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[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[One Shots: A light in the dark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots A light in the dark
Reader Andrew is quite impressed with the look of Neverwinter, saying that it is visually "amazing!" Without descending into hyperbole, I have to agree. It's a good-looking title with plenty of interesting details if you take the time to stop and smell the corpses.

Corpses? Well, Andrew is standing in the middle of a whole bunch of dead folks here with his spectral flashlight (AA batteries not included). I wouldn't touch that treasure chest if I were you, Andrew. I'm guessing it might be a mimic. Oh no!

As we stumble through the dark, what other visions might we encounter in this week's One Shots?

Continue reading One Shots: A light in the dark

MassivelyOne Shots: A light in the dark originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotscrypticcryptic-studiosdnden-masseen-masse-entertainmenteqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryneverwinterone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoterauser-submissionsSun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My favorite female armor sets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/free-for-all-my-favorite-female-armor-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Brienne picture
Of all of the crazy characters from HBO's Game of Thrones, Brienne is easily my favorite. Why is she my favorite? It's not because she's just heroic or brave or any of the things that people often attribute to her; it's because she's a survivor. Much of that survival comes from her armor and the fact that she knows well enough to be able to protect herself! The actress Gwendoline Christie has talked about how uncomfortable the armor is to wear. I've heard the producers say that the metal skin is supposed to look sort of mismatched, and I love that. It only makes it stronger.

I often wish MMOs represented armor in better ways, especially for female characters. Some MMOs do a better job than others, and some MMOs do a decent job some of the time. Here are some of my picks for my favorite armor sets for female humans, orcs, goblins or... well, you get the point.

(Please don't post Game of Thrones spoilers in the comments section.)

Continue reading Free for All: My favorite female armor sets

MassivelyFree for All: My favorite female armor sets originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmancostumesdesigneverquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedfemale-armorffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgemstone-ivGuild-Wars-2illyriadmudopinionRolePlayingRyzomVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropeWed, 24 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/jukebox-heroes-battle-music/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Battle music!
It's time once again to take a week off from looking at specific MMO soundtracks and open ourselves up to a theme instead. The topic? Battle music. Yeah, it can be some of the most obnoxious music in the game, especially after hearing it for the 3,000th time, but every once in a while I hear a piece that has some merit to it. These are the ones we want to examine today.

What makes for a good battle music track? I think it has to get you excited without being annoying or grating and not so loud or incredibly noticeable that you can't help but get tired of it sooner rather than later. It was actually pretty tricky to pull together six such tracks for this column, but I managed to do with with the help of Colonel Bugle up there. He's got the best MP3 collection around.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Battle music!

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Battle music! originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoatlanticaatlantica-onlinebiowarecamelotclassic-mmocomposercomposersconsoleconsolesdaocdark-age-of-cameloteaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfree-to-playfuncomgame-musicjukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicmythicmythic-entertainmentmythologynexonnexon-americanexon-koreaopinionpvprvrsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtrackssquaresquare-enixtactical-mmoturbineturbine-entertainmentTue, 23 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/everquests-shadow-of-fear-lets-you-hear-the-voice-of-luclin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Shadow of Fear screenshot
EverQuest's Shadow of Fear just launched; it's the update and second part to the Rain of Fear expansion that released in November. Yes, you read that right: This is the old-school MMO's 19th expansion. If that's not impressive enough for, the list of content that comes with the patch should hold over vets for a long time. If you're level 100, you'll be able to enjoy new zones and content and brand-new mechanics.

The essence of fear is literally raining down in the form of crystalline shards. While players fight to restore balance, an ancient city has been resurrected with no explanation. Mysteries? New content? New spells, items, missions, raids quests, and storylines to discover? Yeah, we wanted in on that. We hung out with producer Thom Terrazas, lead designer Jonathan Caraker, assistant lead designer Julie Burness, and assistant lead game designer and Douglas Cronkhite for a video tour of the new update. Read on to hear what we thought and catch the brand-new trailer too.

Gallery: EverQuest Shadow of Fear expansion screenshots

Continue reading EverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin

MassivelyEverQuest's Shadow of Fear lets you hear the voice of Luclin originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Douglas-Cronkhiteeqeq1everquestexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpgalleriesgalleryJonathan-Carakerlaunchlaunch-daylaunchesluclinpreviewpreviewsscreenshotscreenshotsshadow-of-fearSOEsonySony-Online-EntertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 18 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you play multiple IP-based MMOs simultaneously?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-multiple-ip-based-mmos-simultaneous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-multiple-ip-based-mmos-simultaneous/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/the-daily-grind-do-you-play-multiple-ip-based-mmos-simultaneous/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Daily Grind Do you play multiple IPbased MMOs simultaneously
Ahem, take two on today's Daily Grind.

IP-based MMOs are something of a rarity these days, but the major ones seem to come in pairs more often than not. Final Fantasy XI and Final Fantasy XIV were running concurrently and will be again when the latter finishes its Realm Reborn reboot. EverQuest and EverQuest II have also been playable simultaneously for over eight years now, leading to a dilemma for franchise fans who are long on nostalgia but short on time.

So, how about it Massively readers? Can you play two MMOs based on the same IP simultaneously, or do you stick with one or the other?

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: Do you play multiple IP-based MMOs simultaneously? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindipip-based-mmoopiniontdgthe-daily-grindMon, 08 Apr 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/pax-east-2013-soes-linda-carlson-on-the-state-of-the-community/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community
How many times have you found yourself asking, "Why won't the devs just listen?!" For any loyal MMO fan, it can be extremely frustrating to see feedback seemingly get ignored, and sometimes it feels as if there's a huge wall separating the fans from the developers.

Linda Carlson, SOE's Director of Global Community Relations, spoke with Massively at this year's PAX East to talk about SOE's efforts to break down that wall and improve the relationship between players and developers into something that's more collaborative, rather than contentious. Whether you're the most loyal SOE fan or someone who's vowed never to play another SOE game, you might be surprised at what she has to say.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community

MassivelyPAX East 2013: SOE's Linda Carlson on the state of the community originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advicecommunityconconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeqiieventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedfree-realmsgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013guildguild-adviceguild-counselguild-leadershipguild-managementguildsinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleyleadershiplinda-carlsonmassively-event-coverageopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposoethe-guild-counselThu, 28 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/pax-east-2013-soes-dave-georgeson-on-eq-next-and-the-future-of/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PAX East 2013 SOE's Dave Georgeson talks EQ Next, and the future of online gaming
If there's one pastime that MMO fans share, it's making predictions. Which games will succeed, and which ones will struggle? Which will go free-to-play, merge servers, or even shut down? And will there ever be an MMO that's crowned as the WoW-killer?

But what about the bigger picture of online gaming in general? We've seen it come a long way over the past decades, and it's not always easy to see where it's headed. SOE's director of development of the EverQuest franchise, Dave Georgeson, sat down with Massively at PAX East this year to prognosticate on the future of online gaming. And of course, part of that future includes EQ Next, and while he still can't talk specifics, he did shed some light on the philosophy behind the game's design, with some hints about what players might see when it's revealed at SOE Live this summer.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming

MassivelyPAX East 2013: SOE's Dave Georgeson on EQ Next and the future of online gaming originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-free-to-playeq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneventevent-coverageeventseverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsjohn-smedleymassively-event-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewssoesonysony-online-entertainmentMon, 25 Mar 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: ???]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/one-shots/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/24/one-shots/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

One Shots
There's a lot going on in our lead picture here. There are question marks, a fungus person, a pointedly staring frog, and enough colors to give Crayola a run for its money. But what is it about? What does it mean?

Reader Stacy helps clear things up: "That's mah frog. This was around April Fool's last year (those question marks are fireworks from that in-game event and are amazing in motion). This was my first house; I got it for free from the EverQuest in-game card game, so I did not have much decoration. I bought a bunch of pets from a man down the street and set them loose, then set off all my fireworks and partied the night away with frog and friends."

See, if we did most of these activities in real life, we'd be in jail. Aren't MMOs grand?

Continue reading One Shots: ???

MassivelyOne Shots: ??? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 24 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsclassic-mmoeqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalaxiesgalleriesgalleryneocronneocron-2one-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesswgswgouser-submissionsSun, 24 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/23/the-game-archaeologist-when-sequels-attack/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist When sequels attack!
Sequels are both the bane of and a fact of life for movies and video games. Well, "bane" is a strong word, and you're probably thinking of Batman right now anyway, but personally, I'm always willing to give the benefit of doubt to any continuation of a favorite franchise. While we don't see sequels pop up as often in MMOs, they do exist and have significant effects upon the original title that bears the same name.

It's here that MMOs diverge from movies and other video games. With those, the original is not in any sort of danger, other than the perception of having its legacy dragged down into the muck (Caddyshack II, anyone?) and perhaps overstaying its welcome. An MMO sequel, on the other hand, can cause serious consequences to its ancestor.

Here at Game Archaeologist, we look at classic games that have often seen their time come and go. But what happens to one of these titles when a sequel attacks? Almost anything, it turns out.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack!

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: When sequels attack! originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2agonanetarenanetasherons-callasherons-call-2aventurinebrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicsconsoleconsolesdarkfalldfeqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivfpsfree-to-playgagame-archaelogistglobal agendaguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2hi-rezhi-rez-studiosjagexjagex-games-studiojumpgatejumpgate-evolutionl1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimmofpsncsoftneocronneocron-2nostalgiaopen-pvpopinionpvprsrunescapesandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fisquaresquare-enixthe-game-archaeologistthird-person-shootertpsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-online-2ultima-x-odysseySat, 23 Mar 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chronoportals return to EverQuest II today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/chronoportals-return-to-everquest-ii-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/chronoportals-return-to-everquest-ii-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/chronoportals-return-to-everquest-ii-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chronoportals return to EverQuest II today
In 2011, a new event was added to EverQuest II's calendar, one that paid homage to the fantasy game's older sibling, EverQuest. Now each year around the anniversary of EQ, Chronoportals return to the land of Norrath, allowing EQII players the chance to travel through time to experience the nostalgia of the game that started it all.

Scattered throughout Norrath, Chronoportals are available for every 10 levels. They send players to a specific EQ land where they can then participate in as many time rifts as their level allows. However, due to minimum level requirements, only the highest levels will be able to travel through every one. There are also three new paintings available from the event merchants.

The event ends at precisely 2:59 a.m. Friday, March 29th, so if you want to check out a bit of EQ history and hear some amusing quips that celebrate it (like how to best spawn The Ancient Cyclops in Southern Desert of Ro), time is limited.

MassivelyChronoportals return to EverQuest II today originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Chronoportal-eventChronoportalseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfree-to-playhomage-to-EQin-game-eventsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttime-travelThu, 21 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest's 14th anniversary celebration begins early]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/everquests-14th-anniversary-celebration-begins-early/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/everquests-14th-anniversary-celebration-begins-early/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/everquests-14th-anniversary-celebration-begins-early/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EverQuest anniversary celebration begins early
Hey there, EverQuest! You're looking mighty fine for a 14-year-old game. What's that, you say? You want us to come party with you? And you're willing to start a little early?

Indeed, tomorrow is EverQuest's 14th anniversary, and SOE is kicking off the celebrations a day early. New anniversary missions that were designed at 2012's SOE Live are now active, as is all of the previous anniversary content. Double XP is also in effect to give your characters a boost.

The developers released a few fun facts about EverQuest for its anniversary, including that the number of NPCs (344,935) is more than how many people live in Tampa Florida. Also, if you created a character on launch day in 1999, then according to Norrath time, that character would be 280 years old.

MassivelyEverQuest's 14th anniversary celebration begins early originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>14th-anniversaryanniversarybonus-xpbonus-xp-weekendeqeq1eventeverquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playin-game-eventsoesoe-livesonysony-online-entertainmenttriviaFri, 15 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you still play your first MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With thanks to Brad for the classic Ultima Online pic
With Brad McQuaid's return to EverQuest in the news this week, nostalgia has invaded our comment section. The most veteran of our MMO commenters mused about the days of meditating into spellbooks, losing levels on death, embarking on corpse runs, and waiting on the boat. No one even mentioned camping for jboots, begging to be put on a list for a spot in a dungeon group, or having your raid planejumped right before your eyes!

I think old-schoolers know that the old days had more than their fair share of problems, which is why most of them are probably playing Guild Wars 2 or The Secret World and not Asheron's Call or Anarchy Online. Or are they? Are more people living in classic MMOs than they let on?

My first was Ultima Online, and yes, I do poke my nose in once or twice a year, but it hasn't been my "main game" in a truly long time. What about you guys? Do you still play your first MMO? And if you've ever gone back, was it as you remembered?

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: Do you still play your first MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaidbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmoclassic-mmosdaily-grindeqeverquestfirstfirst-mmonostalgiaopiniontdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brad McQuaid returns to EverQuest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/brad-mcquaid-returns-to-everquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/brad-mcquaid-returns-to-everquest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/12/brad-mcquaid-returns-to-everquest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The more cynical among our readers may compare this to remarrying your first wife.
It's like getting the band together again. Less than a year ago, Brad McQuaid returned to Vanguard, the game that he had created. But McQuaid had room to go even further back to his first position of note... and now he's done it. It's been confirmed on the official forums that Brad McQuaid is now back with EverQuest, a fact that has resulted in no shortage of fan shock.

McQuaid says that after 12 years, he couldn't resist the chance to rejoin the team and get back to work on the game, which he feels still bears many traces of work he did back when he was first involved in development. He also hints that some of his first projects will involve elements of the game that have been hinted at since launch, although he avoids further explanation. Whether you're happy or sad about it as an old-school EverQuest player, you can't deny that it's big news.

[Thanks to Tess for the tip!]

MassivelyBrad McQuaid returns to EverQuest originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaidcommunityculturedevelopment-teameqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playreturnsoesonysony-online-entertainmentsurpriseTue, 12 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE meet and greet at PAX East open to everyone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/soe-meet-and-greet-at-pax-east-open-to-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/soe-meet-and-greet-at-pax-east-open-to-everyone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/08/soe-meet-and-greet-at-pax-east-open-to-everyone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

SOE meet and greet at PAX East open to everyone
Want a chance to rub elbows with some of the movers and shakers in the SOE world? Then head to the Westin Boston Waterfront Hotel on March 22nd for a meet and greet during PAX East. Don't worry if you don't have tickets for the convention itself; the event on Friday night from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. EDT is open to the public.

Representatives from a number of SOE's titles will be there to chat, share stories, and even answer questions about the various games. You could discuss PlanetSide 2 strategies with Community Rep Maggie Krohn, discuss EverQuest's latest expansion with Sr. Community Manger Eric Cleaver, or even corner EQ franchise director Dave Georgeson and see what news about EQ Next he might let slip! Dragon's Prophet Senior Producer Todd Carson will also be on hand to answer your questions about, well, dragons. And rumor has it that the drinks are on Brasse!

What's a con event without swag? Dragon's Prophet priority access beta keys as well as T-shirts will be given out on a first come, first served basis. EQ goodies might be had as well. Folks planning to drop by can RSVP on the official Facebook event page and follow updates on the various games' respective twitter accounts.

MassivelySOE meet and greet at PAX East open to everyone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 08 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beta-keysdragondragonsdragons-propheteqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfpsfree-to-playhanging-with-the-devshousinginfernuminfernum-productionsmeet-and-greetmmo-shootermmofpsPAXPAX-EastPAX-East-2013planetsideplanetside-2ps2runewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentFri, 08 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/07/everquest-everquest-ii-repeal-f2p-restrictions-on-class-race/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Georgeson interview reveals removal of F2P restrictions on class, race, and more in EQ, EQ II
What single action could unite all Norrathians in grand celebration? In the words of Mel Gibson's William Wallace: Freeeeeeeeeedoooooooom.

It's no secret that EverQuest and EverQuest II have had fairly restrictive free-to-play models, with severe limitations that unfortunately deterred some players from trying or sticking with the games. Although teased with a wide variety of races and classes, free (once called bronze) and silver players could choose from among only a few without dipping into their wallets. Other restrictions included limited bag slots, little to no shared bank access, and a very low cap on active quests.

But if those restrictions are what put you off, fire up that launchpad again because I've got good news for you: SOE has taken a giant eraser and wiped them right off of the free-to-play matrices. And now is a good time to get back into the games as the EverQuest franchise is set to commemorate its 14th anniversary with celebrations in both games.

In my interview with Dave Georgeson, the man at the helm of all things EQ, I scouted out the specifics of the F2P restrictions that will lift come the middle of next week. Georgeson also revealed some incoming updates for EQ as well as discussed the special events marking the anniversary that will kick off on March 16th. And you just know I tried to slip in a question or two about EQ Next.

Continue reading EverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more

MassivelyEverQuest, EverQuest II repeal F2P restrictions on class, race, and more originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq1eq2eqiieqneverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiuminterviewinterviewsmicrotransactionmicrotransactionspremiumremoving-restrictionsrevamping-f2psoesonysony-online-entertainmentThu, 07 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/free-for-all-the-continued-standardization-of-selling-power/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online forum screenshot
Selling power is a much quieter controversy than it used to be. I've been in gaming long enough to remember when selling anything desirable at all was taboo. At the same time, it's always been OK to sell some things like subscriptions or special boxed editions, proving that MMO gamers and others are brilliant at segmenting their rage. If it's a cool, special box with a neat virtual item inside, it somehow does not fall under the same umbrella as selling powerful, useful items in game. I think it does. But geeks in general are good at justifying poor behavior if they get what they want; just ask the hackers and file-swappers.

Still, it doesn't matter how we feel about selling power because the industry is already moving in the direction of selling power, lots of power. EA recently announced that every title it produces from now on will feature microtransactions. While that doesn't guarantee the sale of powerful items, I can promise that it will include some. This train ain't stopping. Sure, the console community seems a bit late to the party when it comes to the power-selling controversy, but that's likely because of MMOs' always-on multiplayer mode.

Continue reading Free for All: The continued standardization of selling power

MassivelyFree for All: The continued standardization of selling power originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinallods-onlineapbbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcliff-bleszinskidead-space-3die2niteeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumgamersfirstgears-of-warGears-of-war-2gpotatokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimass-effect-3mmortsmobileNexonnexon-americaopinionpirate101SOESONYspacetime-studiosTeam-Fortress-2turbinevalvevelvet-ropewakfuwizard101Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest producer's letter talks Shadows of Fear update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/everquest-producers-letter-talks-shadows-of-fear-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/everquest-producers-letter-talks-shadows-of-fear-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/everquest-producers-letter-talks-shadows-of-fear-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

EverQuest Rain of Fear logo
Fifty years from now, when we're old and gray and Massively is on version 3.0 and has discussion forums, my successor will be writing about an EverQuest producer letter update. This is because EQ simply will not die, and we fully expect at least one of the game's servers to survive global economic catastrophes, the onset of VR gaming, and various nuclear winters.

The latest letter comes to us courtesy of producer Thom "Phathom" Terrazas, who spends a good bit of virtual ink outlining things like Hero's Forge armor, the Shadows of Fear update with its new zones and storyline, housing tweaks, and additions to the dev team. That's not all that Terrazas talks about, either, but you'll need to head to the official EQ website to read the rest.

MassivelyEverQuest producer's letter talks Shadows of Fear update originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-housingeq1everquesteverquest-housingf2pfantasyfree-to-playhousingshadows-of-fearsoesonysony-online-entertainmentthom-terrazasFri, 01 Mar 2013 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/28/the-perfect-ten-creative-mmo-minigames/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Creative MMO minigames
Few people are without opinions on minigames in MMOs. Some love 'em, some hate 'em, and some just ignore 'em. Some even despise that I won't type "th." Takes all types, really. Personally, I'm all for including new types of enjoyable systems that can be repeated, particularly if it benefits my character in some way.

There's also this perception that minigames are just for kids. It's true that more kid-centric titles like Free Realms and Clone Wars Adventures thrive on minigames like you thrive on deep-fried butter balls, but these little diversions exist all over the place in "grownup" titles too. Holidays are a favorite time to trot them out, although there are plenty that exist year-round.

Today we're going to look at 10 creative minigames that have tickled my fancy over the year. Yes, I used the word "fancy." Whatcha gonna do about it?

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Creative MMO minigames originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbuy-to-playcrypticcryptic-studioseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfallen-earthfantasyfefeaturedfree-to-playfrogsterfrogster-americafrogster-interactiveg1gameforgegameforge-berlingamersfirstguild-wars-2gw2humorlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrominigamesncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpost-apocpost-apocalypticpuzzlepuzzle-piratespweromrounduprunes-of-magicrunewakerrunewaker-entertainmentsandboxsci-fisegasoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinesteamstotaboreatelonthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-ringsthree-rings-designtop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listturbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftwastelandsworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Feb 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: What I want to see in EverQuest Next]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-tattered-notebook-what-i-want-to-see-in-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-tattered-notebook-what-i-want-to-see-in-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/09/the-tattered-notebook-what-i-want-to-see-in-everquest-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Tattered Notebook - Ratonga header
I was going to update you fine folk on my adventures in rolling my 17,000th EverQuest II alt for this week's Tattered Notebook, but SOE decided to drop a Fan Faire Live date on us, which sort of mucked up my nefarious plans.

Why do we care about SOE Live? Well, there are multiple reasons, but the most important one is that instead of having to wait until October, we now get to see (and touch!) EverQuest Next in early August!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: What I want to see in EverQuest Next

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: What I want to see in EverQuest Next originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-2eq-iieq-nexteq2eq2-housingeqiieqneqnexteqnext-heritageeqnext-revealeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iieverquest-nextf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playheritage-questshousingjohn-smedleymmo-storyopinionpersonal-storysoesoe-livesoe-live-2012soe-live-2013sonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebook-jef-reahardvoice-actingvoipSat, 09 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST