enjoyable was Ian Bogost's Cow Clicker because it was a giant middle finger to the bottom-feeding practices so commonly found in Facebook Villes.

But when I got a Google alert in my inbox about the world's first family-friendly 3-D MMO for Facebook, I had to head back to the blue-and-white wasteland of Facebook and see it firsthand. Could it be that the era of isometric views and mindless clicking is finally over? Have we finally moved on from agriculturally themed games? I decided to check out World of Trinketz to seek some answers.

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoscow-clickerdark-matter-entertainmentfacebookfacebook-gamesfacebook-mmofamilyfamily-friendlyfarmvillefeaturedian-bogostkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymonetizationopinionworld-of-trinketzWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Browser game market in China 'booming']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/browser-game-market-in-china-booming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/browser-game-market-in-china-booming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/browser-game-market-in-china-booming/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Browser game market in China 'booming'
If you love to hate on browser-based MMOs and feel as though their time has passed, China might like to have a word or two with you. Sales of browser-based titles in the country have risen substantially in the past two years, increasing 46% in 2011 and 35% in 2012 according to a Taiwanese games company president, whereas client-based MMOs only made a 13% increase in growth in 2012.

XPEC's Aaron Hsu said that the figures showed that browser games are far from finished in the region: "I'm not sure about the rest of the world, but the browser game market in mainland China is just booming. It's just like the MMORPG market in 2003, for China. I feel like the Chinese developers have created a new business model for browser games there."

Due to the success of several lucrative browser games, Chinese developers are actively pursuing the browser -- not mobile -- platform. Hsu recommended that Western developers should concentrate on finding a Chinese publisher or partner to help ease into this different market instead of trying to break in solo.

MassivelyBrowser game market in China 'booming' originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaron-hsubrowserbrowser-basedbrowser-based-mmosbusiness-modelchinachinese-marketgrowthmobilemobile-gamesmobile-platformplatformworld-of-warcraftxpecMon, 13 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Tank tanked by World of Tanks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/project-tank-tanked-by-world-of-tanks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Military pre-enactment.
A while ago, Project Tank popped up on our radar for two reasons. First of all, it was a browser-based multiplayer tank-based combat simulator. Second, it bore a lot of similarities to the existing multiplayer tank-based combat simulator World of Tanks, enough that Wargaming.net brought out the copyright lawyers. A copyright infringement suit was filed today by Wargaming.net, claiming that Project Tank directly copies many elements of World of Tanks and violates some existing patents.

Gamebox has responded to these claims on the official site for the game, claiming that Wargaming.net has engaged in "underhanded" actions to try to shut down the project. This marks the end of the closed beta for Project Tank, which is promising open beta in approximately a month. You can take a look at the side-by-side comparison from before and draw your own conclusions about whether Project Tank is being unfairly accused or entirely fairly accused.

MassivelyProject Tank tanked by World of Tanks originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comparisoncopiescopyright-infringementf2pfree-to-playgameboxhistoricalinjunctionip-infringementlegalproject-tankpvptanktankswarwargaming.networld-of-tankswotFri, 10 May 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[City of Steam opens beta doors at 10 p.m. tonight]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/city-of-steam-opens-beta-doors-at-10-pm-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/city-of-steam-opens-beta-doors-at-10-pm-tonight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/city-of-steam-opens-beta-doors-at-10-pm-tonight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

City of Steam opens beta doors at 10 pm tonight
If you've been eagerly awaiting your chance to get into the browser-based steampunk goodness of City of Steam, your wait is nearly over. Clear your Friday night plans because in just a few hours at 10:00 p.m. EDT, the city of Nexus will be welcoming its new residents. And you won't be needing any early access key, as Mechanist Games is throwing the beta doors open wide for any and all!

Returning testers will notice many new features have been added since the closed beta runs, like events, a plethora of new cosmetic items, and more streamlined skill, talent, and crafting systems. And jetpacks -- who can forget the jetpacks! Players will also find over 80 dungeons, over 100 quests, new PvP maps, open Wilderness levels, customizable gear, and more... and that's only to start! The devs have an aggressive release schedule plan of adding new features and content on an almost bi-weekly basis throughout the beta.

For more details on what you can expect, check out Massively's hands-on experience as well as the official open beta features list.

[Source: Mechanist Games press release]

MassivelyCity of Steam opens beta doors at 10 p.m. tonight originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-of-steamfantasygoblinmechanistmechanist-gamesnew-contentopen-betasci-fisteampunkThe-NexusFri, 10 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape coming to tablets this year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/runescape-coming-to-tablets-this-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RuneScape coming to tablets this year
RuneScape 3 is an ambitious project, especially for an MMO series as old as RuneScape's, but Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard told IGN in a recent interview that they're ready to take the wildly popular MMO to the next level. This not only means the previously announced change from a Java-based platform to HTML5, but it also means that the game will be coming to tablets by Q4 of this year.

Gerhard also added that the possibility of a smartphone connection is there as well, but only as an addition to the overall game experience. Where else can Jagex go from here? Smart TVs? Consoles? Both are possibilities, according to Gerhard.

MassivelyRuneScape coming to tablets this year originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiomark-gerhardmobilersrunescapesandboxtabletsThu, 09 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape 3 to offer all-new experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/runescape-3-to-offer-all-new-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

RuneScape 3 to offer allnew experience
With twelve years already under its belt, and a good chunk of those years providing weekly updates, it's understandable if new players might consider RuneScape literally too big to get into. So how do you circumvent this and continue to expand the population base? Why, you throw in a major update and rename the game to RuneScape 3, of course!

In a recent interview, Jagex CEO Mark Gerhard talked to Gamasutra about how this exact approach gives the game an all-new feel that is more likely to draw in new players who might otherwise overlook it. He stated, "We could have called it RuneScape Next Age if we wanted to, and part of my thinking was, for people who haven't played this game in a year, it's going to be night and day. It's not a completely new game, but it's certainly a new experience." RuneScape 3 will have a more powerful audio engine, boosted visuals and a better draw distance, and upgrades to the UI, among other things.

Just like back with RuneScape 2, the plan is to maintain the RuneScape 3 moniker for a while, then drop the numeral and return to the original name again.

MassivelyRuneScape 3 to offer all-new experience originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studioluring-new-playersMark-GerhardrsrunescapeRuneScape-3sandboxupdateFri, 03 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Takahashi shows off over 200 unused Glitch ideas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/takahashi-shows-off-over-200-unused-glitch-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/takahashi-shows-off-over-200-unused-glitch-ideas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/takahashi-shows-off-over-200-unused-glitch-ideas/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Blog entry shows off over 200 unused Glitch ideas
It may be gone, but it's not forgotten. Tiny Speck's browser-based MMO Glitch closed late last year, but a recent addition to the game site's encyclopedia adds almost 200 internal design "Quick Ideas" from designer Keita Takahashi.

These notes not only prove that Glitch was (and could have further been) a truly unique MMO, but they show why Takahashi was hired in the first place. OK, Katamari Damacy probably had something to do with it I guess.

If you were (and are) a fan of Glitch, this is certainly worth a look. Be prepared for the sads.

MassivelyTakahashi shows off over 200 unused Glitch ideas originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>glitchkeita-takahashiquick-ideastiny-speckFri, 03 May 2013 09:00:00 EST