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[One Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/one-shots-the-many-lives-of-gwen-thackeray/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Looming death
Hey Gwen, how's it hanging? Find that flute yet? Yeah, don't worry, I'm sure it'll turn up around here somewhere. Don't get too near the river there, girl; those skale have a nasty bite! Say, what's that sulfurous smell in the air? And those distant screams that are drawing nearer at an incredible rate? And a sudden looming premonition that the property values around here are about to take a nosedive?

Reader Sharvis sent in this Guild Wars picture with a modicum of pity: "Here is Gwen moments before the Searing. Poor girl."

Don't feel too sorry for her, Sharvis! She gets an entire expansion, after all!

Continue reading One Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray

MassivelyOne Shots: The many lives of Gwen Thackeray originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefantasygalleriesgalleryguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2internet-spaceshipsncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsspreadsheets-onlineuser-submissionswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSun, 19 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/arenanet-ceases-guild-wars-live-development-automates-game/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

ArenaNet ceases Guild Wars live development, automates game
Guild Wars 1 has seen the end of an era of live development today, as ArenaNet stated that it is switching the game over to automation. The studio said that players should not expect any further content other than the systems being put into place to keep the game running on auto-pilot for the foreseeable future.

"Over time, our focus has shifted to updates that not only help maintain Guild Wars but help the game maintain itself," ArenaNet posted. "With this focus in mind, we'll no longer be releasing any new content for the live game except in support of automation. Our goal is to get the game to a place where it can continue to run and be available to all of our fans. We have a lot of love for Guild Wars -- it's the game that made us what we are today -- and we want to continue sharing it with everyone!"

Tournaments, events, and birthday prizes will be moved over to automation during this transition. The studio said that automating the game will keep it running longer and that it will keep a live team on Guild Wars to handle critical fixes and troubleshooting.

MassivelyArenaNet ceases Guild Wars 1 live development, automates game originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetautomatingautomationbirthday-prizesbreakingfantasyguild-warsgwlive-developmentlive-teammaintenance-modencsofttournamentsweekend-eventsFri, 17 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/ncsoft-sales-down-from-last-quarter-up-from-last-year/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

NCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year
A recent earnings report suggests that NCsoft's sales have slipped from Q4 2012 to Q1 2013, although the studio is quick to point out that the showing was "solid" particularly when compared to sales from a year ago. While sales were down 35% and net income was down 49% from the last quarter, sales were up 31% and net income was up 322% year-over-year.

Guild Wars 2 accounted for 21% of sales in the first quarter, in addition to Blade and Soul's 9%, Aion's 16%, and the usual Lineage cavalcade (Lineage 1 represented 38% of sales alone with its subscriptions).

While 64% of NCsoft's sales were in Korea, only 13% were in North America and 8% in Europe. The decrease in NA and EU contributions was due to "the reduction in Guild Wars 2 package sales," according to the report. All of NCsoft's subsidiaries posted drops in sales from last quarter except for NC Taiwan.

[Update: Also of note in the earnings call is the news that NCsoft's Nah Seong Chan says the company is "preparing an expansion pack" but has yet to decide when it might launch. Very interesting news indeed as ArenaNet said as recently as March that it was not working on an expansion. Thanks to Mike and Robert for the tips!]

MassivelyNCsoft sales down from last quarter, up from last year originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1q-2013aionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulbuy-to-playclassic-mmoearnings-reportf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2l1lineagelineage-1lineage-2lineage-iimartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreaq1-2013truly-freeSun, 12 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrating Guild Wars' 8th anniversary]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/celebrating-guild-wars-8th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/celebrating-guild-wars-8th-anniversary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/celebrating-guild-wars-8th-anniversary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Guild Wars
Today is Guild Wars' eighth anniversary. Depending on which tradition you follow, I should be getting the game either bronze, salt, linens, or lace as a gift. Since I don't happen to have any of those handy, I'd like to reflect upon the rich life that Guild Wars has led so far. The game didn't start out with all of the neato features that it has now, so I'd like to look a bit at its evolution over time. I can't hit every update ever, but I thought we'd take a stroll down memory lane and look at some of the key moments in the game's life.

Continue reading Celebrating Guild Wars' 8th anniversary

MassivelyCelebrating Guild Wars' 8th anniversary originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetanniversaryarenanetbuy-to-playembark-beacheye-of-the-northfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-mechanicsguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-factionsguild-wars-nightfallguild-wars-propheciesgwgw1gw2hard-modehistoryncsoftnightfallopinionpatchpatchespropheciessorrows-furnaceupdateupdateszaishenzaishen-challengeSun, 28 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Simple pleasures in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/flameseeker-chronicles-simple-pleasures-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/flameseeker-chronicles-simple-pleasures-in-guild-wars-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/flameseeker-chronicles-simple-pleasures-in-guild-wars-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles Simple pleasures in Guild Wars 2
Right after finally crafting The Flameseeker Prophecies, I took my in-game efforts down a couple of notches. As a result, I've had a few fairly quiet weeks in Guild Wars 2. It's not for lack of things to do or of goals; I've still got plans for oodles of armor sets, a few of the pseudo-legendary weapons, a double-handful of additional level 80 characters, and some titles. I've just been taking a more laid-back approach to achieving those goals. For the last month or so before getting my shield I was running two to three dungeons a day along with other things like camping meta events and going into Orr for T6 mats, which is by no means hardcore but has made for a very pleasant experience switching into a lower gear. I've been taking time to enjoy the simpler pleasures of Guild Wars 2.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Simple pleasures in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Simple pleasures in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playendless-mystery-cat-tonicfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2jumping-puzzlesKITTIESkitties-in-wvwkitties-on-demandncsoftopinionpvpquagganquaggan-tonicquaggansspvpworld-vs-worldwvwTue, 16 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars announces 8th anniversary event]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-announces-8th-anniversary-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-announces-8th-anniversary-event/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/guild-wars-announces-8th-anniversary-event/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars announces 8th anniversary event
The eighth anniversary of the launch of Guild Wars is coming at the end of this month, and ArenaNet has announced the planned celebrations to run from April 22 through April 29.

Those fans who have been with the game for several years might recognize the familiar Shing Jea Boardwalk and Roller Beetle racing festivities, but don't forget to test out your dodgeball skills in the Dragon Arena and talk to Ceira over at Embark Beach for some goodies.

Those characters celebrating eight or more years in the game will be honored with a special in-game gift card that allows them to grab their choice of birthday gift boxes from years past.

Of course there's much more to the event than this, and you can read all about it at the official announcement page and look for our own anniversary article celebrating 8 years of Guild Wars coming soon.

MassivelyGuild Wars announces 8th anniversary event originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetanniversaryarenanetbirthdayeightfantasyguild-warsgwncsoftroller-beetle-racingshing-jea-boardwalkMon, 15 Apr 2013 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Jukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/jukebox-heroes-guild-wars-factions-soundtrack/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack
East Asian-themed music in MMOs is something that I generally welcome. Even if the title isn't an Asian MMO, chances are that sooner or later developers like to work an Eastern zone, class, or city into the game -- and with that comes a specific sound. I'm by no means educated on what instruments are used in these tunes, but the result is so distinctive that you can't help but think of the region.

Guild Wars: Factions definitely drew upon the Orient for its theme, and composer Jeremy Soule returned to create a score that would paint a picture of Cantha. Unfortunately, I don't think he was up to the task. While technically sufficient, Factions' score is definitely lacking in the grandeur of Prophecies and the basic catchiness necessary to elevate a soundtrack out of the crowd. The best I can say is that none of the tracks is horrible to hear, but the album as a whole is actually a bit bland and forgettable.

I'm by no means besmirching Soule here. His previous and subsequent Guild Wars projects are heads and shoulders above this one, and everyone has an off day. Perhaps Asian music just wasn't his forte. In any case, I sifted vigorously to discover six tracks that best represent Cantha and its people.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: Guild Wars Factions' soundtrack originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcomposercomposersfactionsfantasyfeaturedgame-musicguild-warsguild-wars-factionsgwjeremy-soulejukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettimmo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicncsoftopinionsoundtracksoundtracksTue, 09 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Returning to a simpler time in Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/flameseeker-chronicles-returning-to-a-simpler-time-in-guild-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/flameseeker-chronicles-returning-to-a-simpler-time-in-guild-war/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/flameseeker-chronicles-returning-to-a-simpler-time-in-guild-war/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles Returning to a simpler time
Some days, saving the world from Elder Dragons just feels like such a drag. Every time you put a dragon lieutenant down, you know that another one is, even then, being knit together from crystals or rotting corpses and it won't be all that long before it's time to save the world again.

That sort of knowledge can really take a toll on a girl.

Making full use of the magic of technology, I've started escaping the pressure of dragonfighting by going back into Guild Wars. Because it's the game that most directly relates to the state of affairs in Guild Wars 2, I've been playing the original Prophecies campaign. I've also been streaming the experience for the uninitiated, so if you'd like to catch up and live the adventure vicariously through me, you can check out the first bits on Massively's Twitch channel. If you'd like to quickly familiarize yourself with where Prophecies sits in the grand scheme of things, I recommend acquainting yourself with our brief history of Tyria.

It's been a neat experience so far. I'd like to talk about it with you.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Returning to a simpler time in Guild Wars

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Returning to a simpler time in Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adelbernanetarenanetascalonbuy-to-playcrazypants-adelbernfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2guild-wars-propheciesgwgw1gw2lorencsoftopinionpre-searingpresearingpropheciesthe-searingTue, 09 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Paging the burn ward]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/one-shots-paging-the-burn-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/one-shots-paging-the-burn-ward/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/07/one-shots-paging-the-burn-ward/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Great balls o' fire!
It's a little amazing, when you think about it, that all of these magic-users who prance around in extremely flammable robes don't suffer from third-degree burns more than we see. Or maybe the game is hiding the awful, scarred truth from us. In any case, our opening screenshot this week should have resulted in a quick trip to the ER for both parties.

"This is a simple yet fun battle in Vindictus' early levels," reader Carolina says. "I love the detail of the damaged shoe on my spellcaster character."

Forget the human element; now the shoes are the ones suffering for our casual disregard of fiery magic! If you can get past the misery of the moment, we've got plenty of other great one shots this week for you to admire.

Continue reading One Shots: Paging the burn ward

MassivelyOne Shots: Paging the burn ward originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 07 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acac2action-mmoanetarenanetasherons-callasherons-call-2bring-back-one-shotsclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryguild-warsgwncsoftnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxscreenshotscreenshotstabula-rasaturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-submissionsvindictusSun, 07 Apr 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[Jukebox Heroes: A few of my favorite MMO soundtracks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/jukebox-heroes-a-few-of-my-favorite-mmo-soundtracks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/jukebox-heroes-a-few-of-my-favorite-mmo-soundtracks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/19/jukebox-heroes-a-few-of-my-favorite-mmo-soundtracks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Jukebox Heroes A few of my favorite soundtracks
I could hear some of you thinking in disbelief last week, "If Age of Conan isn't one of your top MMO scores, what is? And just how much am I not sending you a Christmas card this year, you loser?" You were kind enough to just think it and not say it, but I could hear it even so.

As we've mentioned countless times in this column, musical tastes are subjective. What's appealing to you may not be for me and vice-versa. What more is that musical tastes -- and favorites -- are always shifting around. I listen back to the jams that I enjoyed in the '90s and absolutely pity my younger self for such a deficiency in his musical diet.

So I thought that I'd take a week off our normal soundtrack reviews to bring to you my current top six favorite soundtracks. This list comes with the caveat that it's always subject to future changes as I continue to listen through more soundtracks for this column.

Continue reading Jukebox Heroes: A few of my favorite MMO soundtracks

MassivelyJukebox Heroes: A few of my favorite MMO soundtracks originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionage-of-conananetarenanetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchance-thomascomposercomposerseq2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgame-musicguild-warsguild-wars-2gwharry-mackhistoricalJeff-Kurtenackerjeremy-soulejukeboxjukebox-heroesjustin-olivettilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrommo-jukeboxmmo-musicmusicncsoftopinionpiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaportalusportalus-gamespotbsriders-of-rohanrunes-of-magicsandboxsci-fantasysci-fisegasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsoundtracksoundtracksspiral-knightsstar-wars-the-old-republicsteamswtortelonthree-ringsthree-rings-designturbineturbine-entertainmentvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftwildstarwizardry101world-of-warcraftwowTue, 19 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars features I wish had made it to Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-features-i-wish-had-made-it-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-features-i-wish-had-made-it-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/12/flameseeker-chronicles-guild-wars-features-i-wish-had-made-it-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles Guild Wars features I wish had made it to Guild Wars 2
You may have noticed, but Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2 are different games. I thought we'd clear that up to begin with. In fact, they're such different games that there are oodles of people who are fans of one but not the other (typically, most of these folks seem to be in favor of Guild Wars 2, but I know a fair few staunch supporters of the original). I happen to be a fan of both games, although I definitely find it a little disconcerting to switch between the two games. Most of that is because of things that the sequel does better, like casting on the move, a player auction house, and (in my opinion) the downed state. Some of it's because of things that aren't so much about quality as style, like the existence (or lack thereof) of Monks and heavy instancing. And then there are things that I really loved in the original that aren't around anymore.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars features I wish had made it to Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Guild Wars features I wish had made it to Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 12 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playemotesfantasyfeaturedfeaturesflameseeker-chroniclesgame-mechanicsguild-warsguild-wars-2gvggwgw1gw2jumpingncsoftopinionTue, 12 Feb 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepare to celebrate the Canthan New Year in Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/prepare-to-celebrate-the-canthan-new-year-in-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Celebration means putting a dragon mask on a lion statue, because party.
It's time to celebrate the new year! What, why are you rolling your eyes and saying that happened weeks ago? This is the Canthan New Year we're talking about in Guild Wars, a chance for Canthan citizens and less-fortunate Tyrian adventurers to take part in games and festivities while hoping to please the celestial animals for a fortunate new year. And this time around, there are more than a few surprises waiting in the wings even for veteran players.

This year's festival starts at 3:00 p.m. EST on January 31st and runs through February 7th, the start of a new policy for the game that will keep all events running for at least a week on fixed dates every year. Players will be able to aid in the preparation of the celestial animal feast, have their fortunes read, and play games on the Shing Jea Boardwalk. There will also be racing events in the Rollerbeetle Racing Arena and combat events in the Dragon Arena if you prefer. And there are special minipets to unlock as well as the promise of a mystery reward if the Celestial Animals are pleased with their meal. So even if you thought you were done with celebrating another year, you might want to pop back into Guild Wars and get back to the celebration.

MassivelyPrepare to celebrate the Canthan New Year in Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcanthan-new-yearevent-rewardsfantasyguild-warsgwin-game-eventin-game-eventslimited-time-eventloreminigamesncsoftnew-year-celebrationspecial-eventFri, 25 Jan 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Have a holly, jolly Wintersday]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/flameseeker-chronicles-have-a-holly-jolly-wintersday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/flameseeker-chronicles-have-a-holly-jolly-wintersday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/11/flameseeker-chronicles-have-a-holly-jolly-wintersday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

No holiday is complete without a terrifying element to give nightmares to small children
Wintersday is steadily creeping up on Tyria -- on both Tyrias, as it were: Guild Wars is getting its annual holiday decorations starting the 13th, and Guild Wars 2 will join in the festivities on the 14th. The holiday event lasts through January 2nd for Guild Wars and 3rd for Guild Wars 2, so maybe don't fret so much on when you're going to get in to enjoy the goings-on. That's a nice change from the somewhat abbreviated schedule of the October and November content updates.

But be warned, hero: There's a war on Wintersday. Don't believe me? Read on to find out.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Have a holly, jolly Wintersday

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Have a holly, jolly Wintersday originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2holidayholiday-eventI NEED HATin-game-eventINeedHatncsoftopiniontoymaker-tixxwar-on-wintersdayWAT-DO-FOR-HATWHAT-DO-FOR-HATwintersdayTue, 11 Dec 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wintersday is coming to Guild Wars]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/wintersday-is-coming-to-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/wintersday-is-coming-to-guild-wars/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/08/wintersday-is-coming-to-guild-wars/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Wintersday is coming to Guild Wars
Just because Guild Wars 2 is getting a big, exciting Wintersday patch doesn't mean that the original Guild Wars will be barren. Starting at 3:00 p.m. EST on December 13th, the game will have holiday decorations up in a few major cities. You'll be able to pick up Wintersday quests in Lion's Arch, Kamadan, and the Eye of the North.

Snowball fights and tournaments will be making a comeback, as will the repeatable quests in the Secret Lair of the Snowmen. These activities will all be available until 3:00 p.m. EST on January 2nd. The finale event will run in Lion's Arch and Kamadan every three hours from 3:01 a.m. EST on January 1st until 3:01 a.m. EST on January 2nd.

According to the official website, two brand-new costumes, representing Lyssa and Kormir, will be available. We're betting that's a clerical error, since you can go to the game's store and buy Lyssa and Kormir costumes right now.

MassivelyWintersday is coming to Guild Wars originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 08 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenaneteventsfantasyguild-warsgwholidayholiday-eventin-game-eventncsoftwintersdaySat, 08 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/07/ncsoft-3q-report-shows-gw2-at-top-of-global-sales/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales
NCsoft, the publisher responsible for two Guild Wars games, Blade & Soul, and Aion, has seen significant growth over the past fiscal quarter thanks to the successful launch of Guild Wars 2. The company's 3Q 2012 earnings report released earlier today shows a hefty increase in sales, profit, and income compared not only to the previous quarter but to the entire year.

The report also offers a breakdown of sales by region as well as sales by games. While overall sales in Korea far outnumber sales in the North America or Europe, the availability of GW2 globally could be what put that game at the top of the sales list ahead of Blade & Soul, which is available only in Korea. You can see a detailed breakdown on the graphs after the break. To get a look at all the numbers, you download the PDF file.

Continue reading NCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales

MassivelyNCsoft 3Q report shows GW2 at top of global sales originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3Q-earnings-report3q2012Earningsaionanetarenanetascensionblade-and-soulf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2GW2-tops-salesmartial-artsmartial-arts-mmoncsoftncsoft-koreatruly-freeWed, 07 Nov 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 reserved names to be released on Nov 8th]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/guild-wars-2-reserved-names-to-be-released-on-nov-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/guild-wars-2-reserved-names-to-be-released-on-nov-8th/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/04/guild-wars-2-reserved-names-to-be-released-on-nov-8th/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 reserved names to be released on Nov 8
Way, way back in time, when Guild Wars 2 first launched, character names in the original Guild Wars were reserved for those who had linked their accounts. Originally, the intent was that those names would be reserved for the headstart weekend and launch day, then released so that if someone had been sitting on Legolas Greenleaf but didn't claim it, that coveted name could be put to use. In response to a veritable flood of account issues and support tickets, however, ArenaNet postponed the release of those names -- until now. Well, not precisely now, but November 8th.

Previously reserved names will be put up for grabs on the 8th at 5:00 p.m. EST. That means if you've been putting off getting one of your own reserved names onto a new character, mark your calendars!

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 reserved names to be released on Nov 8th originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetcharacter-namesfantasyguild-wars-2gw2headstartname-reservationncsoftreserved-namesSun, 04 Nov 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: The good, the mad, and the Lunatic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/flameseeker-chronicles-the-good-the-mad-and-the-lunatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/flameseeker-chronicles-the-good-the-mad-and-the-lunatic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/30/flameseeker-chronicles-the-good-the-mad-and-the-lunatic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles The good, the mad, and the Lunatic
Things have been getting spookier and spookier around the land of Tyria. If you're a Guild Wars 2 player, I sincerely hope for your own sake that you've been able to get some time in-game in the last few days. A lot has been going on -- there've been scavenger hunts, dark tales unfolding, spectral energy levels rising, maddening races up clock towers, and so much more!

Have you been missing out? Trying to decide how best to spend your precious holiday time in-game? Let's take a look at some of the big changes that have been creeping in with the shadow of the Mad King.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: The good, the mad, and the Lunatic

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: The good, the mad, and the Lunatic originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-i-want-for-christmas-is-the-crossinganetarenanetascent-to-madnessclock-towerfantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2halloweenhalloween-2012halloween-eventholidayjumping-puzzlelunatic-courtlunatic-inquisitionmad-kingmad-king-2012mad-king-thornmad-kings-clock-towermoba-likencsoftopinionoswald-thornpvpreapers-rumblespvpTue, 30 Oct 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Where the demons dwell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/one-shots-where-the-demons-dwell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/one-shots-where-the-demons-dwell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/28/one-shots-where-the-demons-dwell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Where the demons dwell
In ancient times, hundreds of years before the dawn of history, lived a strange race of people, the Druids. No one knows who they were or what they were doing. That is, except for One Shots contributor Brokenwing, who sends us this gorgeous shot of Stonehenge after he completed a mission in The Secret World.

"In all Halloween missions in TSW, cats are involved," Brokenwing writes, "and you need to defeat an Incognito -- the cat god himself. In Stonehenge! At night! It's so much fun and it looks beautiful."

Welcome to a very One Shots Halloween, sponsored by The Great Pumpkin, Inc.!

Continue reading One Shots: Where the demons dwell

MassivelyOne Shots: Where the demons dwell originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotsen-masseen-masse-entertainmentfactionfantasyfuncomgalleriesgalleryguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2horrormythologyncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fantasyscreenshotscreenshotssecret-worldskill-basedterathe-secret-worldtswuser-submissionsSun, 28 Oct 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Preparing for the Mad King in Guild Wars 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/flameseeker-chronicles-preparing-for-the-mad-king/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/flameseeker-chronicles-preparing-for-the-mad-king/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/23/flameseeker-chronicles-preparing-for-the-mad-king/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Flameseeker Chronicles Preparing for the Mad King
By now, Lion's Arch probably looks a little different than we're used to. It had already taken on a decidedly ghoulish cast in Guild Wars by Friday, so I guess the Mad King's influence shifted by a few calendar days over the course of the 250 years between Guild Wars and Guild Wars 2.

Longtime fans of the original game don't need a lot of convincing to get anxious for the fulfillment of the spooky foreshadowing that's been going on for the past week or two. For those of you whose knowledge of Tyrian lore is either developing or a wee bit rusty, let's take a look at what's in store.

Let us begin with a question. Why can't you borrow money from a Dwarf?

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Preparing for the Mad King in Guild Wars 2

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Preparing for the Mad King in Guild Wars 2 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetextra-lifeextra-life-2012fantasyfeaturedflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2halloweenholidayholiday-eventsjokesking-thornlions-archmad-king-thornncsoftopinionpatchpatchesshadow-of-the-mad-kingthe-shadow-of-the-mad-kingthornupdateupdatesTue, 23 Oct 2012 09:00:00 EST