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 EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-releases-eve-video-aimed-at-newbie-capsuleers/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - newbie pilot video
Apparently a brand-spanking-new website wasn't enough for CCP and its EVE Online property, so the company has released a nifty new trailer to go along with the cyberspace re-branding. The clip is two-and-a-half minutes of spaceship porn underscored with the usual fembot voiceover.

The video is clearly aimed at EVE newbs, so there's not a lot to get excited about if you're a veteran capsuleer. Just the same, it's an eye-opening glance at the game's first-class visuals and hard sci-fi art direction. Give it a look after the cut.

Continue reading CCP releases EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers

MassivelyCCP releases EVE video aimed at newbie capsuleers originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinenew-edennewbssandboxsci-fitrailervideoTue, 07 Feb 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online jazzes up website, opens CSM application process]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/eve-online-jazzes-up-website-opens-csm-application-process/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online
If EVE Online's website were a teenage girl in a movie -- and we're not for a moment suggesting that it's not -- today is the day she'd go through one of those peppy makeover montages and ultimately reveal the beauty that was there all along (just in hiding -- stupid glasses). The new design is up for the world to see, sporting a sleek sexiness along with an interesting ticker relating the latest and greatest from the game. CCP is hoping that the redesign will come off as more "user friendly" for newbies.

In other EVE news, CCP will begin accepting applications tonight for the Council of Stellar Management (CSM). The process is quite involved: Players will apply until the 22nd, after which nominations will be pulled from the list and then community voting will commence. If you're interested in becoming a major voice of the community by advising CCP in EVE's development, then you'd do well to check out the list of candidacy qualifications and get your app in on time!

[Thanks to Xilmar for the tip!]

MassivelyEVE Online jazzes up website, opens CSM application process originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candidacyccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmeveeve-onlinemakeover-montagenominationsredesignvotingwebsitewebsite-redesignTue, 07 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP confirms keyboard and mouse control for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/07/ccp-confirms-keyboard-and-mouse-control-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - dropsuit
DUST 514 may be a PlayStation 3 exclusive for the moment, but CCP has confirmed that the title will offer USB keyboard and mouse control options. CCP Jian broke the news late last night on his Twitter account, though there's no word as of yet on whether using a keyboard/mouse combo will translate to an edge over players who are using a PS3 controller.

DUST is a sci-fi MMOFPS set in CCP's New Eden universe, and it is directly connected to the long-running EVE Online MMORPG. Players take on the role of ground-based mercenaries who fight for territory control and share the universal economy with EVE's capsuleers.

MassivelyCCP confirms keyboard and mouse control for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-jiancontrollersdustdust-514dust-controlsdust-keyboard-and-mouseeveeve-onlinefpskeyboard-and-mousemmo-shootermmofpsnew-edensandboxsci-fishooterTue, 07 Feb 2012 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/05/eve-evolved-the-benefits-of-a-subscription/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
In last week's EVE Evolved opinion piece, I tackled the question of whether it would be possible to make EVE Online free-to-play and then devised a viable hybrid freemium business model based on other apparently successful free-to-play conversions. While this was largely a thought experiment exploring the viability of a conversion, the fact that other subscription games have made the change recently makes it more than just theoretical. The possibility that executives at CCP Games have investigated the same options makes this debate an important one to hash out in a public forum.

We've established that a free-to-play EVE could potentially be viable, but this week I'd like to take the debate one step further and ask whether EVE is actually doing the right thing with its current subscription model. Subscriptions may no longer appear to be the dominant business model in the MMO landscape, but they have some major advantages that are rapidly becoming apparent as more and more games drop their monthly fees. The sale of cosmetic enhancements will only net so much money, and if a game expands into selling convenience items that circumvent grind, there's a strong financial incentive to develop grindy gameplay and then sell shortcuts. This produces a conflict of interest between developing fun games and making money that isn't present with the subscription model.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the benefits of the subscription model, the unique position CCP is in with its PLEX system, and the hidden dangers of convenience-based microtransactions.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The benefits of a subscription originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdebateeqeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-conversiongame-designincarnammo-industryopinionplexsandboxsci-fisubsubscriptionSun, 05 Feb 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Interview confirms World of Darkness dev team, predicts DUST 514 sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/03/interview-confirms-world-of-darkness-dev-team-predicts-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
When CCP Games laid off 20% of its worldwide staff back in October of last year, the World of Darkness dev team bore the brunt of the cuts while DUST 514 continued on course for its launch later this year. In an interview over at TenTonHammer today, CCP's new Chief Marketing Officer, David Reid, joined CEO Hilmar Petursson to discuss the development of both games. Hilmar reveals that a team of 60 developers are currently working on WoD, and that DUST 514 will be playable at this year's EVE Online fanfest event in March.

Despite acknowledging that the entire PlayStation Network comprises a total of 60 million users, Reid asserts that DUST will bring "tens of millions of people that play shooters on PSN into the New Eden universe," going on to make the bold statement that "EVE could be the biggest game in the world at the end of 2012" as a result. Reid also claims that "EVE Online is the only game in the West that has shown consecutive growth year after year," a statement that's sure to upset RuneScape developer Jagex and others. The statement also comes with a slightly bitter note as this year EVE may have lost its record of continual subscription growth during the summer drama.

MassivelyInterview confirms World of Darkness dev team, predicts DUST 514 sales originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescmoconsoledavid-reiddustdust-514eveeve-onlinef2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playgothichilmar-peturssonhorrorinterviewjagexjagex-games-studiomillionsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3PlayStation-Networkps3psnrsrunescapesalessandboxsci-fishootersupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessFri, 03 Feb 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/31/eve-online-website-revamp-detailed-in-new-video-devblog/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online has undergone countless changes and iterations since its first release in 2003, with major graphics overhauls and new gameplay systems arriving every year. In contrast, the official EVE website hasn't changed much over the years. With background information, screenshots, video, forums and knowledgebase articles, the EVE website now juggles content designed for prospective players and existing community members alike. CCP aims to change all that with a complete overhaul that will split community tools like the forums, knowledgebase, and account management from marketing designed to attract players.

In a new video devblog, web-developer CCP Alice shows off some of the features of EVE's brand new website. Built using HTML 5, the new page will feature a full built-in renderer able to show prospective players the EVE Online universe map and interactive renderings of every ship in the game. "Now that we have a better eveonline.com, the focus after this one is to focus on the community," says CCP Alice, hinting that new community tools will soon be on the way. In a follow-up devblog today, Community Manager CCP Guard confirmed that players will soon be able to start their own corporation forums hosted on CCP's servers. Check out the full video after the cut.

Continue reading EVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog

MassivelyEVE Online website revamp detailed in new video devblog originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-aliceccp-gamesccp-guardcommunitycommunity-sitecorporationcorporationsdevblogeveeve-onlineforumforumsguildguild-forumsguildssandboxsci-fivideoWeb-DevelopmentwebsiteTue, 31 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Could EVE Online go free-to-play?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/eve-evolved-could-eve-online-go-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/eve-evolved-could-eve-online-go-free-to-play/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/29/eve-evolved-could-eve-online-go-free-to-play/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
When EVE Online was released in 2003, the subscription model was the dominant business model for MMOs. Subscriptions have dominated Western MMOs throughout most of EVE's reign, but in the past two years we've seen the market push toward alternative models. Although the Incarna expansion controversially introduced a cash shop for cosmetic items, EVE Online has remained a subscription MMO in the face of tremendous market pressure to change. Although CCP plans to use microtransactions heavily in World of Darkness, and DUST 514 will not have a subscription fee, no plans to significantly modify EVE's current business model have been announced.

There's no sense in trying to deny it: The market is changing, with microtransaction-supported free-to-play games producing far more money than subscription titles. Hybrid models that give players the choice between microtransactions or a regular subscription have turned the industry on its head. When Turbine first implemented a hybrid model in Dungeons and Dragons Online, not only did profit shoot up from the free players but subscriptions rose. When the studio gave Lord of the Rings Online the same treatment, profits tripled almost overnight. The money is firmly in microtransactions, and it would be disingenuous to assume CCP won't chase that kind of financial reward. But could EVE even support a free-to-play business model, and what alternatives are there?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I ask whether it would be possible for EVE Online to adopt a free-to-play business model, and I suggest a simple alternative model that could really work.
[UPDATE: World of Darkness has not been confirmed as free-to-play, and though DUST 514 will not have a subscription fee, it will have a cover charge for initial purchase]

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Could EVE Online go free-to-play?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Could EVE Online go free-to-play? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesddodungeons-and-dragons-onlineeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfreefree-to-playincarnalord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionsandboxsci-fiturbineSun, 29 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest events detailed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/27/eve-fanfest-events-detailed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Fanfest poker table
Preparations for EVE Online's annual Fanfest are well underway, and CCP has updated its website with a blog entry that gives gamers an idea of what to expect if they're coming to Reykjavik in March.

CCP is adjusting its VIP office tour prize package this year. A contest entry will only set you back one PLEX (as opposed to the $1,000 minimum bid in years past). There's also a poker tournament, a silent auction, and a battle of the bands in the offing.

What does all this have to do with New Eden, you're asking? Well not much, aside from the opportunity to drink heavily and put a name to a face when it comes to all those capsuleers you've been swindling and killing for the past eight years. Head to the official site for details on all the events and prizes.

MassivelyEVE Fanfest events detailed originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconventionsdev-blogeveeve-onlineeventsfanfestfanfest-2012new-edenreal-life-eventssandboxsci-fiFri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online prepares the schedule for the next Council of Stellar Management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/eve-online-prepares-the-schedule-for-the-next-council-of-stellar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/eve-online-prepares-the-schedule-for-the-next-council-of-stellar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/25/eve-online-prepares-the-schedule-for-the-next-council-of-stellar/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Demonstrating EVE's political mechanics. Which aren't coded into the game.
EVE Online's Council of Stellar Management is about to change seats once again. On April 4th, the current council's term will expire, meaning that it's time for a new council to be formed among the game's players. CCP Games is starting the process for election early, posting a full timetable of the upcoming election as well as the requirements for candidacy. Applications for candidacy will be open from February 8th through the 22nd, followed by nominations until the 29th, with the election proper running between March 7th and March 21st.

Thinking about throwing your hat into the ring? Eligible players must be 21 years old or older by April 4th, able to travel to CCP's headquarters in Iceland, and have an EVE Online account older than 30 days. Anyone eligible will also be required to sign a non-disclosure agreement, since the Council of Stellar Management frequently receives information not yet available to the general playerbase. Even if you're not interested in running yourself, it's going to be interesting for EVE players to take part in the election once again.

MassivelyEVE Online prepares the schedule for the next Council of Stellar Management originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescommunitycouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm-electionelectioneveeve-communityeve-onlinegeneral-electionplayer-communityplayer-organizationsWed, 25 Jan 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[From hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/24/from-hero-to-0-0-eve-online-deploys-crucible-1-1-update/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EVE Online
It may not be a full-blown expansion, but don't let the decimal point throw you off: EVE Online Crucible's 1.1 patch is a beast of an update, and it's roaring onto the live server today.

Crucible 1.1 "enhances and updates" many of the key features of the game, starting with a customizable NeoCom (user interface) that can be tweaked to the player's desire. The update also contains adjustments to Tech 2 modules, balances to blaster ammo, and the ability for alliances to enter into factional warfare.

As a result of a significant change to how player-owned structures use legacy fuel -- as in, they won't any longer, but they will be switching over to fuel blocks -- CCP is urging customers to pay attention lest they log in and find themselves in the dark.

You can get the full skinny on the update by either reading the full patch notes, reading through the list of major features, or listening to the grizzled voice of CCP Soundwave going over the 1.1 highlights after the jump.

Continue reading From hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update

MassivelyFrom hero to 0.0: EVE Online deploys Crucible 1.1 update originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.11.1-updateccpccp-gamesccp-soundwavecruciblecrucible-1.1dev-blogeveeve-onlineneocompatch-1.1patch-notesvideoTue, 24 Jan 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/23/sony-ccp-negotiating-ps3-virtual-item-policy-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - planetary concept art
DUST 514 is somewhat revolutionary in that it's attempting to tie together two separate games (on two separate platforms) that take place in the same fictional universe. CCP is also innovating on the backend according to a new article at Develop.

The upcoming EVE Online MMOFPS tie-in will establish universal PlayStation Network microtransaction rules according to CCP CEO Hilmar Petursson. Petursson told Develop that the ongoing CCP/Sony negotiations will ultimately result in the establishment of price tiers for virtual items as well as the revenue split between Sony and third-party devs.

CCP is also exploring retail options for DUST 514, despite early reports that the title would only be available as a digital download. Finally, Petursson tells Develop that the PlayStation Vita version of DUST will "give people access to more asynchronous parts of the game." While he doesn't commit one way or the other, it's possible that the portable version of the game will connect to both the PlayStation 3 and PC versions via EVE's universal ISK currency.

MassivelySony, CCP 'negotiating PS3 virtual item policy' for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>business-modelscash-shopccpccp-gamesdustdust-514dust-514-retaileveeve-onlinef2pfpsfree-to-playhilmar-peturssonitem-storemicrotransactionsmmo-shootermmofpsmobilenew-edenplaystation-3playstation-networkplaystation-vitaps3retailsandboxsci-fishootersonyvirtual-item-policyvitaMon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Music to watch the stars by]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/eve-evolved-music-to-watch-the-stars-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/eve-evolved-music-to-watch-the-stars-by/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/22/eve-evolved-music-to-watch-the-stars-by/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
EVE Online received some big graphical overhauls with the recent Crucible expansion, and every ship will have its graphics iterated on in future patches as part of with the ongoing V3 project. A great deal of time and money is poured into keeping EVE's graphics at the bleeding edge of the industry, and yet the game's music has barely changed since launch in 2003. Warped ambient compositions like Red Glowing Dust gave a feeling of depth and scale to early EVE's empty universe, and the electronic beats of tracks like Below the Asteroids and Merchants, Looters and Ghosts have become iconic sounds of EVE. The music still manages to impress new players, but with so much of EVE being overhauled, I think it's time to give the music another look.

Very few game studios pay as much attention to music as to graphics, the user interface, or gameplay, but the right music has the power to completely transform a player's experience. Just like in a movie, music can evoke an emotional response and so alter a person's perception of events. Fighting monsters in a fantasy MMO or shooting down pirates in EVE might not be a terribly epic activity, but throw in some epic music and suddenly it feels a lot more real. I wrote about the psychological effect of music in MMOs several years ago, and the topic is as relevant today as it was then.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at three different types of music that could improve EVE and suggest how CCP could take advantage of each type to give EVE the soundtrack it deserves.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Music to watch the stars by

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Music to watch the stars by originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambientbackground-musicccpccp-gamescombat-musiccrucibleeqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiieraeveeve-evolvedeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iifantasyfeaturedmusicopinionpvppvp-musicsandboxsci-fisyncsynchronizationSun, 22 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online reveals full Crucible 1.1 patch feature list]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/eve-online-reveals-full-crucible-1-1-patch-feature-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/eve-online-reveals-full-crucible-1-1-patch-feature-list/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/21/eve-online-reveals-full-crucible-1-1-patch-feature-list/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
The feature page for EVE Online's next major patch Crucible 1.1 has gone live, with a comprehensive list of the features we can expect when it's released on Tuesday January 24th. As the patch has probably now entered feature lockdown, the feature page is now a complete listing of the updates we can expect. The patch finalises the changeover of player owned starbases to the convenient new fuel block system, and the six changes revealed in Team BFF's last devblog will also be going into effect.

The neocom will receive its big update with the patch, but the two biggest changes are issues that players have begged CCP to address since 2008. Tech 2 assault frigates are finally being rebalanced to bring them in line with other ships, and alliances will now be able to sign up for faction warfare. Other big changes include a boost to all sizes of Null blaster ammo and the release of new deadspace invulnerability fields for shield users. Head over to the official Crucible 1.1 feature page for a full list of changes.

[Thanks to Knoodlepot for the tip!]

MassivelyEVE Online reveals full Crucible 1.1 patch feature list originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 21 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assault-frigateccpccp-gamescruciblecrucible-1.1eveeve-onlineneocomnewspatchsandboxsci-fistarbaseSat, 21 Jan 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE reforms dev teams and preps a new patch for liftoff]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/eve-disbands-reforms-dev-teams-and-preps-a-new-patch-for-liftof/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/eve-disbands-reforms-dev-teams-and-preps-a-new-patch-for-liftof/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/19/eve-disbands-reforms-dev-teams-and-preps-a-new-patch-for-liftof/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE door of fire
The dream is over. EVE Online's dev teams -- formerly known as Team Best Friends Forever and Team Pink Zombie Kittens -- are breaking up. Fortunately, this is because there are so many devs at this point that CCP is reorganizing its devs into three new teams: Team Super Friends, Game of Drones, and Five 0.

Along with the news of the team reorganization, CCP brings us word of an upcoming patch arriving January 24th. The update will include a rebalance of null ammo and assault ships, buffs to modules, better search options, new calendar notifications, and the ability for alliances to join faction warfare.

Even if you don't play EVE, these patch notes are both highly entertaining and informative, especially if you enjoy seeing devs unhinged and dispensing advice for mosquito repellant.

MassivelyEVE reforms dev teams and preps a new patch for liftoff originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-soundwavedev-diaryeveeve-onlinefaction-warfaremosquito-repellentsoundwaveteam-best-friends-foreverteam-pink-zombie-kittensThu, 19 Jan 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Resurrecting faction warfare]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/eve-evolved-resurrecting-faction-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/eve-evolved-resurrecting-faction-warfare/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/15/eve-evolved-resurrecting-faction-warfare/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
I think it's safe to say that most EVE Online players have never tried their hands at faction warfare, the state-sponsored bloodbath that pits Minmatar and Gallente pilots against their Amarr and Caldari rivals. When the system launched almost four years ago during 2008's Empyrean Age expansion, it was an immediate and colossal success. CCP ran news stories leading up to the expansion to show the growing tensions between the four nations, with several videos highlighting major flashpoints like the Malkalen incident. The stage was set for the war to end all wars, and players were brought to the front lines to die for their nations.

Faction warfare was originally designed to be a stepping stone for empire-dwellers who wanted to get into nullsec and to give fleet-based PvP to pilots without nullsec contacts. The first few months saw some spectacular action, with fleets of over a hundred rookie pilots happily smashing each other to bits. For over a year, faction warfare provided practically instant-action PvP on any scale you could want, from solo roaming and small gang warfare to full-on fleet battles with several capital ships. Unfortunately, CCP didn't iterate on the feature, so after a year with broken capture mechanics and no real purpose or reward for fighting, faction warfare began to grind to a halt.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I speculate on how faction warfare could possibly be resurrected.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Resurrecting faction warfare

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Resurrecting faction warfare originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesdust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionfactionfaction-warfarefactional-warfarefeaturedfleetfleet-commandfleet-warfaregame-designgang-warfareopinionpvpresurrectresurrectionrevampterritorial-warfareSun, 15 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Six small changes that will make a big difference to EVE players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/11/six-small-changes-that-will-make-a-big-difference-to-eve-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EVE Online title image
Last year, EVE Online developer CCP Games tasked its illustrious Team Best Friends Forever with a project aimed at fixing all those little things that annoy EVE players on a daily basis. Font issues, windows stealing focus, implants not showing on killmails, and the problem of agent standings being overly complicated were all tackled in no time flat. For the Crucible expansion, Team BFF's leader, CCP Soundwave, was put in charge of multiple teams that hammered out hundreds of bug fixes, gameplay balance changes and quality of life improvements.

In a new devblog, CCP Punkturis reveals six small changes under development by Team BFF that will certainly make a big difference to EVE players. The skill queue will be getting a search feature, which is good news for older players with over a hundred skills to sort through. The watch list that keeps track of friendly targets in fleet operations will be able to hold 15 players, up from 10, and players will be able to re-order them any way they like.

If you've ever seen a player's face appear in the bottom right of the screen to tell you he's just logged in, chances are you've tried to click on it to talk to him at least once. When the next big patch goes live, you'll be able to do just that. The agent list in stations and module overload indicator will both receive graphical updates, and a new compact user list for the local channel with no portraits will be an absolute god-send to nullsec fleets.

MassivelySix small changes that will make a big difference to EVE players originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-eveccp-gamesccp-punkturisccp-soundwavecrucibledevblogdevelopmenteveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefleetlittle-thingsnewsnullsecpvpteam-best-friends-foreverteam-bffWed, 11 Jan 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP shows off EVE neocom updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/10/ccp-shows-off-eve-neocom-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online - new neocom
Remember that dev blog about a year ago that mentioned updates in store for EVE Online's neocom interface? Well, it hasn't been forgotten, but the New Eden poo-storm of 2011 kind of bumped it to the back of the line.

Today, the EVE website has been updated with a look at the new neocom's design, and CCP Optimal has plenty of pics as well as some insights into what's changing below the pretty exterior. Chief among the tweaks is the ability for pod pilots to pick and choose the features they use most and remove extraneous buttons from the interface.

The new neocom is slated to go live in the Crucible 1.1 patch coming later this month.

MassivelyCCP shows off EVE neocom updates originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesccp-optimalcruciblecrucible-1.1customizable-neocomdev-blogeveeve-onlineinterfacenew-edenpoo-stormsandboxsci-fiuiuser-interfaceTue, 10 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/09/leaderboard-free-form-space-combat-vs-on-the-rails-shooter/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Leaderboard
If mankind's exploration into outer space has taught us anything at this point, it's that sooner or later we're going to need to strap big guns on our bubbles of life support and blast each other out of the cosmos. It's already a prevailing theme among MMOs, with titles like EVE Online, Star Trek Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, Black Prophecy, and Battlestar Galactica Online allowing us to jump forward a few hundred years of technological growth so we can have some space shootin' fun.

As of late there seems to be two camps developing regarding MMO space shooters. With the advent of SWTOR, some are warming up to the cinematic on-the-rails style of its space combat game. Tunnel shooters allow for a more scripted -- and potentially more exciting -- experience, and this type of combat has a long history in single-player games dating back to Starfox and before.

Of course, the other camp just loathes rail shooters, much preferring the ability to fly anywhere one wants and engage in combat on one's own terms. The freedom of this style of space combat appeals to the inner individualist who doesn't want to conform to what everyone else is doing.

In which camp have you struck your tent? Are you for free-form space combat or on-the-rails shooters? Let your vote be heard after the jump!

Continue reading Leaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter

MassivelyLeaderboard: Free-form space combat vs. on-the-rails shooter originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>battlestar-galactica-onlineblack-prophecydo-a-barrel-rolleveeve-onlinefeaturedfree-form-flightfree-form-space-combatleaderboardon-the-railson-the-rails-shooterpollpollsrail-shooterspace-combatstar-trek-onlinestar-wars-galaxesstar-wars-the-old-republicstarfoxstoswgswtortunnel-shootervotevotersvotesMon, 09 Jan 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/08/eve-evolved-development-on-eve-in-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved title image
Following the summer drama that came to be known as monoclegate, the past six months have been challenging for EVE Online's players and developers alike. When players learned that cash-shop clothing was priced higher than its real-life equivalent, the quirky story of the $80 monocle swept across gaming blogs like wildfire. The story's tone soon turned a great deal more sinister with the leak of an internal company newsletter titled Greed is Good, and a second leaked memo from CCP's CEO added more fuel to the flames. Ultimately, players spoke with their wallets; subscriptions fell by at least 8%, and with no financial backup plan, CCP was forced to lay off 20% of its staff worldwide.

The staff members who remained were faced with the task of turning things around, and with the feature-packed Crucible expansion, they did so spectacularly. In just a few short months, hundreds of high-profile features, graphical overhauls, and quality of life improvements breathed new life into a neglected universe. I think most players recognise that this has been a genuine turn-around from within CCP, but some are still skeptical that the company has really reformed. The question on everyone's mind is whether CCP can really keep up this quality of development in the coming year as it delivers two full expansions and integrates EVE with DUST 514.

Perhaps nobody is better qualified to assess that than CSM delegate and former CCP game designer Mark "Seleene" Heard, who recently attended the December CSM summit and witnessed first-hand the aftermath of monoclegate and Crucible's development.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I delve into Mark's CSM Summit report to find out how development at CCP has changed, what we can expect in 2012, and how monocle-gate has affected CEO Hilmar Veigar Pétursson.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Development on EVE in 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20122012-predictionsccpccp-abathurccp-eveccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm-delegatecsm-summitdecemberdevelopmentDominiondust-514eveeve-ccpeve-evolvedeve-mmorpgeve-onlineexpansionexpansionsfeaturedgame-developmentgraphicshilmarhilmar-peturssonhilmar-v-peturssonhilmar-veigar-peturssonmark-heardmmofpsmonoclegatesandboxsci-fiseleeneSun, 08 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP lays out the path to attend the EVE Fanfest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/ccp-lays-out-the-path-to-attend-the-eve-fanfest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/ccp-lays-out-the-path-to-attend-the-eve-fanfest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/ccp-lays-out-the-path-to-attend-the-eve-fanfest/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

No, you may not attend in your internet spaceship.
At the end of March, it's time for EVE Online players the world over to once again come together in their shared love of backstabbing, corporate management, and monocles. Yes, the EVE Fanfest is approaching swiftly, and if you're planning to head over to Iceland for the event, now is probably the time to start making some plans about how to get there. Fortunately, CCP Games has made some accommodations for players so that getting to the event and in the door can be a wee bit easier.

Tickets to the event can be purchase from the game's account management page, with a special early bird discount available through the end of January and bulk discounts on groups of 5-10 tickets. You can also book Fanfest activities through the same purchase page, allowing you to save time when you actually get on the ground. There are also deals available for players flying in via Icelandair, making it easier than ever to get to the convention -- a welcome change for the legions of fans not already based there.

MassivelyCCP lays out the path to attend the EVE Fanfest originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconvention-newsconventionseveeve-fanfesteve-onlinefanfestgame-conventionsicelandnewsreal-world-eventsFri, 06 Jan 2012 18:00:00 EST