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[Neverwinter team offers token of peace for beta mess]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/neverwinter-team-offers-token-of-peace-for-beta-mess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/neverwinter-team-offers-token-of-peace-for-beta-mess/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/neverwinter-team-offers-token-of-peace-for-beta-mess/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter team offers token of gratitude for beta mess
So Perfect World Entertainment and Cryptic Studios figure that Neverwinter players may not exactly be happy about the list of game-breaking bugs and exploits found in the game's open beta over the last few weeks. To help alleviate that player frustration, the developers are offering up an olive branch of sorts in the form of the Caturday Survivor's Pack full of in-game goodies.

For all characters created before 8 a.m. EDT (5 a.m. PDT) on Sunday, May 19th, this pack is waiting in their in-game mailbox. In it, each character will find a Stone of Health, a Dwarven Facemask, five teleport scrolls to the Protector's Enclave, two Adventurer's XP boosters, and a Cape of Catastrophe. Hey, at least they have a sense of humor about it.

MassivelyNeverwinter team offers token of peace for beta mess originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoCaturdaycrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweTue, 21 May 2013 10:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: When are rollbacks and wipes absolutely necessary?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/the-daily-grind-when-are-rollbacks-absolutely-necessary/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

When are rollbacks absolutely necessary
In the last few weeks, two big games we cover on Massively have been slammed with exploits that have injured their respective economies: Diablo III and Neverwinter. In Diablo III's case, a gold duping bug apparently pumped insane amounts of cash into the economy. Neverwinter's exploits run the gamut from Foundry abuses to negative auction hall bids that don't consume gold to classes that can one-shot bosses making farming trivial. According to these claims, NW exploiters are making off with thousands of real-life dollars when cashing out their ill-gotten funds.

In both cases, players called for characters wipes and rollbacks, believing each exploit severe enough to merit a clean slate. But in Diablo III's case, while the studio dealt harshly with the exploiters, the developers disagreed with the need for wipes and do-overs, presumably having concluded that such drastic measures would impact the legit playerbase far more than would a dented economy. Neverwinter, on the other hand, chose to roll back the servers, causing widespread uproar.

That brings us to today's question: Which studio was right? How bad does an exploit have to be before character wipes and server rollbacks are absolutely necessary?

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: When are rollbacks and wipes absolutely necessary? originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Blizzardbrianna-royce-tdgcharacter-wipecryptic-studiosdaily-grinddiablo-3diablo-iiieconomyexploitexploitsneverwinteropinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwerollbackrollbacksserver-wipetdgthe-daily-grindwipewipesMon, 20 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter returns with seven-hour rollback after exploit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/neverwinter-returns-with-seven-hour-rollback-after-exploit/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter returns with sevenhour rollback after exploit
Over the weekend, a massive exploit plagued Perfect World Entertainment's Neverwinter beta as players discovered a way to make billions off of the auction house and Astral Diamond Exchange.

After initially closing the economy to explore the company's options, PWE decided to do a seven-hour rollback of the servers that affects the progress made between 8:20 a.m. EDT (5:20 a.m. PDT) and 3:20 p.m. EDT (12:20 p.m. PDT) yesterday for all players.

"Rest assured, the issue has been corrected and we have taken appropriate action against all players who took advantage of the bug, including but not limited to enforcing permanent bans," the announcement reads.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this one in!]

MassivelyNeverwinter returns with seven-hour rollback after exploit originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndexploitsf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwerollbackMon, 20 May 2013 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Exploits plague Neverwinter economy, PWE responds [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/exploits-plague-neverwinter-economy-cryptic-responds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Neverwinter
Multiple Massively sources and forum users are reporting that a serious auction hall exploit involving negative bids has turned the fledgling economy of Neverwinter on its head. Perfect World/Cryptic appear to be locking down forum threads on the topic and have posted the following in response to the exploits:
We currently are in the process of taking action against a subset of accounts that were confirmed to have utilized exploits that affected the game balance or economy. These accounts may be banned, temporarily or permanently, depending on the severity of exploit utilization. Anyone who is affected by this will receive notification via email. [...] Thank you for your patience and support while we continue to do everything in our power to ensure that Neverwinter remains a fair and balanced game experience.
The post also encourages anyone banned unfairly to contact customer support for resolution. A followup post by a Cryptic moderator from last night tells players that "there are no plans for another wipe at this time." And a message on the Neverwinter's German-language Facebook page suggests that the Neverwinter Gateway has been taken offline while the issue is investigated. We'll keep you posted as the story develops. [Thanks to Dan, J, Ehra, David, Dixa, Mike, xpac, Jan, and Zaph for the tips!]

[Update: Cryptic has posted a new response to the latest exploit: "The Astral Diamond Exchange and the Auction House have been temporarily taken offline to resolve a high priority bug. At this time we are still investigating the details regarding the issue and will post more information as the situation progresses. As the issue involves in-game currency, we understand that there may be questions regarding the follow up actions needed to ensure that the economy remains fair and balanced. At this time we are still in the process of collecting the data, but plan to share details regarding follow up actions once the investigation concludes. Thank you for your patience and understanding while we continually smooth out issues during open beta."]

MassivelyExploits plague Neverwinter economy, PWE responds [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmobugbugscrypticcryptic-studiosdndeconomyexploitexploitsf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweSun, 19 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter Days: The 14 guides you need to read]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/neverwinter-days-the-14-guides-you-need-to-read/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/neverwinter-days-the-14-guides-you-need-to-read/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/neverwinter-days-the-14-guides-you-need-to-read/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter Days The 14 guides you need to read
I've had a strange start with Neverwinter, to be honest. While I did get in on the 25th with the early-early crowd, shortly thereafter I had to boogie on off to a vacation that canceled out eight days of soft launch gaming time. So even though I got an early start, I'm probably behind many of you -- even those who started on the 30th.

That's OK; I'm not in a rush. I'm not the type to get into a speed race or feel the compulsion to become an instant expert by the end of week one. My experience so far has been feeling out what Neverwinter has to offer, mostly by going through the solo quest line, participating in skirmishes, and queuing up for dungeon runs when time permits. And I'm enjoying myself so far, although I still have that "slightly lost" feeling that comes with exploring a brand-new MMO. I need to learn how to create Foundry missions and I haven't even touched professions yet.

Maybe you're like me. Maybe you assume that everyone already knows the ins and outs of the game as though he's been playing it for years, while you're an ignorant noob wandering the streets. I don't think you're alone if that's the case, and to help both you and me out, I've done some research to find the top 14 most helpful threads, sites, and articles that all fledgling Neverwinter adventurers should at least skim over.

Continue reading Neverwinter Days: The 14 guides you need to read

MassivelyNeverwinter Days: The 14 guides you need to read originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceclassescompanionscrypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playguideguideshelpneverwinterneverwinter-daysneverwinter-nightsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentprofessionspwethe-foundrytiptipstricksWed, 15 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter dev blog delves into the Foundry]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/neverwinter-dev-blog-delves-into-the-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/neverwinter-dev-blog-delves-into-the-foundry/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/neverwinter-dev-blog-delves-into-the-foundry/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter dev blog delves into the Foundry
Have you heard tell about this "Foundry" thingy-ma-bob in Neverwinter, but you're not exactly sure what it is? Then Cryptic's latest dev blog is for you! In it, Foundry producer Rob Overmeyer gives a heaping helping of the what, the why, and the how of the fantasy game's player-made content generator.

Of course the Foundry is a tool for creating stuff. But more than that, Overmeyer emphasizes that "it's a place where your stories come to life." With extensive customization available in the map editors (both internal and external) and dialogue editors (for both people and objects), players can become immersive storytellers. For a look at what's possible, check out Overmeyer's overview. Then jump in game and test it out for yourself.

MassivelyNeverwinter dev blog delves into the Foundry originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdev-blogdev-diarydndf2pfantasyFoundryfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionspweRob-OvermeyerMon, 13 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: A light in the dark]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/one-shots-a-light-in-the-dark/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots A light in the dark
Reader Andrew is quite impressed with the look of Neverwinter, saying that it is visually "amazing!" Without descending into hyperbole, I have to agree. It's a good-looking title with plenty of interesting details if you take the time to stop and smell the corpses.

Corpses? Well, Andrew is standing in the middle of a whole bunch of dead folks here with his spectral flashlight (AA batteries not included). I wouldn't touch that treasure chest if I were you, Andrew. I'm guessing it might be a mimic. Oh no!

As we stumble through the dark, what other visions might we encounter in this week's One Shots?

Continue reading One Shots: A light in the dark

MassivelyOne Shots: A light in the dark originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoblueholebluehole-studiosbring-back-one-shotscrypticcryptic-studiosdnden-masseen-masse-entertainmenteqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryneverwinterone-shotsperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpics-or-it-didnt-happenpwereader-screenshotsreader-submissionssci-fiscreenshotscreenshotssoesonysony-online-entertainmentstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoterauser-submissionsSun, 12 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter teases module 1 update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/neverwinter-teases-module-1-update/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Neverwinter teases module 1 update
Cryptic's got a tiny surprise for Neverwinter players today: a teaser page for its module 1 update. The studio posted a splash page featuring a mystical forest with the phrase "They would seize from the moon the way to ruin and riches" floating above it.

In an interview with Massively a few weeks ago, Lead Producer Andy Velasquez acknowledged that the team was hard at work on this update even before Neverwinter went into open beta: "For the rest of the team, they've spent the last couple of weeks working on the first update which will come out a couple of months after the launch."

Cryptic says that more details on module 1 are coming soon, but in the meanwhile, why don't we engage in a fun round of speculation as to what this update could be?

[Thanks to Mark for the tip!]

MassivelyNeverwinter teases module 1 update originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playmodule-1neverwinterpatchperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpwesplash-pageteaserupdateThu, 09 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter counters Foundry exploit by nerfing XP rate]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/neverwinter-counters-foundry-exploit-by-nerfing-xp-rate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/neverwinter-counters-foundry-exploit-by-nerfing-xp-rate/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/neverwinter-counters-foundry-exploit-by-nerfing-xp-rate/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Neverwinter counters Foundry exploit by nerfing XP rate
Cryptic is cracking down on player-created missions that utilize certain exploits to gain XP faster than normal in Neverwinter's Foundry. While the studio temporarily banned authors for making these missions in the Foundry, it looks as though a recent patch has addressed the situation by "tweaking" the amount of XP that a player can gain within a set period of time.

Apparently some Foundry authors had been creating missions designed to pay out the maximum amount of XP by allowing near-nonstop combat. The patch has slowed that rate down by allowing players to earn only so much XP in five minutes before turning off the XP spigot altogether until the time limit is up.

Players have been reacting to the Foundry nerf with dismay, particularly non-exploit-using authors who feel as though they are being punished with the rest of the class by the XP nerfs (though "legit" farming maps appear to have escaped deletion so far). One player noted called this situation an "endless cat and mouse game" that has happened in other similar systems.

[Thanks to Zaph for the tip!]

MassivelyNeverwinter counters Foundry exploit by nerfing XP rate originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndexploitf2pfantasyfoundryfree-to-playneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpgcplayer-generated-contentpweugcuser-generated-contentWed, 08 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New Neverwinter video takes you to the Whispering Caverns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/new-neverwinter-video-takes-you-to-the-whispering-caverns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/new-neverwinter-video-takes-you-to-the-whispering-caverns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/new-neverwinter-video-takes-you-to-the-whispering-caverns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

New Neverwinter video takes you to the Whispering Caverns
Have you explored Neverwinter's Whispering Caverns yet? No? Well, what in the nine hells are you waiting for? You can load up the game and do it in real time, it's free-to-play you know, or you can head to the official website and watch Cryptic's latest video.

There's an accompanying dev diary, too, and it's all about the labyrinth of forgotten tunnels northwest of Neverwinter. All manner of underdark nasties are calling the place home nowadays, from evil dwarves to mindflayers to the drow House Xorlarrin. Click past the cut for a look-see.

Continue reading New Neverwinter video takes you to the Whispering Caverns

MassivelyNew Neverwinter video takes you to the Whispering Caverns originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Neverwinter. It's blue.
Neverwinter soft launched this week. What's a soft launch? It's when a game really shouldn't be launching yet and knows it and yet has to launch anyway for reasons probably involving money. Soft launches are incredibly confusing to old school gamers who are used to a certain kind of testing and release cycle, the uncomplicated kind that involves, you know, some testing and a release. Soft launches make games writers uncomfortable too. Why won't your weird special snowflake of a game launch fit into our perfectly planned box?

Massively reader zmeul expressed his annoyance with us thusly: "I can't understand why some games get this 'soft launch' from you and others do not, even if the criteria are met."

It's a brave new world out there, zmeul!

Continue reading Ask Massively: A new era of soft launches

MassivelyAsk Massively: A new era of soft launches originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybetabrianna-royce-ask-massivelycrypticcryptic-studiosfeaturedhumorlaunchlaunchesmassively-metametaneverwinteropen-betaopinionperfect-world-entertainmentpwesoft-launchstar-conflicttestingwar-thunderwarframeThu, 02 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which classes would you like to see in Neverwinter?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-daily-grind-which-classes-would-you-like-to-see-in-neverwin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-daily-grind-which-classes-would-you-like-to-see-in-neverwin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/02/the-daily-grind-which-classes-would-you-like-to-see-in-neverwin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter Control Wizard
I haven't dipped a toe into the Neverwinter pool yet, but I'm doing a bit of preliminary research for some potential playtime this weekend. One of the things that I'm finding is that the game's class roster is a bit light on, well, classes. Specifically, there are five to start with, which seems somewhat spartan for a title based on Dungeons and Dragons.

Notably absent is my preferred ranged DPS. There's the Control Wizard, of course, and he sounds mighty interesting, but the Neverwinter wiki says his primary role is crowd-control. What about you, Neverwinter players? What sorts of classes would you like to see available in the future?

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 classes would you like to see in Neverwinter? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 02 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdaily-grinddndf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterneverwinter-classesopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwetdgthe-daily-grindThu, 02 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/pantsless-first-impressions-of-neverwinters-open-beta-headstar/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pantsless First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta
Neverwinter's launch into open beta began last week, and through the grace of my press account, my Great Weapon Fighter was lucky enough to begin her digital life alongside players who forked over $199.99 for the Hero of the North Founder's Pack. I lack any of the Founders Pack bonuses, so off my plucky human character went, surrounded on her first day almost exclusively by panther-having Drow.

Justin's been serving up a delicious helping of launch diary goodness, but he's relaxing on a cruise ship this week, so you're stuck with me! Join me as we sally forth into my launch-but-not-really-launch-it's-open-beta-okay-guys-but-we-aren't-deleting-characters-anymore-no-really-it's-still-open-beta-look-it-says-so-in-this-blog-post impressions! The first section is about thighs.

Continue reading Pantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart

MassivelyPantsless: First impressions of Neverwinter's open beta headstart originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfeaturedFirst-Impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesneverwinteropinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweTue, 30 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter's open beta soft launches today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/neverwinters-open-beta-soft-launches-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Neverwinter concept art
Ever wonder what the heck an MMO soft launch actually is? Me too, which is funny because you'd think I'd know, working for an MMO site and whatnot. Soft launch implies that somewhere out in game land there's also a hard launch, which is a term that I've never heard once despite following the industry for decades now.

Is soft launch merely a marketing construct, or perhaps devspeak for a free-to-play MMO that operates in some sort of perpetual beta in spite of a working cash shop? Or is it simply a term that denotes the beginning of an open beta period that is free of character wipes, as is the case with today's Neverwinter pseudo-release? The definition is up to you, I suppose, and while you're mulling that one over, you can also click past the cut for a roundup of our best pre-soft-launch Neverwinter coverage.

Continue reading Neverwinter's open beta soft launches today

MassivelyNeverwinter's open beta soft launches today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playlaunch-roundupneverwinterneverwinter-launchneverwinter-launch-roundupperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweroundupsoft-launchTue, 30 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/27/massivelys-neverwinter-launch-diary-day-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day two
After yesterday's initial foray into Neverwinter, I was eager to get back to it. I was still trying to figure everything out, including frustrating little issues (is there a screenshot key that saves to a folder? Can I keep the little notifications from constantly popping out of the side of the map?). There's that period of acclimation in new games when you're excited but also feel a little lost. I'm guessing it's going to be another day or two before I truly feel comfortable in my Neverwinter home.

From what I can figure out, there are six main options for a typical Neverwinter play session. There are general PvE quests, skirmishes (think instanced public quests), zone-wide events, group dungeon runs, Foundry missions, and PvP fights. There's also playing the auction house, crafting, and making your own Foundry missions.

Yesterday was about the first two, so I decided that the second day would be all about the Foundry. At a certain level or part of the quest line (around level 11), you gain access to daily Foundry quests. These give you astral diamonds as incentive to run player-made content, so I figured I had nothing to lose and everything to gain!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosdnddungeons-and-dragonsf2pfantasyfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playhands-onlaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterneverwinter-daysneverwinter-nightsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentPGCplayer-generated-contentpwethe-foundrySat, 27 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/massivelys-neverwinter-early-access-launch-diary-day-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Massively's Neverwinter launch diary Day one
Neverwinter's launch isn't so much a launch as a gradual roll-out that's happening in several phases and operating under the code-name of "open beta." While the doors won't be open for the general public until April 30th, purchasers of the founder's packs are able to get in a few days early. Cryptic's invited the media to join the day one festivities alongside of those who've plunked down $200 for a Hero of the North package, which is how I'm able to bring to you a day-by-day account of the first week of Neverwinter live.

While I've participated in two of the beta weekend events and have been following Neverwinter for a few months now as part of my column coverage, much of the game is virgin territory to me. I like going into a launch relatively unspoiled (or as unspoiled as a writer who covers MMOs can be), so this launch diary isn't going to be the voice of great experience. It's going to be the voice of experiences. See what I did there?

Noon on April 25th finally arrived... and we were off to the D&D races!

Continue reading Massively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one

MassivelyMassively's Neverwinter early access launch diary: Day one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdevoted-clericdiarydndf2pfantasyfeaturedfirst-impressionsfree-to-playhands-onimpressionslaunchlaunch-daylaunch-diarylaunchesneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspweFri, 26 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Neverwinter founder early access begins today [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neverwinter-founder-early-access-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neverwinter-founder-early-access-begins-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/25/neverwinter-founder-early-access-begins-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Neverwinter founder early access begins today
If you're a diehard Neverwinter fan (i.e., you threw down $200 for the Hero of the North founder's pack), you're probably sitting at home in your PJs, notebook full of character names in hand, ready to hit the Neverwinter open beta running. Or you might be at work/school wishing you played sick this morning.

Either way, Cryptic Studios' and Perfect World Entertainment's D&D-based MMO Neverwinter is celebrating a soft launch this morning as the open beta early access period will begin at 12 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. PDT). For those who purchased the Guardian of Neverwinter founder's pack ($60 US), your early access begins at 12 p.m. EDT (9 a.m. PDT) on April 27.

Good luck to everyone and watch the open beta trailer after the jump below to get you pumped up!

[Update: We've altered this post to remove a bit about stressing over character name reservations since Neverwinter allows you to grab any character name you want under your global handle. Sorry for the confusion!]

Continue reading Neverwinter founder early access begins today [Updated]

MassivelyNeverwinter founder early access begins today [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinteropen-betaperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesoft-launchThu, 25 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perfect World releases Neverwinter Helm's Hold video, pics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/perfect-world-releases-neverwinter-helms-hold-video-pics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/perfect-world-releases-neverwinter-helms-hold-video-pics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/24/perfect-world-releases-neverwinter-helms-hold-video-pics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Perfect World releases Neverwinter Helms Hold video, pics
Is it irony or subtle PR manipulation that a new Neverwinter update focused on Helm's Hold has released on the same day as Turbine's Helms Deep announcement?

We're not really sure, and in the end you're probably more interested in the content than the things that make game bloggers chuckle. So, yes, Perfect World has released a video and some screen shots of Helm's... er, Hold, the latter of which you can view after the cut and former of which you can view at the official Neverwinter website.

Continue reading Perfect World releases Neverwinter Helm's Hold video, pics

MassivelyPerfect World releases Neverwinter Helm's Hold video, pics originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 24 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playhelms-holdneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwevideoWed, 24 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/20/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-two/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Neverwinter prelaunch interview, part two
We're back with Cryptic Lead Producer Andy Velasquez to continue our discussion of Neverwinter's beta lessons, launch preparations, and post-launch plans. We also touch on some of the comments and concerns that players had for the title and how Cryptic is addressing them.

If you missed the first part of this interview, make sure you check it out before continuing!

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part two originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoandy-velasquezbalancebehind-the-scenesbetabeta-testingchampions-onlineclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdndexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslaunchlaunch-daylaunchesneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspwestar-trek-onlineupdate-1update-2Sat, 20 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part one]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-one/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/19/massively-exclusive-neverwinter-pre-launch-interview-part-one/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Massively Exclusive Neverwinter prelaunch interview
Andy Velasquez has seen his fair share of MMO launches, but that doesn't make a new one any less exhilarating or terrifying. As lead producer, he's the captain of the Neverwinter ship and must make sure it's seaworthy before slipping out of drydock and heading into the unknown waters of release. Metaphor or no, it's a daunting job with little downtime, especially in this final week leading up to the soft launch of open beta.

Velasquez took a half-hour out of his busy schedule to sit with us and talk about the preparations being made for Neverwinter's big moment. Read on for his candid insights into beta stories, launch day, and making tough calls when tough calls had to be made.

Continue reading Massively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part one

MassivelyMassively Exclusive: Neverwinter pre-launch interview, part one originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoandy-velasquezbalancebehind-the-scenesbetabeta-testingchampions-onlineclassescrypticcryptic-studiosdndexclusivef2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playinterviewinterviewslaunchneverwinterperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpreviewpreviewspwestar-trek-onlineupdate-1update-2Fri, 19 Apr 2013 09:00:00 EST