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[The Daily Grind: Would you like appropriate movie tie-in content in your MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-appropriate-movie-tie-in-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-appropriate-movie-tie-in-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-daily-grind-would-you-like-appropriate-movie-tie-in-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Superman arrestedI don't know if SOE has any plans to capitalize on the wave of Superman hype sweeping the nerdosphere on account of Zack Snyder's upcoming Man of Steel film. The firm's DC Universe Online title features the big blue boy scout rather prominently, of course, and the timing seems right if there aren't a bunch of legal stumbling blocks.

SOE has done movie tie-ins with an MMO before, way back in 2005 when its Rage of the Wookiees expansion added a bunch of Episode III-themed content to Star Wars Galaxies. Last summer, though, the firm didn't really acknowledge Christopher Nolan's final Batman film in DCUO, so it may not be in the cards for Supes either.

Regardless of what actually happens, would you like to see appropriate movie tie-in content in certain MMOs? Or do you prefer to keep the properties separate?

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: Would you like appropriate movie tie-in content in your MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdaily-grinddc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playman-of-steelopinionplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroessupermantdgthe-daily-grindThu, 23 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A tour of DC Universe Online's new Origin Crisis DLC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-tour-of-dc-universe-onlines-new-origin-crisis-dlc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-tour-of-dc-universe-onlines-new-origin-crisis-dlc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-tour-of-dc-universe-onlines-new-origin-crisis-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online screenshot
DC Universe Online's latest DLC, Origin Crisis, allows players to fill the shoes of some of their favorite -- and not so favorite -- heroes and villains and fight to keep reality as it is. Thanks to yesterday's update, players will actually be traveling through time in order to stop a chain of events that might result in entirely new universes and timelines. You'll be bamming and powing your way through content in the hopes that history remains intact.

We sat down with Jens Andersen, Creative Director of DC Universe Online, to discuss this special DLC, a pack that has been in planning since the game's conception.

Continue reading A tour of DC Universe Online's new Origin Crisis DLC

MassivelyA tour of DC Universe Online's new Origin Crisis DLC originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-realitybeau-hindmandcdc-universe-onlinedcuoDLCfeaturedjens-andersenorigin-crisispreviewpreviewstrailertrailersvideovideosWed, 15 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player panel submissions open for SOE Live 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Player panel submissions open for SOE Live 2013
Last year, SOE threw a new ingredient into its convention mix -- player panels. The result was such a hit that the studio is not only bringing them back this year, but extending their availability; Sunday has been added to the player panels schedule, and that means there are plenty of openings!

Do you have a subject involving any SOE game that you think would be of interest and benefit others? Maybe you are a whiz at livesteaming or you have primo tips and tricks on cosplay to dispense. What about sharing your fan site or holding a raid clinic? Whatever your idea, submit your proposal by 3:00 a.m EDT June 1st for consideration. If selected, you and up to three other panel members will receive All Access passes to SOE Live 2013 (no other expenses are covered, including food, travel, or add-ons). Panel selection -- which is not on a first-come, first-served basis -- will be completed mid-June.

MassivelyPlayer panel submissions open for SOE Live 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconconsoleconsolesconventiondc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfan-fairefantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhousinginfernuminfernum-productionskid-friendlykidskids-mmolas-vegasmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3psps1ps2ps3runewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2013sonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgMon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO's Origin Crisis to release on May 14th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dcuos-origin-crisis-to-release-may-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dcuos-origin-crisis-to-release-may-14/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/dcuos-origin-crisis-to-release-may-14/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DCUO Origin Crisis to release May 14
For you DC Universe Online fans out there, SOE has announced earlier today that the superhero MMO's upcoming DLC, Origin Crisis, will officially launch on Tuesday, May 14th.

If that's not enough, SOE is rewarding all Legendary Members with early access on May 8th (tomorrow!).

You can read more about what Origin Crisis has to offer in our coverage of the DLC since it was announced at SOE Live last October.

[Source: SOE press release]

MassivelyDCUO's Origin Crisis to release on May 14th originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playlaunchorigin-crisisplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesTue, 07 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: The dark night dashes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/one-shots-the-dark-night-dashes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/one-shots-the-dark-night-dashes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/one-shots-the-dark-night-dashes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots The dark night rises
Just because you have passing familiarity with Superman and Batman doesn't mean you know jack about the real superheroes who do all of the dirty work while the headliners steal the signal light. For instance, have you met this guy? If you haven't, let reader Russell make your acquaintance.

"This is my Brawling Juggernaut in DC Universe Online, known by many as Orange Crush," Russell begins with aplomb. "Here he is in pursuit of justice, on the way to laying some Crush down on the villains of our great and beloved Gotham City!"

Will Orange Crush arrive in time? Tune in to the rest of this column after the break!

Continue reading One Shots: The dark night dashes

MassivelyOne Shots: The dark night dashes originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoeaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfactionfantasyfree-to-playfuncomgalleriesgalleryhorrorlucasartsmythologyone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenplaystation-3playstation3ps3reader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fantasysci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssecret-worldskill-basedsoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubscriptionlesssuperherosuperheroesswtorterathe-old-republicthe-secret-worldtortswuser-submissionsSun, 05 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Super news, super review]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-super-news-super-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-super-news-super-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/a-mild-mannered-reporter-super-news-super-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Incidentally, I want to visit a screen door factory.
It's been a fairly quiet month on the superhero front, which is the way of things. Some months it seems as if you can't go a day without a new launch; others you realize belatedly that it's the end of the month because another round of bills are due. Possibly including subscription fees. It all ties together.

Of course, the superhero arena has been quiet for a little while now, but we're seeing signs of life cropping up once again. There are titles in development, new content approaching, and a launch in about a month that should really be getting a bit more marketing support. That's a topic for another article.

So as we do once per month at A Mild-Mannered Reporter, it's time to look back over the past month or so and talk about the news stories that have cropped up relating to the genre of men and women in spandex punching robots.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: Super news, super review

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: Super news, super review originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporteractionaction-mmocity-of-heroescity-of-villainscohconsoleconsolescovcoxdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomgazilliongazillion-entertainmentheroes-and-villainsinfinite-crisismarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemild-mannered-reportermuoncsoftopinionparagonparagon-studiosplan-z-virtual-studioplaystation-3playstation3ps3secret-identitysoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesturbineturbine-entertainmentWed, 01 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online's crisis of origins]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-onlines-crisis-of-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-onlines-crisis-of-origins/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-onlines-crisis-of-origins/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Haven't had time to remake these headers yet.
DC comics has always had a history of patch jobs. It's inevitable, really, since DC is both older than Marvel and replete with characters inherited from other publishers or characters originally designed to work in a vacuum. The fact that we've had multiple multiverse-spanning events that completely rewrite the fabric of the universe within the comics makes it clear that this is not a franchise afraid to retroactively remake an entire character only to change said character back in another remake four months later.

It sometimes makes DC rather painful to read even without the mess that the New 52 became, but that's a different article on a different site. Right now we're talking about DC Universe Online getting in on the whole parallel reality game.

Why the preamble? Because this was always pretty much inevitable given the franchise. That having been said, there's some interesting stuff within the upcoming Origin Crisis DLC that bears discussion, so let's talk about the upcoming DLC and how it ties into the game as a whole both thematically and mechanically.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online's crisis of origins

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online's crisis of origins originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporteradd-onsconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-origin-crisisdlcendgameendgame-contentf2pfeaturedfree-to-playlegendary-pvemild-mannered-reporteropinionorigin-crisispatchesplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesWed, 24 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Dev livestream shows off the characters in DCUO's Origin Crisis]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/dev-livestream-shows-off-the-characters-in-dcuos-origin-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/dev-livestream-shows-off-the-characters-in-dcuos-origin-crisis/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/dev-livestream-shows-off-the-characters-in-dcuos-origin-crisis/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Dev livestream shows off DCUO's Origin Crisis
Ever since DC Universe Online announced the DLC Origin Crisis, fans have been clamoring for more information. Creative Director Jens Andersen provided just that last week, offering plenty of details about the story, instances, and new iconic suits coming with the DLC. But he didn't stop there; Andersen and SJ Mueller, Assistant Creative Director, gave players a lengthy look at the council members of the upcoming DLC via webcast.

After introducing the various versions of Batman and Lex Luthor, viewers then got to choose match-ups for duels to the death. Who would win between Cybernetic Luthor and Primal Batman? And what if all joined in for a 5v5 death match? If you've got an hour, watch how that all turns out (and get a sneak peek of the Origin Crisis cinematic) in the full video after the break.

Continue reading Dev livestream shows off the characters in DCUO's Origin Crisis

MassivelyDev livestream shows off the characters in DCUO's Origin Crisis originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoDLCDLC-7f2pfree-to-playjens-andersenOrigin-Crisisplaystation-3playstation3ps3SJ-Muellersoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesvideoThu, 18 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jens Andersen reveals DCUO's Origin Crisis DLC]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/jens-andersen-reveals-dcuos-origins-crisis-dlc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/jens-andersen-reveals-dcuos-origins-crisis-dlc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/10/jens-andersen-reveals-dcuos-origins-crisis-dlc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Jens Andersen reveals DCUO's Origins Crisis DLC
Although he's been dropping hints and teasing fans for a while now, Creative Director Jens Andersen kept the bulk of DC Universe Online's seventh DLC, Origin Crisis, under wraps. That all changed when we met up at GDC; he opened the floodgates of information, sharing a wealth of details about the story, the content, and the new costumes. And now I can pass it all along to you.

Story-wise, Andersen expressed how excited he was to finally let players in on the arc that ties up a few loose ends left dangling after DLCs 2 and 3 -- Lightning Strikes and Battle for Earth. As for content, Origin Crisis adds two new raids, two four-man operations per side, two special solo challenges (which offer the chance to play as a legendary character), a new superpower, and a new tier of PvE gear. Oh, and let's not forget the three new iconic-based suits.

Continue reading Jens Andersen reveals DCUO's Origin Crisis DLC

MassivelyJens Andersen reveals DCUO's Origin Crisis DLC originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Batmanchoices-matterconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoDLCDLC-7f2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewjens-andersenLex-Luthermassively-interviewnew-operationsnew-powernew-raidsOrigin-Crisisorigin-storiesplaystation-3playstation3ps3Quantumsoesolo-instancessony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesSupermantime-travelWed, 10 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2013: DCUO's Andersen talks housing, hints at league version]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gdc-2013-dcuos-andersen-talks-housing-hints-at-league-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gdc-2013-dcuos-andersen-talks-housing-hints-at-league-version/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/gdc-2013-dcuos-andersen-talks-housing-hints-at-league-version/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

GDC 2013 DCUO's Jens Andersen talks decorating, hints at league housing
We first learned about DC Universe Online's housing system last fall at SOE Live, where we got the scoop on the personal lairs coming in the Home Turf DLC from creative director Jens Andersen. At that time, he also shared his vision of expanding to include league housing sometime in the future.

While sitting down with Andersen for a chat at GDC yesterday, the conversation turned to the now two-month-old housing system. The discussion included how the community was utilizing this unique blend of housing and PvP duels. Andersen then shared some tips for decorating with an eye towards battles; he also hinted that league housing may be slated for making an appearance in one of the game's upcoming DLCs.

Continue reading GDC 2013: DCUO's Andersen talks housing, hints at league version

MassivelyGDC 2013: DCUO's Andersen talks housing, hints at league version originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconsoleconsolesconventiondc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodecoratingeventevent-coverageeventsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013guild-housinghousinginterviewinterviewslairsleague-housingmassively-event-coverageplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesThu, 28 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Easy Myth
A few weeks ago, I took a nice long look at World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. Then I wrote about it. My impressions, like most things on the internet, were met with both ardent agreement and defiant protest. Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to World of Warcraft -- some people love the game, some people hate it, and some give it a resounding "eh."

I don't mind people disagreeing with me. People react to games differently, and what works for me may not work for you. But there was one specific critique that rose, repeatedly, in the great debate raging in that article's comments section. A critique that, frankly, I cannot abide:

"World of Warcraft is too easy."

Continue reading The Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsactivisionaionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcommentersdcuoeditorialfantasyfeat-of-strengthfeaturedop-edopinionrantrantsriftsoapboxthe-soapboxthrone-of-thunderwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE outlines DC Universe Online PvP roadmap]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/soe-outlines-dc-universe-online-pvp-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/soe-outlines-dc-universe-online-pvp-roadmap/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/soe-outlines-dc-universe-online-pvp-roadmap/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DC Universe Online Controller
SOE just released GU24 and Mister Mxyzptlk onto DC Universe Online's live servers, but the firm is already looking ahead to future 2013 patches. First up is the PvE-focused Origin Crisis DLC, and after that we should see some additional PvP changes.

As such, Creative Director Jens Andersen posted a PvP roadmap yesterday that features tidbits about gear progression changes, arranged matchmaking, and some sort of map scheduler. The gear changes look to have quite an impact on how PvP works in DCUO, since SOE is breaking them down into seasons that will introduce new tiers of equipment over time.

MassivelySOE outlines DC Universe Online PvP roadmap originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodcuo-pvpdcuo-pvp-roadmapdcuo-pvp-updatesf2pfree-to-playjens-andersenplaystation-3playstation3ps3pvppvp-roadmapsoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesWed, 13 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DC Universe Online gets lucky with GU24]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/dc-universe-online-gets-lucky-with-gu24/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/dc-universe-online-gets-lucky-with-gu24/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/dc-universe-online-gets-lucky-with-gu24/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DC Universe Online gets lucky with GU24
What are Mxyleprechauns? Oh, only the most feared entities on St. Patrick's Day if you happen to be in DCUO's neck of the woods. The seasonal event is once again live as Game Update 24 comes to the game.

GU24 is more than just a touching reunion with Mister Mxyzptlk, however. The update creates a new alert from the Batcave inner sanctum raid, adds optional character outlines, improves the mail system, and allows for the purchase of more slot upgrades.

And while they might not be as sexy as the above bullet points, bug fixes and balance changes fill out a rather lengthy list on the patch notes page. Get cracking, superheroes, because those interdimensional beings aren't going to banish themselves!

MassivelyDC Universe Online gets lucky with GU24 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playgame-update-24gu24Mister-MxyzptlkMxyleprechaunsplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentst-patricks-dayst-pattys-daysuperherosuperheroesTue, 12 Mar 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: News from around the superheroic world]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-news-from-around-the-superheroic-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-news-from-around-the-superheroic-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/a-mild-mannered-reporter-news-from-around-the-superheroic-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Gotta get this header thing settled. Seriously.
I've been talking about superhero games in the conceptual state over the past few weeks, which has been great for those of us who really enjoy that sort of thing. (I also got some very nice feedback from the folks at Missing Worlds Media regarding last week's article, so that's also keen.) But there are two titles in the genre already out, plus one that's not yet out but is rapidly approaching launch. So rather than speak in the abstract, let's talk about the news in review, yes?

Marvel Heroes has been making the biggest waves recently with a major beta update that trimmed up systems, changed statistics, and revamped crafting extensively. Champions Online's latest event became a point of some contention when the finale was swapped from being a high-end event to being something for everybody. And DC Universe Online waited until I had just wrapped up my month in the game to launch a big update including housing. So in no particular order, let's talk about all of this.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: News from around the superheroic world

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: News from around the superheroic world originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporteractionaction-mmochampionschampions-onlinechampscoconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemild-mannered-reportermuonewsnews-roundupopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplaystation-3playstation3ps3pwesecret-identitysoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesWed, 27 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO's producer recaps power retooling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/dcuos-producer-recaps-power-retooling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/dcuos-producer-recaps-power-retooling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/dcuos-producer-recaps-power-retooling/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

DCUO producer recaps power retooling
It's tough enough to balance an MMO for a single platform, but DC Universe Online's team has the unenviable task of doing so for both the PC and PlayStation 3. Due to the latter's "strict limitations," Executive Producer Larry Liberty and his team had to prioritize performance and balance over visual oomph.

In a new producer's letter, Liberty recaps the changes that the team has done to four of the game's powersets -- Mental, Gadgets, Fire, and Ice -- and explains why the devs did what they did. Sorcery and Nature powers are next on the retooling table, and he said that SOE will try to get feedback even earlier than before for these changes.

"In short, we want to make sure that powers are balanced, defects are resolved, and ensure that things that cause slow-down or gameplay issues are remedied," said Liberty.

MassivelyDCUO's producer recaps power retooling originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balancebalancingconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playlarry-libertyplaystation-3playstation3powersproducers-letterps3retoolingsoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesFri, 22 Feb 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony officially announces SOE Live 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/sony-officially-announces-soe-live-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Sony officially announces SOE Live 2013
While we've known that SOE Live was moving location and dates this year to Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas from August 1st through the 4th, we now have official confirmation from the studio itself.

SOE Head of Global Relations Linda Carlson drafted up an accompanying post about the upcoming convention that includes several pictures from previous years. "We're all gamers too," she writes, "and can hardly wait to hang out with you again! Everyone at the company LOVES going to SOE Live, the one event each that focuses solely on our players. We have everything in common!"

Carlson explained that the change in venue was made for several reasons, primarily to keep costs down, have more flexible meeting space, and experience better air quality. She confirmed that, as in previous years, kids will get in free to the event.

MassivelySony officially announces SOE Live 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyfree-realmslinda-carlsonplanetsideplanetside-2soesoe-livesoe-live-2013sony-online-entertainmentvanguardwhiz-owizardry-onlineWed, 06 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online in review]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-online-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-online-in-review/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/30/a-mild-mannered-reporter-dc-universe-online-in-review/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

In unrelated news, I apparently lost the stuff I had saved about how to do these headers properly, so now I have to try and recreate them from memory.
One of the things I like about my job is the part where I have to play a lot of different games. This is not my default state -- I will happily latch on to games that I like and play them into the ground. The 100-plus hours I've clocked into every Mass Effect installment is proof enough of this. But playing a wider variety of games has given me several opportunities to see things in games, nod my head, and exclaim, "Yes! This is what people should be doing? Why do more games not do this?"

DC Universe Online had me saying that about a lot of elements. And every time I figured I was good and done, I found another one.

A month boomeranging back and forth between lower levels on both factions isn't enough time to get a sense for how the game shakes out over the long run, but it does provide a fairly good overview of the game as a whole. And there's a lot of elements in the game that I found astonishingly clever. It didn't offset the parts that I found somewhat tedious or broken, but it did make the game as a whole interesting on multiple levels.

Continue reading A Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online in review

MassivelyA Mild-Mannered Reporter: DC Universe Online in review originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mild-mannered-reporterconsoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedfree-to-playgame-featuresgame-mechanicsimpressionsinterfacemild-mannered-reporteropinionplaystation-3playstation3ps3second-impressionssoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperhero-genresuperheroesuiuser-interfaceWed, 30 Jan 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO's Home Turf launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/dcuos-home-turf-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/dcuos-home-turf-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/29/dcuos-home-turf-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DCUO's Home Turf launches today
SOE's sixth DLC pack for DC Universe Online has launched today, bringing with it a customizable base system that allows players to build their own lair. Appropriately named Home Turf, this content update bring a housing system that players have been anticipating since launch.

Lairs are much more than housing, though. The Lair's Mainframe allows players to unlock and access new combat abilities, and level 30-or-higher players can duel it out with Lair PvP battles.

Be sure to check out all the details in the latest DLC patch notes on the DCUO forums and skip past the cut for the Home Turf launch trailer.

Continue reading DCUO's Home Turf launches today

MassivelyDCUO's Home Turf launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 29 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfree-to-playhome-turfhousinglairlairsplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesTue, 29 Jan 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previewing DC Universe Online's Home Turf update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/previewing-dc-universe-onlines-home-turf-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/previewing-dc-universe-onlines-home-turf-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/previewing-dc-universe-onlines-home-turf-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DCUO Header
Over the last couple of days, we've seen some pretty cool clips and snippets of DC Universe Online's Home Turf update. Due on January 29, Home Turf brings an innovative system for player housing, new challenges for heroes and villains, and a 1:1 PvP matchmaking system that lets players duke it out in the comfort of their personal lairs. Don't let the focus on housing fool you, though; Home Turf introduces a host of new features that have the potential to change DCUO as you know it.

We sat down with creative director Jens Andersen for a closer look at Home Turf and the many ways in which it deepens and expands upon DC Universe Online's existing content. Put simply, this latest batch of DLC offers more than just a place to hang your cape.

Continue reading Previewing DC Universe Online's Home Turf update

MassivelyPreviewing DC Universe Online's Home Turf update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuof2pfeaturedfree-to-playhome-turfjens-andersenlairsplayer-housingplaystation-3playstation3previewpreviewsps3pvpsoesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesFri, 25 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DCUO opens the doors of Home Turf January 29]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/dcuo-opens-the-doors-of-home-turf-january-29/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/dcuo-opens-the-doors-of-home-turf-january-29/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/dcuo-opens-the-doors-of-home-turf-january-29/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

DCUO's opens the doors of Home Turf January 29
Yesterday, we brought you the new DC Universe Online trailer that showed off features of the upcoming Home Turf DLC pack. Shortly after that, Jens Andersen took to Twitter to tease players to be on the lookout for a release date for the highly anticipated update. Luckily, the wait wasn't too terribly long; a recent official tweet revealed that Home Turf launches on January 29th.

Legendary players will be able to access all the new content and grab their personal lairs next Tuesday, as can all PC players and US PS3 players who purchase the DLC. The pack will be available to EU PS3 players the next day, January 30th. Following the lead of previous DLC packs, Home Turf will cost $9.99 USD.

MassivelyDCUO opens the doors of Home Turf January 29 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>consoleconsolesdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoDLCDLC-packsf2pfree-to-playHome-Turfjens-andersenpatchplaystation-3playstation3ps3soesony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroesThu, 24 Jan 2013 09:00:00 EST