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[Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World shaken, not stirred
For all those who've been trying so hard to predict gloom and doom for The Secret World, I say Nyeh nyeh because the April producer's letter announcing Issue #7 pretty much flies in the face of all your it's-gonna-die whimperings. In fact, I can't believe we still hear them because TSW just keeps getting better and better. Where's the duct tape when you need it...

While it's true we don't have monthly updates anymore (and that's totally understandable, given the restructuring that devs certainly couldn't predict), Secret World fans are still getting frequent, and more importantly extremely fun, updates. Just look at The Vanishing of Tyler Freeborn and The Last Train to Cairo; both of these issues brought interesting new storylines and a decent helping of new features. Some even say these updates introduced the best content so far. With that track record, who can't help but be totally psyched for the upcoming Issue #7?

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsauxiliary-weaponsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhappy-little-flameshorrorilluminatiIssue-7James-Bondmythologynew-DLCnew-weaponopinionpyropyromaniacsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonupdateMon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Darkness 'years away' from launch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/world-of-darkness-years-away-from-launch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

World of Darkness still has years of development ahead of it
If you are hanging your hopes and dreams on World of Darkness coming along to rescue you from the humdrum of life and your precious mortality, well... be prepared to settle in for a good long wait. Executive Producer Chris McDonough said in an interview that the title is still in pre-production and that players shouldn't expect to see it for a few years yet. However, CCP did show a few technical videos to the press to assure folks that the game is still alive.

McDonough did have good news to share, however. World of Darkness has a 70-person crew that is currently building the framework for the title, and according to the producer, they are "making phenomenal progress." The team plans to host the entire game on a single server where active combat and politicking between vampires will be the crux of the content.

"We're making sure this is a next-generation MMO. It's very focused on movement and motion and capturing what it's like to be a vampire," he said. "People ask about our high level designs for World of Darkness, and we've called this a vampire simulator. What's it like to be a vampire. Not a superhero, but a super-powered individual. The way the characters move around the city feels very vampiric."

MassivelyWorld of Darkness 'years away' from launch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphabetaccpccp-gamesChris-McDonoughfantasygothichorrormasqueradepre-productionsupernaturalvampirevampireswhite-wolfwodworld-of-darknessMon, 06 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chaos-theory-player-projects-enhance-the-secret-world-experienc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chaos-theory-player-projects-enhance-the-secret-world-experienc/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/06/chaos-theory-player-projects-enhance-the-secret-world-experienc/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Player projects enhance The Secret World experience
One of The Secret World's most unique elements makes it ripe for producing immersive experiences, even outside of the game. Set in the modern real world (as opposed to the fantasy or even sci-fi themes prevalent in our MMOverse), a game can more easily blur the line between logged in and logged out. Players can, and do, generate ways to be a part of the game while still out and about in the real world. Today, I'm going to shine a spotlight on two of these projects that use very different methods to continue immersion beyond actual gameplay.

In January, one TSW fan ran an Alternate-Reality Game (ARG) for fellow players. Using Twitter, the forums, email, and even in-game characters, this player orchestrated a full-on investigation for participants to work through. And just recently, a new site offering to immerse players more deeply into the game through imagery was beta-launched. Both projects further player involvement in the world of the game -- the stories, the conspiracies, the histories, and the surroundings -- beyond the actual game. Both received support from Funcom in their efforts to expand the fans' experiences. And both are definitely worth checking out, so I sat down with the creators to get the scoop on the why, the how, and the what's next.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience

MassivelyChaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsalternate-reality-gameARGbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorroriimmersionilluminatiMorteiamythologyopinionpanoramic-viewsPGCplayer-generated-contentsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonTSWPanoYarrukaMon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World celebrates with a bonus weekend]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-secret-world-celebrates-with-a-bonus-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-secret-world-celebrates-with-a-bonus-weekend/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-secret-world-celebrates-with-a-bonus-weekend/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Secret World celebrates with a bonus weekend
Celebrates what, you might ask? Funcom certainly doesn't need a reason to celebrate as the studio is dubbing this upcoming weekend as a golden weekend in The Secret World, full of prizes and rewards.

First off, for every Ability Point earned this weekend, you get a free bonus point which is stackable with item store Timed Ability Point boosts. You can also earn a free month of membership for every new player you recruit who purchases the game in the next 30 days. And to top it all off, you get 30% extra bonus points every time you purchase Funcom points.

The Secret World's Golden Weekend event runs from this Friday, May 3, at 9am EDT through Sunday, May 5.

MassivelyThe Secret World celebrates with a bonus weekend originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomgolden-weekendhorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswThu, 02 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007
April's Game Director letter for The Secret World is hot off the presses, and in it Joel Bylos shared some juicy morsels about the next issue in store for the horror and conspiracy-laced game. He revealed that whereas Issue #6 was spiced with an Indiana Jones flavor, Issue #7 will be sprinkled with a distinct 007 zest. Yes, Bond. James Bond.

Set in Transylvania, Issue #7 directs players to investigate the presence of the werewolves in the area, which ultimately leads them to an Orochi facility secreted away below a glacier in the Carpathian Fangs. Along the way, players get to experience adventures as a secret agent, complete with daring chases (a snowmobile one at that!), dare-devil jumps from exploding bridges, and close shaves with laser beams near sensitive areas. There's also a new auxiliary weapon to brandish -- the flamethrower.

But the new goodies don't stop there. Bylos introduced a new feature that allows for custom streaming of radio stations or playlists directly into the client as well as a some PvP changes including tweaks to the matchmaking system. He concluded with some teasers about Black Ops and Issue #8. For all the details, check out the full letter.

MassivelyThe Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auxiliary-weaponsbuy-to-playfactionfantasyflamethrowerfuncomhorrorIssue-7James-Bondmythologynew-weaponOrochisci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldTransylvaniatswupdateTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Testing my Secret World DPS makeover
It's no secret that The Secret World is just a wee bit different than the majority of MMORPGs out there. Hallelujah for that, right? And one notable area it differs from the rest is how it treats gear and classes. As such, players can't necessarily bring habits and know-how from other titles and translate that into immediate success in TSW. It's no wonder that even good players can sometimes feel stumped or at a loss when navigating through builds. For that very reason, Chaos Theory brought you the first episode of What Not to Wear, a live makeover that focused on sharing hints and tips that non-theorycrafters (like yours truly) could use as a base for forging their own path.

It was a simple makeover really -- just minor changes in my focus and equipment using gear I already had in my bag and abilities I already had access to. Did it help? Did my effectiveness as a damage-dealer increase? The outcome was rather surprising.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover

MassivelyChaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDPS-guideDPS-makeoverdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhintshorrorilluminatilivestreammythologyopinionpassive-abilitiessci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstips-and-trickstrailertrailerstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonvideovideoswhat-not-to-wearMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World has a lot of clothing options]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/23/the-secret-world-has-a-lot-of-clothing-options/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

tsw dev guide on costumes see team email
If you've played The Secret World for more than five minutes, you're probably aware of the fact that it has some of the most extensive outfit options of any MMORPG on the market. If you're not aware of that fact, well, you're the target audience of Funcom's latest dev blog.

It's all about avatar customization, and it details how TSW's stats are kept separate from clothing items in order to satisfy your inner min-maxer and fashion maven simultaneously. Since the game is set in the modern world, you'll find many authentic styles available to earn in-game or purchase through the cash shop. If you're a fan of the otherworldly, don't fret. There are plenty of sci-fi, steampunk, horror, fantasy, and medieval get-ups as well.

MassivelyThe Secret World has a lot of clothing options originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>buy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-clothingsecret-world-customizationskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswtsw-clothingtsw-customizationTue, 23 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Perfecting your build in The Secret World
After discussing last week that build creation was on the minds of many a Secret World fan, I promised to provide some hints and tips on how to better maximize your performance in game. It truly is a topic relevant to all players, even those who aren't focused on or interested in endgame. After all, even folks (like yours truly) who are in it mainly for the awesome story may find their ability to continue with said story hampered at some point by an insufficient build.

With a limit of only seven active (eight if you have an auxiliary weapon) and seven passive skills available to use at any time, creating a build in The Secret World is not quite like most other MMOs, so you can't just automatically throw on gear of a higher level and call it good. Sure, you can eventually pound your way through many things, but you can save yourself some time and frustration by understanding a bit about how the gear works together with your skills. That's where today's Chaos Theory comes in.

What better way to inform and entertain you than to open myself up for some theorycrafting by someone who has a better knack for it? Using my little Illuminati as our guinea pig, I've bared her gear for all to see and learn what can be done to improve. With that, I welcome you to the first episode of "What Not to Wear in TSW"!

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World

MassivelyChaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuildsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDPS-builddragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomguideguide-to-DPS-buildshorrorilluminatimythologyopinionsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheorycraftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonMon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World community roundup
You've heard me express my thoughts quite a bit over the last couple of months about everything from what I want to see in The Secret World (like housing and an encore to special events) to my experiences with different aspects of the game (such as sabotage missions and Issue #6). Now it's time to share yours! Yes, folks, this week follows in a time-honored tradition of community roundups, where we dive into the topics that are in the forefront of the community's collective mind.

Of course, we can't touch on everything here (that's what official forums are for), but we can explore a smattering of the topics raised. So what are TSW players chattering about lately? Among the ongoing conversations are discussions about veteran rewards, clothing, PvP tournaments, and builds.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryclothingcommunity-roundupconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatimythologyopinionPvPsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheory-craftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonveteran-rewardsMon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New raid included in today's Secret World patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New raid included in The Secret World's patch
Amid the general bug squashing and polishing released in today's patch, The Secret World has tucked away a tasty little morsel of content: an all new lair raid encounter. A weak point between realities has been discovered out in the Kingsmouth wreckage, and groups of 10 adventurers can enter the extra-dimensional prison, The Island of Stillborn Stars, to face Eidolon of the Outer Dark.

Bits of housekeeping also included in the patch were fixes to several exploits in lairs, dungeons, and PvP as well as assorted bugs (say goodbye to area spam when anyone nearby uses a reconstructor and black screens after using the Helevator). Players will also find a brand new item for sale at the Envoy of Ca' d'Oro. For a full listing of all the changes, check out the official patch notes.

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyNew raid included in today's Secret World patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bug-fixesbuy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomhorrorlairlairsmythologynew-raidpatchsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswMon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hall takes a break from DayZ, pursues dream of climbing Everest]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/hall-takes-a-break-from-dayz-pursues-dream-of-climbing-everest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/hall-takes-a-break-from-dayz-pursues-dream-of-climbing-everest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/hall-takes-a-break-from-dayz-pursues-dream-of-climbing-everest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dean Hall at Mount Everest
If you're anxiously waiting for Dean "Rocket" Hall's standalone version of his ultra-popular Arma 2 mod DayZ, you'll have to wait a little bit longer.

Hall is currently climbing Mount Everest as part of a two-month vacation from his development duties on Bohemia Interactive's zombie-themed post-apocalyptic sandbox. "Although the timing is poor for my sabbatical, it is not something planned on a whim and involves non-refundable costs of up to $100k," Hall writes on the DayZ website.

"This is going to take as long as it needs to," he continues. "We want to release our initial alpha under the architecture it needs to avoid hacking and security issues -- this is the only remaining task stopping us from releasing the alpha."

MassivelyHall takes a break from DayZ, pursues dream of climbing Everest originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bohemiabohemia-interactiveday-zdayzdean-hallhall-climbs-everesthorrormount-everestpost-apocalypticrocketsandboxzombiesMon, 15 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The War Z devs to players: 'What should we do with cheaters?']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/warz-devs-to-players-what-should-we-do-with-cheaters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/warz-devs-to-players-what-should-we-do-with-cheaters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/warz-devs-to-players-what-should-we-do-with-cheaters/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

WarZ devs ask players 'What should we do with cheaters'
The War Z devs are considering an interesting take on punishing exploiters. They've been tossing around the idea of allowing people who've been banned for in-game cheating to play on special "jail servers." These servers would be isolated from the game's general servers and would be populated entirely by cheaters. On these servers, cheats would not be interfered with -- that is, exploiters could keep on using their cheats.

This has the potential to help the dev team; being able to observe the cheats folks use and run "anticheat experiments" without worrying about banning innocent players would probably give the team a lot of valuable information. On the other hand, though, those cheaters are totally jerks and why should they keep getting to play, right?

So the dev team is putting the issue in the hands of the players by posting a survey to see whether the idea is even worth pursuing. You can read the full rationale on the official forums.

[Thanks to Paul for the tip!]

MassivelyThe War Z devs to players: 'What should we do with cheaters?' originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cheatcheaterscheatingexploitexploitersexploitshammerpointhammerpoint-interactivesurveythe-war-zwar-zwarzSun, 14 Apr 2013 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[State of Decay coming to Xbox Live in June]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/state-of-decay-coming-to-xbox-live-in-june/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/state-of-decay-coming-to-xbox-live-in-june/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/13/state-of-decay-coming-to-xbox-live-in-june/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

State of Decay - Zombie with Wayfarers
Undead Labs' zombie actioner State of Decay is coming to Xbox Live this June according to a brief update posted by Undead community guru Sanya Weathers. And when we say brief, we do mean brief, as the sum total of the update is "June. Officially."

Fortunately the firm also released a new teaser that shows off a heaping helping of bloody, brain-bashing gameplay. You'll find it after the cut.

Continue reading State of Decay coming to Xbox Live in June

MassivelyState of Decay coming to Xbox Live in June originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>horrorsanya-weathersstate-of-decaystate-of-decay-releaseundeadundead-labsxboxxbox-livezombieSat, 13 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Exploring endgame
Throughout my tenure as the Chaos Theory author, I've ruminated on a number of Secret World subjects that personally interest, intrigue, or otherwise affect me. I've covered ARGs, different issue updates, sabotage quests, the conversion to buy-to-play, ambiance, and more. I've even expounded on things I'd like to see in game, like housing and vehicles. But one thing I haven't covered with much detail are areas that don't have much personal relevance to me... yet.

While it makes sense to talk most about my personal experiences, The Secret World offers so much more than what I have delved into. There really are different strokes for different folks, all wrapped up within the one world. So this week we are exploring an area that captures the attention of others if not mine: endgame.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame

MassivelyChaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonendgamefactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatimythologynightmare-modenightmare-mode-dungeonsopinionsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheorycraftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonMon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Survarium alpha signups now live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/survarium-alpha-signups-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/survarium-alpha-signups-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/05/survarium-alpha-signups-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Survarium alpha signups now live
Vostok Games has announced the opening of alpha test registration for its S.T.A.L.K.E.R.-esque Survarium MMO shooter.

"Soon the first of you will be able to witness the world of 'green apocalypse' and try out the boots of various faction fighters," the company says. "The server tranquility will burst with first gunshots; man will face man in PvP combat, while the will of one fighter will clash with the will of another!"

There will also be a lot of bugs, and Vostok cautions funseekers about the nature of early game testing. "Remember that alpha testing of Survarium is hard work rather than entertainment," the firm's website reads.

Still interested? Sign up at the links below.

MassivelySurvarium alpha signups now live originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>horrormmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishooterSurvariumsurvarium-alphasurvarium-betavostokvostok-gamesFri, 05 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hammerpoint acknowledges War Z security breach, emails and passwords compromised]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hammerpoint-acknowledges-war-z-security-breach-emails-and-passw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hammerpoint-acknowledges-war-z-security-breach-emails-and-passw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/hammerpoint-acknowledges-war-z-security-breach-emails-and-passw/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

The War Z - Cleanup workers
Hammerpoint has officially responded to the security issues plaguing its War Z zombie shooter. The firm says that no payment information was accessed in the recent breach, but that email addresses and game and forum passwords have been compromised.
The data accessed included email addresses used to log in to the forum, forum passwords which we encrypt, email addresses used to log in to the game, encrypted game passwords, as well as in-game character names and the IP addresses from which players log in to the forum and to the game. If you posted other information to the forum it is likely that such data was accessed as well. We do not collect the names or addresses of our gamers so that information was not impacted unless you posted it on the forum. We are investigating whether additional information may have been obtained.
Hammerpoint says that it has "engaged outside experts and investigators" and is committing "substantial resources" to improving security. The company encourages The War Z users to change their passwords.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us!]

MassivelyHammerpoint acknowledges War Z security breach, emails and passwords compromised originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackershammerpointhammerpoint-interactivethe-war-zwar-zwar-z-compromisedwar-z-hackswarzTue, 02 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chaos Theory
It's certainly no secret that I love The Secret World's investigation missions. I have mentioned it a time to two (times 20 or so) at different points in articles and livestreams alike. And that's not even counting how many times I regale my friends and family with my investigative exploits. Getting to use skills of the mind more than the fingers is not a regular occurrence in MMORPGs, but it darn well should be! It is a refreshing alternative to pew-pew all the time.

However, investigations aren't the only unique breed of missions I love in TSW. The game has a second kind that involves something other than just going out and showing off your prowess with a weapon. In fact, significant portions of these missions actually eschew the use of weapons entirely, and engaging in combat is a pretty big no-no when completing certain objectives. Welcome to sabotage missions.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW

MassivelyChaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsalternative-playstylesATCbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatimythologyopinionOrachi-GroupOrochiOrochi-Groupsabotage-missionssci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonMon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/31/rise-and-shiny-revisiting-salem/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Salem screenshot
A few months ago, I dived into Salem, a hardcore sandbox MMO that promises actual permadeath. That means if your character is killed while in game, he or she stays dead and loses everything. Not of your possible scores of skills are passed on, all items are lost and your homestead -- similar to a deed in Wurm Online -- can be destroyed. Heck, your homestead can be destroyed even if you're not dead. People can literally block your path, call you names, and attack you over and over. It makes me cry!

Nah, it's not as bad as it sounds. It never is. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it's that you should really try a game for yourself before you believe everything you hear about it. Don't worry about trolls or griefers because the worst that can happen to you is that you end up leaving the game to find a better one. That's why we're called gamers.

Salem is actually about 50% killer and 50% silliness. I don't want to describe the killer part as "bad" because there is something the game is offering that so many others are not, and that's real danger and actual permadeath.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playhands-onhardcorelivestreammassively-tvParadox-Interactivepermadeathpvprise-and-shinysalemsalem-the-gameskill-basedstreamsurvivaltwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2013: Dean Hall on the pillars of DayZ's design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/gdc-2013-dean-hall-on-the-pillars-of-dayzs-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/gdc-2013-dean-hall-on-the-pillars-of-dayzs-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/gdc-2013-dean-hall-on-the-pillars-of-dayzs-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

GDC 2013 Dean Hall Talks Pillars of DayZ's Design
Dean Hall talks about DayZ as a scientist would a Petri dish gone grotesque. He knows perhaps what the game's strengths and appeal might be, knows why it hosts over 1.7 million players. Still, he meets the success with some bemusement, especially considering how notoriously difficult the mod is to install. Now Hall is working with Bohemia Interactive on a standalone DayZ title (to be released, he apologizes, "when it's ready").

In Hall's "Designing DayZ" lecture at GDC this week, the focus was on his philosophy in shaping the game.

Continue reading GDC 2013: Dean Hall on the pillars of DayZ's design

MassivelyGDC 2013: Dean Hall on the pillars of DayZ's design originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconferenceconventiondayzdean-halleventevent-coverageeventsfeaturedgame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2013gdcgdc-2013laissez-fairemassively-event-coveragephilosophyFri, 29 Mar 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: War Z forums compromised, user game accounts might be affected]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/rumor-war-z-forums-compromised-user-game-accounts-might-be-aff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/rumor-war-z-forums-compromised-user-game-accounts-might-be-aff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/rumor-war-z-forums-compromised-user-game-accounts-might-be-aff/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

War Z forums compromised, user game accounts might be affected
Hooboy, it's been a while since we've had a proper War Z clusterfunk, hasn't it? Unfortunately for the zombie shooter's playerbase, the latest brouhaha involves some potential account security issues.

What we know for sure is that a Hammerpoint forum admin account was compromised, and the company says that "many posts were unable to be restored as a result." There are also rumors that producer Sergey Titov's admin account was affected and that those responsible are now in possession of War Z user info including account and email data.

We've contacted Hammerpoint for clarification and will update this post if we receive a response.

[Thanks Nephi and everyone who tipped us!]

MassivelyRumor: War Z forums compromised, user game accounts might be affected originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hackhorrorrumorrumorssergey-titovthe-war-zwar-zwar-z-compromisedwar-z-forum-hackwar-z-hackedzombiesFri, 29 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST