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[The Daily Grind: Do you like getting email updates regarding MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-getting-email-updates-regarding-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-getting-email-updates-regarding-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/18/the-daily-grind-do-you-like-getting-email-updates-regarding-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I seriously don't care about Nightmare Mode Anything.
Yesterday morning I received an email from Star Wars: The Old Republic to let me know that the latest game patch went live and I should totally play and check it out. Which is kind of pointless, because I have been playing. I didn't stop playing. Playing has been happening consistently the whole time. The mail shares a space in the same folder I reserve for mails like the ones from EVE Online urging me to come back after playing for one month seven years ago.

Admittedly, working for this site means that there are very few bits of MMO information that don't manage to hit our ears at some point. But are these mails ever received with any real joy or interest? I ask you, dear readers: Do you like getting email updates regarding MMOs? Or would you prefer that games of all stripes stop pestering you and let you play what and when you want?

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 like getting email updates regarding MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>come-backcome-back-lettersculturedaily-grindemailhumornewslettersopinionspamtdgthe-daily-grindupdate-lettersTue, 18 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[I went to a Dota 2 tournament and not one person called me a noob]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/i-went-to-a-dota-2-tournament-and-not-one-person-called-me-a-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/i-went-to-a-dota-2-tournament-and-not-one-person-called-me-a-noo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/17/i-went-to-a-dota-2-tournament-and-not-one-person-called-me-a-noo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Dota 2 Tourney
There are many things you could say about people who play MOBAs. Most of those things would be negative. Games in the MOBA bracket, most notably League of Legends and Dota 2, have a reputation for being unkind to new players, both in terms of the mechanical skill required to play and the vitriolic communities that tear apart new players for not being instantly granted that skill upon downloading the game.

Conduct in MOBAs is so awful that it has become a design issue. Riot Games created a Tribunal system that allows players to report the bad behavior of others, and Valve has done much the same thing. Every new developer showing off an in-development MOBA is at some point asked the question, "How are you going to deal with all the jerks?" Built-in mechanisms for handling abusive teammates and opponents are now considered mandatory features.

There is no question that some MOBA players are bad apples. But something has always bothered me about the pigeonholing of these gamers into this negative space. Surely not all MOBA players are elitist snobs waiting to smack down any new player stupid enough to join a public match. Surely not all of these passionate gamers are horrible humans waiting in the dark to pounce on unsuspecting noobs with a barrage of verbal abuse; there have to be some friendly diamonds in the manure-piled rough.

I swung by the first-ever Chicago Dota 2 Open, billed as the biggest open Dota 2 tournament in the Midwest, to find out.

Continue reading I went to a Dota 2 tournament and not one person called me a noob

MassivelyI went to a Dota 2 tournament and not one person called me a noob originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behaviordotaDota-2Dota-2-Openeliteeventfeaturedinvestigationleague-of-legendsMOBAopinionplayer-behaviorRiot-gamessnobstournamentvalvevalve-softwareMon, 17 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Do you always dress like that?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/one-shots-do-you-always-dress-like-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/one-shots-do-you-always-dress-like-that/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/16/one-shots-do-you-always-dress-like-that/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Do you always dress like that
Here's a tip from your friendly One Shots coordinator: If you send in a screenshot from a game that hardly ever gets featured in this column, there's a better-than-average chance that I'm going to bump it right up to the top of the pack. Case in point: this groovy shot from Lineage II.

Reader Johnny said he played this game back in 2007: "Behind me we can see the endgame, the Baium Raid Boss. Baium resides on the 13th floor of a the Tower of Insolence, a massive, non-instanced hunting ground with 13 fully accessible and monster-packed floors. The weapon I am holding is a Flaming Dragon Skull, an A-grade blunt weapon."

Be prepared for A-grade awesome screenshots and B-grade commentary as you forge on in this week's repository of player-submitted pictures!

Continue reading One Shots: Do you always dress like that?

MassivelyOne Shots: Do you always dress like that? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 16 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bring-back-one-shotsddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlinef2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgallerylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsscreenshotscreenshotstabula-rasaturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-submissionsSun, 16 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Betawatch: June 8 - 14, 2013]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/betawatch-june-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/betawatch-june-8-14-2013/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/betawatch-june-8-14-2013/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

You should have seen that sun rise with your own eyes.
The third phase of Final Fantasy XIV's beta has started, so I don't see why you're still here.

What? All right, there's the open beta date for World of Warplanes, English beta signups for ArcheAge, a look at the standalone client for DayZ, and the start of closed beta for Soldier Front 2. I guess all of that stuff happened this week. And I guess Neverwinter is running an event before it really launches on the 20th. Oh, and E3 was this week, so of course there was a lot of talk about games that are currently in beta or are heading into open beta in the near future. Plus, we probably still have our full list of betas just past the cut, because that's here most weeks and it's kind of silly to remove it.

But really. FFXIV beta. That's the important takeaway, right? Right.

Continue reading Betawatch: June 8 - 14, 2013

MassivelyBetawatch: June 8 - 14, 2013 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alphaalphasarcheagebetabeta-testbeta-testingbetasbetawatchclosed-betadayze3-2013featuredgame-testinglaunchlaunchesmassively-metaneverwinteropen-betaroundupsoldier-front-2testingworld-of-warplanesFri, 14 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2013: Stealing cabbages in The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/e3-2013-stealing-cabbages-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/e3-2013-stealing-cabbages-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/14/e3-2013-stealing-cabbages-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Stealing cabbages, hands on with The Elder Scrolls Online at E3
I eagerly consumed about 45 minutes of The Elder Scrolls Online during E3 this week. I stayed glued to my keyboard and headphones until the expo hall closed and I was told to clear out. Part of this time was spent interviewing the nearest willing Bethesda employee, and every other second was hauling Orc butt around ESO.

My character of choice, an Orc Dragonknight, loaded into the game on the other side of a polygon-rich bridge from an equally polygon-rich town. The Bethesda employee standing nearby mentioned I could go into the town for some guided content the team had prepared. I made a sharp right turn into the stream and killed a deer instead.

Continue reading E3 2013: Stealing cabbages in The Elder Scrolls Online

MassivelyE3 2013: Stealing cabbages in The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdaBethesda-Softworksbethsoftconconventionconvention-coveragedaggerfalle3e3-2013elder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlineelectronic-entertainment-expoesoevent-coverageexpofactionsfeaturedhands-onmassively-event-coveragemmomorrowindoblivionpreviewpreviewspvprpgrvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe elder scrolls onlinethe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlineTheElderScrollsOnlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpzenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosFri, 14 Jun 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[E3 2013: The secrets of TUG's universe]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/e3-2013-the-secrets-of-tugs-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/e3-2013-the-secrets-of-tugs-universe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/e3-2013-the-secrets-of-tugs-universe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

TUG
Over a heaping smorgasboard of food yesterday, I was given a healthy dose of the logical functions of the universe. The universe of TUG, that is, and the professor of the hour was Peter Salinas, Nerd Kingdom founder and expert in just about everything science. At this year's E3, Massively got to test a functional tech demo that showed some progress over earlier video capture and artwork, and Salinas told me about TUG's mechanics and how the systems of the game work together to create a unique experience.

"A lot of the tacky-looking games on the internet are impressive by design, but they just don't have a lot of visuals to support what that design is," he explained cryptically. "Every once in a while, a game comes out and its systems are amazing, so a publisher will snatch it up, put [those systems] into a game, and then realize they don't want to use it. [So the developer] gets shelved. That's why we want to stay independent." The indie market proves innovation is still in demand, and the design of TUG is a lot more complex when one starts to peel back the layers like an onion (but not an ogre).

Continue reading E3 2013: The secrets of TUG's universe

MassivelyE3 2013: The secrets of TUG's universe originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventionconvention-coveragee3e3-2013electronic-entertainment-expoevent-coverageexpofeaturedinterviewinterviewsmassively-event-coveragepeter-salinassciencethe-untitled-gametugWed, 12 Jun 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/free-for-all-my-very-own-top-ten-list-of-mmo-pet-peeves/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Top ten list screenshot
I couldn't just sit back and let Justin Olivetti have all the fun, could I? When he published The Perfect Ten: My gaming pet peeves, I swept my fist to the sky and screamed "Sypsterrrr!" Literally a week earlier I had jotted down an idea for a similar column. I mean jotted down because I keep yellow pads around the house for late-night ideas or dog-walk eurekas.

Of course his will probably end up the superior article as he is the better writer (and has a good bit of facial hair), but I'm going to present mine anyway. In fact I'll do one better by listing 11 of my MMO pet peeves because, well, I jotted down 11.

Continue reading Free for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves

MassivelyFree for All: My very own top ten list of MMO pet peeves originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbeau-hindmanccpdefianceeve-onlineeverquestEverQuest-2f2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumGuild-Wars-2justin-olivettilord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromabinogimilmommortsNexonnexon-americaopinionperfect-tenplanetside-2RyzomSandboxsci-fiscience-fictionspellbornthe-chronicles-of-spellbornTop-Tentriontrion-worldsturbinevelvet-ropeWed, 12 Jun 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: March beneath the raptor's wings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/one-shots-march-beneath-the-raptors-wings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/one-shots-march-beneath-the-raptors-wings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/09/one-shots-march-beneath-the-raptors-wings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots March beneath the raptor's wings
Man, it's downright shadowy underneath the raptor's wings! Reader Draxos is kicking off our player screenshot exhibition this week with an interestingly lit picture from Star Trek Online's new expansion.

"This picture is of my new Romulan character inside a Romulan space station that was having a few ... issues," Draxos wrote in. "When the lights suddenly go out in a space station, you become thankful for the brightness outside the window because then at least there is some chance of seeing what may now be lurking within the darkness. Although you could say that my Reman crew members are the true ones to be fearful of in the dark."

Couldn't you use the Borg's head as a flashlight? That's what I would do. Join us for more shadowy flights into dangerous worlds of characters who do not exist in today's One Shots!

Continue reading One Shots: March beneath the raptor's wings

MassivelyOne Shots: March beneath the raptor's wings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 09 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbring-back-one-shotsbuy-to-playconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studiosdc-universedc-universe-onlinedcuoexpansionf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryguild-wars-2gw2legacy-of-romulusncsoftone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenplaystation-3playstation3ps3pwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionsremusromulussandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosuperherosuperheroestelonuser-submissionsvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgSun, 09 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Why I love collector's editions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-perfect-ten-why-i-love-collectors-editions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-perfect-ten-why-i-love-collectors-editions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/06/the-perfect-ten-why-i-love-collectors-editions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Why I love collector's editions
If you've ever wondered what kind of naive sucker would plunk down a semi-thick wad of perfectly good cash on an overstuffed MMO collector's edition, hi, I'm Justin. I do just that. I don't buy collector's editions for every MMO I pick up, but I do have a strong habit of purchasing them that dates back to the original World of Warcraft CE.

I can't help it; I love collector's editions so much. In fact, my interest in them is so keen that the number one and two questions I have for any anticipated MMO in beta are: (1) When can I pre-order the CE and (2) what's included in it? I'm like a junkie, except that instead of burned spoons and constant trips to White Castle to stave off the munchies, my shame is marked by mountain-sized boxes that litter my closet.

It's confession time for this collector's edition addict. What are my reasons for this undying love, this unbridled passion, this all-consuming need to own the best edition possible? You're about to find out.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Why I love collector's editions

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Why I love collector's editions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cecollectors-editionfeaturedguild-wars-2humoropinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listwarhammer-onlineworld-of-warcraftThu, 06 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[World of Warcraft's Stormwind Keep gets a price tag]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/world-of-warcrafts-stormwind-keep-gets-a-price-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/world-of-warcrafts-stormwind-keep-gets-a-price-tag/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/05/world-of-warcrafts-stormwind-keep-gets-a-price-tag/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

It's still worth more than Darnassus.
Have you ever sat down with a realtor and tried to haggle down the price of a house based on the fact that it previously housed a scheming black dragon? Hopefully not, as black dragons do not actually exist. But if you have, you'll be happy to know that World of Warcraft's Stormwind Keep has now been priced out by what we are assured are reputable realtors with an eye toward setting this in-game structure's retail price in US dollars. About $10 million, as it happens.

So why? Well, based on how much space it seems to cover and the value of a comparable real-world castle in Wales, the Keep winds up with a fairly modest price tag for a castle. Then again, there's only one accessible floor, and as we mentioned it does have a bit of a problem with dragons. (Exterminators can never really get all the eggs out.) So if you find yourself transported to Azeroth with $10 million that becomes the equivalent in gold, you can walk up and... well... not buy it, because it's not for sale. But you'd know how much it was worth.

MassivelyWorld of Warcraft's Stormwind Keep gets a price tag originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentculturefantasyhumorpricevirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowWed, 05 Jun 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2 celebrates Dragon Bash festival by giving us stuff to break]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/guild-wars-2-celebrates-dragon-bash-festival-by-giving-us-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/guild-wars-2-celebrates-dragon-bash-festival-by-giving-us-stuff/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/04/guild-wars-2-celebrates-dragon-bash-festival-by-giving-us-stuff/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2 celebrates Dragon Bash festival by giving us stuff to break
If you're a fan of ArenaNet's parties (no, not those epic PAX parties -- in-game parties!) then we have a treat for you.

Starting June 11, Guild Wars 2 will be celebrating the Dragon Bash festival in game where players can build and destroy giant dragon effigies for candy and boosts, compete at mini-games like Dragon Ball and Moa Racing, win special rewards including exclusive weapon skins and holographic dragon wings, shoot off fireworks, and more. The grand finale will culminate in a lighting ceremony on June 18 in Lion's Arch.

To help kick off this year's event, ArenaNet sent around a few real-life piñatas for various gaming website staff to break open themselves and record on video. You can bet that we went a little... overboard with this one. Follow along in the gallery below for images from the festival and after the cut for some piñata bashing, Massively style.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2 Dragon Bash

Continue reading Guild Wars 2 celebrates Dragon Bash festival by giving us stuff to break

MassivelyGuild Wars 2 celebrates Dragon Bash festival by giving us stuff to break originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 04 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcrazydragon-bashdragon-bash-festivalfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpinatavideoTue, 04 Jun 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Stick and Rudder: The five types of Star Citizen guys]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/stick-and-rudder-the-five-types-of-star-citizen-guys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/stick-and-rudder-the-five-types-of-star-citizen-guys/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/stick-and-rudder-the-five-types-of-star-citizen-guys/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Stick and Rudder The myth of the PC master race
I've been through my share of alphas, betas, and early release communities over the years, and without exception, every one of them is chock-full of the same five guys. Oh sure, these guys have hundreds of different forum handles, and in the case of a nostalgia-drenched core title like Star Citizen, some of them may even be old enough to know better. But they're still the same five guys.

These guys are in the good pre-release communities and the bad, and while their passion is largely laudible, their busy-body forum hijinks are nothing if not high-lariously predictable.

Continue reading Stick and Rudder: The five types of Star Citizen guys

MassivelyStick and Rudder: The five types of Star Citizen guys originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accessibilitycarebearcasualchris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescommunitycrowdfundingearly-adoptersfeaturedfive-types-of-star-citizen-fansgo-back-to-wowhardcorehumorinternet-spaceshipskickstarterpre-release-communityroberts-space-industriesrsisandboxsci-fishipspacespace-simspaceshipspacesimstar-citizenstick-and-rudderSun, 02 Jun 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: You were saying?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/02/one-shots-you-were-saying/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots You were saying
If there's a class in Star Wars: The Old Republic that has a monopoly on the best lines, banter, and dialogue, it would have to be the Smuggler. Reader Danielle sent us in this nicely framed shot: "Here's my confident, sassy Smuggler striking a pose as he interrupts a conversation."

But isn't interrupting a conversation... rude? He shouldn't do that, then. He should wait patiently until both parties are finished, and perhaps raise his hand and wait to be acknowledged by his betters. Or he could totally interrupt their boring chit-chat.

The One Shots column is a time capsule of some of the most important MMO moments in history, and you're about to witness the latest entries into this hallowed vault. Steel yourself and prepare to gaze in wonder at the peak of human ingenuity and the print screen key!

Continue reading One Shots: You were saying?

MassivelyOne Shots: You were saying? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebring-back-one-shotseaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfirefallfpsfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhistoricallord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmmo-shooterone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpiratespirates-of-the-burning-seaportalusportalus-gamespotbspvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsshooterstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthird-person-shootertorturbineturbine-entertainmentuser-submissionswarSun, 02 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What's your favorite game that doesn't work in the US?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-game-that-doesnt-work-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-game-that-doesnt-work-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/01/the-daily-grind-whats-your-favorite-game-that-doesnt-work-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Westerns do work. Unless they don't.
So we all found out yesterday that MMOs do not work in the US. The only two that have ever been successful at all were EverQuest and World of Warcraft. This much come as a shock to the teams behind EVE Online, Star Wars: The Old Republic, The Secret World, Guild Wars 2, Star Trek Online, Lord of the Rings Online, Second Life, Defiance, EverQuest II, RIFT, Neverwinter, and countless other titles. Or the plethora of titles still running in maintenance mode.

You get the idea.

So today we're going to just plant our tongues firmly in our cheeks. Pick a game you like that is not one of the two MMOs that has been successful in the US, and explain why you like it. There's no need to say anything bad about the many other games that don't work in the US, just wax poetic about your favorite game that doesn't work.

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: What's your favorite game that doesn't work in the US? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 01 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturedaily-grindfailurefandomfansgushinghumoropiniontdgthe-daily-grindSat, 01 Jun 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Guild Counsel: Lessons in guild leadership from a pop star]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/the-guild-counsel-lessons-in-guild-leadership-from-a-pop-star/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/the-guild-counsel-lessons-in-guild-leadership-from-a-pop-star/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/30/the-guild-counsel-lessons-in-guild-leadership-from-a-pop-star/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Guild Counsel Lessons in Guild Leadership from a pop star
Apologies to the Beliebers, but good old Justin hasn't exactly had a banner year. He's been in the news a lot lately, just not for his dulcet tones or his fancy dance moves. But his behavior can actually remind guild leaders of a few important things not to do.

Can a brash pop star really provide tips on guild leadership? Let's take a lighthearted look in this week's Guild Counsel.

Continue reading The Guild Counsel: Lessons in guild leadership from a pop star

MassivelyThe Guild Counsel: Lessons in guild leadership from a pop star originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 30 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chaos Theory Throwing TSW's next themed party
I spy with my little eye... a trend! With last month's announcement of The Secret World's next update, I noticed a certain motif. It appears that beyond just adding new content, the conspiracy game is getting in on the party planning business, throwing themed bashes for players to enjoy. And the players themselves get to arrive as iconic guests of honor! While not making you the exact person, the two most recent DLCs effectively give you the chance to participate in adventures with the persona of a beloved and/or well-known character: Indiana Jones headlined Issue #6, and James Bond will be the star of Issue #7. That leads me to wonder: What -- or who -- will we meet next?

We've already offered some suggestions for new locales for future TSW updates, so why not toss out a few ideas on the next major icons to represent? I know you all have some favorite role you'd love to slip into, so come add your suggestions to these possibilities.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Throwing TSW's next themed party

MassivelyChaos Theory: Throwing TSW's next themed party originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 27 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsBladebuffybuffy-the-vampire-slayerbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDLC-ideasdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatiinspector-gadgetissue-1issue-1-unleashedIssue-6Issue-6-The-Last-Train-to-CairoIssue-7jackie-ChanJediJohn-McLanemythologyopinionRockysci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theorysherlock-holmesSithskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonUnleashedwho-to-playMon, 27 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/the-road-to-mordor-the-adventures-of-floid-and-dewitt-in-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/the-road-to-mordor-the-adventures-of-floid-and-dewitt-in-lotro/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/25/the-road-to-mordor-the-adventures-of-floid-and-dewitt-in-lotro/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Road to Mordor The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt
It's important to get this straight right away: Floid is the horse and Dewitt is the human. And no, I'm not giving you the principle cast of a Saturday morning cartoon; this is one of the more interesting Easter eggs that inhabit Lord of the Rings Online.

Floid the Mighty Steed and Dewitt the Explorer are an adventuring duo in the process of touring all of Middle-earth. Their journeys take them to out-of-the-way places, but if you stumble upon them you'll be given a deed to find the pair in seven different locales. Do so and you'll earn the incredible, the awe-inspiring, the magnificent... title of "the Wanderer." OK, it's just a title, but it's a title and a "Where's Waldo?" hunt for two oddballs. I'll take some time off of plowing through Update 11 to do this, yes sir!

While I've been aware of Floid and Dewitt over the years, I have never taken the time to hunt them down and finish the deed. Well, that ends this week. Come with me as I search high and low until all is revealed!

Continue reading The Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO

MassivelyThe Road to Mordor: The Adventures of Floid & Dewitt in LotRO originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dewittf2pfantasyfeaturedfloidfree-to-playguidelord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionroad-to-mordorthe-road-to-mordorturbineturbine-entertainmentSat, 25 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/23/the-perfect-ten-movies-for-the-mmo-fan/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Movies for the MMO fan
You love movies? Sure, who doesn't? I certainly do; I've been reviewing them with friends since 1997. I'm always fascinated by how many out-of-the-way gems there are that go overlooked by the mainstream audience, and I love how films tie into our daily experiences in unexpected ways.

MMOs haven't quite gotten popular enough to spawn their own sub-genre of films, apart from the odd fan project or the long-rumored World of Warcraft flick. That doesn't mean that we're lacking good movie role models for our hobby, however. I think that there are plenty of films that are perfectly suited for the MMO fan, even if they've never been thought of as such.

So here are 10 films that speak to us as gamers. To make things interesting, I excluded any movie that shares the same IP as an MMO. Read this list and let me know what you would pick!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Movies for the MMO fan originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cinemafeaturedfilmfilmsflickflickshumormoviemoviesopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenroundupscott-pilgrimthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listThu, 23 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO races do you detest?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-races-do-you-detest/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Daily Grind Which races do you detest
My loathing of Elves is not only well-documented here on Massively, but stretches back to my childhood. I've just never liked them, period. Maybe it's because they're the preppie cool kids in my mind's John Hughes movie, or maybe it's their incredible haughty arrogance and froofy love of flowerwear. In any case, I don't like them, I don't play them, and I feel perfectly fine wishing all manner of humiliating harm upon them. After all, they're pretend and that makes it OK, right?

So in the tongue-in-cheek spirit of imaginary racism, which pretend species makes your skin crawl in MMOs? Can you not abide by Dwarves no matter what? Do Gnomes irk you? Will your eyes roll out of your head if you see another humanoid cat race invade your gaming space? Let's get our hate on this morning! Whee!

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: Which MMO races do you detest? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caithlincathardaily-grinddwarveselfelvesgnomeshumorno-elvesopiniontdgthe-daily-grindSun, 12 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan screenshot
I remember playing Age of Conan when it first came out; it seems like an eternity ago. So many titles have been released and failed since then that it's easy to get it all mixed up, and it doesn't help when many of those titles are sub-par or just plain boring and forgettable. Age of Conan sort of messed with my head with its insistent instancing and odd combat mechanics. I just couldn't wrap my head around what the game was trying to do.

Is it a hardcore PvP-centric MMO? Many would say so. Is it a grand, single-player adventure? In some ways. Is it an immersive romp through the long-lived lore of Conan the Barbarian? I guess so. It's a bit of all of these but does none of them perfectly. I decided to jump back into the game because the last time I played it was when it switched over to its odd freemium model that is all-too-common in Western MMOs these days.

Continue reading Second Wind: Age of Conan

MassivelySecond Wind: Age of Conan originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbeau-hindmanconanf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpfuncomhyboriapost-launchre-reviewreviewroundtablesecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windtranscriptunchainedupdated-impressionsFri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST