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[Elder Scrolls Online elaborates on crafting and exploration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/elder-scrolls-online-elaborates-on-crafting-and-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/elder-scrolls-online-elaborates-on-crafting-and-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/elder-scrolls-online-elaborates-on-crafting-and-exploration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Elder Scrolls Online answers crafting and exploration queries
ZeniMax scooped up all of the questions that fans had after seeing The Elder Scrolls Online's crafting and exploration video, and answered several of the most pressing of them in a new post.

TESO will feature five crafting professions: weaponsmith, armorsmith, enchanter, alchemist, and provisioner. Of these, players are able to train in two fields so that a robust economy will develop between crafters. While there aren't any recipes in the game, players have multiple avenues to combine ingredients and make the same item. The studio indicated that those who have played previous Elder Scrolls games might have an advantage in knowing familiar plants and crafting ingredients and how they interact.

Other topics in the AMA include fishing lures, how big your library can get (there's no limit, basically), the use of Mundus Stones, and the difficulty of lockpicking. "Your lockpicking will automatically improve as you level, gradually making chests that were once very difficult to open a much easier prospect. Though your lockpicking skill will increase as you level, the chests you encounter in higher level areas will also be more difficult," ZeniMax explained.

MassivelyElder Scrolls Online elaborates on crafting and exploration originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaask-me-anythingask-us-anythingbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcommunity-q-and-acraftingdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesoexplorationfactionsfishinglockpickingmorrowindoblivionpvpq-and-arvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 20 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: DragonRealms]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/rise-and-shiny-dragonrealms/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DragonRealms website artwork
As a part of MUD May, I just had to play at least one MUD for Rise and Shiny. I have a handful of favorite MUDs, like GemStone IV, BatMUD, and Achaea, but I have never really given DragonRealms a chance. Until now. I've poked into it here and there, but every time I found myself on the Simutronics website, I always logged into GemStone IV. I heard that DragonRealms was a lot different, more hardcore, and filled with PvP, and after spending an initial week with the game and the killer community, I can say that it is different, but mainly in a few outstanding ways. Of course I might find much more that sets the game apart if I played it for several years like some of the people I met in game, but for now I'll settle with telling you what I've learned so far.

The usual embedded video in this article serves two purposes. First, it's an interview piece I did with Eric Latham, Producer at Simutronics. Next, it's a glance at DragonRealms, from character creation to a bit of gameplay. It's not as in-depth as my other videos, but it keeps in the greater theme of MUD May.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: DragonRealms

MassivelyRise and Shiny: DragonRealms originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anno-onlinebeau-hindmanDragonrealmseric-lathamf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgemstone-ivhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmudMUD-MayMUDsmulti-user-domainmulti-user-dungeonrise-and-shinysimutronicsstreamthe-settlers-onlinetwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 19 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/ask-massively-trailers-emulators-and-skill-caps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dragon Sword
It's time for a grab bag edition of Ask Massively! A reader named Nicholas is up first:
I was wondering if you could help me remember a game studio that was developing a new Korean action- MMORPG game engine (and it wasn't Bless, Blade and Soul, or ArcheAge). In the tech demo, no environment was being shown; it focused on the combat aspect of the engine. All the combat took place against a white background, and it was combo-based and reactive to hits. I remember a slow motion scene with an NPC being punched in the face and the face distorting. At the time, there were no announced games using the engine; the video was just showing what tech the game studio had developed. If it helps any, I remember the comments saying that the engine was just going to be vaporware.
I think we might! Massively's Lis pegged it as NetEase's Dragon Sword trailer. +1 to Lis.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps'

MassivelyAsk Massively: Trailers, emulators, and 'skill caps' originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ablegamersadviceadvice-columnage-of-wushuask-massivelybeau-hindmanbrianna-royce-ask-massivelydifferently-ableddisableddmcadragon-swordemulatoreulaeula-violationfeaturedgames-in-developmentguild-wars-2gw2humorin-developmentkickstartermassively-metametaopinionprivate-emulatorsprivate-shardRichie-Procopiotrailertrailersultima-onlineThu, 09 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online answers all your questions, assuming they're about lore]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-all-your-questions-assuming-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Here's your lore. There are giant spiders. Kill them. What else is relevant?
We're not kidding about that title. The latest set of answers for The Elder Scrolls Online's Ask Me Anything is full of lore. Spilling over with lore. Its lore cup runneth over. Do you want to know how old an elf has to be before he's actually old? 200-300 years is old. Want to know if there will be any Dragonborn running around a la Skyrim? Nope, and shouts are a thing of legend. It's all the lore you've wanted and were clearly not afraid to ask about.

There are some other answers in the mix as well. Players will have to guess about the abilities of their opponents in PvP to some extent, since the armor system will not allow you to guess at abilities by appearance. Players can also expect to find puzzles in the game rather than pure combat encounters, although no details are given. So while you'll find the most meat if you're looking for lore, even more system-focused players will find some relevant answers in the full set.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online answers all your questions, assuming they're about lore originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-me-anythingbackgroundbackstorybethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcommunity-q-and-adaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsloremorrowindoblivionpvpq-and-arvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 06 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's newest Ask Cryptic takes aim at revamps and Romulans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/star-trek-onlines-newest-ask-cryptic-takes-aim-at-revamps-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/star-trek-onlines-newest-ask-cryptic-takes-aim-at-revamps-and-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/star-trek-onlines-newest-ask-cryptic-takes-aim-at-revamps-and-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Do you want to fly technology that's two centuries old in game lore? Apparently some people totally do.
The Romulan faction in Star Trek Online will be unique in many ways, but exactly how the addition will work within the context of the game is still unclear. That's why many of the questions in the latest edition of Ask Cryptic focus on Romulans, such as what ships they will have access to from the C-Store (all ships from a player's chosen allied faction) and how Romulans with different allies will interact (they will not be able to group together for Romulan missions but can group for cross-factional content).

Other topics of discussion include the long-anticipated revamp to Exploration, which is being moved over toward encouraging the use of the Foundry to fulfill a similar niche. Klingon progression will be improved with a full leveling path, including episodes ported over and heavily tweaked from the Federation line as well as unique bits of content just for KDF characters. For the usual buffet of questions and answers you can check out the full installment on the official site.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's newest Ask Cryptic takes aim at revamps and Romulans originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticcommunity-q-and-acrypticcryptic-studiosexpansionexpansionsf2pfactionsfree-to-playgame-mechanicsgroupinglegacy-of-romulusnewsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweq-and-aquestions-and-answerssci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoteamingFri, 26 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Learn about PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online's latest AMA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/learn-about-pvp-in-the-elder-scrolls-onlines-latest-ama/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

ESO
The Elder Scrolls Online team waded through an AMA about PvP recently. Are you ready for some knowledge? Because we are so about to drop some.

Alliance Points will be tied to the PvP ranking system. Siege weapons can be obtained and created by anyone who has enough Alliance Points to purchase them; there are no other resources necessary to buy and deploy them. Players can effectively starve out an enemy area by depriving them of resources from surrounding lumber mills, farms, and mines. Seizing those resources before laying siege has a double advantage of also switching off various enemy patrols. Villages in Cyrodiil are Alliance-neutral, but if you control nearby keeps, you'll have NPC patrols in their surrounding villages and towns.

The team isn't quite ready to talk about some features like territory ownership perks and large team sizes. You can delve into full detail over on the official post.

MassivelyLearn about PvP in The Elder Scrolls Online's latest AMA originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amaask-me-anythingbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcyrodiildaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsmorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 22 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch Might and Magic: Duel of Champions' producer destroy Massively]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/watch-might-and-magic-duel-of-champions-producer-destroy-massi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/watch-might-and-magic-duel-of-champions-producer-destroy-massi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/watch-might-and-magic-duel-of-champions-producer-destroy-massi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Might and Magic Duel of Champions screenshot
Might and Magic: Duel of Champions is a new collectible card game brought to us by Ubisoft Quebec. Some folks might say that trading card games are a dime a dozen and that once you've played one, you've played them all. But I think the genre is always moving forward and expanding, introducing new designs and interesting ways to play, which is true of Might and Magic's latest go at the TCG market. During my tour, I found myself up against producer Stephane Jankowski. Unfortunately for me, he is no stranger to the game. He takes it quite seriously, going so far as to "go easy" on me so that I was not embarrassed. Little did he know that I am a noob at every game out there, so no harm was done.

Might and Magic: Duel of Champions is a great game for those who want not only more strategy but also a faster pace. The tutorial walked me through some of the basics, but I learned more in the hour I played with Stephane than I had playing during the previous week. Click past the cut to watch the livestream and read up on what makes this one stand out.

Continue reading Watch Might and Magic: Duel of Champions' producer destroy Massively

MassivelyWatch Might and Magic: Duel of Champions' producer destroy Massively originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanccgCollectible-Card-Gamefeaturedhands-onLiveStreammight-and-magicmight-and-magic-duel-of-championspreviewpreviewsstephane-jankowskistreamstream-teamstreamingstreamteamtcgtrading-card-gametrailertrailerstwitchtwitch-tvvideovideosFri, 19 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/ask-massively-why-we-cover-what-we-do-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Scarlet Blade. I'd like to say the word 'cover' in the title is a clever pun, but it really was unintended, and now I can't unsee it.
Welcome back to Ask Massively. We're all aboard the yacht this week, answering your questions while dressed like characters in Scarlet Blade. Because that's pretty much what the characters in Scarlet Blade should be doing rather than, you know, mortal combat in a thong.

Yes, today we're talking Scarlet Blade. In between all the crazed commenter ranting, several of you guys posed legit questions about why we covered it in the first place. Let me try to answer you without turning this into a debate about sexism. Why? Because it's not really about any one specific -ism.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one

MassivelyAsk Massively: Why we cover what we do, part one originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelycommenterscommentsfeaturedhumormassively-metametaopinionscarlet-bladesexismThu, 18 Apr 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 devs talk balance with the GW2Guru community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-balance-with-the-gw2guru-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-balance-with-the-gw2guru-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-2-devs-talk-balance-with-the-gw2guru-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 devs talk balance with the GW2Guru community
The folks at Guild Wars 2 Guru collected some questions from their community for the Guild Wars 2 team last month and the results are back. Jonathan Sharp and Jon Peters of ArenaNet stepped in to answer the barrage of questions.

The interview is meaty, but as the GW2G admin says in the comments, not all original questions were answered. But we do get some info on weapon skills staying the same for now, a focus on trait revisions, and the inevitable pigeon-holing of classes, despite ArenaNet's attempts at squashing the "holy trinity" of class distribution.

If you're interested in learning more about how the company looks to keep the game balanced and still growing in the future, check out the full interview.

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 devs talk balance with the GW2Guru community originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbalancebuy-to-playfantasyguild-wars-2guild-wars-2-gurugw2gw2ginterviewjon-petersjonathan-sharpncsoftq-and-aMon, 15 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Star Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/star-trek-onlines-romulan-expansion-prompts-special-ask-cryptic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Star Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic
Do you have a burning question about Star Trek Online: Legacy of Romulus? Get in line behind pretty much every single STO player, pal. But while your specific query may not reach the ears of top admirals, Executive Producer Daniel Stahl created a special edition of Ask Cryptic devoted to answering the most common questions out there.

So what's included with the Romulan faction? Stahl says that there are three races (one free, one unlockable or purchasable, and one for subscribers only), adding, "The Romulan Republic was created from the ground up as a complete new faction. They have their own backstory, their own exclusive missions and episode series, exclusive costumes, faction-exclusive social hub, unique playable species, a full ship progression line from level 1 to 50, unique HUD UI, and more."

While Romulans will be an independent faction, Stahl explained that these captains will choose to ally with either the Federation or Klingons for the purposes of storylines, PvP, and starbases.

MassivelyStar Trek Online's Romulan expansion prompts special Ask Cryptic originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ask-crypticbetacommunity-q-and-acrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlexpansionf2pfactionfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweq-and-aquestions-and-answersremusromulussci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoFri, 29 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ask-massively-whitebackgroundgate-image-captions-and-sockpupp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

2010 was adorbz
OK, AndyMonahan. You win. You broke me. This Ask Massively is for you.

AndyMonahan asked (approximately eight million times): It doesn't matter what games you cover as I can't spend more than five minutes on the site before my eyes bleed. Any news on a choice of background colour?

Do you really think you're going to like the only answer you know I can give?!

Continue reading Ask Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets

MassivelyAsk Massively: Whitebackgroundgate, image captions, and sockpuppets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnaltalt-textask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedhumorimagesmassively-metametaopinionsite-overhaulsite-redesignSockPuppetswhitebackgroundgateWhiteBackgroundsThu, 28 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online answers more fan questions about combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-more-fan-questions-about-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-more-fan-questions-about-combat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/the-elder-scrolls-online-answers-more-fan-questions-about-combat/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Lizard-dogs don't care about game mechanics. They just like snacking on your face.
How do you keep character skills interesting and relevant when you've only got six slots to equip them? According to the latest series of community answers for The Elder Scrolls Online, the key is what kind of abilities are relevant. The skills on those slots are meant to serve as utility rather than raw damage, with your main attacks serving as your primary means of doing damage. Although a few skills will have added damage under certain circumstances, that's not the overall goal.

Beyond that, the answers also address the issue of charging attacks and moving, which is both allowed and encouraged. Crowd control can be reliably broken out of with Stamina, but if your Stamina bar is low you can be caught and held for a while. You can also rest easy knowing that there will be no ammunition in the game, freeing archers from the tedious process of acquiring arrows at the worst possible time. Check out all of these answers and more in the full rundown.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online answers more fan questions about combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcombatcombat-mechanicscommunity-q-and-adaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsgame-mechanicsmorrowindoblivionpvpq-and-arvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 25 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LOTRO confirms player skill trees, expansion in the works]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/lotro-confirms-player-skill-trees-expansion-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/lotro-confirms-player-skill-trees-expansion-in-the-works/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/lotro-confirms-player-skill-trees-expansion-in-the-works/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

LOTRO confirms player skill trees, expansion in the works
While it didn't take much reading between the lines to realize that Turbine has an expansion in the works for Lord of the Rings Online this year, the team confirmed the terminology in a dev chat. The devs hinted that the full announcement would come around the game's sixth anniversary next month.

Players had many questions regarding the promised but vaguely detailed revamp coming to characters. Turbine revealed a few more details in the chat: "Three trees per class. Some degree of blending at a higher cost than sticking with a pure build. Bonuses granted based on an early-level specialization choice that grows as points are spent. You can have multiple specs. You can respec."

Other interesting nuggets to chew on from the Q&A session include the news that player housing will include crafting facilities, virtue acquisition may see a significant change, and that applications for the player council will begin tomorrow.

MassivelyLOTRO confirms player skill trees, expansion in the works originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>character-revampcommunity-q-and-acraftingdev-chatdeveloper-q-and-aexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playhelms-deeplord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroplayer-housingq-and-arohanskill-treesturbineturbine-entertainmentupdate-11virtuesThu, 21 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/ask-massively-the-moving-goalposts-of-mmo-reviews/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

TESO
Last week, Massively streamteamer Richie Procopio sat down to play Elder Scrolls Online at a press demo. Like most such "all-day" media events, the press demo was approximately four hours long -- four hours for Richie to see as much as he could and take notes to transform into articles worth reading.

"It must be so hard to write an MMO article based on four hours of gameplay," remarked a reader named Dularr.

It is and it isn't. Four hours is more than enough time to grok the basics. Of course, if you're expecting a detailed endgame critique after four hours, you're in for disappointment.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews

MassivelyAsk Massively: The moving goalposts of MMO reviews originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedfirst-impressionshands-onhumorimpressionsjournalismmassively-metametamoving-goalpostmoving-goalpostsopinionpreviewpreviewsreviewreviewsThu, 21 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The community portal of Grepolis might just be a model for the industry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/mmobility-the-community-portal-of-grepolis-might-just-be-a-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/mmobility-the-community-portal-of-grepolis-might-just-be-a-mode/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/mmobility-the-community-portal-of-grepolis-might-just-be-a-mode/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Grepolis community screenshot
Innogames' hit browser-based game Grepolis has been receiving some pretty exciting updates lately. It's one of my favorite MMORTS titles because it's simple to learn and can be played on practically any schedule, so I've really been enjoying the updates that have added music and sound effects, holiday mechanics, and more animations. There's a lot more to come, however, according to Grepolis' developer crew.

What sort of things? Well, besides the usual updates and additions to gameplay, the team is promising that how players interact with the community will change as well. Sure, plenty of developers have promised better communication and more interaction, but what Grepolis is promising might just be some of the coolest community tools yet. If they work, of course.

Continue reading MMObility: The community portal of Grepolis might just be a model for the industry

MassivelyMMObility: The community portal of Grepolis might just be a model for the industry originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedcommunityDavid-Biedermannfeaturedgrepolisinnogamesmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepromisessmartphoneFri, 15 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you still play your first MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With thanks to Brad for the classic Ultima Online pic
With Brad McQuaid's return to EverQuest in the news this week, nostalgia has invaded our comment section. The most veteran of our MMO commenters mused about the days of meditating into spellbooks, losing levels on death, embarking on corpse runs, and waiting on the boat. No one even mentioned camping for jboots, begging to be put on a list for a spot in a dungeon group, or having your raid planejumped right before your eyes!

I think old-schoolers know that the old days had more than their fair share of problems, which is why most of them are probably playing Guild Wars 2 or The Secret World and not Asheron's Call or Anarchy Online. Or are they? Are more people living in classic MMOs than they let on?

My first was Ultima Online, and yes, I do poke my nose in once or twice a year, but it hasn't been my "main game" in a truly long time. What about you guys? Do you still play your first MMO? And if you've ever gone back, was it as you remembered?

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 you still play your first MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaidbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmoclassic-mmosdaily-grindeqeverquestfirstfirst-mmonostalgiaopiniontdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: Ruining the internet]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-massively-ruining-the-internet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-massively-ruining-the-internet/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-massively-ruining-the-internet/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Mike scores one internet-ruining point for every minute he is not wearing a cowboy hat.
Last week, Massively's Larry Everett finished off a miniseries of articles designed to help interested readers learn to livestream. Streaming has become a major part of Massively's purview; we stream about 20 hours a week. So why not use our expertise to help friends and potential future colleagues learn how to play for fun and profit?

Not everyone shares our idealism, apparently. In fact, one commenter told us we are ruining the internet.

Continue reading Ask Massively: Ruining the internet

MassivelyAsk Massively: Ruining the internet originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedgooglehumorinternetinternetslets-playlivestreammassively-metametaopinionstreamstream-teamtwitchvalue-addedyoutubeThu, 14 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Cryptic and ye shall receive -- Champions Online answers, that is]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-cryptic-and-ye-shall-receive-champions-online-answers-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-cryptic-and-ye-shall-receive-champions-online-answers-th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/14/ask-cryptic-and-ye-shall-receive-champions-online-answers-th/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Ask Cryptic and ye shall receive Champions Online answers, that is
At the end of February, Champions Online posted an "Ask Cryptic" thread, inviting players to query devs about anything on their minds. And plenty did, filling 14 pages with burning questions such as will past events like Nighthawk ever return, can we get vehicle vs. vehicle battlegrounds, and have you tried bacon jerky? Producer Tom Edwards and the Champion's dev team answered these -- yes, good idea, and "Why would you do this to me?" respectively -- along with many others.

Although not all questions could be individually addressed, Edwards touched on as many as possible. Want to hear about land vehicles (yes, they are coming), adjusted lockbox drop rates, or the plans for a story arc throughout 2013? Then check out the full answer session on the official site.

MassivelyAsk Cryptic and ye shall receive -- Champions Online answers, that is originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Ask-Crypticbacon-jerkychampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosdevs-answer-burning questionsDevs-answer-burningQuestionsf2pfree-to-playperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweQA-sessionrecurring-eventssuperherosuperheroesTom-Edwardsvehicle-vs-vehicl-battlegroundsThu, 14 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Elder Scrolls Online serves up a stack of answers about combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-elder-scrolls-online-serves-up-a-stack-of-answers-about-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-elder-scrolls-online-serves-up-a-stack-of-answers-about-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/the-elder-scrolls-online-serves-up-a-stack-of-answers-about-comb/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

These fine people aren't preparing for combat, they're getting ready for a spirited dance party.
The Elder Scrolls Online is going to feature combat, which should come as a shock to precisely no one. But how is that combat going to work? How important will the holy trinity be in practice? How ornate will your attacks and counterattacks be? These and more are all excellent questions, and they're also questions that have been answered in the latest installment of community answers over on the official site. And that's only a small fraction of the information.

At the moment, the trinity setup is not vital but is certainly helpful, as tester groups without a dedicated tank have managed to clear content (albeit with some difficulties). The soft lock system is based more around offense than defense, as healing abilities are not targeted. Players can also feel free to join in when they see other players fighting things, as all players who participate gain the rewards of fighting as in Guild Wars 2. For more information about the particulars of combat, check out the full set of answers.

MassivelyThe Elder Scrolls Online serves up a stack of answers about combat originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabetasbethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftcombatcombat-mechanicscommunity-q-and-adaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsgame-mechanicsmorrowindoblivionpvpq-and-arvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosMon, 11 Mar 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/ask-massively-how-i-mine-for-games-journos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

With apologies to Dungeons of Dredmor
In the last few months, the Ask Massively inbox has received several letters about breaking into the games journalism industry and employment at Massively specifically. This first one came from a reader named Vernon:
I rarely see current journalists write or blog about their own experiences of getting into the industry. I always told myself I would try to figure out how to make a go of writing about games if the opera thing did not work out. So, how did you get there (Editor in Chief), and how do you get there now?
Short answer: the two skillsets rule.

Continue reading Ask Massively: How I mine for games journos

MassivelyAsk Massively: How I mine for games journos originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybloggingbrianna-royce-ask-massivelycopyeditingfeaturedhiringhumorjobjobsmassively-metametaopiniontipswritingThu, 07 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST