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[One Shots: Thar be dragons]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/one-shots-thar-be-dragons/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Thar be dragons
It would be a rare fantasy MMO that didn't have a posse of dragons roaming the land (or flying through the skies), and Guild Wars 2 certainly does not break that trend. It doesn't mean that going head-to-head with one is any less intimidating, however.

Reader Paul sent in this little meet-and-greet with Puff, saying it was when his Asuran Mesmer first encountered a dragon. Let's just hope he remained alive to have a second encounter. Asurans often look like popcorn chicken to dragonkind.

It's not just flying lizards in this week's One Shots! What wonders await you, I wonder?

Continue reading One Shots: Thar be dragons

MassivelyOne Shots: Thar be dragons originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Warhammer
It looks as if yesterday's EA layoffs are hitting MMO gamers closer to home than originally thought. In a post today on BioWare's Warhammer Online forums, Mythic's Timothy Chappell announced that he has been let go. Chappell was the community manager for Warhammer Online, Ultima Online, and Dark Age of Camelot.
I am very sorry to say that I was informed that my position was no longer needed. Though I had many titles I was handling for Mythic, I grew to love and appreciate all the communities and only wish I could have had more time or resources to get more involved with them. Though I had only been in the position for a little over a year, I will miss a great many of you and hope that you keep in touch.
The news is of particular concern for Warhammer, which also lost its lead developer earlier this week. Ultima Online, by contrast, assured players of its continuing operation in a producer's letter last week.

[Thanks to Fozee for the tip!]

MassivelyMythic community manager bids a sorrowful farewell originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylayoffslord-britishmythicMythic-Entertainmentpvptimothy-chappellultimaultima onlineuowarwarhammerWarhammer-OnlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

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

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

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA named 'Worst Company in America' second year in a row]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EA named the worst company in America second year in a row
Gamers aren't letting up on Electronic Arts for its record and attitude. The games publisher was voted "Worst Company in America" for a second year in a row in The Consumerist's poll. EA trounced the other finalist, Bank of America, with 78% of the tallies.

The Consumerist provided commentary as to why EA earned that reputation with customers and what it could be doing to not earn this title next year. The site identified EA's three main problems as failing to provide a product people want and like, failing to sell products at reasonable prices, and failing to support its products.

EA COO Peter Moore posted a letter last week responding to the probable second win, admitting mistakes while attempting to refute popular complaints. His response to the poll? "We can do better. We will do better."

MassivelyEA named 'Worst Company in America' second year in a row originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartspeter-moorepollsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-consumeristthe-old-republictorworst-company-in-americaTue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot launches an update and answers player questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/dark-age-of-camelot-launches-an-update-and-answers-player-questi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/dark-age-of-camelot-launches-an-update-and-answers-player-questi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/dark-age-of-camelot-launches-an-update-and-answers-player-questi/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No one takes Faertwyd's bunny slippers. No one.
If you've been playing Dark Age of Camelot for a while, odds are good that you've acquired a lot of things. You've got a set of Epic Armor, you've got tons of items clogging your bank, and you've got a pair of fuzzy bunny slippers that you don't remember buying but you now refuse to remove. The game's latest patch does not improve your slipper situation, but it does improve Epic Armor, add new Epic Weapons and Accessories, allow for remote bank access, and increase the stack limits on many items. So everything else gets better.

Does that satisfy you? No? You want to know more about the future of the game? Well, then, you can feast your eyes on a new set of community answers from the development team addressing the future update plans for the game as well as which areas will not be seeing much improvement (throwing weapons, for instance, are pretty much up the creek). So there's plenty for DAoC fans to enjoy. However, no one enjoys those bunny slippers. Seriously. Wear armor like everyone else.

[Thanks to Etaew for the tip!]

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot launches an update and answers player questions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bankbanksbiowarecamelotclassic-mmocommunity-q-acommunity-q-and-adaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsepicepic-accessoriesepic-armorepic-itemsepic-weaponsfantasyinventoryitem-overhaulsitemsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatchpatchespvpq-and-arvrstack-sizesstacksThu, 21 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot runs bonus weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/dark-age-of-camelot-runs-bonus-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/dark-age-of-camelot-runs-bonus-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/dark-age-of-camelot-runs-bonus-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Dark Age of Camelot runs bonus weekend
Mythic has a special treat for the Dark Age of Camelot players who patiently waited through some recent downtime: a generous bonus weekend starting... right now.

The bonus weekend affects the different server rulesets in a variety of ways. All servers will generate 200% more XP and 200% more bounty points in specific areas. Realm points are also being handed out like candy, although you'll need to consult the master chart to figure out how your server benefits.

The bonus weekend goes from today (Wednesday) through Monday, January 28th.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot runs bonus weekend originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebonusbonus-weekendbonus-xpcamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseventfantasyin-game-eventmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypvprvrWed, 23 Jan 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Dark Age of Camelot's soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/jukebox-heroes-dark-age-of-camelots-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/jukebox-heroes-dark-age-of-camelots-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/15/jukebox-heroes-dark-age-of-camelots-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Dark Age of Camelot's soundtrack
Dark Age of Camelot has a strange soundtrack history. The game came out with an official soundtrack in 2002 that is (a) wonderful, (b) absolutely worth buying, and (c) only marginally related to the actual in-game music. There are really terrific tracks on this, such as Breton Melody and The Rap, which I do wish I could share with you. Unfortunately, Universal Music Group is quite aggressive on keeping this CD's tracks off of sites like YouTube, so you will have to take my word for it that it's worth pursuing in your own time.

Then, of course, there's the actual score that's heard in the game, and that's what we'll be focusing on today. The original score and the first expansion was composed by Rik Schaffer of Womb Music. Schaffer worked with the team to come up with a multi-track format so that DAoC could weave together songs based on where you were and what was going on all around you. "It's a really neat system that provides a real sense of atmosphere as you are playing -- almost like a movie soundtrack," said Producer Matt Firor in a 2002 interview.

We've got a lot of musical ground to cover, so let's start moving!

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Dark Age of Camelot's soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Dark Age of Camelot's soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpvprik-schafferrvrsoundtracksoundtracksTue, 15 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/20/the-perfect-ten-my-biggest-gaming-moments-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten My biggest gaming moments in 2012
I am a complete sucker for three things: novelty soft drink flavors, Tom Servo's singing voice in MST3K, and end-of-the-year lists. Egads, I love the end of the year just for the lists alone. Everyone does them (copycats!), and I like to see how my opinions stack up against them. Plus, often I learn of cool things that happened or came out during the past year that I missed.

So this is my list. My end-of-2012 list. I am devoting the 26th Perfect Ten of 2012 to the top 10 moments in MMO gaming and blogging. It was a rollercoaster of highs and lows, and looking back, I don't think I could've predicted half of the major events that happened in this industry. That's what I like about this gig: It keeps me on my toes.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: My biggest gaming moments in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosanetarenanetbiowarebuy-to-playcamelotcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1eqmaceverquesteverquest-macintoshf2pfactionfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfuncomguild-wars-2gw2horrorhumorjohn-smedleylucasartsmst3kmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenproject-copernicuspvprounduprvrsci-fantasysci-fisecret-worldskill-basedsoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthe-secret-worldtom-servotop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortswThu, 20 Dec 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/21/rise-and-shiny-revisit-dark-age-of-camelot/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dark Age of Camelot character creation screenshot
About once a year I like to take a look back at Dark Age of Camelot, the classic PvP MMO by Mythic Entertainment, just to reassure myself that older MMOs are still some of the best around. Dark Age of Camelot comes from that older crop of titles like Asheron's Call and EverQuest, games that still shine despite their age. Of course the next logical question is, "If these games are still so good, why aren't more of us still playing them?" There's an easy answer, really. First of all, we don't spend time sitting around listening to our favorite albums or watching our favorite movies constantly, but we still appreciate them, possibly more than we did when we first found them. Next, all games are finite for us as individuals. There is no MMO that offers endless content if we take away the endless player-made content that comes from roleplay or exploration.

No matter how good a game like Dark Age of Camelot was and still is, many of us have already experienced it quite a bit. It's only human to become slightly bored with something we've played with time and again. But once again, I've spent a week in a game that shows it's always a good thing to check back on our favorites. They just might surprise you all over again.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot

MassivelyRise and Shiny revisit: Dark Age of Camelot originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callbeau-hindmanbiowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfallEAea-mythicelectronic-artseverquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffaffa-pvpfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvmythicMythic-Entertainmentmythologypvprise-and-shinyrvrstreamsubscription-basedtwitchtwitch-tvUltima-OnlinevideoSun, 21 Oct 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DAoC celebrates 11th birthday with new race and class pairings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/daoc-celebrates-11th-birthday-with-new-race-and-class-pairings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/daoc-celebrates-11th-birthday-with-new-race-and-class-pairings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/12/daoc-celebrates-11th-birthday-with-new-race-and-class-pairings/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC celebrates 11th birthday with new raceclass pairings
It may not be as perfectly round and special as a 10th anniversary, but 11 years for any MMO is a great achievement even so. Dark Age of Camelot crosses that line this year, and to celebrate its 11th birthday, the devs announced that each of the three realms can now roll two new race/class pairings.

With the changes, Albion residents can roll Inconnu Minstrels and Half Ogre Maulers, Midgardians can make Kobold Berserkers and Troll Maulers, and Hibernians can unleash Lurikeen Blademasters and Firbolg Maulers.

Massively is getting ready to celebrate DAoC's 11th anniversary with Rise and Shiny this coming Sunday, so don't miss it!

MassivelyDAoC celebrates 11th birthday with new race and class pairings originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>11-years11th-anniversary11th-birthdayanniversarybiowarebirthdaycamelotclass-race-combosclass-race-pairingsclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatchpvpracial-pairingsrvrupdateFri, 12 Oct 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Conquer Online screenshots
One of the greatest things about the mobile market is the reappearance of older, single-player titles that are now being introduced to a new generation. Tablets and smartphones are quickly becoming go-to gaming devices offering not only more powerful processors and bigger screens but access to the internet and huge stores of digital goodies. Recently, I've been playing through titles I've missed, like Broken Sword, a point-and-click adventure game from 1996. Touch devices are proving to be perfect for many older-style games. We're simply replacing the mouse with the finger, and the move feels natural.

When I interviewed the Ultima Online team during a livestream this week, I asked Producer Bonnie Armstrong about a mobile version of the game. After all, I've played games, like Conquer Online, that look almost identical to Ultima Online, so I know it can be done. Her answer?
I would love to, personally. I think it would be pretty cool. I think somebody kind of joked around and said you know when somebody's 90 years old, they're going to be in an old folk's home playing UO on their phone. [...] That kind of sums us up.
There are many MMOs that I could see offering a mobile version. Would it be better or worse for these classic titles?

Continue reading MMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callbeau-hindmanBlizzardbonnie-armstrongbrowserbrowser-basedconquer-onlinedark-age-of-cameloteverquestfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoMythic-EntertainmentopinionphonesmartphoneSOEturbineUltima-OnlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 28 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Speaking Episode 214: Head start]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/28/massively-speaking-episode-214-head-start/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Massively Speaking Episode 214 Head start
It's been a long time coming for MMO fans, this day. Guild Wars 2's launch isn't just a special occasion in the community; it's the rebirth of civilization itself. It will usher in a golden era of peace, prosperity, and jumping. Bree and Justin are weeping with joy, their tears glistening with the hope of a bright future of gaming. Other games will fall at ArenaNet's feet in tribute, begging for mere permission to continue living.

Just warning you: We might be talking a bit about GW2 today. It is... unavoidable.

Have a comment for the podcasters? Shoot an email to podcast@massively.com. We may just read your email on the air!

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Read below the cut for the full show notes.

Continue reading Massively Speaking Episode 214: Head start

MassivelyMassively Speaking Episode 214: Head start originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoage-of-wulinage-of-wushuanetarenanetasiabiowarebrantbrianna-roycecamelotchinachinesechinese-mmoclassic-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdndeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgpotatoguild-wars-2gw2humorjet-lijustin-olivettilord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromartial-artsmassively-speakingming-dynastymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpodcastpodcastingpodcastspvppwervrsandboxsnail-gamessnail-games-usaturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowushuwuxiaTue, 28 Aug 2012 19:00:00 ESTMassively Speaking Episode 214Massively.com Staff01:11:22podcasts<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot calls for the guards with a new patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/dark-age-of-camelot-calls-for-the-guards-with-a-new-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/dark-age-of-camelot-calls-for-the-guards-with-a-new-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/22/dark-age-of-camelot-calls-for-the-guards-with-a-new-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's good news for defending players, and attacking players who enjoy failure.
So you've captured a Relic in Dark Age of Camelot. The challenge is finding a spot to keep it, since it's obviously a big draw for enemy players. But the latest patch makes it a little bit easier to defend your captured Relics in non-Relic Keeps by adding in special Relic Guards. These defenders spawn in the same keep as a captured Relic to aid its defense, but they also spawn at lower levels as the number of total Relics controlled by a given realm grows.

The patch also brings along major changes for Maulers and Realm abilities, both of which should change existing player strategies significantly. Last but not least, the patch adds several new resist tokens to existing realm vendors and tinkers with values for the existing resistance spells. All in all, these changes should help shake up the existing balance of power in the game and force new strategies to come to light.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot calls for the guards with a new patch originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdefenseeaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsmechanical-changesmechanicsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynewspatchpatchespvprvrupdatesWed, 22 Aug 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/19/the-game-archaeologist-will-classic-mmos-survive-without-free-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist Will classic MMOs survive without freetoplay
It's amazing to me how quickly the industry has shifted to where we don't just welcome free-to-play as a business model in MMOs -- we downright expect it. Take a look in the comments of any new MMO that dares to launch with a subscription-only model: People will be tripping over each other in an attempt to predict just when said game will break down and admit that it needs F2P. Whether or not BioWare's admission that it's looking into F2P for Star Wars: The Old Republic surprised you or not, it's a sign that no game is immune to the allure, dollar signs, and downright necessity of the popularity and flexibility of this model.

I think this brings a pressing question to bear in the field of classic MMOs: Will they survive without free-to-play? It's a pretty important question for a few reasons. One, a surprising majority of remaining sub-only MMOs are older ones; two, people now expect free in games they try; and three, players aren't exactly flocking to classic MMOs anyway.

This week I want to explore the conundrum that these games are in and why some players may have blinders on when it comes to the fate of their favorite games.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play?

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Will classic MMOs survive without free-to-play? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acasherons-callbiowareclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq1eqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-archaelogistlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsnostalgiaopinionsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-game-archaeologistthe-old-republictorturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 19 Jun 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/dark-age-of-camelot-updates-relic-mechanics-and-classes/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Relics also cannot be used any longer as snack food for pet monsters.
Some people no doubt see the venerable Dark Age of Camelot as a relic. But you know what's even more of a relic? The game's Relics. These powerful items have received an overhaul in the latest patch; the items have been moved to central locations in each Realm that cannot be captured or claimed. Players carrying Relics have also become more visible and slightly less mobile, and special Envoys have been added to help defend Relics from capture.

The patch also updates several class abilities. Bonedancers get a new spell to target a region on the ground, while Friars and Valewalkers both gain a rear snare. On the flip side, toxic direct damage poisons have all seen a slight downgrade in effectiveness for balance reasons. Dark Age of Camelot players can see the full list of changes in the patch notes, and while it's not a major content patch, the changes should spice up the game's ongoing realm warfare.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot updates Relic mechanics and classes originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassclass-balanceclassesclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasygame-mechanicsmechanical-changesmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatchpatchespvprelicsrvrupdateTue, 22 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/the-perfect-ten-free-to-play-holdouts/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
In the increasingly diminishing field of subscription-only MMOs, two distinct camps have formed. There is the Old Guard that has its established playerbase and is simply not interested in jumping on board the F2P train, and then there are the New Kids on the Block (which would make an excellent band name, by the way), who argue that their premium features and AAA content warrant a subscription in the F2P age.

A few years ago, doing a list of the final few F2P holdouts would have been a ridiculous proposition, but now it's actually difficult to get to 10 of these. Each company has a different reason that it hasn't given these games more flexible payment options (FPO should replace F2P; pass it on!), and while some have addressed this publicly, others say nothing and leave us to speculate on it.

For today's Perfect Ten, we're going to look at the 10 biggest current F2P holdouts in the industry and muse about what's going on behind the scenes. Will this list be impossible to do in a few years or will subscription-only titles come back in a big way? Hey, I don't predict things; I just make lists.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Free-to-play holdouts originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acactivisionAndy-Cataldoasherons-callbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotccpccp-gamesclassic-mmoconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialeveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ff14ffxiffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xifinal-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playhumorinternet-spaceshipsKai-Schoberlord-britishlucasartsmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenplanetsidepsps1pvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fiscott-hartsmansoesony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarwarcraftwarhammerwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 19 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Dark Age of Camelot video shows off relic raid test-run]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/new-dark-age-of-camelot-video-shows-off-relic-raid-test-run/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/new-dark-age-of-camelot-video-shows-off-relic-raid-test-run/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/new-dark-age-of-camelot-video-shows-off-relic-raid-test-run/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Screenshot -- Dark Age of Camelot
Realm-vs.-realm combat pioneer Dark Age of Camelot is seeing a number of changes to the relic raid system in the upcoming patch 1.112, and last Wednesday the devs gathered a bunch of guillible cannon fod-- err, brave adventurers to help them test out the new updates with an all-out relic raiding brawl.

Mythic figured that an event of such magnitude shouldn't go unnoticed, so the studio recorded the ordeal and put together a lovely little video full of an incredible amount of death, destruction, and general RvR chaos. Which faction will reign supreme in this rumble for the relic? Well, there's only one way to find out: Go see for yourself!

Continue reading New Dark Age of Camelot video shows off relic raid test-run

MassivelyNew Dark Age of Camelot video shows off relic raid test-run originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologypatch-1.112pvpraidraidsrealm-vs-realmrelicrelic-raidrelic-raidsrvrtrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 16 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/11/choose-my-adventure-dark-age-of-camelot-week-five/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DAoC
As I headed into my final week of playing Dark Age of Camelot, I found myself thinking about Warhammer Online more often than not. That shouldn't be surprising, really, as both games were made by Mythic and share a focus on RvR. I suppose it's because I finally hit a point in the game when DAoC started to emulate experiences I had in WAR, and thus a comparison between the two began to unfold.

While I'm sure plenty of folks who played DAoC went on to WAR, I'm curious whether there are many like me who went through the games in the reverse order. I may not be a veteran DAoC player after a few weeks in the game, but I certainly have a mountain of experience in WAR, and it intrigues me to be able to identify the connections between the two.

So as I plundered the battlefields of DAoC this week, I started to examine the game through the lens of a WAR vet to see whether I could spot the traits each game had in common and which traits each game handled better than the other.

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Dark Age of Camelot, week five originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotchoose-my-adventureclassic-mmocmadaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artsendless-trialfantasyfeaturedhands-onmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyopinionpollpollspvpreaders-choicervrvotevotingwarwarhammerwarhammer-onlineWed, 11 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/10/dark-age-of-camelot-retunes-relic-system/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DAoC
Dark Age of Camelot's Relic system is under the dev team's magnifying glass this month, and it looks as though dedicated RvRers are going to have to adjust to a few significant changes to how Relic raids work in the near future.

"We have learned over the years that being complex and being complicated are two very different things," Producer Stuart Zissu writes. "If players can't immediately grasp the situation and understand what is needed of them, then there is room for improvement."

In a new producer's letter, Zissu spells out the changes to the Relic system. Relics Temples and Mile Gates will be eliminated, and Relics themselves will be moved to the inner keeps. These new Relic Keeps will be granted additional guards the more keeps a realm holds in their home territory. However, the more relics a faction claims, the weaker the guards will be. Relic runs will be made more challenging, as the game will notify everyone in the region where the Relic holder is and faster avenues of transportation will be cut off.

MassivelyDark Age of Camelot retunes Relic system originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarecamelotclassic-mmodaocdark-age-of-camelotdev-blogdev-diaryeaelectronic-artsfantasymythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyproducers-letterpvprelicrelic-keeprelic-keepsrelic-runsrelic-systemrvrStuart-ZissuTue, 10 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/the-perfect-ten-mmo-tributes-to-real-life-people/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Perfect Ten
When a beloved friend, family member, hero, or role model dies, we feel the pain of that loss and grieve in many different ways. Part of that grieving and healing process is often entails those left behind constructing some sort of tribute to the dearly departed. Sometimes this comes in the form of a shrine of flowers, sometimes it's the establishment of a charity, and sometimes it's creating an in-game memorial that thousands if not millions of people will see over the course of years.

So while death and illness are depressing topics to dwell upon, I find the many MMO tributes that studios and even gamers have erected to be inspiring and a celebration of individual players' lives. With the help of my fellow Massively staffers, I researched 10 wonderful in-game tributes that serve to honor the lives of fellow gamers.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMO tributes to real-life people originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionahab-wheathoofAnthony-StarkArmando-Ossexbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcamelotCaylee-Dakcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohcovcoxcoyoted-and-dDak-Krausedanieldaniels-questdaocdark-age-of-camelotdave-arnesonddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsEmilyeqeq1everquesteverquest-iiezraezra-chattertonezra-wheathooff2pfantasyfeaturedFrank-Campbellfree-to-playfreedomgalaxiesgary-gygaxhumorjeff-freemanJesse-Moraleskylelord-britishlunar-festivalmake-a-wishmake-a-wish-foundationmatthew-braggmemorialMichel-Koitermythicmythic-entertainmentmythologyncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenphoenixpvpribbitribbitRobert-Bridenbeckerrounduprvrsandboxsci-fishrinesoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiessuperherosuperheroesswgswgothe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenTony-Starktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtributeturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 05 Apr 2012 10:00:00 EST