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[Defiance demands your attention during Memorial Day weekend [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/defiance-demands-your-attention-during-memorial-day-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/defiance-demands-your-attention-during-memorial-day-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/defiance-demands-your-attention-during-memorial-day-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Defiance
In spite of its recent layoffs (or maybe because of them), Trion Worlds is plunging ahead with its Defiance promotions. Not only will Syfy be showing a six-episode Defiance-the-show marathon and recap special on Monday (that's May 27th from 4 to 11 p.m.), but Defiance-the-game will be on sale on Steam and available freely from today through Sunday to brand-new players. Players will also nab a second crack at the game's early episodic content, which starred the series' lead characters. Quoth the press release,
Gamers who have yet to explore the open world shooter can try it on PC for free on Steam from May 23rd at 10:00 a.m. PDT [1:00 p.m. EDT] to May 26th at 1:00 p.m. PDT [4:00 p.m. EDT]. [See below for update on times.] Steam is also offering a weekend long sale on Defiance for those whose thirst for alien technology and open world action isn't satisfied by the trial. Both the Standard Edition and Digital Deluxe Edition will be 30% off. In addition, Steam will also be running a sale on "Bits," the in-game currency for Defiance, during which customers will get more "Bits" for their money.
The studio notes that other retailers will feature independent sales but did not specifically say which ones.

[Source: Trion press release]

[Update #1: Readers are reporting that the free weekend on Steam is still not active. The times quoted here are exactly what the press release said, and they have come and gone. We've contacted Trion for clarification and will keep you posted when we actually know more.]
[Update #2: Trion's PR says it's aware of the problem on Steam and is trying to get to the bottom of it now.]
[Update #3: Trion says the new go-live time is now 4 p.m. PDT (7 p.m. EDT) Thursday.]
[Update #4: Happy Friday, peeps. Trion has just posted an official page for the Steam promotion complete with details on how to get signed up as a freebie player for the weekend.]

MassivelyDefiance demands your attention during Memorial Day weekend [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldealdealsdefiancemmo-shooterpromotionpvprewindsci-fishootersteamsyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxThu, 23 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/ask-massively-the-irony-of-media-and-betas/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PRESS HAT
It's a running joke on Massively that some readers believe our lives are glamorous and that we sleep in beds made out of free video game swag. The truth is that video game bloggers are working in this field because they love the job. At least that's how it is around here. Or maybe writing in our pajamas is too posh to pass up. But people still believe we are loaded with perks just because we get to wear fancy hats that say "PRESS." Just kidding. There are no hats.

Here's a recent example from a reader named Will6:
Lucky you, getting to test drive the game. Everyone knows the press get instant invites because they are a free way [for studios] to advertise their game and get the word out.
It's time for "everyone" to be disabused of that notion.

Continue reading Ask Massively: The irony of media and betas

MassivelyAsk Massively: The irony of media and betas originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnalphaask-massivelybest-testingbetabrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedhumorimpressionsmassively-metamediametaopinionperkspresstestingThu, 23 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When are rollbacks and wipes absolutely necessary?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When are rollbacks absolutely necessary
In the last few weeks, two big games we cover on Massively have been slammed with exploits that have injured their respective economies: Diablo III and Neverwinter. In Diablo III's case, a gold duping bug apparently pumped insane amounts of cash into the economy. Neverwinter's exploits run the gamut from Foundry abuses to negative auction hall bids that don't consume gold to classes that can one-shot bosses making farming trivial. According to these claims, NW exploiters are making off with thousands of real-life dollars when cashing out their ill-gotten funds.

In both cases, players called for characters wipes and rollbacks, believing each exploit severe enough to merit a clean slate. But in Diablo III's case, while the studio dealt harshly with the exploiters, the developers disagreed with the need for wipes and do-overs, presumably having concluded that such drastic measures would impact the legit playerbase far more than would a dented economy. Neverwinter, on the other hand, chose to roll back the servers, causing widespread uproar.

That brings us to today's question: Which studio was right? How bad does an exploit have to be before character wipes and server rollbacks are absolutely necessary?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: When are rollbacks and wipes absolutely necessary? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardbrianna-royce-tdgcharacter-wipecryptic-studiosdaily-grinddiablo-3diablo-iiieconomyexploitexploitsneverwinteropinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwerollbackrollbacksserver-wipetdgthe-daily-grindwipewipesMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Fanfest 2013 video roundup
Last month saw the huge tenth anniversary EVE Online Fanfest, a three-day convention packed full of exclusive reveals, behind-the-scenes talks, and community events. This year's Fanfest was the biggest one yet, celebrating EVE's tenth anniversary with special guest speakers from the scientific community, the reveal of a new virtual reality dogfighter, DUST 514's launch, and details of the upcoming Odyssey expansion. Massively was there to bring you coverage of the big news as it happened, and CCP streamed some of the key talks and events live to viewers at home.

This year's Fanfest sold out so quickly that many people who wanted to go didn't get a chance to, and only a select few talks were shown on the public livestream. With such a packed event schedule, even players in attendance couldn't be there for every interesting talk. Thankfully, CCP recorded over 30 of the most anticipated events and has now uploaded the videos to YouTube. Highlights include the Make EVE Real videos, the EVE keynote, the CCP Presents Keynote, and the talks on how DUST 514 integrates with the EVE economy.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I round up all of the EVE Fanfest videos in a handy list.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-panelapocalypseasteroidasteroid-miningasteroidsbattleshipccpccp-gameschinaconcept-artconsoleconventioncrimewatchcsm-paneldustdust-514economyeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-is-realeve-onlineeventeventsfanfestfaster-than-lightfeaturedfpsftlgame-designgearinternet-spaceshipskeynotemake-eve-realminingmmofpsodysseyopinionplanetary-conquestplaystationplaystation-3progressionps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspace-elevatorspreadsheets-onlineuprisingSun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wargaming celebrates 15 years with new World of Tanks tournament]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wargaming-celebrates-15-years-with-new-world-of-tanks-tournament/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wargaming-celebrates-15-years-with-new-world-of-tanks-tournament/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/wargaming-celebrates-15-years-with-new-world-of-tanks-tournament/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Wargaming 15th anniversary event
You may be familiar with Wargaming through the development studio's wildly successful game World of Tanks, but did you know that the company has been around for 15 years and has developed almost a dozen other games?

To help celebrate this special 15th anniversary, Wargaming has announced a global World of Tanks tournament that will see winning teams from Europe, North America, Russia, South Korea, Southeast Asia, China, Vietnam, and more represent their regions with an all-expense-paid trip to the World of Tanks studio in Minsk, Belarus.

The tournament will be a traditional 7 v 7 format and will run from May until the end of June. Check out the Wargaming site for more info.

MassivelyWargaming celebrates 15 years with new World of Tanks tournament originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryf2pfree-to-playhistoricalpvptanktankstournamentwarwargamingwargaming.networld-of-tankswotThu, 16 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Player panel submissions open for SOE Live 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/player-panel-submissions-open-for-soe-live-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmoconconsoleconsolesconventiondc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuodragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfan-fairefantasyfpsfrfree-realmsfree-to-playhousinginfernuminfernum-productionskid-friendlykidskids-mmolas-vegasmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2playstation-3playstation3psps1ps2ps3runewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersoesoe-fan-fairesoe-livesoe-live-2013sonysony-online-entertainmentsuperherosuperheroestelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgMon, 13 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Play The Elder Scrolls Online at Gamescom this August]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/play-the-elder-scrolls-online-at-gamescom-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/play-the-elder-scrolls-online-at-gamescom-this-august/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/play-the-elder-scrolls-online-at-gamescom-this-august/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Elder Scrolls Online concept art
Going to Gamescom this year? If so you can get your hands on a playable demo of The Elder Scrolls Online. ZeniMax is bringing its MMO fantasy opus to Cologne for Europe's largest gaming con from August 22nd through August 25th.

ZeniMax's website update says that Gamescom is its first Euro convention, but it's certainly not the last. Further details about TESO's 2013 event docket are forthcoming.

MassivelyPlay The Elder Scrolls Online at Gamescom this August originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineesofactionsgamescomgamescom-2013morrowindoblivionpvprvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosThu, 02 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Leaderboard: What was your favorite EVE Fanfest reveal?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/leaderboard-what-was-your-favorite-eve-fanfest-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/leaderboard-what-was-your-favorite-eve-fanfest-reveal/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/leaderboard-what-was-your-favorite-eve-fanfest-reveal/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - Mining barges
This year's CCP fan festival featured a bunch of interesting news items including DUST 514's official release date, more info on EVE's upcoming Odyssey expansion, and even a glimpse of the progress being made on World of Darkness.

There was also talk of EVE tales being immortalized in more traditional media formats, a ginormous 10-year collector's edition, and an early look at EVR, a new virtual reality EVE game designed for the Oculus Rift. Now that you've had a chance to digest all of the details, what was your favorite Fanfest 2013 reveal? Vote after the cut!

Continue reading Leaderboard: What was your favorite EVE Fanfest reveal?

MassivelyLeaderboard: What was your favorite EVE Fanfest reveal? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's 8th Council of Stellar Management members announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-onlines-8th-council-of-stellar-management-members-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-onlines-8th-council-of-stellar-management-members-announced/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-onlines-8th-council-of-stellar-management-members-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EVE Online's 8th Council of Stellar Management members announced
The results are in for EVE Online's eighth Council of Stellar Management (CSM8) as announced by Hilmar Veigar Pétursson during EVE Fanfest this weekend in Reykjavik, Iceland.

Since this is the first time the Single Transferrable Vote mechanic has been used, each elected member received the necessary amount of votes (out of a total 49,702 votes) to get onto the CSM. When the council convenes for the first time, a chairman, vice-chairman, secretary, and vice-secretary will be chosen.

Be sure to read the complete election results for the names of all 14 CSM8 members and more on how the votes were calculated this year.

MassivelyEVE Online's 8th Council of Stellar Management members announced originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>council-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm8eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfesticelandmassively-event-coveragereykjavikSun, 28 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/eve-evolved-hands-on-with-eves-virtual-reality-demo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Handson with EVE's virtual reality demo
As EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest slowly got underway, the press were led into a small upstairs room with chairs lined up and ominous-looking black headsets. The headsets turned out to be expensive prototype devkits of the Oculus Rift, a recently kickstarted PC peripheral that aims to make immersive virtual reality affordable for gamers. VR headsets are traditionally heavy monstrosities costing thousands of pounds and usually have input processing lag that make them unsuitable for high-action gaming, but the Oculus Rift is a light and highly responsive device currently clocking in at a more reasonable $300.

We were sat down to take part in a demo of EVR, a new virtual reality multiplayer dogfighter that uses art assets from EVE Online. It was an incredibly immersive experience for those of us unfamiliar with the Oculus Rift, and even members of the press who had used the device seemed impressed with the game. Fanfest attendees were equally excited when a trailer for EVR was shown at the EVE Keynote on Friday, and many attendees got to try the game first hand last night. But what impressed me the most was the story behind the demo's creation and the possibilities that Oculus Rift could potentially open up if support for it were brought to EVE Online.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I give my hands-on impressions of EVR, delve into the story behind its creation, and speculate on how Oculus Rift support could revolutionise EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Hands-on with EVE's virtual reality demo originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20-percent20-percent-time20-timedogfightingeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-keynoteeve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-virtual-realityeventevent-coverageevrfanfestfeaturedgoogleicelandjon-landermassively-event-coverageoculus-riftrekyjavikstar-citizentrailerunity-3dvideovirtual-realitySun, 28 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2013 final day: Trailers, EVE's TV show, and a vision for the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-fanfest-2013-final-day-new-trailer-a-vision-for-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-fanfest-2013-final-day-new-trailer-a-vision-for-the-future/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-fanfest-2013-final-day-new-trailer-a-vision-for-the-future/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Fanfest 2013 final day New trailer, a vision for the future, EVE TV show and more
We usually don't expect to see much from the final day of the EVE Fanfest, but for this year's tenth anniversary celebration, CCP isn't doing anything by half measures. The first two days of the event had a strong focus on DUST 514 and EVE Online, delving into the specific details of DUST's upcoming Uprising update and EVE's Odyssey expansion. I went into the convention centre today expecting a nice slow wind down with the usual CCP Presents keynote looking at the state of the company, but I left with several huge reveals that seemed to come out of nowhere.

Not only did we find out that EVE Online is finally getting a collector's edition box full of goodies, but CCP revealed that a new EVE comic book and lore compendium are both on the way. As if that weren't enough, there's also an EVE TV series in the works based on player-submitted stories of true events inside the EVE universe. I couldn't help escaping the feeling, though, that this year's CCP Presents talk was more than a little marketing-oriented. As one of the press put it to me after the talk, it felt at times like watching an infomercial. On the plus side, we did get to see more of CCP's future vision for the EVE universe and an amazing new trailer showing the game's core storyline.

Read on to check out the incredible EVE Universe Origins trailer and my summary of the final day of Fanfest 2013.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2013 final day: Trailers, EVE's TV show, and a vision for the future

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2013 final day: Trailers, EVE's TV show, and a vision for the future originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andie-nordgrenccp-seagullcollectors-editioneveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestfeaturedfive-year-planfive-year-visiongnosisicelandmassively-event-coverageoriginsplayer-owned-stationrekyjavikrifterstargateStargatestrailerusbusb-hubvideovisionSat, 27 Apr 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[True stories of EVE Online to become comic book and TV series]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/true-stories-of-eve-online-to-become-comic-book-and-tv-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/true-stories-of-eve-online-to-become-comic-book-and-tv-series/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/true-stories-of-eve-online-to-become-comic-book-and-tv-series/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

True stories of EVE Online to become comic book and TV series
The CCP Presents Keynote at the annual EVE Online Fanfest is usually a fairly tame retrospective on how CCP has a company has done the past year and where it's going in the future, but for EVE's tenth anniversary, CCP broke out the big guns. In addition to announcing a massive new collector's edition, the studio has also revealed plans to turn real stories of events inside the sandbox into professional comic books and even a TV series.

Industry giant Dark Horse Comics, the company responsible for comics like Hellboy and Sin City, will be publishing the 54-page graphic novel this winter in both a paid-for print form and a free digital download. For the lore buffs among us, Dark Horse will also be producing a colossal 184-page glossy colour hardback book covering all of the NPC backstory and lore behind EVE Online and DUST 514. Titled EVE Source, the book will be an in-character almanac of everything in the EVE setting that isn't player-created and will even include previously unreleased concept art.

Continue reading True stories of EVE Online to become comic book and TV series

MassivelyTrue stories of EVE Online to become comic book and TV series originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>comiccomicsdark-horsedark-horse-comicsdust-514eveeve-comiceve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-filmeve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-sourceeve-tveve-tv-serieseve-videoeventevent-coveragefactionsfanfestfilmhellboyicelandlorelore-booklore-booksmassively-event-coveragenewsnpc-storyrekyjaviksin-citystorylinestorylinestelevisiontvSat, 27 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/eve-online-second-decade-collectors-edition-revealed/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed
Moments ago at EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest, CCP revealed plans for its Second Decade Collector's Edition box. EVE never really had a proper collector's edition, and the tenth anniversary of the game is the perfect opportunity to release one. The box will come with an awesome physical Rifter model that doubles as a USB hub, a CD of the tenth anniversary EVE symphony from this year's Fanfest, and a series of codes to redeem to cosmetic items in EVE Online and DUST 514. The box is due for release in October 2013 and on the EVE store and Amazon and can be pre-purhased right now for $149.99 (€149.99 for those in Europe).

Cosmetic upgrades for EVE include a new golden pod skin that applies permanently to one character, some new bloodline-based in-game clothing, and several collector's edition ships. Players will get a five-run blueprint copy of the tenth anniversary Gnosis battlecruiser and a re-skinned red Tash-Murkon Magnate, and pre-purchasers will get a bonus Nefnatar Thrasher. DUST 514 items include a set of permanant Amarr templar drop suits and weapons with the same stats as normal items but lower skill requirements.

Continue reading EVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed

MassivelyEVE Online Second Decade collector's edition revealed originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d-modelsamarranniversarybreakingcollectors-editiondecadedropsuitsdustdust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eve-symphonyeventevent-coveragefanfestgnosisicelandmassively-event-coverageNefnatarnefnatar-thrasherorchestrarekyjavikriftersecond-decadesymphonytash-murkontash-murkon-magnatetemplartemplar-dropsuitthrasherusbusb-hubSat, 27 Apr 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2013 day two: World of Darkness, Odyssey, and EVE Virtual Reality with the Oculus Rift]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-fanfest-2013-day-two-world-of-darkness-odyssey-and-eve-vi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-fanfest-2013-day-two-world-of-darkness-odyssey-and-eve-vi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-fanfest-2013-day-two-world-of-darkness-odyssey-and-eve-vi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Fanfest 2013 day two World of Darkness, Odyssey, and EVE Virtual Reality with the Oculus Rift
EVE Online's tenth anniversary Fanfest promised to be its biggest yet, with over 1,400 players packed into Iceland's Harpa convention centre to find out the latest on EVE Online, DUST 514, and World of Darkness. The first day focused mainly on DUST and its link with the EVE universe, but today the focus largely switched back to internet spaceships. There were plenty of roundtable discussions, and the CSM and Alliance panels were as awesome as ever, but it was the EVE Keynote that really blew the crowd away.

The day got off to a good start with the highly anticipated World of Darkness talk. Most fans were probably expecting to see more airy game design ideas and another shiny trailer, but this year CCP just came out and put all its cards on the table. We saw that the game is still firmly in pre-production, with much of the previous work going into developing the engine and cool content creation tools and shaders. While I was initially disappointed at the lack of gameplay progress or shiny cinematics, I found this approach of being open and direct with fans very refreshing. As I told WoD art director Thomas Holt, honest beats shiny every time.

Read on for a full run-down of the EVE reveals from the second day of EVE's tenth anniversary Fanfest, including in-depth details of the Odyssey expansion's features.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2013 day two: World of Darkness, Odyssey, and EVE Virtual Reality with the Oculus Rift

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2013 day two: World of Darkness, Odyssey, and EVE Virtual Reality with the Oculus Rift originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryarchaeologyarcheologyccp-soundwavediscovery-scannereveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coverageevtfanfestfeaturedgraphicshackinghilmarhilmar-peturssonhilmar-veigar-peturssonicelandisotopesjon-landerjump-effectjumpingkeynotemassively-event-coverageminingoculus-riftodysseyorepreviewpreviewsprobeprobesprobingpvepvprekyjavikscan-probesscannerscanningstarbase-fuelstargatestargatesten-yearsthomas-holtvideovideoswodworld-of-darknessFri, 26 Apr 2013 23:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online plans major mining and industry revamp for Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-online-plans-major-mining-and-industry-revamp-for-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-online-plans-major-mining-and-industry-revamp-for-odyssey/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/eve-online-plans-major-mining-and-industry-revamp-for-odyssey/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online plans major mining and industry revamp for Odyssey
Details of EVE Online's exploration-focused Odyssey expansion have been floating around since PAX East, but it seems the company saved some pretty huge changes to reveal at this year's tenth anniversary Fanfest. In two massive devblogs accompanying today's EVE Online Keynote speech, CCP Fozzie discussed plans to overhaul EVE's entire resource distribution system. Everything from asteroid and ice mining to moon harvesting and nullsec industry will be affected by the revamp.

Miners will find their ice belts have been moved from static locations to hidden exploration sites that have to be scanned down, but to compensate it will now mine at double the normal rate. Normal asteroid mining in lowsec and nullsec is also due for a buff with the addition of large quantities of low-end minerals. Hidden asteroid belts will no longer need to be probed down but can be quickly located with the new Discovery scanner, and to top it off there'll even be new high quality ore sites that can only be found in prime areas of nullsec.

Outpost industrial infrastructure is due for an update with new purchaseable upgrade paths expanding factory, office and research lab capabilities to the same level as fully-fledged empire stations. Lastly, moon minerals are finally being addressed with a redistribution of rare materials and several new reaction paths to bypass current bottlenecks. A lot of value will be moved from Technetium back to rarer materials like Thulium, Neodymium, Promethium and Dysprosium, and new supplies of all four will be distributed randomly into moons across the universe. Re-scan all of your nearby moons when Odyssey lands because it could suddenly be worth a fortune!

Whether you're a die-hard fan of internet spaceships or just a gawker on the sidelines, EVE Fanfest is the EVE Online event of the year (and the key source of new DUST 514 and World of Darkness scoops!). Follow Massively's Brendan Drain as he reports back on this year's Fanfest starpower, scheming, and spoilers from exotic Reykjavik, Iceland.

MassivelyEVE Online plans major mining and industry revamp for Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asteroidasteroidsdysprosiumeveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfesticeicelandmassively-event-coverageminingneodymiumorepromethiumrekyjavikstarbasestarbase-fueltechnetiumthuliumFri, 26 Apr 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/world-of-darkness-development-shown-at-eve-fanfest-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

When the World of Darkness MMO was first announced in November 2006, it was just an idea and we knew that it wouldn't be released any time soon. The chance to play a sandbox game set in the Vampire: The Masquerade universe nevertheless made fans of the series go nuts, but now over six years later we haven't seen much progress on the game. At EVE Fanfest 2013 today, CCP laid the current state of development bare for all to see and showed some plans for the coming year. There are now 70 people on the WoD team, and they've spent the past week working on everything from art tools and server infrastructure to vampire powers and social options.


"You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt."
Development plans for 2013 include working on out-of-game web-based social tools, clothing systems, and PvE game environments. There are also plans to work on item creation, but direct crafting is probably not on the cards. As the presenter put it, "You're a powerful, immortal lord of the night. You don't want to stitch a shirt." Though the game is still in the pre-production stage, CCP was keen to show off the tools it's made to speed up the development process. "Some of these videos are a bit dry and technical," joked the presenter, but it came across as more real and honest than another trailer or musings on theoretical gameplay.

Continue reading World of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013

MassivelyWorld of Darkness development shown at EVE Fanfest 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingdevelopmentDirectX-11dx11eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefanfestgame-developmentgraphicsicelandmassively-event-coveragerekyjaviksandboxvampirevampire-the-masqueradewodworld-of-darknessworld-of-darkness-onlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[What to expect from EVE Fanfest today: World of Darkness, EVE Keynote, and an interview with Jon Lander]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/what-to-expect-from-eve-fanfest-2013-world-of-darkness-eve-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/what-to-expect-from-eve-fanfest-2013-world-of-darkness-eve-key/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/what-to-expect-from-eve-fanfest-2013-world-of-darkness-eve-key/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What to expect from EVE Fanfest 2013 World of Darkness, EVE Keynote, and an interview with Jon lander
The second day of EVE Fanfest 2013 is now underway, and the schedule is packed! Today kicks off with a highly anticipated talk on World of Darkness at 7:00 a.m. EDT, and continues with the CSM Panel at 8:00 a.m. EDT, Alliance Panel at 9:00 a.m. EDT and Art Panel at 10:00 a.m. EDT. The CSM and Alliance panels are usually filled with hilarious banter, but this year the CSM Panel happens at the same time as the Faction Warfare roundtable and a talk on DUST 514 planet conquering in lowsec. The big event today is of course the EVE Online Keynote at 1:00 p.m. EDT, where we'll find out details of the upcoming Odyssey expansion.

World of Darkness is still pretty early in development, so the presentation will be talking mostly about the tools being used to build it. We're unlikely to get a release schedule or any solid gameplay demos, but with developers raving about their internal play-tests I expect to see some serious progress compared to last year. Since the CSM panel is likely being streamed, I'll try to hit up the Faction Warfare roundtable and see what CCP's current thoughts are on how to improve this aging game system.

Continue reading What to expect from EVE Fanfest today: World of Darkness, EVE Keynote, and an interview with Jon Lander

MassivelyWhat to expect from EVE Fanfest today: World of Darkness, EVE Keynote, and an interview with Jon Lander originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-panelcouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcsm-paneldust-514eveeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-keynoteeve-onlineeve-online-fanfesteve-online-fanfest-2013eventevent-coveragefaction-warfarefactional-warfarefanfesticelandinternet-spaceshipskeynotemassively-event-coverageodysseyrekyjavikroundtablewodworld-of-darknessFri, 26 Apr 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/eve-fanfest-2013-day-one-dust-514-wormholes-and-lowsec-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Fanfest 2013 day one roundup DUST 514, wormholes, lowsec PvP and Retribution
The 10th anniversary EVE Online Fanfest is beyond massive, with over 1,400 players piling into Reykjavik's Harpa building for three days of intense internet spaceshippery. Players fly from across the world to meet their corpmates and chat with other players as passionate about EVE as they are. CCP runs a packed schedule of game design presentations, reveals, and roundtable discussions with players, but for many attendees, the event is about being a part of a tight-knit community that usually exists only inside a game server.

CCP made the bold statement to the press team this morning that its goal is "to create virtual worlds more meaningful than real life," and with so many people flying across the world to meet other players face to face, I'd say the studio has succeeded. Today saw talks on EVE's hugely successful Retribution expansion, ship rebalancing, map generation in DUST 514, and lowsec PvP, and of course, we attended the DUST 514 keynote speech. There were also some hilarious shenanigans with the wormhole roundtable room filling to bursting and a guest science lecture on the possibility of faster than light travel in real life.

Continue reading EVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP

MassivelyEVE Fanfest 2013 day one: DUST 514, wormholes, and lowsec PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 23:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Black Gold Online concept art
We've written about Black Gold Online in the past, but the upcoming MMO is decidedly more interesting on the heels of publisher Snail Games' successful Age of Wushu launch.

The company will show off its Wushu follow-up at E3 2013. A new post on the firm's website says that players can look forward to 3000-plus dynamic events as well as "actions that can change the game world itself." Avatars can "change forms" in combat and and "drive giant armors," all while exploring a unique world blended from sci-fi, fantasy, and steampunk elements.

Would you like to know more? There's a fresh trailer just after the break.

Continue reading Snail to show off Black Gold steampunk MMO at E3

MassivelySnail to show off Black Gold steampunk MMO at E3 originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-goldblack-gold-onlineblack-gold-trailerblack-gold-videoe3e3-2013sci-fantasysnailsnail-gamessteampunktrailervideoThu, 25 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE Live registrations open, offer early bird specials]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/soe-live-registrations-open-offer-early-bird-specials/#commentsFiled under: , ,

SOE Live registrations are a go, flight!
Thinking about heading to SOE Live this August? Then it's time to get your pass to the event! SOE has opened up registrations to the convention today and has a few special deals for folks who book in the next couple of weeks.

Event attendees can purchase single-day passes, evening passes, or all-access passes. Through May 22nd, the single-day passes are $10 off and the all-access pass is $20 off the normal price. The day and all-access passes include special goodies such as a t-shirt, in-game items, future expansions to both EverQuest titles, and access to the showroom.

Children 12 and under can attend for free, and players may elect to spring for a brunch with the developer team for an extra $59. SOE Live will take place from August 1st through August 4th at the Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas.

MassivelySOE Live registrations open, offer early bird specials originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brassedc-universe-onlinedcuoeqeq-nexteqneverquesteverquest-iieverquest-nextfan-fairefantasyfree-realmslinda-carlsonplanetsideplanetside-2soesoe-livesoe-live-2013sony-online-entertainmentvanguardwhiz-owizardry-onlineThu, 25 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST