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[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[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[Gaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/gaslight-joker-spotlighted-in-new-infinite-crisis-gameplay-vid/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Infinite Crisis - Gaslight Joker art
Looking for a beefy enforcer who can dominate close-range combat in Infinite Crisis? Look no further than Gaslight Joker, the newest champion spotlighted in Turbine's ongoing DC-centric MOBA video reveals.

Turbine says its laughing butcher can throw hams at enemies with the Shower of Filth skill, sending them running in fear and debuffing them for good measure. The video touches on a number of other Gaslight Joker skills, too, both passive and active, and it shows off a good bit of Infinite Crisis gameplay footage in the process. See for yourself after the cut.

Continue reading Gaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid

MassivelyGaslight Joker spotlighted in new Infinite Crisis gameplay vid originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dc-mobagaslight-jokerinfinite-crisisinfinite-crisis-videojokermobaturbineFri, 17 May 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Conquer Online 10th anniversary trailer takes the cake]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/conquer-online-10th-anniversary-trailer-takes-the-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/conquer-online-10th-anniversary-trailer-takes-the-cake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/conquer-online-10th-anniversary-trailer-takes-the-cake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Conquer Online 10th anniversary trailer takes the cake
Hitting the big 1-0 is certainly a cause for celebration. So how does Conquer Online top its free trip to China offered last year? With a trailer that offers a unique look at the last 10 years and turns attention towards the future. That, and a number of festivities lasting through mid-June that span events, bonuses, and gifts galore. Oh, did we mention another trip to China? This time the trip goes to the supreme champion of the first World Fighting League, a contest open to all new and veteran players spanning all 10 versions of CO.

Launched in 2003, the oriental fantasy game boasting plenty of kung-fu elements has continually added new content over the years, including pirates and more PvP-based activities. This year will see even more expansions, from a new character (the mysterious Kung Fu Master) to a new massive cross-server PvP battle, the Kingdom War. To accommodate new players, Conquer Online has opened two new servers and is giving away special Starter's Packs to aid the newcomers. Veterans have not been forgotten; they'll receive a gift when logging into their original servers.

Want a glimpse at what the future holds for Conquer Online? You'll have to get through the first half of the video to see the preview. Check it out after the cut.

[Source: TQ Digital press release]

Continue reading Conquer Online 10th anniversary trailer takes the cake

MassivelyConquer Online 10th anniversary trailer takes the cake originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>10th-Anniversaryanniversary-giftsCOconquer-onlineeventsf2pfree-to-playfree-tripfree-trip-to-Chinafreemiummartial-artsmartial-arts-mmomicrotransactionmicrotransactionsNetDragonpremiumPvPtq-digitalWorld-Fighting-LeagueFri, 17 May 2013 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Why I Play: PlanetSide 2]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/why-i-play-planetside-2/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

PlanetSide 2 screenshot
I was this close to saving myself a lot of time by finishing this article with only a few simple words: Why do I play PlanetSide 2? Because it's fun. I'm pretty sure my boss would want me to expand on it just a bit, however, but let me drive those three words home: Because it's fun. I think we are all familiar with the word "fun," but it's something that we really don't hear enough about in MMOs. I don't think we play MMOs mainly because they're fun; I think we play them because they pull out other emotions in us, emotions like wonder or awe. They might help fill in social needs that are sometimes hard to fill out in real life. These are all positive and worthy reactions, but they're different from sheer fun.

I have oodles of fun in PlanetSide 2. Gobs of it. Barrels of fun. The fun is powerful in this one. You get the point. PlanetSide 2 actually makes me laugh to myself, makes me yell at the screen -- you know, those noises you hear from someone who is having a blast. Of course, there are a few other reasons I play PlanetSide 2 as well, so I'll fill you in on those.

Continue reading Why I Play: PlanetSide 2

MassivelyWhy I Play: PlanetSide 2 originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>editorialfeaturedfpsmassively-metametammo-shootermmofpsnostalgiaop-edopinionplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentwhy-i-playFri, 17 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LoL video previews 3.7 patch, introduces Custom Item Sets]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/lol-video-previews-3-7-patch-introduces-custom-item-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/lol-video-previews-3-7-patch-introduces-custom-item-sets/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/lol-video-previews-3-7-patch-introduces-custom-item-sets/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

LoL video previews 37 patch, introduces custom item sets
Instead of just rolling out a wall of text to discuss the changes and updates hitting League of Legends in the 3.7 patch, Riot Games offers players a video preview to get a glimpse of what's to come. And among the goodies is one of the most player-requested features -- Custom Item Sets.

Want to create a specific set of items, tailored to individual champions and/or maps before you get into a match and the fighting begins? Or how about just browse through the entire item shop on PVP.net just to see what's available? Both will be possible with the new Custom Item Sets feature. Initially, these custom builds will be stored on players' local machines only, but the devs plan on adding server-side storage in the future.

The video also discusses some balance changes to the champions Rumble, Twisted Fate, Caitlyn, and Nunu. Check out the specifics after the break.

Continue reading LoL video previews 3.7 patch, introduces Custom Item Sets

MassivelyLoL video previews 3.7 patch, introduces Custom Item Sets originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3.7-patchCustom-Item-Setsdotae-sportesportf2pfantasyfree-to-playleagueleague-of-legendslolLoL-3.7-patchmobariotriot-gamesupdatevideoThu, 16 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Summoner's Guidebook: Teaching ourselves LoL matchups]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-summoners-guidebook-teaching-ourselves-lol-matchups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-summoners-guidebook-teaching-ourselves-lol-matchups/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/the-summoners-guidebook-teaching-ourselves-lol-matchups/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

The Summoner's Guidebook Teaching ourselves LoL matchups
I'm always looking for things to teach players in the Summoner's Guidebook. We have, however, covered a lot of the low hanging fruit in one way or another. In League of Legends, and virtually every other asymmetric competitive game, matchup knowledge comprises the huge bulk of information that is truly useful to read about. This week was originally going to be a counter-Ryze guide, but then I decided to cover a broader topic to help reach more people.

I don't really like discussing specific character matchups largely because the character you're using matters almost as much as your opponent's. What does Ryze do against Kassadin in lane, for instance? The answer is not a whole lot if the Kassadin is decent. I could write a counter-Kassadin guide, but a lot of it wouldn't be usable by Ryze. Instead, this week we'll discuss how to think about the opponent's kit and develop a strategy to win on your own (or at least survive).

Continue reading The Summoner's Guidebook: Teaching ourselves LoL matchups

MassivelyThe Summoner's Guidebook: Teaching ourselves LoL matchups originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>appraisalcharacter-selectcharacter-selectionf2pfeaturedfree-to-playguideguidesleagueleague-of-legendslolmatchupmatchup-knowledgemobaopinionpvpriotriot-gamessummoners-guidebookthe-summoners-guidebookvaluationThu, 16 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Choose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/choose-my-adventure-beyond-the-walls-of-safety-in-darkfall/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Choose My Adventure Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall
Man up MJ, you said. Forsake the fetters of safety and wander the wilds of the world. Yes, folks, for the next phase of our Choose My Adventure project, you directed me to leave the confines of the starting cities and surrounding lands to explore and harvest in the unprotected areas in Darkfall Unholy Wars. That, and get familiar with the workbench for crafting. So said you all, and so I did.

I ran little Emey Brokenclaw beyond the bounds of the safe zones and introduced her to the vast lands stretching across Agon. I enjoyed some exciting experiences as well as learned quite a few things during that journey, though not necessarily what you'd expect.

Gallery: Choose My Adventure: Darkfall Unholy Wars

Continue reading Choose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall

MassivelyChoose My Adventure: Beyond the walls of safety in Darkfall originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2
"This is going to be the best game most of us have built in our lives," Carbine Studios Executive Producer Jeremy Gaffney said bluntly.

The game in question, of course, is WildStar, and it represents Gaffney's 10th or so trip through the beta development chute on the way to release. There's an undeniable note of pride and calm confidence in his voice as he talks about the baby that's growing inside Carbine's womb right now, and he was definitely not shy in opening up about all of the decisions and work the team's made as WildStar heads into its second trimester... er, closed beta test.

Before that, however, Gaffney provided a recap of the first closed beta test. He said that it was pretty limited, with only 2,000 players testing out the lowbie Exile zones. The team moved some of the elder game content down in level so that people could test it out, and developers spent some time doing impromptu Q&A sessions with players in the field. As a result, Carbine is ready to shift over to the Dominion side and greatly expand the beta in size and content. Read on for the full scoop on what the next step will entail.

Continue reading Unicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2

MassivelyUnicorn poop, beer cans, and housing dungeons: WildStar's Jeremy Gaffney preps us for closed beta 2 originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>addonsbetabeta-testbeta-testingcarbinecarbine-studioscb2closed-betaclosed-beta-2dominiondungeonfeaturedhousinghoustoninterviewinterviewsjeremy-gaffneymodsncsoftplayer-housingpreviewpreviewssandparksci-fantasysci-fitestingwildstarwsWed, 15 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/hi-rez-reveals-smites-isis-the-goddess-of-magic/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

HiRez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic
Ready for the latest SMITE character reveal? Isis is here, and Hi-Rez has published a blog post and a gameplay video heralding her arrival. The Goddess of Magic is a sceptre-wielding mage -- no surprise there -- who relies on her Funeral Rites passive ability and spiffy attacks like Wing Gust and Spirit Ball.

Hi-Rez has also tweaked SMITE's level system in the latest patch. God leveling earns you worshippers after every victory, which in turn translate to God Rank for a given avatar. The devs have also changed the old player level to something called Beta level. If you reach Beta level 30 prior to SMITE's official release, you'll get a free Ymir Cocadeamon skin. There's more info on all the changes at the SMITE website, and don't forget the Isis trailer after the cut.

[Thanks Don!]

Continue reading Hi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic

MassivelyHi-Rez reveals SMITE's Isis, the Goddess of Magic originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>f2pfree-to-playgoddess-of-magichi-rezhi-rez-studiosisismobamultiplayer-online-battle-arenaSmitesmite-videovideoWed, 15 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online seeks tourney commentators, plans dual character training for Odyssey]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/eve-onlines-11th-alliance-tourney-makes-changes-needs-commenta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/eve-onlines-11th-alliance-tourney-makes-changes-needs-commenta/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/eve-onlines-11th-alliance-tourney-makes-changes-needs-commenta/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

EVE Online's 11th Alliance tourney makes changes, needs commentators
Want to be a part of EVE Online's 11th annual Alliance Tournament that starts on July 20th, 2013, but not from the cockpit of your ship? You can apply to be one of the PvP commentators who will discuss the tourney, tactics, and teams involved live on air with developers as well as providing commentary on matches as they unfold. Yes, live means you'll actually be in Iceland for this gig! Qualifications include having a valid passport, being over 21, having a sharp wit, and being well-versed in PvP. Full details for the application process are available on the official site.

If you'd prefer to participate in the battles themselves, note that there will be a few changes to the tourney from years past. To start, Alliance Tournament XI will run over only three weekends, not four. Second, qualifying rounds and group stages have been replaced by double elimination from the get go. Next, from the second weekend onward, two ship types will be banned from the match by team captains. And finally, to fly with an alliance you had to have been a member since downtime this morning. Dev blogs covering all the rules, the broadcast schedule, and sign-up details will be coming soon.

[Update: CCP has been busy today! The official site has now also been updated with a dev blog announcing that dual character training will ship with the Odyssey expansion next month.]

MassivelyEVE Online seeks tourney commentators, plans dual character training for Odyssey originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alliance-tournamentAlliance-Tournament-XIccpccp-gamescommentatorseveeve-alliance-tournamenteve-onlineinternet-spaceshipsPvPsandboxsci-fispreadsheets-onlineWed, 15 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/15/massivelys-dust-514-launch-impressions/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - Dropship and merc troops
Playing EVE on my couch is bizarre. I know, technically it's called DUST 514, but let's be serious. DUST is basically the beginnings of a massive EVE Online expansion if you subscribe to the notion that EVE is a virtual world as opposed to merely a strategy game featuring internet spaceships and internet drama.

I've played EVE in some strange places prior to this. In an airport terminal, for example. On my toilet, even (yes, nature occasionally calls in the middle of a fleet fight and thank God for laptops). But DUST marks the first -- OK, technically the second -- time I've ever played in New Eden with a controller.

Continue reading Massively's DUST 514 launch impressions

MassivelyMassively's DUST 514 launch impressions originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoleconsolesdustdust-514dust-514-impressionsdust-514-reviewdust-hands-ondust-impressionsdust-revieweveeve-onlinefeaturedfpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpspc-master-raceplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterspreadsheets-onlineWed, 15 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Vostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/vostok-gearing-up-for-survarium-alpha-invites/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Vostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites
Vostok's Survarium, a spiritual sequel to the STALKER series, is getting ready to send out alpha invites. A dev diary posted yesterday on the game's official forums says that the first wave will welcome 1,000 testers into the post-apocalyptic MMO shooter's fold. Vostok says that of those 1,000 testers, no less than 200 of them will be stressing the game's servers around the clock.

The dev diary also outlines what testers can expect from the early stages of the project. The alpha, for example, is "team-based PvP combat mode only," and even this is necessarily scaled down in order to ensure that key components like shooting, movement, and synchronization are working properly.

You can register for the Survarium alpha at the game's official website.

MassivelyVostok gearing up for Survarium alpha invites originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>mmo-shooterpost-apocalypticsci-fishooterSurvariumsurvarium-alphavostokTue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Guild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/guild-wars-2s-secret-of-southsun-patch-releases-today/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Guild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today
Guild Wars 2's The Secret of Southsun patch has released today, bringing with it new quests, a crab toss mini-game, traps in WvW and more.

This patch is part of the on-going content updates that ArenaNet has brought to the popular MMO since launch, including the ongoing Flame & Frost content. Word of an expansion pack came out during the NCsoft earnings call earlier this week, although nothing has been officially confirmed from ArenaNet.

Check out new screenshots from The Secret of Southsun in the gallery below, and read up on the patch at the official site.

Gallery: Guild Wars 2

MassivelyGuild Wars 2's Secret of Southsun patch releases today originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetbuy-to-playcrab-tossfantasyguild-wars-2gw2ncsoftpatchthe-secret-of-the-southsuntrapsupdatewvwTue, 14 May 2013 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[DUST 514 launch-day roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/dust-514-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/dust-514-launch-day-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/dust-514-launch-day-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Dust 514 launchday roundup
This is it, soldier! Training is over, and it's time to head out to war. DUST 514 settles today, officially launching into the New Eden universe also occupied by EVE Online. Available only on the PlayStation 3, this shooter pits forces against each other in a ground assault while orbital strikes rain down from EVE allies and enemies above. Are you ready?

Ah, trapped behind a desk for a while still, are you? Well, don't worry; if you won't have the opportunity to soothe your itchy trigger finger until later, we've got some things to tide you over until you can join the fray yourself. Check out the factional warfare, learn about rewards, and much more in the hands-on experiences, screenshots, videos, news, and impressions after the break.

Continue reading DUST 514 launch-day roundup

MassivelyDUST 514 launch-day roundup originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpslaunchlaunch-day-round-upmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3round-upsandboxsci-fishooterTue, 14 May 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/not-so-massively-yet-another-d3-exploit-star-citizen-pay-to-wi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen paytowin debate, and MOBA news
Diablo III was hit with yet another exploit this week as players discovered a way to duplicate gold via a bug in the auction house. Blizzard responded by shutting down the auction house but did not perform a server rollback to reverse the damage. Star Citizen clarified its stance on the lifetime insurance available to veteran backers amidst debate over whether it gives early adopters an unfair advantage over other players. Path of Exile also released a new Letters of Wraeclast lore feature in its latest update, and MechWarrior Online's update 15 added a new Misery mech.

Dota 2 began preparations for its biggest world championship tournament yet with the release of a new Interactive Compendium that players can use to stay up to date with the matches. Rise of Immortals has now officially launched its Battle For Graxia revamp, and Infinite Crisis officially entered closed beta this week with the release of new champion The Joker. Finally, Smashmuck Champions released its hilarious new community-designed champion that's half platypus and half unicorn.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news

MassivelyNot So Massively: Yet another D3 exploit, Star Citizen pay-to-win debate, and MOBA news originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-rpgbatmanbattle-for-graxiabattlenetblizzardblizzard-entertainmentchris-robertscloud-imperiumcompetitive-gamingd3dcdc-comicsdiablodiablo-2diablo-3diablo-iidiablo-iiidotadota-2e-sporte-sportsesportesportsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playgothic-fantasygraxiaindieinfinite-crisisinsurancejokerkiz-studioslifetime-insurancemobamultiplayernewsnot-so-massivelynsmonline-multiplayeropinionpetroglyphpetroglyph-gamespvprise-of-immortalsroiround-uprounduprpgsandboxsci-fismashmuckstar-citizensupermanthe-jokerturbinevalvevideovideoswarner-broswonder-womanWraeclastMon, 13 May 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Evolved: Could EVE use twitch controls?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/eve-evolved-could-eve-use-twitch-controls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/eve-evolved-could-eve-use-twitch-controls/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/12/eve-evolved-could-eve-use-twitch-controls/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

EVE Evolved Could EVE use twitch controls
A few weeks ago, the EVE Online community went nuts for EVR, CCP's exciting new virtual reality dogfighter developed for the upcoming Oculus Rift gaming headset. The game demo was produced by a team of just a handful of developers in just seven weeks using nothing but their spare time, but attendees and press at EVE Fanfest 2013 were nevertheless blown away during test sessions. Though EVR isn't going to be integrated with the EVE universe, Senior Producer Andie Nordgren stated in her Keynote address that CCP will be looking into more immersive flight and combat mechanics for some the game's ships. This comment has sparked a lot of discussion over the possibility of finally getting some direct flight controls in EVE.

The lack of direct twitch-based controls in EVE is often cited by gamers as a big part of the reason they can't get into the game. There's no active dodging of missiles, manual ship targeting, or really complex tactical maneuvers in EVE, but that's kind of the point. Most ships in EVE are colossal lumbering hulks more akin to today's seafaring battleships than fighter planes, and combat with them is more a game of strategy and teamwork than a battle of reaction speeds. But that isn't exactly true of all ships; interceptors and fast microwarpdrive frigates move at several kilometres per second and are so agile that pilots can already pull off some interesting tactical maneuvers. So isn't it about time we made the combat for those ships a bit more visceral and immersive?

In this week's EVE Evolved, I look at the fast-paced world of interceptors and explore how twitch controls and weapon aiming could possibly be implemented without killing the server.

Continue reading EVE Evolved: Could EVE use twitch controls?

MassivelyEVE Evolved: Could EVE use twitch controls? originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Andie-Nordgrenccpccp-gamescontrolcontrolsdirectdirect-controlsdirect-flightDogfighterDogFightingevasiveeveeve-evolvedeve-onlinefeaturedfrigateinterceptorinterceptorsmaneuvermanoeuvermanualopinionopinion-piecepilotpvpsandboxsci-fispeedtwitchtwitch-combattwitch-controlsvectorzig-zagSun, 12 May 2013 18:00:00 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[Pathfinder Online never closes a door without opening a PvP window]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/10/pathfinder-online-never-closes-a-door-without-opening-a-pvp-wind/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

I'm sure he just wants to show off his new knife.
Having a settlement you worked hard to build be under constant attack just isn't fun. Pathfinder Online realizes this, which is why settlements are normally defended by large numbers of respawning NPC guards. Not too many to prevent players from scouting a town or stealing a few things, but enough to make a frontal assault fruitless unless you want your corpses to litter the outskirts of town.

If that were always the case, though, attacking a settlement would be pointless. So during a brief window every day, the guard respawn rate decreases, numbers thin, and suddenly the town looks much more vulnerable to attack. A well-developed settlement will still have guards, but a coordinated force will be able to eliminate them... unless players step in to defend the settlement. This also solves the problem of having massive attacks come when no one is awake to know what's happening. Read the full details in the latest development blog on the official site.

MassivelyPathfinder Online never closes a door without opening a PvP window originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fantasygoblinworkspathfinderpathfinder-onlineplayer-settlementsplayer-structurespnppvppvp-windowsandboxsandparkterritory-controlFri, 10 May 2013 21:00:00 EST