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[MMO Family: Study challenges common views on digital media, video games, and family]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/mmo-family-study-challenges-common-views-on-digital-media-vide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/mmo-family-study-challenges-common-views-on-digital-media-vide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/06/12/mmo-family-study-challenges-common-views-on-digital-media-vide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Family Northwestern study challenges common views on digital media, video games, and the family
When it comes to video games and parenting, there are two scenarios that often emerge. The first is that parents, children, and video games are a contentious mix. Parents and children often clash over things like playtime, game content, and the rising cost of devices needed to play. What results is a scenario where the children are constantly pushing for more and the parents are struggling to keep it under control.

The other is that parents have seemingly given up the battle and instead use video game systems and mobile devices as a digital baby-sitter, allowing their children to spend hours each day in front of the screen. So what's the truth? According to a study by Northwestern University, there are some surprising revelations about the real role of digital media in our families' lives.

Continue reading MMO Family: Study challenges common views on digital media, video games, and family

MassivelyMMO Family: Study challenges common views on digital media, video games, and family originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 12 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familynorthwestern-study-on-digital-mediaopinionparents-negative-on-video-gamesparents-ok-with-digital-mediavideo-games-and-familyWed, 12 Jun 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: A look at Phineas and Ferb's Agent Alert]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/mmo-family-a-look-at-phineas-and-ferbs-agent-alert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/mmo-family-a-look-at-phineas-and-ferbs-agent-alert/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/29/mmo-family-a-look-at-phineas-and-ferbs-agent-alert/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family A look at Phineas and Ferb's Agent Alert
It's hard to walk by a school or a playground without seeing the image of an aqua-colored platypus emblazoned on a kid's shirt, hat, backpack, or lunch box. Phineas and Ferb, the long-running animated Disney series, has been a big hit with children, so it's little surprise that the tie-in game Agent Alert was launched a few months ago.

I'm not exactly familiar with the show, but when I got an email alert about a new MMO based on the series, I had to check it out. Was I about to head into a world of thousands of player-made platypus characters? I feared the worst but was pleasantly surprised.

Continue reading MMO Family: A look at Phineas and Ferb's Agent Alert

MassivelyMMO Family: A look at Phineas and Ferb's Agent Alert originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 29 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agent-alertcasualchildrenchildrens-mmosdisneyfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedhands-onkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionphineas-and-ferbpreviewpreviewsWed, 29 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pirate101 sets sail for Marleybone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/pirate101-sets-sail-for-marleybone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/pirate101-sets-sail-for-marleybone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/24/pirate101-sets-sail-for-marleybone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The game is 78% sharks by volume.
One of the bonuses of having Pirate101 set in the same world as Wizard101 is that the former can benefit from some of the latter's layout. KingsIsle has launched a big expansion for the game that includes some old favorites for veteran players, starting by sending pirate captains to the familiar land of Marleybone. Players will be investigating a war zone they helped inadvertently create while working up through another 15 levels of experience.

The update also adds the new region of Aquila, a new Bazaar system for players to trade goods, and a new tutorial to help players get accustomed to the game. There are also new bosses and transport systems to give players more to do while they sail across the oceans. Last but not least, new companions are scattered through the added regions, and old companions are learning some new tricks. Pirate101 players can log in and start enjoying the update immediately.

MassivelyPirate101 sets sail for Marleybone originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 24 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfamilyfantasyfree-to-playkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlevel-caplevelinglevelsmajor-patchmajor-updatenew-areaspatchpiratepirate101piratestutorialupdateFri, 24 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/mmo-family-first-impressions-of-world-of-trinketz/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family First Impressions of World of Trinketz
I have to begin this week's column with a disclaimer: I am not a fan of Facebook, and I'm even less a fan of Facebook games. The only one I found enjoyable was Ian Bogost's Cow Clicker because it was a giant middle finger to the bottom-feeding practices so commonly found in Facebook Villes.

But when I got a Google alert in my inbox about the world's first family-friendly 3-D MMO for Facebook, I had to head back to the blue-and-white wasteland of Facebook and see it firsthand. Could it be that the era of isometric views and mindless clicking is finally over? Have we finally moved on from agriculturally themed games? I decided to check out World of Trinketz to seek some answers.

Continue reading MMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz

MassivelyMMO Family: First Impressions of World of Trinketz originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoscow-clickerdark-matter-entertainmentfacebookfacebook-gamesfacebook-mmofamilyfamily-friendlyfarmvillefeaturedian-bogostkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymonetizationopinionworld-of-trinketzWed, 15 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/mmo-family-are-video-games-stressing-kids-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/mmo-family-are-video-games-stressing-kids-out/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/mmo-family-are-video-games-stressing-kids-out/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Family Are video games stressing kids out
Video games get blamed for all sorts of societal problems, particularly for young children. Violence, obesity, and laziness are just the tip of the iceberg. And a recent article from Amanda Enayati adds one more potential problem: stress.

Growing up is complicated enough, but are video games making it even harder to be a happy, relaxed kid? Enayati, CNN Health's stress columnist and the technology and stress correspondent for PBS MediaShift, says it's complicated but points to a few studies that argue the pros and cons. Let's take a look at the debate over whether video games might be too stressful for children.

Continue reading MMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out?

MassivelyMMO Family: Are video games stressing kids out? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amanda-enayatibrad-bushmancasualchildrenchildrens-mmoschris-fergusonfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedgaming-stresses-out-kidsjane-mcgonigalkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionvideo-games-stressWed, 01 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Is it time to regulate MMO cash shops?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mmo-family-is-it-time-to-regulate-mmo-cash-shops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mmo-family-is-it-time-to-regulate-mmo-cash-shops/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/mmo-family-is-it-time-to-regulate-mmo-cash-shops/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

MMO Family
"I want it now!"

We're all familiar with that screechy demand by Veruca Salt in Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. And for those of us raising children, it's an all-too-common request. When kids want something, they'll pull out all the stops, and for many kids, that brand-new video game warrants an Oscar-winning tantrum.

MMOs, on the other hand, are a different breed because the bulk of kid-friendly MMOs are now free-to-play and make use of cash shops and a variety of subscription plans in order to generate revenue. In essence, MMOs have to work for their money now rather than rely on the traditional monthly subscription, but that has led to questions about how far studios should go in getting players to part with their money. In some instances, it's led to children (and some adults) spending large amounts of money without fully understanding what they've done. Should there be regulations on marketing practices of game companies?

A recent announcement by the U.K.'s Office of Fair Trading regarding web and app-based games might hint at that answer.

Continue reading MMO Family: Is it time to regulate MMO cash shops?

MassivelyMMO Family: Is it time to regulate MMO cash shops? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosconsumer-protectionfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familyopinionregulationregulationsWed, 17 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Dino Storm]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/rise-and-shiny-dino-storm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/rise-and-shiny-dino-storm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/rise-and-shiny-dino-storm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Dino Storm screenshot
I have a real love for finding tiny, unknown, indie titles -- especially ones that are obviously made for younger gamers -- and playing them for a write-up. It's one of the perks of the job; I get to dig up these gems and tell thousands of people about them. Games like Dino Storm also serve to remind me about why I got into blogging about games before I was ever paid to do it. There are virtual worlds to discover out there, and I find that thrilling. I especially like it when they boast this level of quality.

Dino Storm might not challenge a more mature player, but it's surprisingly complex. It's got everything it needs to be considered a full-fledged MMO, but it also keeps in mind that younger players need a little help along the way. You'll play the role of a cowboy or girl who rides around on the backs of well-animated dinosaurs ranging from tiny to massive, and you'll also hunt after all sorts of quests and goods.

I did have a few small issues with the game, but the development team seemed willing and ready to patch them up.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Dino Storm

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Dino Storm originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-based-combatbeau-hindmandino-stormdinosaursf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onkids-gameskids-mmolivestreammassively-tvriftrise-and-shinystreamthe-aurora-worldtwitchtwitch-tvvideoWarhammer-OnlineSun, 14 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/12/why-i-play-villagers-and-heroes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Villagers and Heroes screenshots
Villagers and Heroes, formerly called A Mystical Land, surprised me. I had gone several weeks if not a few months without logging in to the game for longer than a half an hour, so you can imagine my surprise when I realized that the game not only had been improved but had added systems that I thought it never would. In other words, the game was suddenly a world, a fully realized browser-based MMORPG. Despite my feeling that the game was going to languish in state of semi-completion, suddenly it had housing, more crafting, a better UI, and a fully stocked cash shop.

I've streamed the game before, but now I find myself logging in a lot more than ever. And now, after hosting a livestream with associate designer Cameron England (embedded after the cut), I'm really having fun with the game and have noticed that it offers a lot more than games that are much more well-known.

This is why I play Villagers and Heroes.

Continue reading Why I Play: Villagers and Heroes

MassivelyWhy I Play: Villagers and Heroes originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landbeau-hindmanbrowser-basedcameron-englandcraftingeditorialf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphousinglord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromad-otter-gamesmassively-metametanostalgiaop-edopinionSandboxvillagers-and-heroeswhy-i-playFri, 12 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: The consequences of kids at conventions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/mmo-family-the-consequences-of-kids-at-conventions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/mmo-family-the-consequences-of-kids-at-conventions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/mmo-family-the-consequences-of-kids-at-conventions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family The consequences of kids at conventions
As I wound down my time at PAX East recently, I couldn't help but notice how different this convention was compared to when I went a couple of years ago. Yes, the exhibition floor was bigger, and there were many more in attendance, but the overall feel was different as well, and part of that was the increased presence of children.

We normally don't think of a video game convention as a family activity, and yet the fact that so many adults brought their children is telling. And whether you agree with it or not, there's something to be learned from the presence of kids at game conventions.

Continue reading MMO Family: The consequences of kids at conventions

MassivelyMMO Family: The consequences of kids at conventions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosconconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-and-game-conventionskids-gameslegomassively-event-coverageminecraftmmo-familyopinionpaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-exposoe-liveWed, 03 Apr 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2013: How video games can save education]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/pax-east-2013-steve-swink-says-video-games-can-save-education/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/pax-east-2013-steve-swink-says-video-games-can-save-education/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/pax-east-2013-steve-swink-says-video-games-can-save-education/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

PAX East 2013 Steve Swink says video games can save education
Quick! Choose the statement that best describes your high school education:
  • A) School prepared me perfectly for everything I would experience once I got out into the real world.
  • B) I feel that high school had one or two useful things to offer but otherwise was pretty useless.
  • C) I feel that high school was completely pointless and had no bearing on my life today.
If you picked B or C, you're in good company, based on the audience panel on games and education at this year's PAX East. During the panel, game developer and teacher Steve Swink gave a talk about both the state of education today and how video games can play a role in saving it.

Continue reading PAX East 2013: How video games can save education

MassivelyPAX East 2013: How video games can save education originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantis-remixedbill-and-melinda-gates-foundationconconferenceconventioneventevent-coverageeventsexpofeaturedmassively-event-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-eastpax-east-2013penny-arcade-expoquest-atlantissteve-swinkvideo-games-and-educationTue, 26 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/free-for-all-the-10-best-looking-browser-based-mmorpgs/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Battlestar Galactica Online screenshot
Beauty, they say, is in the eye of the beholder. Keep that in mind before you tell that me the games that fill out the following list of "best-looking browser-based MMORPGs" are ugly as sin. Sure, some of them are an acquired taste, but I wanted to display just how much variety there is now in browser gaming. It's not the delivery system it once was; we have had fancier-looking Flash-based titles for a while, but now with engines like Unity or Silverlight and even HTML5 coding, we have games that look no different from their client-based counterparts.

There are still some ugly-as-sin games out there as well, but they have endearing qualities all the same. So keep that in mind; this is my top 10 list. If you want to suggest your own in the comments section, I would love to hear them!

Now, on to the list, in no particular order...

Continue reading Free for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs

MassivelyFree for All: The 10 best-looking browser-based MMORPGs originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landarcane-legendsbattlestar-galactica-onlinebeau-hindmanBigpointcity-of-steamdragons-of-atlantisdrakensang-onlineEAf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiuminnogamesjagexkabamkartugalord-of-ultimamad-otter-gamesmilmoopinionrunescapespacetime-studiosvelvet-ropeWed, 20 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: How soon is too soon?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/20/mmo-family-how-soon-is-too-soon/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

MMO Family How soon is too soon
You might recognize the pictures above and in the body of the article. The first is from a video of a baby using an iPad while still in a walker. The other is from a viral video that came out a while back showing a baby trying to interact with a magazine as if it were an iPad. A quick search reveals the fact that this is growing more and more common. It's an interesting vignette of how much the digital culture has woven its way into our lives, but it also makes you pause and consider whether it's OK for an infant to already be "plugged in."

There are many questions about how early we should introduce children to the variety of devices out there and how soon we should let them start playing video games. And when it comes to MMOs, the issues become even more complicated. How soon is too soon? Let's explore the topic in this week's MMO Family.

Continue reading MMO Family: How soon is too soon?

MassivelyMMO Family: How soon is too soon? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymmo-industryopinionvideo-game-addictionvideo-game-aggressionvideo-game-learningvideo-game-therapyvideo-games-and-parentingwowWed, 20 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/06/mmo-family-what-exactly-is-a-kid-friendly-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

MMO Family What exactly is a kidfriendly MMO
Recently, Massively's Jef Reahard seemed to revisit his inner-child with his Why I Play article on Clone Wars Adventures and a Daily Grind of a similar topic. He summed up perfectly why CWA, a kid-friendly MMO, is a lot of fun for grown-ups too. There are actually many MMOs that are marketed toward a younger audience but are fun and challenging enough to entertain adults. Meanwhile, there are plenty of kids who have no problem holding their own in "grown-up" MMOs.

So what exactly makes an MMO kid-friendly? It might not be as easy to define as we think.

Continue reading MMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO?

MassivelyMMO Family: What exactly is a kid-friendly MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosclone-wars-adventuresfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedflyffkid-friendlykidskids-gamesminecraftmmo-familyopinionpirate101robloxswtorwizard101Wed, 06 Mar 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: Clone Wars Adventures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/why-i-play-clone-wars-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/why-i-play-clone-wars-adventures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/why-i-play-clone-wars-adventures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Clone Wars Adventures - Dueling Shaak Ti
I'm Jef, and I love Star Wars. This is the part where the rest of you addicts chime in with "hi Jef," before we go about trying to cure ourselves of a life-long obsession. Except we're not going to do that today, are we? In fact, I'm going to dangle another death stick that you may not have considered as of yet.

It's called Clone Wars Adventures.

Continue reading Why I Play: Clone Wars Adventures

MassivelyWhy I Play: Clone Wars Adventures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browserbrowser-basedclone-warsclone-wars-adventurescwaeditorialfamilyfeaturedkid-friendlykidslightsaber-duellobbymassively-metametaminigamenostalgiaop-edopinionrepublic-defendersci-fantasysci-fisoesony-online-entertainmentstar-warsstarfighterwhy-i-playwhy-i-play-clone-warsThu, 21 Feb 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you enjoy kid-friendly MMOs?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-enjoy-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-enjoy-kid-friendly-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/the-daily-grind-do-you-enjoy-kid-friendly-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Clone Wars Adventures - Barc speeder
I've been on something of a Star Wars reunion tour of late. I've fired up ancient copies of X-Wing (yay, DOSbox), Jedi Academy (yay, Steam) and even Star Wars: The Old Republic. I also checked out Clone Wars Adventures at long last, and despite the fact that it's a browser game and it's set in my least favorite Star Wars era, I really enjoyed it.

I initially felt a bit odd while playing, though, as CWA is clearly made with younglings in mind. But, whatever, a fun game is a fun game, and at the very least I got this Daily Grind out of it. Have you ever played a kid-friendly MMO, and if so, would you enjoy it on its own merits if your wee ones weren't involved?

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 enjoy kid-friendly MMOs? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedclone-warsClone-Wars-Adventuresdaily-grindopinionsoeSony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-mmotdgthe-daily-grindThu, 21 Feb 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/20/mmo-family-lessons-learned-from-parenting-and-gaming/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Family Lessons learned from parenting and gaming
If you look at the past two decades, it's really amazing how fast technology has improved. Not that long ago, dialup was common, 3.5" disks were all the rage (so much better than those archaic 8" floppies!), and people were excited to be able to take digital photos (that also used those flashy 3.5 disks with a camera that was as large as a truck). Kids are growing up in a completely different world than their parents did, and that means there's a tabula rasa feel to the rules on parenting and video games.

Parenting sites are great at general parenting advice, and gaming sites are great at gaming write-ups, but there aren't too many sites that juggle both. As a result, parents are left with advice that usually falls into one camp or another, and absolutes really don't work well in this challenging area. So this week in MMO Family, I'd like to toss out a few lessons about raising kids in a digital age.

Continue reading MMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming

MassivelyMMO Family: Lessons learned from parenting and gaming originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmosesrbesrb-ratingsfacebookfamilyfamily-friendlyfamily-game-nightfamily-gaming-tipsfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesmmo-familymoderating-video-gamesopinionparent-advice-on-video-gamespirate-101twittervideo-games-and-kidsWed, 20 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Failure isn't just an option; it's a requirement]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/mmo-family-failure-isnt-just-an-option-its-a-requirement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/mmo-family-failure-isnt-just-an-option-its-a-requirement/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/06/mmo-family-failure-isnt-just-an-option-its-a-requirement/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family Failure isn't just an option, it's a requirement
The other day, I stumbled on an interview of author Paul Tough, who wrote the book called How Children Succeed. He stressed the importance of building grit, curiosity, and character in our children as they grown and learn. In addition, he emphasized the need to let our kids fail as they grow. In an age of helicopter parents and trophies for all, his message is simple but uncommon.

It's not unusual to hear people debate whether children are getting soft because of the need to protect them from failure. Could video games actually be the answer? This week, let's look at the topic of failure to see whether it might be more than an option -- it might be a requirement.

Continue reading MMO Family: Failure isn't just an option; it's a requirement

MassivelyMMO Family: Failure isn't just an option; it's a requirement originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 06 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casualchildrenchildrens-mmoseveeve-onlinefailurefamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedkid-friendlykidskids-gamesminecraftmmo-familyopinionpaul-toughred-penvideo-games-are-goodvideo-games-failureWed, 06 Feb 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-pseudo-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-pseudo-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/25/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-pseudo-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

WarMage Battlegrounds banner
So here we are at the second-to-last installment of my Chromebook All-In-One experiment. This will be the last time I give you a list of games that work well on the Samsung Chromebook, but always keep in mind that some of the other Chromebooks, especially the Samsung 5 550, have more power and do not use an ARM-based chip. What does that mean? Well, some services like NetFlix will not work on an ARM-based machine yet. Spacetime Studios' cache of browser-based titles will not work on this Chromebook yet as well. Don't worry, it's coming soon. Imagine the ARM Chromebook as a tablet with a keyboard attached... it's not a normal netbook or notebook.

I also wrote up my wife's take on the Chromebook over at my personal blog. Be sure to check that out. She has been the perfect guinea pig as she pushes devices to their limits, and so the Chromebook has been getting heavy use from her and working wonderfully. Next week, my last installment of this series will be a video and article combo that covers the good and bad of the device, along with my final thoughts.

Until then, though, click past the cut and enjoy my list of pseudo-MMOs. These are games that don't quite fit into the MMO category but have a multiplayer aspect to them!

Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten pseudo-MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-oneall-in-one-projectbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchromebookChromeBookschromiumdie2nitefallen-londonfallen-swordfarm-kingdomfeaturedforge-of-empiresgoogleinnogamesjupiters-follylagooniammobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepoptropicapseudo-MMOpseudo-mmossmartphonestardrift-empiressyfySyFy-GamesTurn-basedwarmage-battlegroundsFri, 25 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/23/mmo-family-why-catfish-is-a-term-your-kids-should-know/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

MMO Family Why Catfish is a term your kids should know
By now, everyone's probably heard the strange story of Manti Te'o, the football player who had an online relationship with someone who wasn't really that person. The question that people keep asking is whether or not he was in on the hoax, but I think that's irrelevant. The real question is why people are surprised to begin with.

Ironically, gamers probably have a leg up on the Catfish scenario, since there are plenty of examples of players misrepresenting themselves through their in-game avatars. And there's often a grey area when it comes to roleplaying and honesty. In this week's MMO Family, let's look at the lessons of gaming, identity, and social media and what children should learn about all three. (And I promise I won't mention Manti again in this column.)

Continue reading MMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know

MassivelyMMO Family: Why Catfish is a term your kids should know originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-story-about-a-treecasualcatfishchildrenchildrens-mmosfacebookfamilyfamily-friendlyfeaturedinternet-boogeymaninternet-identitykid-friendlykidskids-gamesmanti-teommo-familyonline-relationshipsopinionraph-kosterrichard-bartletracy-spaighttwitterWed, 23 Jan 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten standard MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-standard-mm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-standard-mm/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/18/mmobility-the-chromebook-all-in-one-project-ten-standard-mm/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

War of Dragons artwork
It's time for another installment of my month-long look at the Samsung Chromebook, the newest in the line of all-in-one devices brought to us by Google. Everything has worked pretty well so far, but the light notebook does have its issues. I'm so used to using my Google Nexus 7 tablet for reading emails and now reading articles and magazines that I am having a hard time without the pinch-to-zoom. I love the instant zooming; it's much easier when I am reading or surfing the net. (Wait, do we still say "surfing the net"?) In fact, the main issue with the Samsung Chromebook is its size. I have to hit ctrl-+ to zoom in pages often.

Other than the smaller fonts, few other issues have cropped up -- I've found gaming has been really fun on this little guy. I've noticed that everyone who reads of gaming on the device is sort of perplexed. Why would I want to game on such a non-gaming machine? It's simple, really. As the title says, this is another attempt of mine to find the perfect device for doing all that I do using only the browser: writing, gaming, gaming, writing, watching videos, writing, and playing games.

This week, I have 10 "standard" MMOs for you. These are games that act more like a common, client-based MMOs than the MMORTS titles I covered last week, but with some exceptions. The desktop browser can handle amazing, 3-D graphics, but a Chromebook does not allow downloads like Unity or Java. Keep that in mind.

Continue reading MMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten standard MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: The Chromebook 'All In One' project - Ten standard MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-in-one-projectbeau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-basedchrome-oschromebookchromiumclub-penguindragon-eternityfeaturedhabbo-hotelkidslegend-legacy-of-the-dragonsmirimagiammobilitymmortsmobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionparallel-kingdomperbluephonepride-of-taernRTSsagramoreserenia-fantasysmartphonetraviantravian-gamestravianswar-of-dragonsFri, 18 Jan 2013 19:00:00 EST