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[WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/wakfus-haven-worlds-update-postponed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/wakfus-haven-worlds-update-postponed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/wakfus-haven-worlds-update-postponed/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed
WAKFU is pushing back its Haven Worlds update a week to June 25th as the team cites testing concerns. "Our forums and internal discussions, as well as the internal playtest, raised concerns on some of the main aspects of the Haven Worlds," Ankama posted. "Since our intention is to offer quality content that matches your expectations, we decided to take one more week to improve a few gameplay details."

The team decided not to implement tollbooths in the patch but created a more "malleable" system to fill the role. Several other small changes, including those to taxes and GvG features, are detailed in the delay post.

To fill the void between now and the 25th, Ankama has put up a new dev diary to show off Haven Worlds and all the goodness that is to come. Check it out after the break!

Continue reading WAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed

MassivelyWAKFU's Haven Worlds update postponed originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Game title image
This week saw the world's largest annual LAN party get underway as Sweden played host to DreamHack Summer 2013 and a series of live cash-prize competitive game tournaments. League of Legends had the biggest showing, with a dedicated 1,200-person stage for its $30,000 DreamHack Championship tournament. Heroes of Newerth presented the $30,000 HoNTour grand finals with livestreaming and commentary from the Honcast crew. Dota 2 launched its own huge $46,600 tournament for the event, but fans have been up in arms about the tiny seating area reserved for their game.

Blizzard revealed more details on its upcoming console release of Diablo III, from skill and runes to transferring your co-op characters between consoles. Path of Exile tackled the issue of RMT head-on by locking currency items to new players' accounts until one of their characters hits level 25 and revealed that thousands of players are being banned each week for botting and RMT spam. Indie MOBA Skara also dropped a gameplay trailer this week and was at E3 to show the game off, but things aren't looking good for its kickstarter campaign.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Dreamhack 2013, news from E3, and Path of Exile battles RMT

MassivelyNot So Massively: Dreamhack 2013, news from E3, and Path of Exile battles RMT originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>8-bit-studiosaction-mmoaction-rpgactivisionbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcompetitive-gamingconconventionconvention-coveraged3diablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2dreamhackdreamhack-2011dreamhack-summerdreamhack-summer-2013e-sporte-sportse3e3-2013electronic-entertainment-expoesportesportsevent-coverageexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesheroes-of-newerthhonindieinfinite-crisisleague-of-legendslolmassively-event-coveragemobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropinionpath-of-exilepoepvpriotriot-gamesround-uprounduprpgs2s2-gamesskarathird-personvalvevideovideosMon, 17 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The origin story of Guild Wars 2's Dragon Bash theme song]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/the-origin-story-of-guild-wars-2s-dragon-bash-theme-song/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/the-origin-story-of-guild-wars-2s-dragon-bash-theme-song/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/13/the-origin-story-of-guild-wars-2s-dragon-bash-theme-song/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

gw2 dragon bash theme song
If you like music, Guild Wars 2, or Guild Wars 2 music, you'll probably want to scope out the latest ArenaNet dev blog. It's all about the new Dragon Bash theme song, which originated way back in 2010 when ANet's Matthew Moore penned Spawn the Dragon, an a cappella ditty that captured the punchy spirit of the devs who pulled an all-nighter getting the fledgling game ready for its Gamescom debut.

The blog entry also details how the original song evolved into the boisterous pub-crawling tune that's present in today's live game. You can watch a behind-the-scenes recording video after the break, then head to the official Guild Wars 2 site for the full write-up.

Continue reading The origin story of Guild Wars 2's Dragon Bash theme song

MassivelyThe origin story of Guild Wars 2's Dragon Bash theme song originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 13 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playdragon-bashdragon-bash-themefantasyguild-wars-2gw2matthew-moorencsoftThu, 13 Jun 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirates of the Burning Sea unfolds 2013 road map]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-unfolds-2013-road-map/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-unfolds-2013-road-map/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/pirates-of-the-burning-sea-unfolds-2013-road-map/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Pirates of the Burning Sea unfurls 2013 road map
Portalus Games Lead Programmer Hamled has apologized to players for "the lack of discernible progress and substantive information" in Pirates of the Burning Sea as of late. To make it up to fans, Hamled has posted an extensive development road map for 2013.

In descending order of priority, the dev mentions the following projects for the team: getting out the 2.12 update, completing the transition from Flying Lab Software, bringing back up needed hardware infrastructure, rebuilding the account system, providing localization services, creating a dedicated game installer, and redesigning the official website.

"I will be working on many of these tasks in parallel because we can't afford to wait until each one is completely finished before moving on to the next," Hamled stated.

MassivelyPirates of the Burning Sea unfolds 2013 road map originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.122.12-updatef2pfantasyfree-to-playhamledhistoricalpatch-2.12piratespirates-of-the-burning-seaportalusportalus-gamespotbsroadmapstate-of-the-gameupdate-2.12Tue, 11 Jun 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Aion interview discusses changes in crafting, a new rift, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/aion-qanda-discusses-changes-in-crafting-a-new-rift-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/aion-qanda-discusses-changes-in-crafting-a-new-rift-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/11/aion-qanda-discusses-changes-in-crafting-a-new-rift-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

AIon Q&A discussed changed in crafting, a new rift, and more
With Aion: Dark Betrayal just a short two weeks away, many eyes are turning (and returning) to the world of Atreia. The Gunslinger and Songeweaver have certainly sparked interest in new and veteran players alike. But 4.0 is more than just the new classes; it also includes an updated crafting system (to create items comparable to those in dungeons and the Abyss) and changes to neutral zone mechanics (to prevent invulnerable healers).

To answer some player questions about 4.0 and beyond, developer Seunguk Baek discussed these topics with Massively, touching on lower-level PvP, racial abilities, and even a new type of rift for higher-level Daevas that opens to another dimension entirely. See what he has to say after the break.

Continue reading Aion interview discusses changes in crafting, a new rift, and more

MassivelyAion interview discusses changes in crafting, a new rift, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensioncraftingcrafting-changesf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsncsoftneutral-zonenew-riftPvPSeunguk-Baektruly-freeTue, 11 Jun 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: MOBA closures, docking in Elite, and D3 at E3]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/not-so-massively-moba-closures-docking-in-elite-and-d3-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/not-so-massively-moba-closures-docking-in-elite-and-d3-at-e3/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/10/not-so-massively-moba-closures-docking-in-elite-and-d3-at-e3/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively MOBA closures, docking in Elite, and D3 at E3
Fans of indie MOBA Rise of Immortals were disappointed to learn that the game's recent relaunch has been a failure and developers have been forced to close the doors at the end of the month. Third-person SMITE is seeing more success with its own open beta, and this week it added new character Athena, the God of Wisdom. League of Legends announced its plans for DreamHack Summer 2013, and Machinima published an incredible documentary about famed tournament team Counter Logic Gaming.

Blizzard revealed this week that Diablo III will be coming to the XBox 360 on September 3rd along with the previously announced PS3 release. Path of Exile gave all players a free passive skill reset with patch 0.11.0 this week and officially started its first ever four month long Anarchy and Onslaught leagues.

David Braben discussed seamless docking transitions in a new Elite: Dangerous progress diary video this week and took on board outside investors to bolster its existing budget secured through crowdfunding. Star Citizen showed how its towering budget will be put to use with a video tour around the cramped studio that developers hope to move out of soon in search of a larger office space.

Continue reading Not So Massively: MOBA closures, docking in Elite, and D3 at E3

MassivelyNot So Massively: MOBA closures, docking in Elite, and D3 at E3 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabencash-shopclgclosurecloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingconsolecounter-logic-gamingd3david-brabendiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidocumentarydotadreamhackdreamhack-2012dreamhack-summerdreamhack-summer-2013e-sporte-sportse3eliteesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgame-closuregodgodsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesleague-of-legendslolmachinimamobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropinionpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespoepvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroguelikeroiround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fishut-downshutdownsmitestar-citizenthird-personvideovideosMon, 10 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Petroglyph to shut down Battle for Graxia just two months after launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/petroglyph-to-shut-down-battle-for-graxia-just-two-months-after/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/petroglyph-to-shut-down-battle-for-graxia-just-two-months-after/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/petroglyph-to-shut-down-battle-for-graxia-just-two-months-after/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

battle for graxia shutting down, see team email and thank tipster
Due in part to the colossal success of League of Legends, the past few years have seen dozens of new MOBAs enter development. The genre that was once a niche inhabited by just a few indie developers has rapidly become one of the most competitive online gaming markets in the world, and small studios are finding it difficult to compete. Independent studio Petroglyph Games found this out the hard way when it launched free-to-play MOBA Rise of Immortals in 2011 to a less-than-stellar reception.

The studio attempted to revive the game recently with its Battle For Graxia update, which overhauled the entire game to be more like other competitive PvP-focused MOBAs and added interesting new features like the White Knight system that replaces players who leave in the middle of a game. Unfortunately, it doesn't seem to have revived the game, as developers announced today that they will be pulling the plug on June 27th. Petroglyph's future now looks uncertain, as the studio has recently lost the development contract for End of Nations and failed to secure funding on Kickstarter for its own RTS game, Victory.

[Thanks for the tip, Venova.]

MassivelyPetroglyph to shut down Battle for Graxia just two months after launch originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battle-for-graxiabfgcloseclosureleague-of-legendsmobanewspetroglyphPetroglyph-Gamespetroglyph-studiospvprise-of-immortalsshut-downshutdownsunsetsunsetssunsettingSun, 09 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[WildStar's devs break all the things in the latest stress test]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/wildstars-devs-break-all-the-things-in-the-latest-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/wildstars-devs-break-all-the-things-in-the-latest-stress-test/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/wildstars-devs-break-all-the-things-in-the-latest-stress-test/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

WildStar
If you participated in WildStar's first stress test, aka The Stressening, or hope to jump in with its sequel, The Stress Continues, then this week's WildStar Wednesday is for you. Carbine Studios community director Troy Hewitt, live producer Craig Turner, and senior community manager David Bass penned the latest blog entry to discuss how the stress tests are going and what, exactly, the team managed to break this go-round, starting with instances capping improperly and names being distorted. (This last bit is probably a blessing for those testers running around named Legolas and Tyrion Lannister. You know I'm right.)

Bass specifically addresses the challenges of herding gamers who are "used to the usual 'STRESS TEST WEEKEND WOOOOOO!' hype," which is, you know, pretty much all of us. "The problem," he wrote, "was that we needed to do an actual stress test... one where we kept adding more and more players until something broke so that we could see where our weaknesses were." Like Bass, we're sure the "promise of a future beta invite" soothed any grumpiness.

MassivelyWildStar's devs break all the things in the latest stress test originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>carbinecarbine-studiosCraig-Turnerdavid-bassdev-blogncsoftsandparksci-fantasysci-fistress-testtroy-hewittwildstarwildstar-wednesdaywsThu, 06 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Elite galaxy lore, D3's Book of Tyrael, and Dota 2 chat bans]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/not-so-massively-elite-galaxy-lore-d3s-book-of-tyreal-and-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/not-so-massively-elite-galaxy-lore-d3s-book-of-tyreal-and-do/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/not-so-massively-elite-galaxy-lore-d3s-book-of-tyreal-and-do/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively
Star Citizen introduced new game designer Pete McKay in the latest episode of Wingman's Hangar, and mentioned plans for a planet-side module and an in-game social bar. Elite: Dangerous delved into the fiction of the Elite universe and confirmed that the entire Milky Way galaxy will be available for play and that humanity will have only explored a roughly 250 lightyear bubble around Earth.

Diablo III announced its new lore compendium, the Book of Tyrael, which tells the story of Sanctuary through the eyes of Tyrael himself and reveals unseen threats to humanity that may be part of the planned expansion. Path of Exile will open the doors on its new four-month-long Anarchy and Onslaught leagues this week, with a whole slew of challenges and a t-shirt prize for completing them.

In MOBA news, Valve clarified its stance on communication bans following accusations of false positives, and showed off stats highlighting the positive impact chat bans have had on the game. Warner Bros announced a live Infinite Crisis tournament to be hosted by Major League Gaming at E3, and fans of Cyborg got their wishes when the character was finally added to the beta. Finally, Heroes of Newerth released its new Stardust Aluna avatar for a character designed by US actress Paula Garces, and Sins of a Dark Age gave a sneak peek at its Realm Quest system.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Elite galaxy lore, D3's Book of Tyrael, and Dota 2 chat bans

MassivelyNot So Massively: Elite galaxy lore, D3's Book of Tyrael, and Dota 2 chat bans originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgalunaanarchybanbansbatmanbattlenetbehaviorbehaviourblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbookbook-of-cainbook-of-tyraelbook-of-tyrealbrabencloud-imperiumcommunication-banscyborgd3david-brabendcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidogfightingdotadota-2e-sporteliteexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgalaxygalaxy-sizegothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gameshangarhangar-moduleheroes-of-newerthhoninfinite-crisisironcladjokerleagueleagueslightyearloremajor-league-gamingmichael-brookesmlgmlg-promlg-pro-circuitmobamoduklemultiplayeroffenseoffensiveonline-multiplayeronslaughtpath-of-exilepete-mckaypoerealm-questrealm-questsrpgs2s2-gamessandboxsci-fisins-of-a-dark-agestar-citizenstardustStardust-alunasupermanthargoidsthe-jokerturbinetyraelvalvewarner-broswingmanwingmans-hangarwonder-womanMon, 03 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online details Odyssey ship rebalancing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/eve-online-details-odyssey-ship-rebalancing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/eve-online-details-odyssey-ship-rebalancing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/03/eve-online-details-odyssey-ship-rebalancing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online details Odyssey ship rebalancing
When Odyssey hits for EVE Online, it's going to be a whole new ballgame for many of its ships. CCP is planning to revamp and restructure its Navy faction ships across the board and has written up a nice fat post about the upcoming changes.

Odyssey will feature 40 revamped hulls, including four brand-new ones. This is being done to fit in with the ongoing ship balancing project that's seeking to kill tiers off in a brutal and uncompromising fashion. It also bring the hulls in line with a "Navy" theme that will be featured in the expansion.

There are a lot of changes to absorb, including a change-up to 23 ship skills, a division of cruisers into attack and combat categories, and a rebalancing of Tech 1 battleships.

MassivelyEVE Online details Odyssey ship rebalancing originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdev-blogdev-diarydev-posteveeve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsodysseysandboxsci-fiship-rebalancingspreadsheets-onlineMon, 03 Jun 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Get ready for Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/eve-evolved-get-ready-for-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/eve-evolved-get-ready-for-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/eve-evolved-get-ready-for-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Get ready for Odyssey
With just two days to go until EVE Online's exploration-focused Odyssey expansion goes live, players have been scouring the test server for information that can give them an edge. Some have been practicing moon surveying techniques for the upcoming redistribution of tech 2 minerals, and others are hoping to get rich quick by speculating on battleship price changes. Explorers are kitting out new exploration ships, theorycrafters are working on new setups for rebalanced ships, and pirates are setting up base in lowsec areas that are about to become fertile hunting grounds.

Odyssey isn't quite the Apocrypha-level expansion I've been hoping for, but it certainly seems set to shake things up. Changes to moon minerals will throw nullsec into chaos and hopefully ignite some big territorial wars, and battleship buffs may change EVE's popular fleet compositions. The Discovery Scanner Overlay will make exploration much easier for new players to get into, but will also give pirates another tool with which to hunt down explorers. A new co-operative hacking minigame will also make exploration more of a team sport. But how can you make the most of the expansion from day one, and what can you do today to prepare for it?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the new exploration system and other changes you can expect when you log in on Tuesday, and what you can do now to make the most of them.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Get ready for Odyssey

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Get ready for Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-warfareapocryphaarchaeologyarcheologybattleshipbattleshipsbuffccpccp-gamescloakdysprosiumeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsexplorationfeaturedget-readygroup-pvehackinghighsecinternet-spaceshipsisklowsecmaking-iskmineralmineralsmoon-mineralsmoon-miningneodymiumnullsecodysseyopinionprepareprocurerprofitpromethiumpvepvpr64richsandboxsci-fiship-tiersspreadsheets-onlinetechtechnetiumthuliumtiertiericideSun, 02 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[TUG wraps up Kickstarter, shows off art video]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/tug-wraps-up-kickstarter-shows-off-art-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/tug-wraps-up-kickstarter-shows-off-art-video/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/tug-wraps-up-kickstarter-shows-off-art-video/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

TUG wraps up Kickstarter, shows off art video
TUG has crossed the finish line of its Kickstarter with its fists thrust triumphantly toward the sky, as the little sandbox that could has raised its funding goal and then some. While it fell short of its first $300,000 stretch goal, over 7,200 fans have thrown their financial support behind this quirky "social experiment."

Break out a bottle of the bubbly to celebrate if you must, but we'll be drinking in this new art style video by the TUG team. At six minutes long, the video shows off TUG's concept art and models while the team discusses how it's trying to create a unique look for this title. Check it out after the jump!

Continue reading TUG wraps up Kickstarter, shows off art video

MassivelyTUG wraps up Kickstarter, shows off art video originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 May 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artart-styleconcept-artcrowdfundingdev-diarydevelopmentfundingkickstartermodelmodelsnerd-kingdomnewsthe-untitled-gametugvideoFri, 31 May 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World Game Director's letter dishes more details on Issues 7 & 8]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/the-secret-world-game-directors-letter-dishes-more-details-on-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/the-secret-world-game-directors-letter-dishes-more-details-on-i/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/31/the-secret-world-game-directors-letter-dishes-more-details-on-i/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

TSW Game Director's letter dishes more details on Issues #7 & 8 We already knew that Issue #7 would bring The Secret World a spy-like experience. And now, thanks to the Game Director's letter for May, we also have the title, snazzy cover art, and a glimpse at the climactic ending. We even get an expected time-frame for release; while an exact date is not given, it appears that it will hit the end of June, according to the cover art, and Director Joel Bylos himself states it will coincide with TSW's first anniversary.

Issue #7: A Dream to Kill ends with filth infiltrating Agartha itself through the newly discovered Tokyo entrance, and players will continue to fight this threat with group and solo content until Tokyo can finally be entered.

Bylos also reveals information about Issue #8, including the Virtual Training Scenarios and the Augment System. To prove readiness to enter Tokyo to the Council of Venice, players will have to complete training scenarios that will have random elements thrown in, making each experience different. The Augment system is a new advancement system that will allow players to improve their existing abilities by providing customization in the roles of damage, support, healing, and survivability.

MassivelyThe Secret World Game Director's letter dishes more details on Issues 7 & 8 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 31 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>A-Dream-to-Killbuy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomGame-Directors-letterhorrorIssue-7Issue-7-A-Dream-to-Killissue-8Joel-Bylosmythologysci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldTokyotswFri, 31 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online dev blog discusses Odyssey UI changes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/eve-online-dev-blog-discusses-odyssey-ui-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/eve-online-dev-blog-discusses-odyssey-ui-changes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/eve-online-dev-blog-discusses-odyssey-ui-changes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- EVE Online's new Fleet Management window
The folks over at CCP have put up a new, puntastically titled post on the EVE Online site to fill players in on some of the UI changes coming in EVE Online: Odyssey. The changes range from the miniscule ("you can now make the input field in chat a single line and gain like 20 extra pixels! Yay!") to the more ambitious (such as a major reworking of the game's fleet management window), plus a few things in-between. To get the down-and-dirty details on all of the UI changes coming with Odyssey, just head on over and read the full post at the game's official site.

MassivelyEVE Online dev blog discusses Odyssey UI changes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlineeve-online-odysseyinternet-spaceshipsodysseyreal-punny-guyssandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineuiuser-interfaceThu, 30 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Repopulation dev blog gets down and dirty with harvesting details]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/new-repopulation-dev-blog-gets-down-and-dirty-with-harvesting-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/new-repopulation-dev-blog-gets-down-and-dirty-with-harvesting-de/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/new-repopulation-dev-blog-gets-down-and-dirty-with-harvesting-de/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Screenshot -- The Repopulation
You may remember that earlier this month, the folks behind upcoming sci-fi sandbox The Repopulation released a dev-blog that detailed part of the game's resource-gathering system which involved the ever-so-charming extraction of precious resources from your enemies' still-warm corpses. Thanks to the game's newest dev blog, we're now able to get some insight on the other half of the resource-gathering experience: harvesting.

While extraction involves pilfering goodies from dead baddies, harvesting is the more uh... humane method of gathering resources from nodes such as ore deposits, trees, and so forth. Harvesting resources from a single node works in the same way as extracting resources from a corpse does, but harvestable resources are also available from rarely occurring resource clusters. These clusters "contain a larger stash of a single resource and [have] a better chance of yielding higher quality results." Up to four players can place a harvester at any given cluster, which will run dry after 2-4 hours, at which point the players can return to the cluster and pick up their share of the goods. This system, the diary mentions, encourages players to gather in groups or share the wealth with their hired help. If you can't wait to get your hands dirty and rob nature of her delicious bounty, you can find out all the details over at the game's official site.

MassivelyNew Repopulation dev blog gets down and dirty with harvesting details originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>above-and-beyondabove-and-beyond-technologiesdev-blogdev-diarydeveloper-blogdeveloper-diaryharvestharvestingrepopulationsandboxsci-fithe-repopulationThu, 30 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Anarchy in the APB]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/anarchy-in-the-apb/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Anarchy in the APB
If you think drive-by shootings, exploding vehicles, and an epidemic of robbery and murder on the streets of San Paro wasn't enough anarchy for you, GamersFirst has just introduced Chaos Mode to its crime MMO APB: Reloaded.

Joining a Chaos district will put you into a survival mode that allows you to gain points by killing as many players of the opposite faction as possible. All of the district's contacts are gone, replaced by vendors. So there's no other mission but to kill, and kill quickly. A leaderboard tracks the best of the best and several new titles and a new role have been added.

You can check out an early prototype of Chaos Mode in the game between now and June 6.

[Thanks to Derek for the tip!]

MassivelyAnarchy in the APB originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedanarchyapbapb-reloadedapbrchaos-modecrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpThu, 30 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gain a clearer understanding of RIFT's new REX]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/gain-a-clearer-understanding-of-rifts-new-rex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/gain-a-clearer-understanding-of-rifts-new-rex/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/gain-a-clearer-understanding-of-rifts-new-rex/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Gain a clearer understanding of RIFT's new REX
Is your forehead scrunched up in that cute little way you sometimes have when you're trying to understand a topic that's running circles around you? You might be trying to get a grip on RIFT's upcoming free-to-play REX (RIFT exchange) mechanic. A new official dev article seeks to enlighten us all by laying out what REX does, how it's attained, and how it can be spent.

In short, REX is a middle-man currency that is purchased with real money and can then be converted into item store credits (although, as the post states, it's a better deal to directly buy the credits). The twist here is that before it's converted to credits, REX can be sold to other players on the auction house. This effectively gives players with in-game money ways to obtain store credits and players with excess real money ways to inflate their in-game piggy banks.

The post also explains the much simpler topic of gifting store items to other players. You probably have it figured out just by reading the previous sentence.

Finally, last night we told you about RIFT's promo this weekend. According to a tweet this afternoon, that promo is live early -- in fact, RIFT is freely playable for former subbers right now.

MassivelyGain a clearer understanding of RIFT's new REX originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgiftingitem-storepvprexriftrift-exchangerift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 29 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: How to run a successful Kickstarter campaign]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/the-soapbox-how-to-run-a-successful-kickstarter-campaign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/the-soapbox-how-to-run-a-successful-kickstarter-campaign/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/28/the-soapbox-how-to-run-a-successful-kickstarter-campaign/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Soapbox How to run a successful Kickstarter campaign
The past few years have seen an absolute revolution in the games industry, with an explosion of studios securing funding through crowdfunding platforms like Kickstarter. In a time when banks worldwide are tightening their belts, Kickstarter represents a lifeline for indie developers and a way for the bigger studios to work on their own projects free from the need for outside investors or publishers. But with the growing number of projects seeking funding each year, developers are facing stiff competition and the rising challenge of running a successful campaign.

Most developers don't release all of their stats or write up advice and insights following a successful crowdfunding campaign, and those who do are often lost on obscure blogs that don't appear when you Google for advice. But I'm in the unusual position of both being a games journalist and having successfully Kickstarted a small game project (unrelated to MMOs and my work on Massively). Six months ago, I ran a campaign for my new sci-fi 4X game Predestination, and in the process I learned some valuable lessons on what works and doesn't work on Kickstarter. We've since published the campaign stats and gone on to help a few other campaigns hit their goals.

In this article, I run down the lessons I learned the hard way during the Predestination Kickstarter campaign and give some advice for developers hoping to get funded.

Continue reading The Soapbox: How to run a successful Kickstarter campaign

MassivelyThe Soapbox: How to run a successful Kickstarter campaign originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 28 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backerbackersbrain-and-nerdcamelot-unchainedcrowdfundingcrowdsourcingeditorialfeaturedindependentindieindie-gamesindiegogokickstarterkickstarter-campaignkickstarter-projectskickstarter-rewardskickstarter-uklivestreammarketingmedianyphurop-edopinionphysical-rewardspledgepledgespredestinationrantrantsrewardreward-tiersrewardssoapboxstar-citizenthe-soapboxTue, 28 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Diablo III stats, LoL All-Stars tournament, and new MOBAs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/27/not-so-massively-diablo-iii-stats-lol-all-stars-tournament-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpgall-starsbatmanbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrabend3david-brabenDawngatedcdc-comicsdev-diarydiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiie-sportseliteesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfrontierfrontier-developmentsgothic-fantasygrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesinfinite-crisisjokermilitarymobamultiplayernew-titlesnivalonline-multiplayerpath-of-exilepoeprime-worldpvevprpgsandboxsci-fishootersupermanthe-jokertournamenttrailerturbinevideowarner-broswaystonewaystone-gameswonder-womanMon, 27 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Archaeology and Hacking in Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/eve-evolved-archaeology-and-hacking-in-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/eve-evolved-archaeology-and-hacking-in-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/26/eve-evolved-archaeology-and-hacking-in-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Hacking and Archaeology in Odyssey
EVE Online's Odyssey expansion is set to land in just over a week's time, kicking off the game's second decade with a focus on exploration, immersion, and resource rebalancing. Developers plan to shake up nullsec by redistributing the value of various moon minerals and buffing player-owned outposts, and lowsec will become a more tempting place to visit with the addition of valuable new tags to asteroid belt NPCs. But what's in it for highsec players?

In addition to new navy issue battlecruisers and immersive new jump and death sequences, players from all corners of EVE will find new exploration content in their back yards. A big part of the new exploration system is a complete redesign of the Hacking and Archaeology mini-professions, which have been in EVE for as long as I can remember and have remained relatively unchanged. Odyssey will add new sites for both professions and replace the boring old chance-based system with a new minigame that emphasises co-operation with other players.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the history of Hacking and Archaeology in EVE and what the new system brings to the table.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Archaeology and Hacking in Odyssey

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Archaeology and Hacking in Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 26 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>analyzerarchaeologyarcheologyccpccp-gamescodebreakerconsoledustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-onlineexpansionexplorationfeaturedfpshackhackerhackinginternet-spaceshipsmini-gameminigamemmofpsodysseyopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineSun, 26 May 2013 18:00:00 EST