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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - one universe, one war
CCP has released a new DUST 514-focused developer video. The clip is titled Welcome to New Eden, so if you're looking for any new tidbits about the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS, you probably won't find them here.

If you're a DUST newb, on the other hand, this one's for you, as it gives you a rundown on what sets the game apart from its legions of FPS competitors. In a nutshell, the difference-maker is EVE Online and the way that DUST integrates with a pre-existing game, economy, and playerbase on a scale that is basically unheard of.

As producer Thomas Farrer puts it, "DUST is different pretty much by virtue of what it really is. DUST is a persistent FPS on PlayStation 3. Not only is it directly linked to EVE Online, a PC MMO, it's set directly within the EVE Online universe." Warp past the cut for a look at the full clip.

Continue reading CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514

MassivelyCCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterthomas-farrerwelcome-to-new-edenTue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 handing out first beta keys tomorrow [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dust-514-handing-out-first-beta-keys-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dust-514-handing-out-first-beta-keys-tomorrow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/dust-514-handing-out-first-beta-keys-tomorrow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

DUST 514
Did you drop your name into CCP Games' hat as a potential tester for DUST 514? Then tomorrow might be a lovely day for you, as the studio is emailing out the first round of closed beta keys for registered participants after a short delay from its original key-handing-out schedule.

It is unknown how many keys will be sent out and to whom. Last month, CCP told Fanfest attendees that they would be among the first to test the anticipated MMOFPS. The DUST 514 website states that the studio is sending out Fanfest keys first and keys to standard registered players "soon after."

To celebrate the release of the closed beta keys, CCP is holding a "special event" over the weekend. The details of this event are forthcoming.

[Update: CCP has confirmed that beta registration has begun today and that EVE players and Fanfest attendees will get first pick.]

MassivelyDUST 514 handing out first beta keys tomorrow [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betabeta-keybeta-keysccpccp-gamesclosed-betaconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlineeventfanfestfanfest-2012fpsin-game-eventmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3shooterweekend-eventThu, 17 May 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/eve-evolved-nine-years-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/eve-evolved-nine-years-of-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/06/eve-evolved-nine-years-of-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Last week I celebrated the fourth anniversary of the EVE Evolved column with a competition to win one of two 30-day pilot's licenses. Congratulations to winners Dong Yi and Atrameides Denard, whose prizes have been contracted in-game. Today EVE Online itself turns nine years old, and so this week's EVE Evolved column takes a look back at the top EVE stories of the year. It's been a rollercoaster of a year for CCP, with the infamous monoclegate scandal hitting subscriptions hard during the summer and only recently starting to recover.

The drama kicked off as the much-touted Incarna expansion drew close and CCP revealed that it would contain no multiplayer elements and would introduce a microtransaction store for vanity items. Players didn't seem to mind the cash shop as long as it contained only vanity items, and CCP had previously promised that microtransactions would be limited to those types of items. When the Incarna expansion finally launched and players got a first-hand look at the cash shop, however, it became apparent that something was fundamentally wrong.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at the top EVE stories of the year, from the incredible videos and scams to the story of how CCP brought EVE Online back from the brink of disaster.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Nine years of EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 06 May 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdayccpccp-gamesconsolecrucibledustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfpsincarnainfernommofpsnine-yearnine-year-oldnine-yearsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterSun, 06 May 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE producer: F2P converts were 'failing,' subs still viable]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/eve-producer-f2p-converts-were-failing-subs-still-viable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/eve-producer-f2p-converts-were-failing-subs-still-viable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/eve-producer-f2p-converts-were-failing-subs-still-viable/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - ship trio
The death of the subscription model has been greatly exaggerated, according to CCP. This view isn't terribly surprising if you consider the fact that the company's fortunes ebb and flow with sub-based EVE Online. What is somewhat surprising is the frankness with which EVE producer Jon Lander talks about the free-to-play mania that's gripped western dev studios in recent years.

"You look at the companies who did go free-to-play. They retrofitted it on, and that was because their games were failing. They didn't care about the tiny nugget of players who were still playing, because they knew they would get a huge number of other players and it would be more profitable," Lander told PC Gamer, before going on to explain how such a retrofit would kill EVE's essence.

Overall quality and the desire for long-term play also factor into a title's business model, Lander says. "If you have a really good game [...] and people want to spend a long time playing it, not like a month or two but like EVE players for years at a time, they're prepared to pay a subscription fee for a good quality gaming experience."

He also mentions EVE's PLEX system, which allows for real-world money to be injected into the EVE economy sans shady third-party brokers. And of course, CCP is experimenting with free-to-play via its new DUST 514 shooter, which Lander says was built from the ground up for the new business model. It's not necessarily the future, though. "People say the subscription MMO is dead. I fundamentally disagree with that. It's simply not the case," he says. Hit the jump for video excerpts from the interview.

Continue reading EVE producer: F2P converts were 'failing,' subs still viable

MassivelyEVE producer: F2P converts were 'failing,' subs still viable originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelsccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsinterviewsjon-landermmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinevideoThu, 03 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New CCP interview recaps recent EVE turmoil, looks forward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-ccp-interview-recaps-recent-eve-turmoil-looks-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-ccp-interview-recaps-recent-eve-turmoil-looks-forward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/03/new-ccp-interview-recaps-recent-eve-turmoil-looks-forward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - battlecruiser at warp gate
"It's not our game," says CCP's Jon Lander. He's talking about EVE Online, and he makes no bones about the firm's role in the ongoing internet spaceship drama that is New Eden. "We're the janitors of it; we sweep up and make sure the power's still running and whatever, but it's their game. EVE is the sum history of their personal interactions, and we don't own that. We just look after it."

The "their" Lander refers to is the game's playerbase, of course, and he tells GamesIndustry.biz that despite the turmoil of the last 12 months, the EVE property is none the worse for wear (and in fact it may be getting stronger due to a design re-focus and the imminent arrival of DUST 514).

Ultimately the interview brings no new information to the table, but it does serve as a handy recap of recent EVE events. It also offers up more than a few juicy quotes from both Lander and lead game designer Kristoffer "CCP Soundwave" Touborg.

MassivelyNew CCP interview recaps recent EVE turmoil, looks forward originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 May 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-soundwaveconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsinterviewjon-landerkristoffer-touborgmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterThu, 03 May 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/29/eve-evolved-four-years-of-eve-evolved/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
On April 27th, 2008, I joined the Massively crew and published the first edition of a new weekly column dedicated to the world of EVE Online. It's hard to believe that the EVE Evolved column is now four years old, spanning nine major expansions and predating CCP Games' transformation into an industry giant with three games in development. Since the column's first crude scribbling about shuttles, I've written over 200 in-depth articles, guides, stories, and opinion pieces. With its free expansions and iterative updates, EVE is a rapidly changing game that provides a constant supply of things to write about.

To celebrate the fourth anniversary of the column, I'm giving away two 30-day Pilot's License EXtensions to two lucky readers. To enter the competition, leave a comment stating which EVE Evolved article from this year is your favourite, and why it's your favorite, and what topic you'd like to see covered in the coming year. You will need an active EVE account to claim the prize, so be sure to include a character name with your comment if you want to be able to win a prize. If you're not comfortable with giving out your character name, use an alternate character or sign up a new trial account. The winners' names will be revealed in next week's column.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look back at some of the highlights from the column's fourth year.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Four years of EVE Evolved originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryapocryphaccpccp-gamescolumnconsolecontestcrucibledustdust-514eveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfour-yearfour-year-anniversaryfour-yearsfpsincarnainfernommofpsnyphurplaystationplaystation-3plexps3sandboxsci-fishooterSun, 29 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/the-firing-line-five-reasons-to-love-tribes-ascend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend
Oh, Tribes: Ascend, if only you were an MMO.

Actually, wait a minute. When I think on it, if Hi-Rez Studios' new free-to-play sci-fi shooter were an MMO, I probably wouldn't like it as much. There's something to be said for frequent updates and instant gameplay gratification, and Tribes provides those things (and more) in spades.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Five reasons to love Tribes: Ascend originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ascendccpccp-gamesconsolecustom-serverscustom-sharddustdust-514e-sportesporteveeve-onlinef2pfeaturedfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhi-rezhi-rez-studioshistoricalmmofpsopinionplaneplanesplaystationplaystation-3private-serverprivate-serversprivate-shardsps3pvpraid-and-pillageshootertanktankstflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstribestribes-ascendtribes-ascend-raid-and-pillagetribes-clan-servertribes-custom-servertribes-mmotribes-private-servertribes-raid-and-pillagetribes-universewarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplaneswotwowpFri, 27 Apr 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Redeem your EVE Fanfest code for DUST 514 beta access]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/redeem-your-eve-fanfest-code-for-dust-514-beta-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/redeem-your-eve-fanfest-code-for-dust-514-beta-access/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/27/redeem-your-eve-fanfest-code-for-dust-514-beta-access/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - battlefield concept art
CCP is being rather selective with its invites to DUST 514's ongoing beta test. That said, if you attended Fanfest 2012 last month, you can now redeem a closed beta voucher code and get on with the sci-fi sandbox fragging.

You'll need one of the code cards given out at Fanfest, and you'll need to enter the numbers on the new redeem page at the DUST 514 website. Once you've done so, you'll be placed in a queue to receive your actual beta code via email. CCP says it will begin sending out said codes "very soon, hopefully as early as the week of May 7, 2012."

MassivelyRedeem your EVE Fanfest code for DUST 514 beta access originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-514-betadust-514-beta-codesdust-betadust-closed-betaeveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3redeem-dust-beta-codesandboxshooterFri, 27 Apr 2012 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 dev blog outlines dynamic battlefield mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dust-514-dev-blog-outlines-dynamic-battlefield-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dust-514-dev-blog-outlines-dynamic-battlefield-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/26/dust-514-dev-blog-outlines-dynamic-battlefield-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Battlefield long shot
Most FPS titles feature static mission areas, says CCP's CmdrWang. Over time, players memorize layouts, spawn locations, and objectives because nothing ever changes. Not so in DUST 514, the upcoming EVE Online-based MMOFPS.

CCP is bringing its sci-fi sandbox design chops to the shooter space, and the company has broken down its dynamic battlefield concept in a new DUST dev blog. Each DUST planet will be divided into separate districts, which are basically large territories that contain resources and infrastructure needed to control the world. While planetary landscapes remain static, these districts can vary quite a bit from one deployment to the next based on what has happened in previous engagements and based on player placement decisions in regard to battlefield equipment.

Memorizing the maps won't give you a huge advantage, CmdrWang says, because you may find a new choke point or structure clogging up your previous short-cut. Read more about DUST's emergent battlefield play at the official PlayStation blog.

MassivelyDUST 514 dev blog outlines dynamic battlefield mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-cmdr-wangccp-gamescmdr-wangcmdrwangconsoledustdust-514dust-battlefield-dynamicsdust-dev-blogdust-dev-diarydynamic-battlefieldseveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3shooterThu, 26 Apr 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shows off seven years of DUST 514 skill training]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ccp-shows-off-seven-years-of-dust-514-skill-training/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ccp-shows-off-seven-years-of-dust-514-skill-training/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/19/ccp-shows-off-seven-years-of-dust-514-skill-training/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - skill page
CCP recently said that it would take seven years to max out every skill in its DUST 514 MMOFPS. If you want to see what that improbable feat looks like on a DUST character screen, head to fansite DUST514.org (or check out the video clip behind the cut).

"Much like in real life, and in EVE Online, we don't expect that a player will master all of these skills," explains CCP marketing guru David Reid. Specialization is the name of DUST 514's skill game, and Reid says that most players will probably choose a few skills and "get really, really good at them."

DUST isn't just about skills, though. It's an MMO, and an MMO means gear, so the game will launch with upwards of a thousand items (the vast majority of which can be lost in battle). How do you manage and equip these items? Through the fitting screen, of course, and today's video gives us a good look at the system in action.

Continue reading CCP shows off seven years of DUST 514 skill training

MassivelyCCP shows off seven years of DUST 514 skill training originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledavid-reiddustdust-514dust-514-character-skills-videodust-514-videodust-character-skillsdust-fitting-screendust-videoeveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3shootervideoThu, 19 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fansite details DUST 514 newbie experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/fansite-details-dust-514-newbie-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/fansite-details-dust-514-newbie-experience/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/17/fansite-details-dust-514-newbie-experience/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - merc battlefield concept art
Fansite DUST514.org has the best introductory info dump we've seen to date regarding CCP's upcoming DUST 514 MMOFPS.

The sci-fi shooter is, of course, set in EVE Online's New Eden universe, but how exactly does the new player experience look and feel? That question is answered at length on the site's latest blog post. Dropsuits and dropsuit fittings are covered in detail, as is DUST's complex skill system.

Also noteworthy are the tidbits relating to missions and PvP. DUST, like EVE, starts newbs off in high-security space, where there are plenty of NPC corporations willing to hand out mercenary contracts. These aren't just bot matches, though, as you'll go up against other players who have chosen to work for competing corporations. The blog also delves into DUST's version of blueprint originals and blueprint copies as they relate to gear acquisition, not to mention a host of other interesting topics.

MassivelyFansite details DUST 514 newbie experience originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-514-new-player-experiencedust-new-player-experiencedust-newbiedust-newbseveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxshooterTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/the-firing-line-firefall-defiance-john-romero-and-more/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Shooter news roundup
Dude, there was a ton of big shooter news this week!

I mean, this isn't terribly unusual, particularly since the genre is expanding at a rapid rate, but when I've got to cut interesting items out of this column for length reasons, you know it's been an eventful few days.

Join me after the break for a recap on everything from Firefall to Defiance to John Romero and beyond.

Continue reading The Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Firefall, Defiance, John Romero, and more originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconconsoleconventioncounter-strike-online-2cso2defiancedefiance-trailerdustdust-514eveeve-onlineexpof2pfeaturedfirefallfirefall-cinematicfirefall-opening-cinematicfiring-linefirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playhalldor-fannarjohn-romerommo-shootermmofpsnews-roundupopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpred-5red-5-studiosroundupsci-fishootershooter-news-roundupshooter-rounduptflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpstriontrion-worldswarFri, 13 Apr 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 dev blog details vehicle roles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/dust-514-dev-blog-details-vehicle-roles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/dust-514-dev-blog-details-vehicle-roles/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/dust-514-dev-blog-details-vehicle-roles/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Jef's Gallente dropship, and no, you can't have one
DUST 514 isn't at PAX this weekend, which probably explains CCP's strategic reveal of a new dev blog earlier this afternoon. We knew that the MMOFPS will boast a number of similarities to its EVE Online sibling (like the fitting screens, factions, and lore); one thing we didn't know, though, was that DUST will also repurpose vehicle hulls in a decidedly EVE-like way.

Many EVE ships share the same hull visuals despite having radically different performance envelopes and combat roles, and DUST vehicles will definitely follow that trend, according to CCP's Cmdr Wang.

DUST vehicles will also be powered by a capacitor (which should seem awfully familiar to you capsuleer types). Cap management will therefore play a vital role in the new game just as it does in the old. Finally, DUST's vehicle skill system also takes a page out of EVE's book. Today's dev blog finishes up with a look at a couple of high-level vehicle skills as well as some verbiage on module customization.

MassivelyDUST 514 dev blog details vehicle roles originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cap-managementcapacitor-managementccpccp-gamescmdr-wangconsoledustdust-514dust-vehicle-customizationdust-vehicleseveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishootervehicle-rolesvehiclesFri, 06 Apr 2012 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: Can you hate EVE and love DUST?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-firing-line-can-you-hate-eve-and-love-dust/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-firing-line-can-you-hate-eve-and-love-dust/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/the-firing-line-can-you-hate-eve-and-love-dust/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - Can you hate EVE and love DUST?
Hoo boy, CCP and EVE Online.

Wait, what? Isn't this Massively's shooter column? Well, yes, yes it is, and if you weren't already aware, CCP has made a shooter called DUST 514 set in the EVE universe. I bring this up for two reasons. One, I'm really looking forward to the game (as I might have mentioned last time). Two, CCP has taken some lumps in the PR department over the past couple of weeks primarily because of its annual alcohol-fueled sausage-fest.

I'm not going to rehash cyber-bully scandals today, but since e-thug players will undoubtedly have some sort of DUST presence, and since DUST shares certain unforgiving gameplay tenets with its sister title, should those of you who love sandbox shooters but hate EVE Online even bother with the game?

Continue reading The Firing Line: Can you hate EVE and love DUST?

MassivelyThe Firing Line: Can you hate EVE and love DUST? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsolecyber-bullydustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefeaturedfiring-linefpsinternet-spaceshipsmittanimittani-cyber-bullymmofpsopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishootersociopaths-in-spacetflthe-firing-linethe-mittanithird-person-shootertpsFri, 06 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/03/ccp-reiterates-anti-pay-to-win-stance-for-eve-microtransactions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

CCP's Tori Frans Olafsson
CCP has been pretty quiet on the subject of microtransactions since last summer's monoclegate and the ensuing Jita protests. EVE Online creative director Torfi Frans Olafsson recently spoke up about the trendy new business model, and while he acknowledged that it is popular, he also said that CCP is "very reluctant to do that in EVE because it's so established. It's like changing the DNA of a living organism after it's born. That didn't work in Blade Runner," he tells PC Gamer.

Olafsson also repeats the anti-pay-to-win mantra that comes standard in just about every developer interview these days. He says that CCP will sell cosmetic items in EVE, including makeovers for your avatar, ship, and starbase. Given the fact that players will be purchasing weapons and gear in DUST 514 (which will interface directly with EVE's pre-existing economy), we've no doubt it will be interesting to see how CCP maintains that delicate balance.

"I think we have to be very careful in introducing such mechanics into EVE. And I personally think that we shouldn't be doing it in the near future," Olafsson says, "because it's such a vulnerable little flower in a vulnerable little ecosystem. You make minor changes to an ecosystem and you can introduce hostile things and the whole system breaks down."

Check out the video interview after the cut.

Continue reading CCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions

MassivelyCCP reiterates anti-pay-to-win stance for EVE microtransactions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-torfifransconsoledustdust-514economyeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2012eve-microtransactionseve-onlineeve-rmtfanfest-2012fpsinternet-spaceshipsinterviewmicrotransactionsmmofpsnew-edenplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishootertorfi-frans-olafssonvideoTue, 03 Apr 2012 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/the-firing-line-dust-514-newsplosion-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - DUST 514 Fanfest 2012 highlights
Oh man, this back and forth between PlanetSide 2 and DUST 514 is going to be the death of me. I feel like I'm cheating on one game every time I get excited about the other, but I just can't help it since both titles are drawing a bead on my personal sweet spot.

This week's Firing Line is all DUST all the time, thanks to the massive info dump at last weekend's Fanfest 2012 event. I didn't get to go to Iceland for the hands-on, unfortunately, but I did log into PlayStation Home for the keynote livestream (which is archived after the cut in case you missed it).

And I'll go ahead and beg your forgiveness for my fanboy breathlessness in advance this week. I've been an EVE Online player for a number of years now, so I'm already enamored of both the DUST universe and CCP's propensity for sandbox mechanics. What I didn't know prior to Fanfest, though, was just how deep the rabbit hole's going to go.

Continue reading The Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition

MassivelyThe Firing Line: DUST 514 newsplosion edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-fanfest-2012ccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfestfanfest-2012featuredfiring-linefpsgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsopinionplaystationplaystation-3ps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlinetflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpsFri, 30 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest videos viewable on YouTube]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/eve-fanfest-videos-viewable-on-youtube/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/eve-fanfest-videos-viewable-on-youtube/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/28/eve-fanfest-videos-viewable-on-youtube/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Fanfest 2012 video logo
We didn't go to EVE Online's annual fanfest this year, and more's the pity. Aside from the unfortunate noise generated by Mittanigate, CCP released quite a bit of interesting info related to EVE, DUST 514, and even World of Darkness.

Fortunately, the company has also thrown a bone to those of us who weren't able to attend (and who may have missed out on the extensive livestream coverage). A new post on the official EVE website has links to CCP's YouTube page, and there you'll find footage from CCP Presents, the EVE keynote speech, the DUST keynote speech, and the Tesselation tech demo. You can also check them out after the cut. Happy viewing!

Continue reading EVE Fanfest videos viewable on YouTube

MassivelyEVE Fanfest videos viewable on YouTube originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 28 Mar 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Evolved title image
The annual EVE Online Fanfest is starting to become a major event in the gaming calendar, thanks to CCP's partnership with Sony and the addition of DUST 514 and World of Darkness talks to the event schedule. This year, CCP flew gaming journalists to the event to give the press hands-on time with DUST and demonstrate the game's impressive realtime integration with EVE Online. Massively, unfortunately, is not permitted to accept such travel stipends, which meant that we couldn't produce in-depth coverage and interviews as we did last year, so instead we've pieced together information from the talks that were streamed to viewers at home.

The theme of this year's Fanfest was unmistakably DUST 514 and its integration with EVE Online. Attendees got first-hand experience with DUST 514 and a free pass to enter the beta in April. There was even a live demonstration of the EVE-DUST link during which a battleship delivered an air strike directly into a DUST match in realtime. There were several talks on EVE's upcoming Inferno expansion and its PvP revamp, with details of new modules and gameplay designed to shake up the PvP landscape for the first time in several years. Players report leaving Fanfest this year with a very real sense that CCP is back on track and recovering from the aftermath of Monoclegate.

In this week's colossal EVE Evolved, I piece together some of the information from EVE Fanfest 2012 and consider what it means for EVE players.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: New info from Fanfest 2012

MassivelyEVE Evolved: New info from Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 25 Mar 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EVE Online title image
While Massively isn't at this year's EVE Online Fanfest, those who are in attendance have been treated to a wealth of new information and reveals on upcoming console MMOFPS DUST 514. During the DUST 514 keynote speech, developers demonstrated orbital bombardment of a DUST match by EVE players in realtime. We saw the orbital command center and surface command centers that enable communication between the two games; we also saw the orbital artillery that let DUST players retaliate against players in orbit.

Earlier today, during the CCP keynote, the DUST crew revealed some exciting new information based on questions repeatedly asked throughout Fanfest. In addition to PvP matches organised by NPC corporations, there will be co-op PvE survival missions in which players fight off hordes of rogue drones -- living machines with a collective consciousness. The PvE mode will be released in 2012, and there are some exciting plans for expansions scheduled for the year after.

2013 will bring in e-sports and competitive gaming, with gladiator arenas in which players compete in capture the flag, deathmatch and custom game modes. The matches will be a true spectator sport, with live viewing from both the EVE and DUST game client and even betting on matches. Battles on hostile worlds are also due for release in 2013, with tactically different terrain that may require vehicles to get around. CCP confirmed that the highly requested MTACs (mechs) will also be introduced in 2013.

DUST is currently in closed beta, with additional waves due to be released in April and June in time for E3. Read on to watch the first incredible trailer for the game in HD.

Continue reading DUST 514 presented at EVE Fanfest 2012

MassivelyDUST 514 presented at EVE Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 24 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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DUST 514 - Internet space troopers
Day one of EVE Online's 2012 Fanfest is in the books, and it was quite the interesting spectacle from CCP's perch at the top of the world.

As expected, yesterday's juicy news centered on DUST 514, and we learned a bit about merc quarters, skills, and objectives. The devs also talked about DUST's battlefield resupply mechanics (which are somewhat unique for a shooter since every bullet, weapon, and vehicle must be produced before it can be airlifted to the front lines). We also got to see the first real footage of EVE/DUST integration courtesy of a live orbital strike coordinated between a ground trooper and a capsuleer.

Today looks just as interesting, and the focus will be shifting to EVE as CCP talks up the state of the game's economy, factional warfare, and a variety of other topics. As you're probably aware, you can catch all of this via our dedicated EVETV Livestream channel, and we'll have more info and analysis for you as the weekend rolls on.

MassivelyCCP shifts gears from DUST to EVE at Fanfest 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-fanfest-2012ccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-eve-integrationeveeve-fanfest-2012eve-onlinefanfest-2012fpsgame-mechanicsinternet-spaceshipsmmo-shootermmofpsnew-edenplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterFri, 23 Mar 2012 09:00:00 EST