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[Joshua Hong continues pursuit of Governor's seat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/joshua-hong-continues-pursuit-of-governers-seat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/joshua-hong-continues-pursuit-of-governers-seat/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/23/joshua-hong-continues-pursuit-of-governers-seat/#commentsFiled under: , ,

We heard some interesting news from GamersFirst CEO Joshua Hong at the beginning of the month, when he announced his plan to run for Governor of California under the "Free2Play" flag. The timing of his announcement combined with his stated intent to bring Free2Play to all Californians led many to think it was some elaborate April Fool's prank. Of course, we know now that Hong was serious about his bid for office.

He remains serious in this pursuit now, having released "The 3 Tent Poles of Free2Play." While at first glance, the concept sounds a bit like "free MMOs for everyone," it's simply a platform based on the ideal concepts and goals behind free-to-play gaming: "The basis of the Free2Play model is to put gamers first. My premise for Free2Play in California is to put Californians first!"

Hong expands on the goals of his campaign and promises more details to come, but he was kind enough to elaborate on the three cornerstones of them for us right away. Follow along after the jump for a detailed look at what Free2Play is all about.

Continue reading Joshua Hong continues pursuit of Governor's seat

MassivelyJoshua Hong continues pursuit of Governor's seat originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>californiafree2playgamersfirstgovernergoverner-of-californiajoshua-hongvote4joshFri, 23 Apr 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Anti-Aliased Special Edition: Net neutrality, the FCC, Comcast, and Glenn Beck]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/anti-aliased-special-edition-net-neutrality-the-fcc-com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/anti-aliased-special-edition-net-neutrality-the-fcc-com/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/07/anti-aliased-special-edition-net-neutrality-the-fcc-com/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

So today's Wednesday and yes, I know, my column usually doesn't run on Wednesday. However, thanks the recent ruling against the Federal Communications Commission in their net neutrality case, it seems that there's a very relevant topic to talk about as soon as possible.

Let me open by saying this -- net neutrality isn't another one of those overblown media stories, or something that we should put off on the backburner. Yet, while everyone's talking about net neutrality, few people are really talking about what it is, why you should care, and why you can't trust everything you're hearing about net neutrality. I've heard more than a few mistruths about the subject recently -- including a whole string of mistruths from everyone's favorite comedy network, Fox News.

So today, let's set some things straight and talk about net neutrality. This is very serious stuff for the avid MMO gamer, the casual online gamer, or, well, anyone who touches the Internet.

Continue reading Anti-Aliased Special Edition: Net neutrality, the FCC, Comcast, and Glenn Beck

MassivelyAnti-Aliased Special Edition: Net neutrality, the FCC, Comcast, and Glenn Beck originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appeals-courtassociated-pressblizzard-downloadercomcastcomcast.netfccfederal-communications-commissionfox-newsglenn-beckinternet-capinternet-usagelegalmsnbcnet-neutralitynetworknetwork-neutralityneutralneutralitypeer-to-peerpeer-to-peer-networkingservice-packageturbine-updaterWed, 07 Apr 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GamersFirst CEO to run for Governor of California]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gamersfirst-ceo-to-run-for-governor-of-california/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gamersfirst-ceo-to-run-for-governor-of-california/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/04/02/gamersfirst-ceo-to-run-for-governor-of-california/#commentsFiled under: ,

Unfortunate timing made nearly everyone think it was another April Fool's Day prank, but today's news confirms that it's not: "Joshua Hong, CEO and founder of GamersFirst, has declared his intent to participate in the 2010 race for California Governor; replacing Governor Schwarzenegger; who is ineligible for re-election this year."

Hong, whose company GamersFirst offers free-to-play games such as Sword of the New World, will be running a lighthearted campaign, on the premise that people are sick of weighty, "overexamined" issues like schools, healthcare, and the economy. "What people really care about is entertainment and video games."

He sums up the campaign pretty clearly: "From experience, players are sick of big corporations charging exorbitant costs for video games and consoles. I want to incorporate the ideas of Free2Play, which I brought to this industry and trademarked. I will use my gubernatorial term to propagate and instill Free2Play to Californians. With our loyal Free2Play community of nearly 5 million in California, the strength of that bond will push me into the position of 39th governor of California!"

Is he serious? Well, his camp says yes, and he only needs 10,000 signatures by the August deadline to get on the ballot. Are you interested to see how far he can carry this? Head over to vote4josh to add your support, and keep your eye on Massively -- we'll be talking with the candidate himself very soon to see where this is all going.

MassivelyGamersFirst CEO to run for Governor of California originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 02 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgamersfirstgovernorjoshua-hongsword-of-the-new-worldvote4joshFri, 02 Apr 2010 22:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/16/eve-online-blogger-provides-insight-on-alliance-warfare-in-domin/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Alliance warfare has always been a huge part of EVE Online's endgame PvP, with alliances fighting over resources, expanding their borders or just settling age-old political grudges. The Dominion expansion made sweeping changes to alliance warfare and the transition hasn't been easy on all the alliances. Since Dominion went live, it's been difficult to judge just how effective the expansion has been at revitalising territorial warfare or how alliances are using the new system. EVE Blogger Wensley has been involved in the recent war against CVA in Providence region and he's been posting some of the valuable insights he's gleaned on territorial warfare over at his blog Rifter Drifter.

In part 1 of his series "Catch 22" on the most recent parts of the war, he details the reasoning behind CVA's territorial expansion from Providence into the Catch region. In part 2, Wensley describes the details of the actual war so far and provides some useful insights into the mechanics of territorial warfare. He suggests that since alliances now get to choose the rough time their systems are fought over by way of the new reinforcement timers, they should have picked a time zone that would be inconvenient for their enemies. Instead, they had set their reinforcement timer to their enemy's peak play time, allowing them to easily amass huge fleets for the attack. He goes on to blame CVA's poor performance on a lack of preparedness, suggesting that if they had gotten their fleet together and into the threatened system first, any lag occuring when enemy players jump in would have been in their favour. If you're following the war in Providence region or just interested in how territorial warfare is fought now in EVE, Rifter Drifter's on-going Catch 22 series is definitely worth a read.

MassivelyEVE Online blogger provides insight on alliance warfare in Dominion originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliancealliance-warfareblogbloggerccpccp-eveccp-gamescuratores-veritatis-alliancecvadominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinelagprovidencepvprifterrifter-drifterterritorial-controlwarfareTue, 16 Feb 2010 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The war for Providence rages on in EVE Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/the-war-for-providence-rages-on-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/the-war-for-providence-rages-on-in-eve-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/15/the-war-for-providence-rages-on-in-eve-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

The fierce wars alliances wage each day in EVE Online can undoubtedly make for some great story-telling. Each region has a history of the wars players have fought in it and each station bares the memory of a dozen take-overs and assaults. Few stations hold more significance than the outpost in 9UY4-H in the Providence region. Originally named "Unity station", the outpost has had a long and violent history since its construction by Minmatar terrorist faction "Ushra'Kahn". The significance of 9UY4-H comes partly from the fact the system is a bottleneck in logistics and trade routes leading to three empire access points, two of which are exits into high security space. For those fighting over the station in 9UY4-H, however, it holds more political meaning than strategic due to Ushra'Kahn's long history of war against the Amarrian faction "Curatores Veritatis Alliance".

Both groups have always been strong adopters of role-play, turning what would normally be a normal war into a personal vendetta. As Amarr traditionalists, CVA support the enslavement of the Minmatar race, a significant part of EVE's back-story. In retaliation, Ushra'Kahn seek liberation for all Minmatar slaves and have never given up their fight against CVA. The station in 9UY4-H has become a focal point for that war, which has lasted over three years and shows no signs of diminishing. The EVE Online "Interstellar Correspondents", EVE's in-game news team, have just finished writing up a fascinating four-part historical account of the war in Providence and what has led to its current state today. If you're interested in the complex political movements and wars in EVE Online, it's definitely a good read [part 1, part 2, part 3, part 4].

MassivelyThe war for Providence rages on in EVE Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>allianceccpccp-eveccp-gamescuratores-veritatis-alliancecvaeveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinepoliticsprovidencepvproleplayingstoriesushrakahnwarfareMon, 15 Feb 2010 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/02/04/goonswarm-alliance-disbanded-in-eve-online-political-drama/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

In the sandbox of New Eden, rival alliances vie for control of vast swathes of star systems. The lawless nullsec regions of the EVE Online universe are home to violent alliances of all sizes and fleets with hundreds of ships clash on a daily basis. The political machinations of nullsec have produced many stories of wars fought over territory, stations conquered and fleets dismantled by force. Over the years, each story has become part of the game's living history. Recently, a new chapter in that history began as the nullsec sovereignty system governing territorial warfare received a complete overhaul in the Dominion expansion. The transition period has been rough on some alliances as a new sovereignty system requires new ways of thinking. Some alliances are falling, new ones are being forged to fill the power vacuum and the race is on for people to adapt to the new sovereignty system.

As we've been watching the EVE galaxy performing its Darwinian reshuffle, it came to our surprise that GoonSwarm, the game's biggest territorial alliance, had been disbanded. In the early hours of Wednesday 3rd February 2010, GoonSwarm CEO "karttoon" kicked almost every corp from the alliance, effectively disbanding it. There's more to this story than meets the eye and in this investigative piece, I delve into the thick of it to discover just what's going on with this troubled alliance.

Continue reading GoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama

MassivelyGoonSwarm alliance disbanded in EVE Online political drama originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>band-of-brothersbobccpccp-eveccp-gamesdisbanddominioneveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlinefeaturedgoongoonfleetgoonswarmgoonswarm-alliancehistorylorenullsecpoliticspvpsovereigntytheftThu, 04 Feb 2010 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Tale in the Desert to launch new player driven server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/27/a-tale-in-the-desert-to-launch-new-player-driven-server/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


A Tale in the Desert may not be the first game that comes to mind when you think of MMOs, but the title from independent developer eGenesis is something quite unique in this market. A Tale in the Desert isn't a combat-focused game at all, rather it's more about social, economic, and even legal systems in an ancient Egyptian setting. Players involved in a "telling" (a game arc) can even vote to determine the game's laws, which sets this title apart from most others.

eGenesis announced this week that they're launching a new server on February 20th, stating that it will give even greater control to players by allowing them to "completely control the timing of the telling." The new server will offer players an ancient Egypt that has yet to be built. In other words, it's an open environment where the players can have some degree of control over how that setting takes shape.

If the notion of a player-driven setting where the game's subscribers shape the play experience and surroundings appeals to you, have a look at what's coming soon to A Tale in the Desert.

MassivelyA Tale in the Desert to launch new player driven server originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-tale-in-the-desertancient-egyptancient-worldatitdcultureeconomyegenesisegyptlawslegalmmo-industryplayer-governancepoliticstellingWed, 27 Jan 2010 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online spymaster The Mittani to present at GDC 2010]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/eve-online-spymaster-the-mittani-to-present-at-gdc-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/eve-online-spymaster-the-mittani-to-present-at-gdc-2010/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/01/25/eve-online-spymaster-the-mittani-to-present-at-gdc-2010/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


EVE Online developer CCP Games typically has a presence at major industry events like the upcoming Game Developers Conference, but the session that's caught our attention so far isn't a presentation from the devs -- it's actually from a member of the EVE community. That GDC 2010 speaker is Alexander Gianturco -- better known to most EVE Online players as Goonswarm's spymaster, The Mittani. Others may know the infamous player as the "Sins of the Solar Spymaster" EVE columnist at Ten Ton Hammer. Gianturco will give a lecture at GDC 2010 titled "Uniquely Ruthless: The Espionage Metagame of EVE Online" that will give an insider's perspective on the political machinations possible in the game's sandbox of New Eden.

His talk will hit on topics like the disbanding of the Band of Brothers alliance, how the espionage metagame has changed over time, and of course the myriad aspects of EVE's sandbox that allow players to even engage in such pursuits. The session description for Uniquely Ruthless: The Espionage Metagame of EVE Online states that Gianturco's presentation should be of general interest to anyone with a love of spies and their stories.

MassivelyEVE Online spymaster The Mittani to present at GDC 2010 originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alexander-gianturcoband-of-brothersccpccp-gamesdeceptionespionageeveeve-onlinegdcgdc-2010goonswarmmmo-industrypoliticssci-fisins-of-the-solar-spymasterspiesspythe-mittaniMon, 25 Jan 2010 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[City building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/08/city-building-in-earthrise-to-allow-autonomy-for-guilds/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,


One of the games we're looking forward to playing next year is Earthrise, a post-apocalyptic MMO currently in development at Masthead Studios. At launch, Earthrise will offer guilds a wide selection of buildings and facilities that can be built within their controlled territory. Masthead Studios has bigger plans for city building and Territorial Conquest game mechanics post-launch, though. Long term goals for this aspect of guild-level gameplay include expanding options for guilds to become less beholden to the major NPC factions (and the cities of Continoma and Noir).

Specifically, Masthead Studios would like for players to establish administrative buildings, which will provide some of the conveniences and features generally found only in NPC-held cities. According to the Earthrise devs, "Administrative buildings will remove the requirement to visit cities even further by providing access to Market, Warehouses and more from inside the Guild owned territories."

Continue reading City building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds

MassivelyCity building in Earthrise to allow autonomy for guilds originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city-buildingcontinomaearthriseenterraenterra-islandfactionsguild-citiesguildsmasthead-studiosnew-titlesnoirnpc-citiesplayer-housingpost-apocalypticpost-apocalytpicqotwsandboxsci-fiterritorial-conquestterritorial-controlTue, 08 Dec 2009 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Niche roles for small guilds in Earthrise]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/niche-roles-for-small-guilds-in-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/niche-roles-for-small-guilds-in-earthrise/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/03/niche-roles-for-small-guilds-in-earthrise/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Earthrise is an upcoming post-apocalyptic/sci-fi MMO from Masthead Studios that we've been keeping an eye on. As a sandbox MMO, Earthrise takes place on a single but vast island called Enterra. This means finite territory and ultimately a trigger for conflict between guilds. Given there's strength in numbers, it stands to reason that collective action taken by large guilds could allow them to become political and economic powerhouses in the game. But what about smaller guilds? Will Earthrise have niches for small to medium-sized guilds or will they always be in the shadow of the larger player entities?

This won't be a game where only the largest guilds can succeed, according to Moll, the Earthrise Community Manager. She explains that while territorial conquest will not be an endeavor best suited to small guilds, much less solo players, these smaller groups will be able to tap into a steady stream of resources and income. One way is to provide services to the playerbase and even the larger guilds.

Continue reading Niche roles for small guilds in Earthrise

MassivelyNiche roles for small guilds in Earthrise originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-managerearthriseeconomyenterragame-mechanicsguildsmasthead-studiosmollnew-titlespost-apocalytpicprofessionspvpqotwsandboxsci-fiThu, 03 Dec 2009 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's 4th CSM election results are in]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/eves-4th-csm-election-results-are-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/eves-4th-csm-election-results-are-in/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/12/02/eves-4th-csm-election-results-are-in/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


Election results for EVE Online's 4th Council of Stellar Management (CSM) are in. The CSM are players elected by the game's subscribers, given the responsibility of representing the collective interests of the playerbase to EVE Online's developer CCP Games. The hope is that future game changes and features will be in keeping with how the subscribers like to play EVE.

The announcement from EVE developer CCP Xhagen earlier today lists the election results by real name, character name, location and number of votes:

Continue reading EVE's 4th CSM election results are in

MassivelyEVE's 4th CSM election results are in originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alekseyev-karrdeccpccp-gamesccp-xhagencouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmculturedemocracyelectionelectionselvenlordeveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsmissions-collidemmo-industrymrs-trzzbkpoliticssong-liteadazevotingWed, 02 Dec 2009 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE's CSM elections begin, site matches your views with those of candidates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/eves-csm-elections-begin-site-matches-your-views-with-those-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/eves-csm-elections-begin-site-matches-your-views-with-those-of/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/14/eves-csm-elections-begin-site-matches-your-views-with-those-of/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Massively recently pointed out that the candidates have been announced for EVE Online's fourth Council of Stellar Management (CSM) -- the player-elected body that represents subscriber interests as the game is developed. (Also, if you missed it the first time around, you can listen to the recordings of CSM debates hosted by the Planet Risk radio show.)

There are a number of candidates in the running this election: 49 at last count. These prospective CSM delegates have put forth some wildly differing views on how EVE Online should evolve and there's a fair amount of info to sift through on the forums and the individual sites that candidates maintain. Not that this is really a substitute for actually, y'know, reading up on who you're voting for, but there's now a site that can help you zero in on the candidates who share your views on the game. Vote Match will match your views on issues as a player with the election platforms the various CSM candidates are running on. The site was coded by the current CSM Chairman Dierdra Vaal and is definitely worth a look for EVE Online players trying to decide on which candidate to back.

Continue reading EVE's CSM elections begin, site matches your views with those of candidates

MassivelyEVE's CSM elections begin, site matches your views with those of candidates originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmculturedierdra-vaalelectionseveeve-onlineplanet-riskpoliticssci-fivotingSat, 14 Nov 2009 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's CSM candidates debate live on today's Planet Risk radio show]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/eve-onlines-csm-candidates-debate-live-on-todays-planet-risk-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/eve-onlines-csm-candidates-debate-live-on-todays-planet-risk-r/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/11/04/eve-onlines-csm-candidates-debate-live-on-todays-planet-risk-r/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,


A number of EVE Online fans who've needed their podcast fix have been tuning in to Planet Risk in recent months, a great mix of music and commentary from players who spend most of their EVE time exploring the uncharted expanses of wormhole space. Planet Risk is a live show that airs on Split Infinity Radio on Wednesdays; hosts Luminus Aardokay and Quivering Palm make Planet Risk available as a podcast afterwards and we recommend you check it out if you haven't already. Today's show should be interesting as they will host a debate between four candidates for EVE's next Council of Stellar Management, the player-elected body that represents the wishes of the subscribers when dealing with CCP and how EVE Online is evolving.

We mentioned last week that the 4th CSM candidates have been announced but not everyone in the running had their positions on issues fleshed out in time for the CCP announcement. Since that day, more info about the 49 candidates is becoming available (thanks for pointing this out Darth Sith). Today's debate on Planet Risk will have CSM candidates TeaDaze (known to many for his commentary during the Alliance Tournament), Song Li (from the Missions Collide podcast), Helen Highwater and Mike Azariah.

Continue reading EVE Online's CSM candidates debate live on today's Planet Risk radio show

MassivelyEVE Online's CSM candidates debate live on today's Planet Risk radio show originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breakingccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmcultureeveeve-onlineeventsgame-mechanicshelen-highwaterluminus-aardokaymike-azariahmissions-collideplanet-riskpodcastpodcastsquivering-palmsci-fisi-radiosong-lisplit-infinitysplit-infinity-radioteadazewormholesWed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online's candidates for 4th Council of Stellar Management announced]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/eve-onlines-candidates-for-4th-council-of-stellar-management-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/eve-onlines-candidates-for-4th-council-of-stellar-management-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/31/eve-onlines-candidates-for-4th-council-of-stellar-management-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

The roster of candidates for the 4th Council of Stellar Management (CSM) in EVE Online has been announced. According to CCP Games developer Pétur Jóhannes Óskarsson (aka CCP Xhagen), 60 members of the playerbase submitted applications, with 49 players accepted after CCP's screening process. (Players must hold valid passports to attend the CSM summit in Reykjavik, and those with EULA violations are ineligible to run.) From this pool of 49, there will ultimately be nine elected delegates and five alternates who can step in when needed.

Although Xhagen didn't break down candidate stats by nationality, there is a substantial number of U.S. players running for the 4th CSM as in past elections. This time around there are candidates from Latvia, Serbia, and Barbados as well. The ages of candidates range from 21 to 54, and only one female candidate is in the running this term which Xhagen notes is a decrease from the previous election. (He also indicates that only 3.9% of EVE's subscribers are female.)

Continue reading EVE Online's candidates for 4th Council of Stellar Management announced

MassivelyEVE Online's candidates for 4th Council of Stellar Management announced originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>candidatesccpccp-gamesccp-xhagencommunitycouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmelectionseveeve-onlinegame-mechanicsgovernancejita-park-speakers-cornerlife-in-low-secmynxeepetur-johannes-oskarssonreykjaviksci-fiSat, 31 Oct 2009 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Moral relativism in Lord of the Rings Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/moral-relativism-in-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/moral-relativism-in-lord-of-the-rings-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/23/moral-relativism-in-lord-of-the-rings-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

It's one thing to accept that in the average fantasy MMO, you're going to be killing a truly astonishing number of creatures. That's not the most commendable concept ever, but it at least falls under the header of expected. But every so often, you find yourself stopping to think about the real-world ramifications of what you're doing. The Angry Bear took a closer look at the activities that Lord of the Rings Online is currently moving through in the Mines of Moria, and come to some rather interesting conclusions about the game's stance of invading the homes of other sentient creatures, killing them, and claiming everything they'd owned for several thousand years as rightfully yours.

Of course, Lord of the Rings Online is hardly the first time you've been tasked with invading someone's home for little reason other than it being convenient, but the argument outlined here is rather compelling and interesting. It also comes to an interesting conclusion after all the moral sides of the argument are fully explored, one that puts you largely back in the same place you started -- but it's still an interesting argument to consider. Take a look at the full piece, and perhaps tread a bit more lightly the next time you venture into Khazad-dum.

MassivelyMoral relativism in Lord of the Rings Online originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>culturelord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromines-of-moriamoralityopinionturbineFri, 23 Oct 2009 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should game bloggers disclose gifts?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-daily-grind-should-game-bloggers-disclose-gifts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-daily-grind-should-game-bloggers-disclose-gifts/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/06/the-daily-grind-should-game-bloggers-disclose-gifts/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Yesterday, the US Federal Trade Commission unanimously ruled that all press outlets be held to disclose any "material connections" to the products they review. This basically means that if you review a product that was given to you for free by the company, you must now disclose that fact in your review. Interestingly enough, this ruling also dictates bloggers as well.

As part of the Joystiq network of blogs, Massively is actually held to an integrity policy that prevents us from accepting gifts valued over $20. This includes everything from airfare for studio visits to the games themselves -- we must turn them down. And while this new FTC ruling is not actually a law, we are excited to see that our long-standing policies safeguard us from any integrity issues. Plus, we simply don't review MMOs.

So now we're curious to hear what you think of this decision by the FTC. Do you think this will bring about a drastic change to all MMO reviewers out there? Can you trust a reviewer, knowing they were given a free game or travel expenses to visit a studio? Let us know what you think about this entire issue in the comments below!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: Should game bloggers disclose gifts? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>giftsintegrityjoystiqlawsopinionthe-daily-grindTue, 06 Oct 2009 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The Council of Stellar Management]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/04/eve-evolved-the-council-of-stellar-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/04/eve-evolved-the-council-of-stellar-management/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/10/04/eve-evolved-the-council-of-stellar-management/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

If you play EVE Online or follow its news, you've probably heard of the Council of Stellar Management (or CSM for short). They're a democratically elected group of players that volunteer a lot of free time to help the developers improve EVE. The CSM's job is outlined in the official summary document as "to represent society interests to CCP". They act as an intermediary between CCP's development team and the EVE players but what do they actually do and have they made a positive impact on the game? I initially researched the CSM one month after the institution's inception when it was much too early to tell. With three six-month terms completed and a fourth about to start, there's now enough information to take a real conclusive look at how well the system works.

Join me as I examine the creation of the CSM, how it works and what it's actually achieved since its inception.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The Council of Stellar Management

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The Council of Stellar Management originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamescouncil-of-stellar-managementcsmdeveloperseveeve-onlinefeaturedjade-constantinenyphurT20Sun, 04 Oct 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Corporate Infiltration for fun and profit]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/eve-evolved-corporate-infiltration-for-fun-and-profit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/eve-evolved-corporate-infiltration-for-fun-and-profit/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/27/eve-evolved-corporate-infiltration-for-fun-and-profit/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Of all the EVE Online stories I've heard over the years, none have impressed and inspired me as much as those detailing a well-planned corporate heist. These aren't your run-of-the-mill contract scammers or corp hanger thieves. A professional corporate spy can earn the deepest levels of trust, destroy a corporation from the inside out, rob its members of their most prized possessions and then disappear without a trace. They're the people that pull the strings of war in the background, pitting alliances against each other to meet their own ends. The Guiding Hand Social Club's famous 2005 heist remains to this day possibly the single most impressive story in EVE history and serves as a benchmark of value and style for a heist that has seldom since been matched.

When I'm not busy writing about EVE or running sleeper anomalies with my buddies, I find myself delving more and more into the dark side of EVE. From wormhole piracy and courier contract theft to full-blown corporate infiltration, this year has bestowed on me a great deal of experience in the dirty underworld of EVE. In this article, I explain how to infiltrate a corp successfully and capitalise on the opportunities it throws at you.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Corporate Infiltration for fun and profit

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Corporate Infiltration for fun and profit originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assassinationccpccp-gameseveeve-onlinefeaturedgankghscguiding-hand-social-clubinfiltrationISKistvaan shogaatsuIstvaanShogaatsupiracyprofessionalsprofitspystylevectorSun, 27 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/20/eve-evolved-the-road-ahead-for-0-0-alliances/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,


A lot of MMOs rarely (if ever) revisit old gameplay mechanics or areas, focusing instead on new expansions. EVE Online is different in that the developers go back and re-visit old aspects of gameplay rather than just focusing on new mechanics and content. Even Blizzard have seen the wisdom in redevelopment of old content, and in their next planned World of Warcraft expansion "Cataclysm", the entire game world is being given a revamp to bring everything up to their most recent development standards.

CCP Games have been using this development strategy for years and coupled with player-based development in the community, EVE Online is truly a game that evolves over time. Player-managed political states shift allegiances, entire empires can rise, span the galaxy and fall within a year and the emergent gameplay that typifies EVE's sandbox style is constantly being expanding on by players. The game we know now is very different to the one we had a year ago and if recent devblogs are any indication, EVE is about to undergo a major evolutionary leap. The entire sovereignty system and the state of capital warfare is about to undergo a complete revamp.

In this article, I take a more in-depth look ahead at the changes that are coming to 0.0, capital ships and the sovereignty system and how I think they could turn out, given my experiences in EVE.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances

MassivelyEVE Evolved: The road ahead for 0.0 alliances originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>0.0alliancecapitalccpccp-gamesdominioneveeve-evolvedeve-onlineevolutionexpansionfeaturedinfrastructuremothershipopinionpoliticsrevampsandboxsovsovereigntytitanSun, 20 Sep 2009 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Earthrise lead game designer on core concepts and game mechanics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/earthrise-lead-game-designer-on-core-concepts-and-game-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/earthrise-lead-game-designer-on-core-concepts-and-game-mechanics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/earthrise-lead-game-designer-on-core-concepts-and-game-mechanics/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,


One of the independent MMOs in the works that interests Massively is Earthrise, being developed by Masthead Studios in Bulgaria. We came across an Earthrise interview at OnlineWelten by Anja Gellesch, originally in German but translated into English. Masthead's Lead Game Designer Apostol Apostolov gives a well-worded introduction to the premise of the game and its "post-post-apocalyptic" setting, but there's plenty of details to be found in the interview as well.

He discusses player choice in the game, how some will opt to join a faction while other players remain neutral in the struggle between the technocratic elite Continoma, and the shadowy resistance movement Noir. Apostolov also mentions that there are 20 different zones spread across the game's island setting of Enterra.

Continue reading Earthrise lead game designer on core concepts and game mechanics

MassivelyEarthrise lead game designer on core concepts and game mechanics originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anja-gelleschapostol-apostolovconcession-groundscontinomacraftingearthriseeconomyenterragame-mechanicsguild-vs-guildinterviewsmasthead-studiosnoiroffline-advancementonlineweltenpost-apocalypticpvpresourcessci-fisocial-experienceThu, 03 Sep 2009 18:30:00 EST