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[Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/13/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-shaken-not-stirred/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World shaken, not stirred
For all those who've been trying so hard to predict gloom and doom for The Secret World, I say Nyeh nyeh because the April producer's letter announcing Issue #7 pretty much flies in the face of all your it's-gonna-die whimperings. In fact, I can't believe we still hear them because TSW just keeps getting better and better. Where's the duct tape when you need it...

While it's true we don't have monthly updates anymore (and that's totally understandable, given the restructuring that devs certainly couldn't predict), Secret World fans are still getting frequent, and more importantly extremely fun, updates. Just look at The Vanishing of Tyler Freeborn and The Last Train to Cairo; both of these issues brought interesting new storylines and a decent helping of new features. Some even say these updates introduced the best content so far. With that track record, who can't help but be totally psyched for the upcoming Issue #7?

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World shaken, not stirred originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 13 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Chaos Theory Player projects enhance The Secret World experience
One of The Secret World's most unique elements makes it ripe for producing immersive experiences, even outside of the game. Set in the modern real world (as opposed to the fantasy or even sci-fi themes prevalent in our MMOverse), a game can more easily blur the line between logged in and logged out. Players can, and do, generate ways to be a part of the game while still out and about in the real world. Today, I'm going to shine a spotlight on two of these projects that use very different methods to continue immersion beyond actual gameplay.

In January, one TSW fan ran an Alternate-Reality Game (ARG) for fellow players. Using Twitter, the forums, email, and even in-game characters, this player orchestrated a full-on investigation for participants to work through. And just recently, a new site offering to immerse players more deeply into the game through imagery was beta-launched. Both projects further player involvement in the world of the game -- the stories, the conspiracies, the histories, and the surroundings -- beyond the actual game. Both received support from Funcom in their efforts to expand the fans' experiences. And both are definitely worth checking out, so I sat down with the creators to get the scoop on the why, the how, and the what's next.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience

MassivelyChaos Theory: Player projects enhance The Secret World experience originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsalternate-reality-gameARGbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorroriimmersionilluminatiMorteiamythologyopinionpanoramic-viewsPGCplayer-generated-contentsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonTSWPanoYarrukaMon, 06 May 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/05/rise-and-shiny-heroes-and-generals/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Heroes and Generals screenshot
Heroes and Generals is a new browser-based game set in the wonderfully bright and shiny world of... World War II. OK, so it's really a gritty game, and it's sluggish at best, but I have a feeling that combat during that amazing time was from the "two steps forward, one step back" school of warfare anyway. I tried to keep that in mind as I slogged through round after round of being shot in the head.

It's not that the game is boring. It's fun-ish, but when I compare it to many other MMOFPS titles, I find it small and slow. It's an instanced-based lobby sort of design. That's not normally a bad thing, and we certainly cover that style of game here on Massively, but this one just sort of felt a bit too small. There's more coming, I hear, so maybe in the future, the game will feel larger.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Heroes and Generals originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onheroes-and-generalslivestreammabinogimassively-tvmmofpsNexonnexon-americaplanetside-2rise-and-shinystreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideoworld-of-tanksworld-war-2World-War-IIwwIISun, 05 May 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/30/the-secret-worlds-issue-7-goes-007/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007
April's Game Director letter for The Secret World is hot off the presses, and in it Joel Bylos shared some juicy morsels about the next issue in store for the horror and conspiracy-laced game. He revealed that whereas Issue #6 was spiced with an Indiana Jones flavor, Issue #7 will be sprinkled with a distinct 007 zest. Yes, Bond. James Bond.

Set in Transylvania, Issue #7 directs players to investigate the presence of the werewolves in the area, which ultimately leads them to an Orochi facility secreted away below a glacier in the Carpathian Fangs. Along the way, players get to experience adventures as a secret agent, complete with daring chases (a snowmobile one at that!), dare-devil jumps from exploding bridges, and close shaves with laser beams near sensitive areas. There's also a new auxiliary weapon to brandish -- the flamethrower.

But the new goodies don't stop there. Bylos introduced a new feature that allows for custom streaming of radio stations or playlists directly into the client as well as a some PvP changes including tweaks to the matchmaking system. He concluded with some teasers about Black Ops and Issue #8. For all the details, check out the full letter.

MassivelyThe Secret World's Issue #7 goes 007 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>auxiliary-weaponsbuy-to-playfactionfantasyflamethrowerfuncomhorrorIssue-7James-Bondmythologynew-weaponOrochisci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldTransylvaniatswupdateTue, 30 Apr 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/29/chaos-theory-testing-my-secret-world-dps-makeover/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Testing my Secret World DPS makeover
It's no secret that The Secret World is just a wee bit different than the majority of MMORPGs out there. Hallelujah for that, right? And one notable area it differs from the rest is how it treats gear and classes. As such, players can't necessarily bring habits and know-how from other titles and translate that into immediate success in TSW. It's no wonder that even good players can sometimes feel stumped or at a loss when navigating through builds. For that very reason, Chaos Theory brought you the first episode of What Not to Wear, a live makeover that focused on sharing hints and tips that non-theorycrafters (like yours truly) could use as a base for forging their own path.

It was a simple makeover really -- just minor changes in my focus and equipment using gear I already had in my bag and abilities I already had access to. Did it help? Did my effectiveness as a damage-dealer increase? The outcome was rather surprising.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover

MassivelyChaos Theory: Testing my Secret World DPS makeover originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingDPS-guideDPS-makeoverdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhintshorrorilluminatilivestreammythologyopinionpassive-abilitiessci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstips-and-trickstrailertrailerstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonvideovideoswhat-not-to-wearMon, 29 Apr 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny: War Thunder]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/28/rise-and-shiny-war-thunder/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

War Thunder screenshot
War Thunder, a new instanced-based WWII flying battle, uhm, thingy, didn't really seem that appealing at first. It looks nice, and yes, the planes can be controlled in a few different styles ranging from an FPS twitch style to a more "realistic" mode, but I was worried it would be just another slogging grind until I was able to have any fun. There's some truth behind my worry about the grind, but overall I had an incredible time in the game. The only real shame is that I didn't get to put as much time in it as I would have liked. The game had infrequent connection issues, but when they cropped up, they lasted a while. Even so, each match lasted long enough to give me a pretty good taste of combat.

I stuck with the "arcade" style of gameplay. It's a simpler way to control the planes that allows players to point the mouse pointer for control. You might need to land for repairs and take off again, but it's as simple as slowing down until you touch down. I started to take the more realistic mode's tutorial, but as soon as it told me I had to manually control much more of the plane's controls, I gave up. Call me a wimp, but I just wanted to shoot planes.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: War Thunder

MassivelyRise and Shiny: War Thunder originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreammassively-tvrise-and-shinystreamtwitchtwitch-tvvideowar-thunderwar-thunder-world-of-planesworld-of-tanksworld-of-warplanesworld-war-2World-War-IIwwIISun, 28 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/22/chaos-theory-perfecting-your-build-in-the-secret-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Perfecting your build in The Secret World
After discussing last week that build creation was on the minds of many a Secret World fan, I promised to provide some hints and tips on how to better maximize your performance in game. It truly is a topic relevant to all players, even those who aren't focused on or interested in endgame. After all, even folks (like yours truly) who are in it mainly for the awesome story may find their ability to continue with said story hampered at some point by an insufficient build.

With a limit of only seven active (eight if you have an auxiliary weapon) and seven passive skills available to use at any time, creating a build in The Secret World is not quite like most other MMOs, so you can't just automatically throw on gear of a higher level and call it good. Sure, you can eventually pound your way through many things, but you can save yourself some time and frustration by understanding a bit about how the gear works together with your skills. That's where today's Chaos Theory comes in.

What better way to inform and entertain you than to open myself up for some theorycrafting by someone who has a better knack for it? Using my little Illuminati as our guinea pig, I've bared her gear for all to see and learn what can be done to improve. With that, I welcome you to the first episode of "What Not to Wear in TSW"!

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World

MassivelyChaos Theory: Perfecting your build in The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 22 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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War Thunder opens US beta server, starts development on mobile version
War Thunder, formerly World of Planes, has been soaring through open beta for several months now. Gaijin Entertainment decided that it's time to make a few flight adjustments, however, and announced that it has opened up a separate US gaming cluster to improve latency times for North American players.

The developer also let slip that it has begun development on a mobile version of the game for both iOS and Android platforms.

Gaijin said that War Thunder has attracted 1.5 million active users who have flown a total of 224 million missions since the start of beta. The developer recently put out version 1.29 for the flight sim; the patch makes a number of significant improvements such as four new aircraft, improved damage models, and a new economy.

[Source: Gaijin Entertainment press release]

MassivelyWar Thunder opens US beta server, starts development on mobile version originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerial-combatandroidaviationbetadamage-modelsf2pflight-simflight-simulatorfree-to-playgaijingaijin-entertainmentiosmobileopen-betapatchupdateversion-1.29war-thunderwar-thunder-betawar-thunder-open-betaworld-of-planesworld-war-2Fri, 19 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[PAX Prime 2013 registration is up and running]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pax-prime-2013-registration-is-up-and-running/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pax-prime-2013-registration-is-up-and-running/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/17/pax-prime-2013-registration-is-up-and-running/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

pax prime registration now live
The time has come once again to prepare for PAX Prime! Registration for the four-day con went live earlier today. In typical PAX fashion, four-day tickets sold at a jaw-dropping rate and are now unavailable. You've still got a chance to swipe up single-day tickets for as many days as you like, though.

PAX Prime 2013 will be held in Seattle's Washington State Convention center and runs from Friday, August 30th, until Monday, September 2nd.

Of course, if you can't make it to PAX or the thought of spending that much time with that many folks is wearisome to you, we'll have all the juicy news right here. (We just can't attend the parties for you.)

MassivelyPAX Prime 2013 registration is up and running originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conventionconvention-coveragepaxpax-2013pax-primepax-prime-2013penny-arcade-expoWed, 17 Apr 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/chaos-theory-the-secret-world-community-roundup/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory The Secret World community roundup
You've heard me express my thoughts quite a bit over the last couple of months about everything from what I want to see in The Secret World (like housing and an encore to special events) to my experiences with different aspects of the game (such as sabotage missions and Issue #6). Now it's time to share yours! Yes, folks, this week follows in a time-honored tradition of community roundups, where we dive into the topics that are in the forefront of the community's collective mind.

Of course, we can't touch on everything here (that's what official forums are for), but we can explore a smattering of the topics raised. So what are TSW players chattering about lately? Among the ongoing conversations are discussions about veteran rewards, clothing, PvP tournaments, and builds.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup

MassivelyChaos Theory: The Secret World community roundup originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryclothingcommunity-roundupconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhorrorilluminatimythologyopinionPvPsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsthe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorytheory-craftingthree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonveteran-rewardsMon, 15 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New raid included in today's Secret World patch]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/15/new-raid-included-in-todays-secret-world-patch/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

New raid included in The Secret World's patch
Amid the general bug squashing and polishing released in today's patch, The Secret World has tucked away a tasty little morsel of content: an all new lair raid encounter. A weak point between realities has been discovered out in the Kingsmouth wreckage, and groups of 10 adventurers can enter the extra-dimensional prison, The Island of Stillborn Stars, to face Eidolon of the Outer Dark.

Bits of housekeeping also included in the patch were fixes to several exploits in lairs, dungeons, and PvP as well as assorted bugs (say goodbye to area spam when anyone nearby uses a reconstructor and black screens after using the Helevator). Players will also find a brand new item for sale at the Envoy of Ca' d'Oro. For a full listing of all the changes, check out the official patch notes.

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyNew raid included in today's Secret World patch originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bug-fixesbuy-to-playfactionfantasyfuncomhorrorlairlairsmythologynew-raidpatchsci-fantasysecret-worldskill-basedsubscriptionlessthe-secret-worldtswMon, 15 Apr 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/08/chaos-theory-exploring-endgame/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Exploring endgame
Throughout my tenure as the Chaos Theory author, I've ruminated on a number of Secret World subjects that personally interest, intrigue, or otherwise affect me. I've covered ARGs, different issue updates, sabotage quests, the conversion to buy-to-play, ambiance, and more. I've even expounded on things I'd like to see in game, like housing and vehicles. But one thing I haven't covered with much detail are areas that don't have much personal relevance to me... yet.

While it makes sense to talk most about my personal experiences, The Secret World offers so much more than what I have delved into. There really are different strokes for different folks, all wrapped up within the one world. So this week we are exploring an area that captures the attention of others if not mine: endgame.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame

MassivelyChaos Theory: Exploring The Secret World's endgame originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 08 Apr 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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38 Studios may have 'actively masked' financial hardship
Just when you thought the world might let the wound where 38 Studios and Kingdoms of Amalur were ripped from your heart heal over, along comes some new drama.

Max Wistow, the lawyer for the Rhode Island Economic Development Corporation, filed documents on behalf of the state claiming that 38 Studios needed more than $75 million in loan guarantees before the company ever moved to Rhode Island. He argues that folks at 38 Studios knew that the funds they were receiving from the state would be insufficient. The company netted about $50 million from an EDC bond sale, and Wistow is claiming "crushing evidence" that 38 Studios actively masked its financial shortfall.

Massively38 Studios may have 'actively masked' its financial hardship originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studios38samalurcopernicuscurt-schillingedckingdoms-of-amalurkoaproject-copernicusrhode-islandFri, 05 Apr 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/01/chaos-theory-the-wonderful-world-of-sabotage-in-tsw/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Chaos Theory
It's certainly no secret that I love The Secret World's investigation missions. I have mentioned it a time to two (times 20 or so) at different points in articles and livestreams alike. And that's not even counting how many times I regale my friends and family with my investigative exploits. Getting to use skills of the mind more than the fingers is not a regular occurrence in MMORPGs, but it darn well should be! It is a refreshing alternative to pew-pew all the time.

However, investigations aren't the only unique breed of missions I love in TSW. The game has a second kind that involves something other than just going out and showing off your prowess with a weapon. In fact, significant portions of these missions actually eschew the use of weapons entirely, and engaging in combat is a pretty big no-no when completing certain objectives. Welcome to sabotage missions.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW

MassivelyChaos Theory: The wonderful world of sabotage in TSW originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 01 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Salem screenshot
A few months ago, I dived into Salem, a hardcore sandbox MMO that promises actual permadeath. That means if your character is killed while in game, he or she stays dead and loses everything. Not of your possible scores of skills are passed on, all items are lost and your homestead -- similar to a deed in Wurm Online -- can be destroyed. Heck, your homestead can be destroyed even if you're not dead. People can literally block your path, call you names, and attack you over and over. It makes me cry!

Nah, it's not as bad as it sounds. It never is. If there is one thing I have learned over the years, it's that you should really try a game for yourself before you believe everything you hear about it. Don't worry about trolls or griefers because the worst that can happen to you is that you end up leaving the game to find a better one. That's why we're called gamers.

Salem is actually about 50% killer and 50% silliness. I don't want to describe the killer part as "bad" because there is something the game is offering that so many others are not, and that's real danger and actual permadeath.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem

MassivelyRise and Shiny: Revisiting Salem originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffa-pvpfree-for-all-pvpfree-to-playhands-onhardcorelivestreammassively-tvParadox-Interactivepermadeathpvprise-and-shinysalemsalem-the-gameskill-basedstreamsurvivaltwitchtwitch-tvvideoSun, 31 Mar 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMO Burnout: Yucking it up with Saints Row The Third]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmo-burnout-yucking-it-up-with-saints-row-the-third/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmo-burnout-yucking-it-up-with-saints-row-the-third/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/29/mmo-burnout-yucking-it-up-with-saints-row-the-third/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

MMO Burnout - Saints Row The Third
So how would you feel about running around in an open-world action title smacking enemies with a giant dildo? The answer to that question will go a long way toward determining whether or not you'll dig Saints Row The Third, which is, naturally, the third installment of Volition's sordid sandbox saga.

If that question made you laugh, utter some version of "hell yeah," or type "Saints Row 3 dildo" into your Google image search box, you and SRTT will get along famously. If you shifted uncomfortably in your seat, grumbled about kids these days, or fired off a how-dare-you email in the general vicinity of the Massively tip box, well, you can probably skip the rest of this week's MMO Burnout.

Continue reading MMO Burnout: Yucking it up with Saints Row The Third

MassivelyMMO Burnout: Yucking it up with Saints Row The Third originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>actionaction-sandboxburnoutco-opco-op-sandboxfeaturedmmo-alternativesmmo-burnoutopen-worldopinionsaints-rowsaints-row-3saints-row-3-reviewsaints-row-reviewsaints-row-the-thirdsaints-row-the-third-reviewsandboxsingle-playervolitionFri, 29 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft West confirms layoffs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/ncsoft-west-confirms-layoffs/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

NCsoftNCsoft has gone through some "restructuring," leading to the termination of several employee and contract positions.

Aion Community Manager Felicia Johnson stated on Twitter that she no longer works for NCsoft. When asked for comment and confirmation, NCsoft PR responded with the following statement:

"In an effort to put a greater focus on the success of the Western-developed games from NCSOFT, and the long-term services MMOs require, the company announced further restructuring allowing for focused support from the studio's internal publishing services. As a result of the realignment, several employees and contract positions were affected. This was a very tough decision to make and wish the best for all NCSOFT employees in their next ventures."

Our best wishes, as ever, go out to those affected.

[Thanks to everyone who sent this in.]

MassivelyNCsoft West confirms layoffs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>felicia-johnsonindustrylayofflayoffsmmo-industrync-westncsoftncsoft-westnewsrestructuringThu, 28 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EA's Gibeau: SimCity 'plays like an MMO']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/eas-gibeau-simcity-plays-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/eas-gibeau-simcity-plays-like-an-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/eas-gibeau-simcity-plays-like-an-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Frank GibeauRemember when EA announced its SimCity MMO over a year ago? No? We don't either, and that's because the MMO moniker was only recently applied following the title's disasterific launch.

Not so, according to EA president Frank Gibeau, though. Speaking to GamesIndustry.biz, he insisted that the online-only title has always been an MMO and that it's transition from a single-player franchise to an always-on environment has nothing to do with DRM.

"I was involved in all the meetings. DRM was never even brought up once. You don't build an MMO because you're thinking of DRM -- you're building a massively multiplayer experience, that's what you're building," Gibeau said. "SimCity started out and felt like an MMO more than anything else and it plays like an MMO."

He also posits that DRM is a "failed dead-end strategy" and "not a viable strategy for the gaming business."

So why didn't EA market SimCity as an MMO from the beginning? Apparently it just slipped everyone's mind. "I'm disappointed that we didn't do a better job communicating that upfront," Gibeau explains.

MassivelyEA's Gibeau: SimCity 'plays like an MMO' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>drmeaelectronic-artsfrank-gibeaufrank-gibeau-has-played-a-lot-of-mmosmarketingoh-reallyonline-single-playerpants-on-fireretconsimcity-is-an-mmosimcity-mmosimcity-was-always-an-mmospinWed, 27 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[APB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/apb-vendetta-fps-turns-to-crowdfunding/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

APB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding
Hey, guess what, it's another Kickstarter project based off an earlier game! This time, though the earlier game in question is still alive and presumably well. Reloaded Productions is looking to fund an action FPS called APB Vendetta that's some sort of riff on MMO shooter APB Reloaded.

The project page mentions private servers and server-modding tools, "extreme movement mechanics," and a "fighting game ethos" as opposed to APB Reloaded's open-world design. The two games will share some sort of account-level crossover functionality with the potential to import and export certain items.

The game will use the Unreal engine and the $300,000 funding goal will go toward creating a "separate dedicated development" and "expanding the APB universe."

[Thanks Genobee!]

MassivelyAPB Vendetta FPS turns to crowdfunding originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>all-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-fpsapb-kickstarterapb-reloadedapb-vendettaapbrcrimef2pfree-to-playg1gamersfirstpvpreloadedreloaded-productionsWed, 27 Mar 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Chaos Theory: Continuing the Issue #6 journey in The Secret World]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/chaos-theory-continuing-the-issue-6-journey-in-the-secret-wor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/chaos-theory-continuing-the-issue-6-journey-in-the-secret-wor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/chaos-theory-continuing-the-issue-6-journey-in-the-secret-wor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Chaos Theory Continuing the Issue #6 journey in The Secret World
In sharing my thoughts with you last week about The Secret World's newest update, I admitted that I hadn't yet experienced all of it. Even with a head start, there were too few days available to really dig into Issue #6. So unless I wanted to blow through everything like a runaway train without savoring it, there was no way I could pontificate on all aspects of the update at that time.

That was then; this is now. This time around I've had full week to dive in and experience the different aspects of The Last Train to Cairo. Along with finishing up the story (which culminated in boarding the very train the update is named for), I started clawing my way up the PvP ranking ladder, secured my very own whip, and snagged a few veteran rewards. Of course, there is still more to be done; it will be a while before I am up for the challenge of the new raid boss, even with my snazzy new whip. And let's not forget banking up some recruitment bonus points by roping even more friends into The Secret World. Even so, that leaves plenty for us to talk about in today's Chaos Theory.

Continue reading Chaos Theory: Continuing the Issue #6 journey in The Secret World

MassivelyChaos Theory: Continuing the Issue #6 journey in The Secret World originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3-faction3-factionsbuy-to-playchaos-theoryconspiracyconspiracy-thriillerdance-like-Nassirdark-days-are-comingdragonfactionfaction-pvpfantasyfeaturedfuncomhintshorrorilluminatiissue-6Issue-6-The-Last-Train-to-Cairojumping-puzzlesmythologyNassiropinionPvPPvP-rankingsreviewsci-fantasysecret-worldsecret-world-chaos-theoryskill-basedsubscriptionlesstemplarsThe-Last-Train-to-Cairothe-secret-worldthe-secret-world-chaos-theorythree-factionthree-faction-pvpthree-factionstswtsw-chaos-theorytsw-dragonupdateveteran-rewardsMon, 25 Mar 2013 17:00:00 EST