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 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Google Plus hangout screenshot
If you have wondered about what was going on in Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes' head while designing Dark Legends, wonder no more. I was asked to sit in on a Google + hangout, essentially a public video conference call, with Cinco, Carter Dotson from 148apps and Heidi Duran from GirlGamer. The event was moderated by Ashley Esqueda from G4TV. Cinco fielded some questions from us and fans of the game.

Want to see some cool concept art? Need to know if the energy mechanic in Dark Legends was created just to make fast cash? Have you heard about Spacetime's newly announced title Arcane Legends, but have no idea what might be involved with the game? Have you wondered about the images in the opening video, the appearance of top hats, and the possibility of obtaining all of those great costumes through in-game means? You can find out the answers to these and other important questions in the video, embedded just after the cut.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design

MassivelySpacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>148appsarcane-legendsashley-esquedabeau-hindmancarter-dotsoncinco-barnesdark-legendsG4TVGirlGamergooglegoogle-plusheidi-duranmobilepocket-legendsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsFri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Istaria's updates, community, and future development]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/free-for-all-istarias-updates-community-and-future-developme/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/free-for-all-istarias-updates-community-and-future-developme/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/free-for-all-istarias-updates-community-and-future-developme/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Istaria concept art
Before anyone asks in the comments section: Yes, Istaria is still around. I've noticed that many players seem to think if something is out of their sight, it's out of every other player's mind too, but the truth is that there are many, many smallish and indie MMOs in existence that not only continue to do well but offer unique gameplay for anyone who might be interested. Istaria is even still referred to as Horizons by many, even though that change was made a long, long time ago. Despite all of the outdated opinions and its status as an "older" game, interesting things are happening in the world of Istaria.

I took some time and asked Amarie Ancalimon, Community Relations manager from Virtrium, about the latest string of patches and updates. I got plenty of information back, so let's get to it!

Continue reading Free for All: Istaria's updates, community, and future development

MassivelyFree for All: Istaria's updates, community, and future development originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amarie-ancalimonbeau-hindmandragonsf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumhorizonsinterviewinterviewsistariaopinionvelvet-ropevirtriumWed, 23 May 2012 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/18/the-firing-line-world-of-warplanes-producer-talks-matchmaking/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Firing Line - World of Warplanes producer interview
Last week I talked a bit about a couple of flight sim shooters coming soon to a PC near you. One of them is World of Warplanes, the followup title to Wargaming.net's ubiquitous World of Tanks hit.

The World War II action MMO masters are slipping the surly bonds of earth with a new lobby-based battler that's currently flying through the early phases of its global alpha test. I had a few burning questions for the devs, including specifics on the matchmaking system, progression, and the possibility of historical scenarios. Producer Anton Sitnikau was gracious enough to answer those and more, so head past the break to see what he had to say.

Continue reading The Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression

MassivelyThe Firing Line: World of Warplanes producer talks matchmaking, progression originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anton-sitnikauexclusivef2pfeaturedfpsfree-to-playhistoricalinterviewinterviewsmassively-exclusivematchmakingmmofpsopinionplaneplanespvptflthe-firing-linethird-person-shootertpswarwargaming.netwargaming.net-matchmakingwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplanesworld-of-warplanes-interviewworld-of-warplanes-matchmakingworld-of-warplanes-producer-interviewwowpwowp-interviewwowp-matchmakingFri, 18 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/17/exclusive-interview-going-global-with-fallen-earths-pvp/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Fallen Earth
Two of the biggest cornerstones of Fallen Earth have always been crafting and PvP, and its these cornerstones that GamersFirst is enriching come patch 2.4. The patch, called Global Territory Control, is taking these elements and firing them up in ways that any PvPer or crafter should find exciting.

We hopped on the phone with Associate Producer Asa Reed, Director of Operations Joe Willmon, and Senior Game Designer Marie Croall to talk about why 2.4 will be the patch that will change the wasteland forever -- and why you should anticipate it, whether you're a crafter or a player-killer.

Gallery: Fallen Earth Black Box Gear

Continue reading Exclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP

MassivelyExclusive Interview: Going global with Fallen Earth's PvP originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2.4asa-reedcraftingf2pfaction-controlfallen-earthfefree-to-playg1gamersfirstglobal-territory-controlharvesterharvestersharvestinginterviewinterviewsJoe-Willmonkeepkeepsmarie-croallpatch-2.4post-apocpost-apocalypticpreviewpvpresourcessandboxsci-fiwastelandsThu, 17 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/15/hyperspace-beacon-swtors-james-ohlen-shares-the-formula-behind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs
When Update 1.2 launched for Star Wars: The Old Republic, most players witnessed some major changes to their classes. In my opinion, these changes weren't game-breaking, but they did require that some players re-evaluate how they played. Some classes were changed so drastically in this patch players claimed they felt as if they were truly playing a completely different class.

Major changes like this do not happen without reason, and from my time spent with SWTOR developers, I know that they are passionately interested in making their game the best it can be. So I asked Game Director James Ohlen some questions about these mechanical changes. In true James Ohlen fashion, he was more than happy to answer in intricate detail, and I'm excited to bring you those answers here in the Hyperspace Beacon.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: SWTOR's James Ohlen shares the formula behind PvP nerfs originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebuff-stackingclass-balanceeaelectronic-artsfeaturedgame-directorGame-Mechanicshyperspace-beaconinterviewjames-ohlenlucasartsopinionplayer-vs-playerPvPsci-fisith-inquisitorsith-sorcerersorcererstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorupdate-1.2Tue, 15 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/wizard101-fansite-owner-hired-to-be-pirate101s-community-manage/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Friendly Necromancer logo
Tom Purdue, admired owner and operator of The Friendly Necromancer blog and Wizard101 fansite, has announced today that he will be KingsIsle Entertainment's new community manager for the upcoming Pirate101 MMO.

As that transition from fan to employee is always a fascinating transformation, we recognize that it's not an easy decision. Massively itself has raised a handful of MMO community managers, so this news is particularly of interest to us. For that reason, we tracked Tom down and asked him some questions about his new role at KingsIsle. Follow along below for the complete interview.

Continue reading Wizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager

MassivelyWizard101 fansite owner hired to be Pirate101's community manager originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managerdream-come-truef2pfamilyfansitefantasyfree-to-playinterviewinterviewskid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentpirate101the-friendly-necromancertom-purduetransitionwizard101Wed, 09 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/16/captains-log-interview-with-star-trek-onlines-executive-produ/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Image
Next in this series of interviews conducted on my visit to Cryptic Studios in Los Gatos, California, last month is a chat with Daniel Stahl, Executive Producer of Star Trek Online.

I first asked Stahl to give me an overview of his responsibilities as Executive Producer, as there are many people who are either new to STO (or even to gaming overall) who may not have a clear understanding of his role entails.

He stated his job is "similar to making movies." He has several direct reports, the first being the software person or the person responsible for the team of people who actually create the code for the game. The second is the Content Lead, who is responsible for new missions, new features, and anything to with player experience. Finally, the Quality Assurance team also reports to him.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Star Trek Online's Executive Producer, Daniel Stahl originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logchampions-onlinecrypticcryptic-studiosdan-stahldaniel-stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoturbineTurbine-EntertainmentMon, 16 Apr 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/14/the-tattered-notebook-eqii-webcast-talks-skyshrine-mercs-qeyn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Withered Lands Giant
For those gamers who have been patiently waiting to hear about GU63, the past few weeks have been a treat. We've shown off a few trailers on Massively, the official site has hosted a couple of team interviews, and even the SOE Twitch TV channel has been focused on EverQuest II. In fact, the recent webcast was the second part of a featured series on the update, and this one took a closer look Skyshrine and also answered a few fan questions. EQII Producer Holly "Windstalker" Longdale, Lead Designer Akil "Lyndro" Hooper, and SOE Executive Producer Dave "SmokeJumper" Georgeson sat down to preview what's coming to a server near you. In this week's Tattered Notebook, we'll look at the highlights and analyze what it means to both new players and old. Read on for the skinny!

Continue reading The Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar

MassivelyThe Tattered Notebook: Skyshrine, mercs, Qeynos, and shields that roar originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>akil-hooperanimated-shieldsdave-georgesoneqeq-2eq-iieq2eqiiEQII-PvPeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playholly-longdalekaren-bryanmercenariesopinionqeynosQeynos-revampskyshrinesmokejumpersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttattered-notebookthe-tattered-notebooktradeskill-apprenticesSat, 14 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Champions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/13/rob-overmeyer-discusses-new-changes-coming-for-champions-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Champions Online screenshot
There's been a big buzz for the latest update to Champions Online. The entire game is undergoing a significant overhaul for the newest expansion, On Alert, which has just gone live today. The developers are adding in talent trees for player heroes as well as a dramatic overhaul of the way equipment works.

We sat down with Rob Overmeyer, executive producer for Champions, and asked him a few questions about the update and what it will mean for Millennium City's superhero population. Naturally, he had a lot to say!

Continue reading Champions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer

MassivelyChampions Online's On Alert launches, we interview Rob Overmeyer originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alertalertschampionschampions-onlinechampscocrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewson-alertperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerob-overmeyersuperherosuperheroesFri, 13 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/09/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-three/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Image
Today Captain's Log continues with the third and final installment of my interview with Al Rivera, Star Trek Online's Lead Designer at Cryptic Studios!

Rivera and I picked up the conversation and talked briefly about the Why I Play STO column that I wrote several weeks ago. I informed him that because of that column, I had received a few emails from brand-new MMO players who expressed frustration over the fact that as new free-to-play players, they weren't immediately allowed into the parts of the game that would give them access to the community, especially fleets, right off the bat.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part three originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 09 Apr 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: Menace of the Underdark brings big changes to Dungeons and Dragons Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-menace-of-the-underdark-brings-big-changes-to-dun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-menace-of-the-underdark-brings-big-changes-to-dun/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/07/pax-east-2012-menace-of-the-underdark-brings-big-changes-to-dun/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Dungeons and Dragons Online concept art
Dungeons and Dragons Online players are in for a whole new world of adventure when Menace of the Underdark launches this summer. The expansion, due to release on June 25th, will send players into the Forgotten Realms to fight against the Queen of Spiders, Lolth. Executive Producer Fernando Paiz and Senior Producer Eric Boyer welcomed us into their lair... er, Turbine's booth... to talk about the upcoming expansion at this year's PAX East. Read on for our preview!

Continue reading PAX East 2012: Menace of the Underdark brings big changes to Dungeons and Dragons Online

MassivelyPAX East 2012: Menace of the Underdark brings big changes to Dungeons and Dragons Online originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 07 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventionddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeric-boyerexpansionexpof2pfantasyfeaturedfernando-paizfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsmenace-of-the-underdarkpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expopreviewpreviewsturbineturbine-entertainmentSat, 07 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/06/pax-east-2012-world-of-warplanes-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

This is a game about basketball.
Much like its predecessor, World of Warplanes is not a game with an ambiguous title. This is a game about planes, and not the sort that flies cargo from one point on the globe to another. If flying around and getting into aerial dogfights sounds like an unappealing concept to you, well, you can pretty much just exit stage left when you hear the name.

But the lack of subtlety in the name, however noteworthy, doesn't really say much about the game itself. Is it fun to play? Does it succeed in what it sets out to do? Really, is it just World of Tanks up in the air? I can't speak to the last one, but I can say that it definitely delivers on its stated design goals. This is a game all about maximizing the rush of an aerial fight and striking a balance between crafting an in-depth flight simulation and providing accessibility to those new to the genre.

Gallery: World of Warplanes

Continue reading PAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions

MassivelyPAX East 2012: World of Warplanes impressions originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conconventiondesignexactly-what-it-says-on-the-tinexpof2pfeaturedflightflight-simulatorfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryhands-onhistoricalimpressionsinterviewinterviewsopinionpaxpax-2012pax-eastpax-east-2012penny-arcade-expoplaneplanespreviewpreviewspvpscreenshotscreenshotswarwargaming.netwarplanewarplanesworld-of-warplaneswowpFri, 06 Apr 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: An interview sheds light on the new BlackCloud]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wings-over-atreia-an-interview-sheds-light-on-the-new-blackclou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wings-over-atreia-an-interview-sheds-light-on-the-new-blackclou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/05/wings-over-atreia-an-interview-sheds-light-on-the-new-blackclou/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Aion
Information is like gold 'round these parts, and I've been out prospecting, sifting, and searching in the hopes of at least finding a few flakes if not hitting pay dirt. But even with Aion Ascension just around the corner, finding many nuggets of information on the new BlackCloud Marketplace hasn't panned out. Until now. Eureka!

Welcome to the Massively Gold Rush. OK, so maybe a "rush" is a bit of an overstatement, but I have discovered a few golden nuggets about Aion's renovated cash shop and impending 3.0 expansion. I had the chance to catch up with Producer Adam Christensen and learn a bit more about what Daevas will find in the BlackCloud Marketplace as well as get some details about various new upcoming features like housing, mounts, and the level 60 Daevanion armor.

And with the BlackCloud Marketplace finally opening its doors, Daevas can check out the selection for themselves and pre-purchase items to be delivered at Ascension's Launch.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: An interview sheds light on the new BlackCloud

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: An interview sheds light on the new BlackCloud originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.03.0-patchAdam-ChristensenaionAion-AscensionBlackCloud-Marketplacecash-shopConstructioncraftingcrafting-Constructioncrafting-professionDaevanion-armorexlusive-interviewf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfurniturehousinginterviewinterviewsmountsncsoftnew-crafting-professionopinionstorage-spacewings-over-atreiaThu, 05 Apr 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/02/captains-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Today Captain's Log continues with part two of my interview with Al Rivera, Star Trek Online's Lead Designer at Cryptic Studios.

Last week I received a bit of feedback regarding the state of Rivera's desk. I withheld taking pictures of the interior of the office space for fear of inadvertently capturing information that I wasn't free to share. Happily, though, Rivera himself decided to tweet a few photos of the ships and Trek paraphernalia that graced our visit to his office. Yes, it also included a picture of what I had described in my last column as a "funky purple monster." Apparently my comic book naiveté has kept me from recognizing what Rivera informed me is The Maxx.

Sorry, but it will always be that funky purple monster to me.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part two originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/30/some-assembly-required-revisiting-origins-of-malu-an-intervi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required
Many moons ago when the air just started to cool from summer's heat (aka, last September), Some Assembly Required had the opportunity to talk shop with a new outfit that is developing a promising new sandbox MMORPG, Origins of Malu. And you know me: Sandbox is the magic word! As skeptical as I knew I should be, I still came away from that interview with renewed hope that a game with some of the features for player-generated content could exist again.

Back then, Burning Dog Media made the bold statement that it would absolutely release its flagship game in 2012, with a target of early 2012 to boot. But as the first quarter of the year quickly drew to a close with scant information available, it became pretty clear the game is still a ways off. In the realm of games, no news is not necessarily good news... and we definitely hit a drought in news.

Now that drought has ended. In our second exclusive interview, we spoke with Michael Dunham, Producer, Jason Mitchell, Senior Developer, and Dave Cruikshank, Art Director, to learn what's been going on behind the scenes and get the scoop on more details about those very features that have sandbox lovers salivating.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Revisiting Origins of Malu originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>burning-dog-mediaconstructioncraftingDave-Cruikshankeconomyexclusiveexclusive-interviewfaction-warfarefactionsfeaturedgame-mechanicsguildsinterviewinterviewsJason-Mitchellmassively-exclusive-interviewsmichael-dunhamopinionorigins-of-malupgcplayer-contentplayer-economyplayer-generated-contentPvEPvPsandboxsarsome-assembly-requiredFri, 30 Mar 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/27/soe-answers-vanguard-free-to-play-questions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
With the recent announcement from Sony Online Entertainment that Vanguard: Saga of Heroes will be going free-to-play sometime this summer, questions immediately began to surface. How will it effect current players? Will it be anything like the other free-to-play titles that SOE runs? Well, we were as curious as anyone else, so we fired off a few questions to SOE in the hopes of snagging some more insight into the transformation.

We received our answers from Andy Sites, Director of Development, and the ever-familiar Salim Grant, Creative Director.

It's an exciting time to be a Vanguard player, but will putting a free title on a game that has struggled in the past make any difference? Time will tell. In the meanwhile, click past the cut to check out what SOE had to say!

Continue reading SOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions

MassivelySOE answers Vanguard free-to-play questions originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>andy-sitesbeau-hindmancash-shopconversionf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playftpinterviewinterviewslive-gamerMicrotransactionssalim-grasalim-grantsandboxsoesonysony-online-entertainmenttelonvanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgTue, 27 Mar 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/26/captain-s-log-interview-with-cryptics-al-rivera-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Cryptic Studios
Last week, I headed to Cryptic Studios to meet with several of the folks responsible for the development of Star Trek Online. Over the course of the next few weeks, I will be sharing what I learned from those individuals and from the team on the whole!

This week, I will begin my coverage of a lengthy interview with Al Rivera (@CaptainGeko), the lead designer for STO.

If I had any doubts about the team's love or understanding of our beloved franchise, those doubts were dispelled the moment I walked into the STO work area.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Interview with Cryptic's Al Rivera, part one originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al-riveracaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoThe 2800The2800Mon, 26 Mar 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Kickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/kickstarting-the-future-of-game-publishing-an-interview-with-br/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wasteland box art
When I was 12 years old, my days mainly consisted of one thing: playing games on my Commodore 64. I would set my alarm early to get some gaming in before school, think about the games all day during school, then come home and play as much as I could before my parents made me stop and do homework or chores. Aside from TSR's Gold Box series, the two games that molded my childhood and my love for gaming were Wasteland and The Bard's Tale. Both of these games were made by Interplay Productions, a company founded by Brian Fargo in 1983.

Fargo has always been an iconic figure to me. I regularly name my MMO characters Faran Brygo (a name he used for an NPC in the original Wasteland). I'm certainly not alone in my love for Wasteland (which I have labeled for years as my all-time-favorite RPG), but I think it's safe to say that many gamers who enjoyed Wasteland always wondered why there was no sequel. Fallout 1 and 2 were "spiritual successors" to the game, but for copyright reasons, they were never actually labeled as true sequels. Fargo tried to make a true sequel for 20 years but was always met with brick walls from publishers who weren't interested in resurrecting such an old game.

Enter Kickstarter. After the wild success of Tim Schafer's Double Fine crowdfunding campaign, Fargo got the idea to try it out for himself. The timing was right with the current nostalgic gaming scene, the popularity of the post-apocalyptic genre, and the fact that most of Interplay's original fans are now in a position of making a tad more income than allowance money from childhood chores.

We sat down with Brian Fargo to discuss his views on the potential of Kickstarter, the future of Big Brother game publishers, and Wasteland 2.

Continue reading Kickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo

MassivelyKickstarting the future of game publishing: An interview with Brian Fargo originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brian-fargofaran-brygointerplayinterviewinterviewskickstarterpublishersrpgtrailertrailersvideovideoswastelandwasteland-2yes-we-know-its-not-an-mmoThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/38-studios-announces-the-addition-of-more-industry-vets-to-the-t/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Reckoning
Fresh off the launch of its single player game, Kingdoms of Amalur: Reckoning, 38 Studios has announced the addition of two new members to their team. John Blakely, who has worked for SOE and Zynga, will become their senior vice president of development, while Mark Hansen has come from LEGO Systems Inc. to take on the role of senior vice president of business operations. They both took the time to speak with Massively about their experience in the industry as well as their upcoming roles with 38 Studios. Read on for highlights from the interview!

Continue reading 38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team

Massively38 Studios announces the addition of more industry vets to the team originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studioscopernicuscurt-schillingfeaturedjohn-blakelyken-rolstonmark-hansenr.a.-salvatoretodd-macfarlaneThu, 15 Mar 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-rifts-adam-gershowitz-talks-raiding-mentoring-and-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-rifts-adam-gershowitz-talks-raiding-mentoring-and-h/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/13/gdc-2012-rifts-adam-gershowitz-talks-raiding-mentoring-and-h/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Infernal Dawn
Last week's GDC came at a perfect time for Trion. The conference overlaps perfectly with RIFT's one-year anniversary, and Producer Adam Gershowitz took us through some highlights of the past year as well as the current Carnival of the Ascended content. But he also gave a peek at what's planned for the future, not only showing off the new raid zone Infernal Dawn but also talking about the team's plans for some fan-favorites like the leaderboards, mentoring, and housing.

Gallery: Rift Update 1.8

Continue reading GDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing

MassivelyGDC 2012: RIFT's Adam Gershowitz talks raiding, mentoring, and housing originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adam-gershowitzcarnival-of-the-ascendedconconferenceconventionfantasyfeaturedgalleriesgallerygame-developers-conferencegame-developers-conference-2012gdcgdc-2012housinginfernal-dawninterviewinterviewsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telarascreenshotscreenshotstriontrion-worldsTue, 13 Mar 2012 19:00:00 EST