Massively Speaking http://massively.joystiq.com This is the Massively podcast http://massively.joystiq.com/media/feedlogo.gif Massively http://massively.joystiq.com en-us Copyright 2013 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Massively SpeakingJoystiqMassively Speaking<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Diablo III's auction house ruined the game]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-soapbox-diablo-iiis-auction-house-ruined-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-soapbox-diablo-iiis-auction-house-ruined-the-game/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/the-soapbox-diablo-iiis-auction-house-ruined-the-game/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Soapbox Diablo III's Auction House ruined the game
After his departure from the Diablo III development team, Game Director Jay Wilson released a statement that the introduction of an auction house "really hurt the game." While players predicted doom the moment the Real Money Auction House was announced, Jay argued that the gold auction house was equally to blame for the game's fall from grace following an absolutely stellar launch sales. I don't normally agree with what Jay has to say on Diablo III, but in this case he does have a very valid point.

Diablo II was consistently popular for over a decade thanks to its immense replayability. At its core, D2 was a game about building new characters and gearing them up by any means necessary. Every enemy in the game was a loot pinata just waiting to be popped, and players farmed endlessly for a few sought-after unique items. You almost never found an item that was ideal for your particular class and build, but you could usually trade for what you needed via trade channels and forums.

Blizzard claimed that the auction house was intended just to streamline this process, but when Diablo III launched, it was clear that the entire game had been designed to make the auction house almost necessary for progress. The fault here lies not just with the concept of an auction house but with the game designers.

That's right: I'm here to argue not only that Jay Wilson was right about the auction house ruining Diablo III but also that it was his own damn fault.

Continue reading The Soapbox: Diablo III's auction house ruined the game

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Diablo III's auction house ruined the game originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgahauctionauction-housebarbarianbattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopd2d3demon-hunterdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiieconomicseconomyeditorialfantasyfeaturedgame-designgameplaygeargearinggothic-fantasyinfernoitem-levelitem-rarityitem-valuejay-wilsonladderladder-resetlegendarylegendary-itemslegendary-weaponsmonkmultiplayernyphuronline-multiplayerop-edopinionopinion-piecepverantrantsrarerare-itemsreal-money-auction-housereal-money-tradingrmahroguelikerpgruinedsoapboxstatsthe-soapboxvaluewitch-doctorwizardTue, 21 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/not-so-massively-cash-moba-tournaments-diablo-iiis-birthday/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website
Dota 2 celebrated the incredible sales of its world championship interactive compendium with free gifts for all players; the compendium has now sold over 266,000 units, raising the prize fund in The International to over $2,000,000 US. Third-person MOBA SMITE has recently entered the competitive tournament scene with two new weekly $1,000 tournaments. Rise of Immortals also announced its first competitive tournament since the Battle For Graxia update and revealed details of its hilariously-named ranged centaur character Murderhoof.

League of Legends revealed the new custom item set feature coming in Patch 3.7 and published a new champion spotlight video on classic ranged carry Ashe. Guardians of Middle-Earth also released its latest paid DLC character, The Mouth of Sauron, based on a character who was originally cut from the cinematic release of The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King.

Diablo III celebrated the first anniversary of its release on May 15th with anniversary livestreams and a magic-find bonus for all players. The latest patch also raised the increments in which money can be sold on the Real Money Auction House to ten million in response to massive oversupply. Path of Exile revealed details of its upcoming Patch 0.1.1.0 that will add new party loot options and other features, and Star Citizen showed off its new website with a special e-commerce section in which players can buy ships for cash.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website

MassivelyNot So Massively: Cash MOBA tournaments, Diablo III's birthday, and Star Citizen's new website originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoaction-rpganniversaryanniversary-eventashebattle-for-graxiabattlenetbirthdayblizzardblizzard-entertainmentCompendiumcompetitive-gamingconsolecustom-item-setCustom-Item-Setsd3dawngatediablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgaslightgodgodsgothic-fantasygraxiagrinding-geargrinding-gear-gamesguardians-of-middle-earthinfinite-crisisInteractive-Compendiumisisjokerleague-of-legendslollord-of-the-ringslotrmiddle-earthmobamonolithmonolith-studiosmouth-of-sauronmultiplayermurderhoofnewsnot-so-massivelynsmone-yearone-year-anniversaryonline-multiplayeropinionpath-of-exilepetroglyphpetroglyph-gamesplaystation-networkpoeps3psnpvpriotriot-gamesrise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgskarasmitethe-jokerthe-mouth-of-sauronthird-personvalvevideovideoswarner-brosxboxxbox-360xbox-livexbox360Mon, 20 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cloud Imperium unveils Star Citizen hangar module]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/cloud-imperium-unveils-star-citizen-hangar-module/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/cloud-imperium-unveils-star-citizen-hangar-module/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/20/cloud-imperium-unveils-star-citizen-hangar-module/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Star Citizen - Hangar module with Hornet
Cloud Imperium has taken the wraps off Star Citizen's hangar module, a standalone app that's scheduled to be released to early adopters later this summer. Pledgers will get a chance to walk through their hangars and ogle their pledge ships, as well as climb inside them and invite their friends over for a spaceship-themed soiree.

The hangar module is "about 50 percent fleshed out right now," according to the spiffy Cloud Imperium video tour that you can watch after the cut.

[Thanks Eric!]

Continue reading Cloud Imperium unveils Star Citizen hangar module

MassivelyCloud Imperium unveils Star Citizen hangar module originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 20 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chris-robertscloud-imperiumcloud-imperium-gamescrowdfundingcry-enginecryenginehangarhangar-moduleinternet-spaceshipskickstartersandboxsci-fispaceshipstar-citizenstar-citizen-hangarvideozomg-do-wantMon, 20 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/19/eve-evolved-fanfest-2013-video-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Fanfest 2013 video roundup
Last month saw the huge tenth anniversary EVE Online Fanfest, a three-day convention packed full of exclusive reveals, behind-the-scenes talks, and community events. This year's Fanfest was the biggest one yet, celebrating EVE's tenth anniversary with special guest speakers from the scientific community, the reveal of a new virtual reality dogfighter, DUST 514's launch, and details of the upcoming Odyssey expansion. Massively was there to bring you coverage of the big news as it happened, and CCP streamed some of the key talks and events live to viewers at home.

This year's Fanfest sold out so quickly that many people who wanted to go didn't get a chance to, and only a select few talks were shown on the public livestream. With such a packed event schedule, even players in attendance couldn't be there for every interesting talk. Thankfully, CCP recorded over 30 of the most anticipated events and has now uploaded the videos to YouTube. Highlights include the Make EVE Real videos, the EVE keynote, the CCP Presents Keynote, and the talks on how DUST 514 integrates with the EVE economy.

In this week's EVE Evolved, I round up all of the EVE Fanfest videos in a handy list.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Fanfest 2013 video roundup originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-panelapocalypseasteroidasteroid-miningasteroidsbattleshipccpccp-gameschinaconcept-artconsoleconventioncrimewatchcsm-paneldustdust-514economyeveeve-evolvedeve-fanfesteve-fanfest-2013eve-is-realeve-onlineeventeventsfanfestfaster-than-lightfeaturedfpsftlgame-designgearinternet-spaceshipskeynotemake-eve-realminingmmofpsodysseyopinionplanetary-conquestplaystationplaystation-3progressionps3pvpsandboxsci-fishooterspace-elevatorspreadsheets-onlineuprisingSun, 19 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Darkfall plans summer content update, suffers DDOS attack [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/aventurine-outlines-darkfalls-summer-content-update-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/aventurine-outlines-darkfalls-summer-content-update-plans/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/aventurine-outlines-darkfalls-summer-content-update-plans/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

This is a road in Darkfall
Darkfall's long-awaited Unholy Wars makeover launched almost a month ago, and now Aventurine is turning its eyes toward the future of its PvP-focused fantasy sandbox. AV's Tasos Flambouras posted a schedule of planned content updates on the forums earlier this week that stretches all the way into July. Aside from the usual MMO bug fixes and tweaks, there are major additions like the Svartvann, Marthnyr, Hardruk, and Dulguna dungeons, new families of monsters, new ships, and sea fortresses. [Thanks Dengar!]

[Update: Aventurine is reporting that its NA servers are suffering the effects of a DDoS attack. The official blog reads, "In regard to the ping issues on the NA server the past couple of days, this was due to a DDoS attack during NA prime time. We have taken measures in cooperation with our hosting providers to filter this attack, and we're monitoring the situation. We'll keep you updated and we apologize for any inconvenience."]

MassivelyDarkfall plans summer content update, suffers DDOS attack [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>agonaventurinedarkfalldarkfall-dungeonsdarkfall-unholy-warsdarkfall-updatesdffantasyopen-pvppvpsandboxtasos-flambourasunholy-warsSat, 18 May 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Wings Over Atreia: Shugo Kingdom returns to Aion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wings-over-atreia-shugo-kingdom-returns-to-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wings-over-atreia-shugo-kingdom-returns-to-aion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/wings-over-atreia-shugo-kingdom-returns-to-aion/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Wings Over Atreia Shugo Kingdom returns to Aion
Who says we can't get what we want? I wanted the Shugo Kingdom Adventure event to return to Aion, and I'm getting my wish. Booyah! No, really, it's true: Starting after maintenance on May 22nd, Daevas who've flown over level 50 will again be able to journey for a limited time to the long lost vaults of the Shugo Kingdom in search of great and glorious treasure. And by treasure, I mean a trove of chests filled with AP items, Stormwing armor pieces and weapons, or even rare sets of wings. Of course what you get depends on how many keys you have and a little luck, so there's no harm in starting your sacrifices to Aion's RNG gods now.

Did you miss out on the event last time but are looking forward to it this go around? Or maybe you need a refresher because the trauma of not getting that one item caused you to block all knowledge of the zone from your mind? Either way, this edition of Wings Over Atreia will give you a heads up on what to expect. And as an added bonus, Associate Producer Sean Orlikowski shared his tips and tricks for making the most of your Shugo Kingdom Adventures.

Continue reading Wings Over Atreia: Shugo Kingdom returns to Aion

MassivelyWings Over Atreia: Shugo Kingdom returns to Aion originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionascensionbe-a-Shugodungeonseventf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playguideImperial-Tombin-game-eventinstancencsoftopinionSean-OrlikowskiShigosShugo-Kingdom-AdventureStormwing-loottruly-freewings-over-atreiaSat, 18 May 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A Mystical Land changes name to Villagers & Heroes, adds content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-mystical-land-changes-name-to-villagers-and-heroes-adds-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-mystical-land-changes-name-to-villagers-and-heroes-adds-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/a-mystical-land-changes-name-to-villagers-and-heroes-adds-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Villagers & Heroes
Remember A Mystical Land? Well, forget about it, at least under that name. Mad Otter and Neonga have sent out a press release announcing that the title is now called Villagers & Heroes in an effort to "better match the content and focus of the game."

The name change isn't the only change, either, as gameplay has been upgraded by the addition of player-created custom gear, new realms to explore, and new epic bosses.

Animal ranching is a thing now, too, so you can raise sheep, chicken, and pigs alongside those crops in your backyard. Additional improvements are planned for future updates, and Villagers & Heroes is also seeking your approval on Steam's Greenlight service.

[Source: Neonga press release]

MassivelyA Mystical Land changes name to Villagers & Heroes, adds content originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landanimal-ranchingf2pfantasyfarmingfree-to-playmad-otterneongaplayer-generated-contentpvesteam-greenlightuser-generated-contentvillagers-and-heroesWed, 15 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[STO's Legacy of Romulus expansion adding Nimbus adventure zone]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-adding-nimbus-adventure-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-adding-nimbus-adventure-zone/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/stos-legacy-of-romulus-expansion-adding-nimbus-adventure-zone/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Star Trek Online - Paradise City
Cryptic is pumping out the Star Trek Online dev blogs as the game's Legacy of Romulus expansion draws near. The latest comes to us from content designer Sean "Commander Ander" McCann, and it's all about the Nimbus adventure zone.

Nimbus is a crime-ridden locale currently lorded over by the Orion Syndicate. The new episode series Wasteland takes gamers all over the planet, from the run-down fugitive haven of Paradise City to a destroyed ship that doubles as an Orion stronghold to a Gorn-filled canyon that houses some sort of mysterious project.

Nimbus also boasts dailies, open missions, and accolade rewards for said missions and for exploration. More details are yours at the official STO website.

MassivelySTO's Legacy of Romulus expansion adding Nimbus adventure zone originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>crypticcryptic-studiosf2pfree-to-playlegacy-of-romulusnimbusperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwesci-fisean-mccannstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestosto-expansionWed, 15 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Roguelikes inspire EVE Online's revamped hacking minigame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/roguelikes-inspire-eve-onlines-revamped-hacking-minigame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EVE Online hacking screen
June 4th is coming up fast, and with it EVE Online's new Odyssey expansion. The content drop will feature improved explorer pursuits, with particular emphasis on removing the "'sit and wait' aspect of exploration gameplay" in favor of "something interesting to do."

In the case of today's dev blog, the interesting thing to do is hacking, and CCP says that it drew inspiration from roguelikes for the new minigame's "procedurally generated levels, turn-based combat, and permadeath." You can read all about it on the official EVE Online website.

MassivelyRoguelikes inspire EVE Online's revamped hacking minigame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesdev-blogeveeve-expansioneve-hackingeve-onlineeve-online-odysseyexpansiongame-mechanicshackinginternet-spaceshipsminigamesodysseysandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineMon, 13 May 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance 'TV tie-in' patch now live]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/defiance-tv-tie-in-patch-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/defiance-tv-tie-in-patch-now-live/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/defiance-tv-tie-in-patch-now-live/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

This is Rynn from Defiance
I've been waiting a long time to type "transmedia synergy" in a news post again, and that day is finally here! Yes, Defiance has patched, says FPS General, and the update is known unofficially as the TV tie-in patch. And you what that means, folks. Say it with me.

Traaaaaansmedia syyyyyyyyyynergy!

The content centers on an Irathient named Rynn who crosses over from TV show to MMO according to producer Nathan Richardsson's latest dev letter. Players should seek out lawman Jon Cooper and complete the new Episode mission called The Vagabond to reveal Rynn's motives and "unlock more missions and rewards."

MassivelyDefiance 'TV tie-in' patch now live originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfalldefiancedefiance-tv-patchmmo-shooterpvprynnsci-fishootersyfythird-person-shootertpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvtv-patchxboxMon, 13 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Black Gold Online features 300 square kilometers to explore, dynamic events, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/black-gold-online-features-300-square-kilometers-to-explore-dyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/black-gold-online-features-300-square-kilometers-to-explore-dyn/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/11/black-gold-online-features-300-square-kilometers-to-explore-dyn/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Black Gold Online action combat
Snail Games may be best known for Age of Wushu, but that may change later this year as the company's Black Gold Online makes it way west. The steampunk fantasy title recently received a website update and a feature listing in its native China, and MMO Culture has translated the details.

Those details include 300 square kilometers of explorable landmass, two factions, six races, and 18 classes. The game will also feature dynamic events of some sort, as well as faction wars and cross-server PvP.

Action combat is on the menu, too, as are a variety of mounts including "mecha suits," anti-air tanks, flying dragons, and more. We've embedded a six-minute gameplay trailer from late last year just past the break.

Continue reading Black Gold Online features 300 square kilometers to explore, dynamic events, and more

MassivelyBlack Gold Online features 300 square kilometers to explore, dynamic events, and more originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-goldblack-gold-onlinefantasysnailsnail-gamessteampunktrailervideoSat, 11 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/mmobility-exploring-a-tiny-universe-in-pocket-galaxy/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pocket Galaxy screenshot
Pocket Galaxy, a new sci-fi mobile MMO, is relatively impressive at first. It's a nice looking game that feels like a cross between Dark Orbit, Asteroids, and EVE Online and seems to be pretty casual and cheap to play. These things make me happy. I've adopted a casual playstyle because of my need to be the guy who plays every single game he sees, and that has had the side effect of making casual gaming perfect for me.

For example, a Pocket Galaxy player who wants to craft more ammo for one of her guns needs to create the items by waiting a certain amount of real time that can be shortened by using cash. Many players might see this as some sort of money-grab. I see it as a casual game with the option to speed up build times, but then again... I'm patient.

Gallery: Pocket Galaxy screenshots

Continue reading MMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy

MassivelyMMObility: Exploring a tiny universe in Pocket Galaxy originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowserbrowser-baseddual-stick-shooterfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoopinionphonepocket-galaxysci-fiscience-fictionsmartphoneFri, 10 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Wind: Age of Conan]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/second-wind-age-of-conan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

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

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

Continue reading Second Wind: Age of Conan

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanage-of-conan-unchainedaocaoc-unchainedbeau-hindmanconanf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreemiumftpfuncomhyboriapost-launchre-reviewreviewroundtablesecond-impressionssecond-looksecond-windtranscriptunchainedupdated-impressionsFri, 10 May 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: What quest or questline is the most memorable?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-daily-grind-what-quest-or-questline-is-the-most-memorable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-daily-grind-what-quest-or-questline-is-the-most-memorable/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/09/the-daily-grind-what-quest-or-questline-is-the-most-memorable/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

EverQuest II - Velious tower
MMO quests are old hat by now, and the vast majority of them are some slight variation on the standard kill-10-rats or FedEx mission. Some are unique, though, in terms of both their rewards and their mechanical presentation.

I'm thinking of EverQuest II's betrayal quests here, which allow you to switch factions, home cities, and in some cases, even classes. What MMO quests or questline do you find the most memorable and why?

Every morning, the Massively bloggers probe the minds of their readers with deep, thought-provoking questions about that most serious of topics: massively online gaming. We crave your opinions, so grab your caffeinated beverage of choice and chime in on today's Daily Grind!

MassivelyThe Daily Grind: What quest or questline is the most memorable? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>betrayal-questdaily-grindopinionquestingqueststdgthe-daily-grindunique-questsThu, 09 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Prepping for patch day in WoW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/prepping-for-patch-day-in-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/prepping-for-patch-day-in-wow/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/08/prepping-for-patch-day-in-wow/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Prepping for patch day in WoW
Are you anticipating World of Warcraft's 5.3 patch that's on the horizon? If so, Blizzard offers a handy preparation guide to help you get ready for it. Among the proffered hints is one to keep ahold of some of the currencies earned throughout patch 5.2 as the gear-upgrading Void Binders are returning. The guide offers a breakdown of associated costs for various gear and the different currencies. Also revealed is an 33% reduction in the XP needed to level from 85 to 90.

The guide continues with suggestions for item level requirements for various scenarios and dungeons, information on changes to lesser charms of good fortune, and an update on PvP Season 13. And if you haven't played in a while but intend to after the patch, save some time by making sure your game is up-to-date as well as any UI add-ons.

MassivelyPrepping for patch day in WoW originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentfantasygear-upgradespatch-day-preparation-guidePvP-Season-13upgrading-gearVoid-Binderswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowXP-requirement-reductionWed, 08 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/hyperspace-beacon-the-swtor-f2p-experiment-group-leveling/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling
With the last bit of Update 2.1: Customization revealed yesterday, I can talk about an item that will change the free-to-play side of Star Wars: The Old Republic. After the next update, F2P players can withdraw credits from escrow with Cartel Coins. Although I will not have a way to find out whether this will actually affect the prices on the Galactic Trade Market until it goes live, I think it's safe to say that prices will initially go up.

Let's talk about this and group leveling in this week's SWTOR free-to-play experiment.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: The SWTOR F2P experiment, group leveling originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowaredc-universe-onlineDCUOeaelectronic-artsescrowexperience-boostf2pf2p-experimentfeaturedfree-to-playfree-to-play-experimentgalactic-trade-networkgtnhyperspace-beaconLaura-Williamslucasartsopinionsci-fiSOESonySony-Online-Entertainmentstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtortaristhe-old-republictorvoidmynxTue, 07 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Flameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/flameseeker-chronicles-thoughts-about-guild-wars-2s-living-sto/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

subtitle LIS HAS OPINIONS
With Guild Wars 2's first multi-month living story arc drawing to a close, I thought this might be a good time to do a little bit of reflection on how the living story is treating Guild Wars 2 so far. Sure, what we've seen so far isn't necessarily indicative of the way things are always going to be, but it's a good starting point. (In fact, it's our only starting point. Unless, of course, you like rampant and foundless speculation as a starting point. This is, after all, the internet.)

To expand the conversation a bit, I think we're including holiday updates as part of the living story. It's seasonal, but it also fits into the grander scheme of providing changing content to keep the world moving and to keep players engaged. That means that what we've seen to date includes all of Flame and Frost, Wintersday, Halloween, and the Lost Shores event. Also, I guess the Super Adventure Box? I mean, it's returning and it had a lore tie-in and stuff. Maybe? I'm not sold.

Continue reading Flameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story

MassivelyFlameseeker Chronicles: Thoughts about Guild Wars 2's living story originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playfantasyfeaturedflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-preludeflame-and-frost-razingflame-and-frost-retributionflame-and-frost-the-gathering-stormflameseeker-chroniclesguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw1gw2halloweenliving-storylost-shoresncsoftopinionpontificationshadow-of-the-mad-kingthe-lost-shoreswintersdayTue, 07 May 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun adds mini-game, WvW traps [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/07/guild-wars-2s-the-secret-of-southsun-will-end-culling-add-wvw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun will end culling, add WvW features
May has just gotten started and already ArenaNet has another content update scheduled for Guild Wars 2. Called The Secret of Southsun, this May 14th update comes right on the heels of the final installment of Flame and Frost and extends the episodic content that began with that first series. This time, the adventures focus on troubles brewing on the tropical island of Southsun Cove where players must quell the rising violence and discover the secret that hides there.

The Secret of Southsun also brings an end to culling in the rest of the world (it was previously only disabled in World vs. World) and introduces two an improvement to WvW -- traps and an improved award system. Traps will remove supply from enemies. and players will gain reward for a wider range of activities in the Mists, such as destroying siege weapons, escort missions, and repairing walls. Players can also try their hand at a new crab toss mini-game.

On top of the update announcement, ArenaNet has recently posted additional lore expanding the story of Rox, the Charr. Read on to see where her latest adventures lead.

[Update: It seems ArenaNet let some of this info out before it intended to, as detailed in this forum post. So the WvW award changes won't be in just yet. ArenaNet has also informed us that it will be holding off on the culling as well and has now altered its official announcement to reflect these changes.]

[Source: ArenaNet press release]

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun adds mini-game, WvW traps [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcullingend-of-cullingfantasyflame-and-frostguild-wars-2gw2loremini-gamesncsoftRoxThe-Secret-of-SouthsunupdateTue, 07 May 2013 11:00:00 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmocrypticcryptic-studiosdndf2pfantasyfree-to-playneverwinterneverwinter-trailerneverwinter-videoperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpwetrailervideowhispering-cavernsFri, 03 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[A guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/a-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-molten-weapon-facility-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/a-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-molten-weapon-facility-dungeon/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/03/a-guide-to-guild-wars-2s-molten-weapon-facility-dungeon/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

A guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon
Massively's Richie "bogotter" Procopio is concerned for you. He's concerned that you might not have tried out Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon, the latest installment of the game's "Living Story" arc Flame and Frost: Retribution. He's equally concerned that you might have missed the memo about just how temporary this dungeon really is: It's over on May 12th, meaning you don't have long to check it out before it's gone. Forever.

But it's all good because Richie has put together a brand-new video guide to the dungeon, so you can either watch it and get a jump on playing through the zone yourself this weekend or just live vicariously through him, which would certainly involve less death. Enjoy his walkthrough after the break! (Dead goat sold separately.)

Continue reading A guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon

MassivelyA guide to Guild Wars 2's Molten Weapon Facility dungeon originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 03 May 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playdungeonfantasyflame-and-frostflame-and-frost-retributionguild-wars-2gw2living-storymolten-weapon-facilityncsoftretributionRichie-ProcopiotrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 03 May 2013 14:00:00 EST