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[EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Fanfest 2013 video roundup
Last month saw the huge tenth anniversary EVE Online Fanfest, a three-day convention packed full of exclusive reveals, behind-the-scenes talks, and community events. This year's Fanfest was the biggest one yet, celebrating EVE's tenth anniversary with special guest speakers from the scientific community, the reveal of a new virtual reality dogfighter, DUST 514's launch, and details of the upcoming Odyssey expansion. Massively was there to bring you coverage of the big news as it happened, and CCP streamed some of the key talks and events live to viewers at home.

This year's Fanfest sold out so quickly that many people who wanted to go didn't get a chance to, and only a select few talks were shown on the public livestream. With such a packed event schedule, even players in attendance couldn't be there for every interesting talk. Thankfully, CCP recorded over 30 of the most anticipated events and has now uploaded the videos to YouTube. Highlights include the Make EVE Real videos, the EVE keynote, the CCP Presents Keynote, and the talks on how DUST 514 integrates with the EVE economy.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I round up all of the EVE Fanfest videos in a handy list.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-panelapocalypseasteroidasteroid-miningasteroidsbattleshipccpccp-gameschinaconcept-artconsoleconventioncrimewatchcsm-paneldustdust-514economyeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-is-realeve-onlineeventeventsfanfestfaster-than-lightfeaturedfpsftlgame-designgearinternet-spaceshipskeynotemake-eve-realminingmmofpsodysseyopinionplanetary-conquestplaystationplaystation-3progressionps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspace-elevatorspreadsheets-onlineuprisingSun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick and Rudder: Why all the love for Roberts and Star Citizen?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/stick-and-rudder-why-all-the-love-for-roberts-and-star-citizen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/stick-and-rudder-why-all-the-love-for-roberts-and-star-citizen/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/stick-and-rudder-why-all-the-love-for-roberts-and-star-citizen/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stick and Rudder - Why all the love for Roberts and Star Citizen?
I was talking with a gaming buddy recently who missed the whole space sim experience in the 1990s. He's a Star Wars fan and a real-life pilot pushing 40, so it surprised me to learn that he'd never heard of Wing Commander, Freespace, X-Wing, and the like. My jaw really hit the floor as our conversation turned to current games and I began to evangelize about Star Citizen and Chris Roberts.

"Who's Chris Roberts?" he asked, with a straight face.

Continue reading Stick and Rudder: Why all the love for Roberts and Star Citizen?

MassivelyStick and Rudder: Why all the love for Roberts and Star Citizen? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celebritychris-robertsclaw-markscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamingfeaturedhero-worshipimmersionloreroberts-space-industriesroleplayingrsisandboxsci-fishipspacespace-simspacesimstar-citizenstar-citizen-lorestar-citizen-writers-guidestick-and-ruddertie-fighterwing-commanderx-wingSun, 19 May 2013 14:00:00 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[The Daily Grind: Why do you play an anthropomorphic race?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play-an-anthropomorphic-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play-an-anthropomorphic-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/the-daily-grind-why-do-you-play-an-anthropomorphic-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Daily Grind Why do you play an anthropomorphic race
A Daily Grind discussion last week on MMO races that we detest got me thinking about anthropomorphic races -- you know, the animals-on-hind-legs dudes and dudettes. The frog-people. The cow-people. The cat-people. The wolf-people. The leopard-people. The rat-people. The lizard-people. The panda-people. Really, the sky's the limit when you can turn any animal into a humanoid playable race. I'm only disappointed that we haven't seen platypus-people or manatee-people yet in MMOs.

Without bringing the "imaginary racism" this time, I'm genuinely curious what propels people to play an anthropomorphic race. The easy jab would be to say that it's just catering to the furries out there, but I think that's not universally true. What's the appeal of playing a dog-person? It can't just be racials such as "mark your territory" and "excess slobber."

So I want to hear from the folks who play one of these races and hear what your reason is for picking an animal-humanoid character. Don't be defensive. I'm not attacking you; I'm merely curious. Is it the road less traveled? Is it an affection you have for a particular animal? Is it a rebellion against the boring fantasy races out there?

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: Why do you play an anthropomorphic race? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caitlincathardaily-grindfroglokkurasashaopinionpandaranraceracesratongasarnaktaurentdgthe-daily-grindworgenSun, 19 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I don't have any idea what hand I should place this on. It looks kind of gross.
If you'd missed it, RIFT recently announced that the game will go free-to-play on June 12th. Obviously, the hope is to bring in a variety of new players, but the circumstances surrounding the announcement can result in a bit of whiplash when deciding whether or not to count yourself among those getting into the game.

On the one hand, RIFT is making humble promises about the item shop... but on the other hand, the development team also promised the game would never go free-to-play. Trion Worlds did just get hit by layoffs, but it's been said those layoffs don't affect RIFT's staff. It's long had consistent updates, but those updates have dropped off sharply this year.

Is trying the game out a good idea? A bad one? Today, we ask our readers to decide. Carefully weighing all the evidence, are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? Or do you think you'll be giving it a pass?

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: Are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdaily-grindf2pfantasyfree-to-playopinionpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrtdgthe-daily-grindthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsSat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Storyboard: The way it was for three years]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/storyboard-the-way-it-was-for-three-years/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Going back in time.
Roleplaying is the same as it ever was. People are still shoehorning in lore characters into backstories, someone is a sparkly magic vampire, and you can still turn a corner in a tavern to find two people with a decided lack of gear or public shame. (In Second Life, that corner is the one you turn to download the game.) But I've had three years of talking about it, so it's at least a little different than it was.

I don't know if I'd go so far as to say it's better.

Every year I like to take a look back at the past year, talk about what worked well, what didn't work at all, and what I'd like to do in the future. So it is for this year, complete with a nice big surprise down at the end there. Regular readers may be less surprised, but you can just bear with me.

Continue reading Storyboard: The way it was for three years

MassivelyStoryboard: The way it was for three years originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>featurednew-featuresopinionretrospectiveroleplayroleplayersroleplayingrpstorystoryboardstoryboard-librarythree-yearsyear-in-reviewFri, 17 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 screenshot
I was this close to saving myself a lot of time by finishing this article with only a few simple words: Why do I play PlanetSide 2? Because it's fun. I'm pretty sure my boss would want me to expand on it just a bit, however, but let me drive those three words home: Because it's fun. I think we are all familiar with the word "fun," but it's something that we really don't hear enough about in MMOs. I don't think we play MMOs mainly because they're fun; I think we play them because they pull out other emotions in us, emotions like wonder or awe. They might help fill in social needs that are sometimes hard to fill out in real life. These are all positive and worthy reactions, but they're different from sheer fun.

I have oodles of fun in PlanetSide 2. Gobs of it. Barrels of fun. The fun is powerful in this one. You get the point. PlanetSide 2 actually makes me laugh to myself, makes me yell at the screen -- you know, those noises you hear from someone who is having a blast. Of course, there are a few other reasons I play PlanetSide 2 as well, so I'll fill you in on those.

Continue reading Why I Play: PlanetSide 2

MassivelyWhy I Play: PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialfeaturedfpsmassively-metametammo-shootermmofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentwhy-i-playFri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prosecutors laugh last, Lulzsec hackers sentenced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/prosecutors-laugh-last-lulzsec-hackers-sentenced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/prosecutors-laugh-last-lulzsec-hackers-sentenced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/prosecutors-laugh-last-lulzsec-hackers-sentenced/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Jail cell
The Lulzsec hackers responsible for a string of 2011 cyber attacks that targeted game companies including Sony, Nintendo, Epic, Bethesda, and Mojang have been sentenced to jail time.

Gamespot reports that Ryan Cleary, Jake Davis, Mustafa al-Bassam, and Ryan Ackroyd pled guilty last month. The BBC says that the men could also face extradition to the United States due to various indictments. Lulzsec targeted a number of high profile corporations during the summer of 2011. The attacks resulted in Sony Online Entertainment MMOs and Sony's PlayStation Network going offline for several weeks.

MassivelyProsecutors laugh last, Lulzsec hackers sentenced originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cyber-attackshackinghackshahalulzlulzsecsecuritysoe-hacksoe-hackingThu, 16 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: How Stargell stars can help your guild]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-guild-counsel-how-stargell-stars-can-help-your-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-guild-counsel-how-stargell-stars-can-help-your-guild/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-guild-counsel-how-stargell-stars-can-help-your-guild/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Guild Counsel How Stargell stars can help your guild
When I was a kid, I loved the Red Sox, but I was dying to get a Pittsburgh Pirates baseball cap. It's not that I was a fan of the team; I just loved the unusual look of the hat, with its pillbox shape, gold stripes, and most importantly, rows and rows of gold stars. Those stars were called Stargell stars and were the creative genius of Hall of Famer Willie Stargell.

It might seem strange to be talking baseball in a guild column, but those Stargell stars played a key role in the Pirates' success, and they serve as a great example of successful guild management. Can a little embroidered star really make a difference? Let's take a look in this week's Guild Counsel.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: How Stargell stars can help your guild

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: How Stargell stars can help your guild originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicefeaturedguildguild-adviceguild-awardsguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguild-moraleguildsleadershipopinionpittsburgh-piratesstargell-starsthe-guild-counselwillie-stargellThu, 16 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which game has the best character animations?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/the-daily-grind-which-game-has-the-best-character-animations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/the-daily-grind-which-game-has-the-best-character-animations/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/the-daily-grind-which-game-has-the-best-character-animations/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The Daily Grind Which game has the best character animations
Character animations seem to be only noticed when they don't come off right. It's often a matter of subjective opinion whether or not these animations are pleasing or jarring, of course, but the fact remains that animations that don't meet players' standards are the target of long, long-winded rants.

I try to give credit where credit is due. MMOs that show off fluid, good-looking animations are deserving of praise. For me, the litmus test is whether or not a game can portray jumping in a natural way. That's harder than you'd think; I've seen so many titles that have characters jumping with stiff spines, awkward arm angles, or the grace of a boiled squash.

So instead of lambasting games for bad animations, let's focus on those that pull off natural- and good-looking animations today. Seriously, it's going to be tough for some of you to put a lid on the negativity, but I believe in you. Which game has the best character animations?

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: Which game has the best character animations? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animationanimationscharacter-animationcharacter-animationsdaily-grindjumpingopinionsquashtdgthe-daily-grindWed, 15 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: MMOs are to kids what MUDs are to us]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-soapbox-mmos-are-to-kids-what-muds-are-to-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-soapbox-mmos-are-to-kids-what-muds-are-to-us/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-soapbox-mmos-are-to-kids-what-muds-are-to-us/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vendetta Online on the iPad
I love MUDs. When I go through a several-hour long MUD session, I feel as if I took part in a greater story, and most of the fun was not based on stats or gear. MUDs let me escape into a world because they are about story first. I think I'm pretty rare, though. I can't find many other writers who seem to write about MUDs unless they are referencing them like some sort of relic from the past. The truth is that MUDs are still being loved, played, and enjoyed by thousands. Covering MUDs is as important as covering any other MMO. They're still part of the bigger picture.

I'm sure many of you reading this now could not care less about MUDs. You might have played one years ago, but generally they are seen as the cute elderly citizens of MMOdom. That's cool if that's how you feel, but now think about this: The new generation, kids between 13 and 20 years old, will look at many of our large PCs and 20 gig MMOs the same way modern gamers look at MUDs.

Continue reading The Soapbox: MMOs are to kids what MUDs are to us

MassivelyThe Soapbox: MMOs are to kids what MUDs are to us originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidbeau-hindmandelleditorialfeaturedIOSipadiphonemudMUDsmulti-user-dungeonop-edopinionpcpc-gamingrantrantssmartphonesoapboxtablet-pctabletsthe-soapboxTue, 14 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-the-increasing-trend-of-active-comb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No percentage chance to dodge for you, miss.
Back in the day, combat in MMOs was nice and sedate. You had a weapon, the other guy had a weapon, and you both walked up and hit one another with weapons until one of you died. To ensure that you succeeded at that goal, you had huge bars of abilities filled with various tricks to make the other guy die a little more than you did. It was a bit passive, is what we're getting at.

Recent MMOs have been swinging to the other extreme, with players having a handful of abilities and a mandate to dance around the screen like a hyperactive rabbit. Titles like WildStar and The Elder Scrolls Online are previewing themselves partly on the strength of active combat. Do you like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs? Or do you wish that we could go back to more sedate combat systems, possibly with those darn kids getting off our lawns in the process?

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 like the increasing trend of active combat in MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-combatactive-combatcombatculturedaily-grindgame-mechanicshumormobilityopinionreflexestdgthe-daily-grindtwitchtwitch-reflexesTue, 14 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/leaderboard-whos-your-favorite-mmo-music-composer/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Knut Haugen is the best, and if you don't agree with me then YOU ARE WRONG!
I've got MMO music on the brain today, and with apologies to our dedicated music column, I'm going to devote this episode of Leaderboard to some of my favorite massively multiplayer composers. If you're not already aware, video game music has ceased to be cheesy, synth-dominated midi riffs and now sounds as good, if not better, than many of the orchestral marches composed for epic films and television.

With all that said, let's keep it simple. Who's your favorite MMO music composer? Vote after the cut!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer?

MassivelyLeaderboard: Who's your favorite MMO music composer? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-royalcomposersleaderboardmmo-musicmmo-soundtracksmusicone-on-oneone-vs-oneopinionpollpollssoundtrackversusvotevotesvotingvsMon, 13 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/the-daily-grind-have-you-ever-been-sidetracked-by-game-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Wars: The Old Republic - Shooting firstYou know what sucks? Hearing a cool piece of game music and having no idea what it's called or where to hear it again, that's what. I mean, it sucks in a first-world-problems sort of way, but still.

It happened to me over the weekend as I was playing Star Wars: The Old Republic. My Imperial Agent was toodling along, doing the nefarious things that Imperial Agents do, when the most dastardly fanfare I've heard this side of the Imperial March came blaring out of my speakers.

It was glorious.

Naturally, I haven't heard the phantom track since, even after much fumbling about trying to recreate the in-game circumstances during which it originally played. I even turned to the soundtrack CD that came with the collector's edition that's been gathering dust in my closet since 2011. It wasn't on there, of course, since soundtrack producers have some unwritten rule about leaving off half the soundtrack (and jumbling the tracks they deign to include) when they make an album. I've also been unable to find the track on YouTube's extensive SWTOR soundtrack playlists.

So, what say you, Massively readers? Has a piece of game music ever derailed a play session? Which one?

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: Have you ever been sidetracked by game music? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredaily-grindeaelectronic-artsf2pfirst-world-problemsfree-to-playlucasartsmmo-soundtrackopinionsci-fisoundtrackstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorswtor-soundtracktdgthe-daily-grindthe-old-republictorMon, 13 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO races do you detest?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Daily Grind Which races do you detest
My loathing of Elves is not only well-documented here on Massively, but stretches back to my childhood. I've just never liked them, period. Maybe it's because they're the preppie cool kids in my mind's John Hughes movie, or maybe it's their incredible haughty arrogance and froofy love of flowerwear. In any case, I don't like them, I don't play them, and I feel perfectly fine wishing all manner of humiliating harm upon them. After all, they're pretend and that makes it OK, right?

So in the tongue-in-cheek spirit of imaginary racism, which pretend species makes your skin crawl in MMOs? Can you not abide by Dwarves no matter what? Do Gnomes irk you? Will your eyes roll out of your head if you see another humanoid cat race invade your gaming space? Let's get our hate on this morning! Whee!

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: Which MMO races do you detest? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caithlincathardaily-grinddwarveselfelvesgnomeshumorno-elvesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: How long can you play a game in one sitting?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-daily-grind-how-long-can-you-play-a-game-in-one-sitting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-daily-grind-how-long-can-you-play-a-game-in-one-sitting/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/the-daily-grind-how-long-can-you-play-a-game-in-one-sitting/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Now just two dozen more fights like that and I'll be halfway through the day and my level.
You've got nothing else to do on a lazy Saturday. You've got plenty of food and beverages, a comfortable seat, and a burning desire to get something accomplished in your game of choice. So you settle down, you log in, and you start running around and getting stuff done.

Exactly how long is it going to be until you get up?

We're not asking about when you get up to grab more chips or run to the bathroom or whatever. Today's question is just about how long you can sit in front of the screen without needing to get up and do something else for a little while. How long can you play a game in one sitting? Does it depend on the game, with group-based games like Final Fantasy XI meriting a longer session compared to solo-friendly titles like World of Warcraft? Or can you tolerate only a certain amount of time before you need a break no matter what?

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: How long can you play a game in one sitting? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-day-gamingculturedaily-grindmarathon-sessionsopinionplay-sessionstdgthe-daily-grindSat, 11 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/tamriel-infinium-stepping-into-the-world-of-the-elder-scrolls-o/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Tamriel Infinium Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online
Many players in my guild are really looking forward to Elder Scrolls Online. Nearly everyone has signed up for beta. I cannot confirm or deny whether some of them might be in playing right now. When I announced that I was taking on the ESO column for Massively, I could feel their questioning eyes burning through the internet: Why would you want to do a column on the Elder Scrolls? You have said that you were burned out on fantasy. Skyrim gave you trouble because of the first-person view. And there are no playable dwarves. They might have caught me on that last one, but the others are partially true, as well. I have played a lot of fantasy games, but TES bends a lot of the traditions of high fantasy. And thankfully, you can play all of Skyrim in third-person view.

There are three major factors that have kept me intrigued with the entire world of the Elder Scrolls. Tamriel is full of deep and rich lore. Granted, most of ESO's lore is future-tense, but a good chunk can be applied to the current timeline -- much as in Star Wars: The Old Republic, my other editorial focus. Secondly, Elder Scrolls Online intends to keep the mechanics and the flavor of the franchise within an MMO setting. This includes a PvP system that pits three factions against each other. Although I usually have a take-it-or-leave-it approach to open-world PvP, I have always been fascinated by how three-faction systems work. Lastly, the community is passionate. I enjoy connecting with people who are looking to connect with each other and share their hopes for a game that hasn't even been released yet.

Those will be the three main focuses of this column. Let me tell you how it will work.

Continue reading Tamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online

MassivelyTamriel Infinium: Stepping into the world of The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsfeaturedlawrence-schickmorrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrielTamriel-Infiniumtestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 10 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance renewed for a second season]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/defiance-renewed-for-a-second-season/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Defiance renewed for a second season
Even with Syfy doing a happy dance over Defiance's premiere numbers, there's been a cloud of doubt hovering over the show's survival. Because, well, this is Syfy. We've never quite forgiven the channel for canceling Farscape in favor of Octosharkasaurus vs. Mecha-Piranhadon. But it looks as though the MMO's sibling has received an extension of life, as Syfy renewed it for a second season.

Syfy President of Original Content Mark Stern had these words of encouragement at the news: "Bringing the rich world of Defiance to life has been an incredible team effort. We couldn't ask for better partners than Kevin Murphy, his amazing cast and crew, and Trion Worlds. We can't wait to see where they take us in the second season."

The press release says that the demographics for the show have remained impressive for the network, that over a million registered players have enjoyed the multi-platform MMO, and that the Trion-Syfy collaboration will continue into the second season.

MassivelyDefiance renewed for a second season originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancemark-sternmmo-shooterpvprenewedsci-fisecond-seasonseriesshootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxFri, 10 May 2013 15:30:00 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[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Nine reasons for nine years of City of Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/a-mild-mannered-reporter-nine-reasons-for-nine-years-of-city-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/a-mild-mannered-reporter-nine-reasons-for-nine-years-of-city-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/a-mild-mannered-reporter-nine-reasons-for-nine-years-of-city-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bree says this header makes her cry.
This is not timed perfectly to coincide with what would have been the ninth anniversary of City of Heroes. It couldn't be, honestly; trying to do so would have resulted in a worse column. There's also the simple fact that the ninth anniversary did not actually happen, the game was gone before then. Sanctifying the date will not bring the game back, nor will it assuage the fact that it's not there any longer.

Despite all of that, I liked the thematic structure put forth on the Titan boards, nine reasons for nine years. But since I'm incapable of doing things any way but the wrong way, I'm approaching this in my own style with my own nine reasons that I wish we'd had a ninth year. Even if the game comes back tomorrow in some form, it's never going to have the life that it should have had, and here's my nine reasons why I wish that weren't the case.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Nine reasons for nine years of City of Heroes

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Nine reasons for nine years of City of Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporteranniversariesanniversary-but-notcity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohcovcoxculturef2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedommild-mannered-reporterncsoftnine-yearsopinionparagonparagon-studiossave-cohsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesWed, 08 May 2013 16:00:00 EST