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[RIFT introduces loyalty rewards program for dedicated players]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/rift-introduces-loyalty-rewards-program-for-dedicated-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/rift-introduces-loyalty-rewards-program-for-dedicated-players/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/21/rift-introduces-loyalty-rewards-program-for-dedicated-players/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

RIFT introduces loyalty rewards program for dedicated players
RIFT is introducing an innovative new program that allows players to get items for free when they spend money or money-substitutes on other items! The new rewards program will give players Loyalty points as those players purchase or spend credits, subscribe as a Patron, or consume REX (RIFT's tradable currency that can be purchased for real-world money). Since REX is tradable between players, a particularly thrifty player could accrue loyalty points without ever spending a real-world dime in RIFT's store.

Current and former subscribers will be awarded some Loyalty points based on how long they have been subscribed. Players will be able to use Loyalty to unlock exclusive costumes, the ability to change target icons, and unique dimensions.

This is all part of RIFT's free-to-play initiative and will be going live on June 12th with RIFT 2.3: Empyreal Assault.

MassivelyRIFT introduces loyalty rewards program for dedicated players originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquesteconomyempyreal-assaultfantasyloyaltyloyalty-rewards-programpatch-2.3pvprewards-programrexriftrift-2.3rift-exchangerift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 21 May 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/18/the-daily-grind-are-you-still-excited-to-try-rifts-free-to-pla/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

I don't have any idea what hand I should place this on. It looks kind of gross.
If you'd missed it, RIFT recently announced that the game will go free-to-play on June 12th. Obviously, the hope is to bring in a variety of new players, but the circumstances surrounding the announcement can result in a bit of whiplash when deciding whether or not to count yourself among those getting into the game.

On the one hand, RIFT is making humble promises about the item shop... but on the other hand, the development team also promised the game would never go free-to-play. Trion Worlds did just get hit by layoffs, but it's been said those layoffs don't affect RIFT's staff. It's long had consistent updates, but those updates have dropped off sharply this year.

Is trying the game out a good idea? A bad one? Today, we ask our readers to decide. Carefully weighing all the evidence, are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? Or do you think you'll be giving it a pass?

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: Are you still excited to try RIFT's free-to-play option? originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdaily-grindf2pfantasyfree-to-playopinionpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrtdgthe-daily-grindthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsSat, 18 May 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/17/rift-gives-a-sneak-peek-at-f2p-item-shop/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop
What will RIFT's free-to-play version look like? While we won't get to see it in action until the game makes the transition on June 12th, Trion Worlds has posted a screenshot of the new item store and some of its offerings for players to peruse.

The store screenshot includes a preview pane of a character wearing a fancy outfit and a top hat, as well as a list of several items. These include 30-day patron pass, faction changing scroll, character rename scroll, rename guild scroll, transfiguration bauble, rune unsocketing apparatus, and planar essence removal device. Later on in the thread, the studio posted a picture of a different cosmetic outfit being worn by a female character.

To "ensure a successful transition," Trion has sent out surveys to all current subscribers about the free-to-play switch.

MassivelyRIFT gives a sneak peek at F2P item shop originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cash-shopconquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playitem-storepvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-hattriontrion-worldsFri, 17 May 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rift-goes-free-to-play-promises-no-tricks-no-traps/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

RIFT announces freetoplay,
Trion Worlds has just announced that fantasy MMO RIFT will be headed free-to-play on June 12th. Though former studio reps were once adamant that the game would remain a subscription MMO, the team has apparently decided it can better compete in a F2P world by being F2P. The hybrid model will include an optional sub with fully free content like dungeons and questing; consumables, cosmetics, and even gear will make up the cash shop.

We asked Creative Director Bill Fisher to explain the whys and wherefores of this decision. Check out our interview after the jump!

[Updated: The official site has also posted a handy chart to show you what you're getting at different tiers.]

Continue reading RIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps'

MassivelyRIFT goes free-to-play, promises 'no tricks, no traps' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-fisherconquestempyreal-assaultf2pfantasyfree-to-playhybridinterviewinterviewspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 14 May 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Defiance bugs invade RIFT]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/defiance-bugs-invade-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/defiance-bugs-invade-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/01/defiance-bugs-invade-rift/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

And this has somehow happened before Zerg invade Azeroth. I'm speechless.
Adventurers of Telara, you've kind of got a good news/bad news situation taking place here. The bad news is that RIFT is getting invaded, which was already the case. The worse news is that it's now being invaded by the Hellbugs from Defiance, which usually require a great deal of automatic weapons fire to be put down. The good news is that if you can somehow manage to overcome the distinct lack of any firearms and put down the invasion, you can keep a Hellbug around to ride! Wait, that might still be bad news.

Yes, Trion Worlds is kicking off a cross-promotional event with new fire rifts that give players a chance at Defiance-related rewards, most notably the chance to pick up a Hellbug mount. The event is open to all players, even if you're just trying out the game's Lite version. No word on how long the event will last, but it's probably best to assume that it won't be forever -- which is also sort of a good news/bad news situation, unless you wanted to see the game overrun by Hellbugs.

MassivelyDefiance bugs invade RIFT originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arkark-hunterarkfallconquestcross-promotionsdefiancedynamic-eventsfantasyin-game-eventsinvasionsmmo-shooterpromotionspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsci-fishootersyfythird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptpstransmedia-synergytriontrion-worldstvxboxWed, 01 May 2013 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT invites players to move into a new dimension]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/18/rift-invites-players-to-move-into-a-new-dimension/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT invites players to move into a new dimension
Budding interior (and exterior) decorators, get out your throw pillows: RIFT has added a brand-new dimension to the game today. Moonshade Pools was chosen by players to be the next housing plot in the game, and features cascading pools with a far-out view. It costs 300 platinum to purchase and starts out with space for 250 items with the option to increase to 1000.

The team will be livestreaming a couple of player-created Moonshade dimensions tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. EDT if you need inspiration for your own masterpiece.

MassivelyRIFT invites players to move into a new dimension originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 18 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdimensiondimensionsfantasyhousingpatchplayer-dimensionplayer-housingpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsupdateThu, 18 Apr 2013 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Soggy beginnings]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/14/one-shots-soggy-beginnings/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

One Shots Soggy beginnings
Dungeons and Dragons Online newcomers and veterans alike are quite familiar with the waterlogged Sahuagin and all of their wacky antics. Basically think "level 1 mermaids from hell" and you're right with the rest of us. It's a good thing that the game doesn't have smell-o-vision because the tutorial would be reeking of a fishery, that's all I'm saying.

Reader Sharvis photographed his initial journey through the game and delivered this familiar image of an odd cellar. "Oh great, the Wavecrest Tavern's basement has flooded," he writes. "And who let the Sahuagin in? They're making everything look tacky again!"

We'll get the sump pump working while you check out the rest of today's player-submitted screenshots!

Continue reading One Shots: Soggy beginnings

MassivelyOne Shots: Soggy beginnings originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>back-to-betabetabiowarebring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedcasualconquestddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchhipsterlucasartsone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenpvpreader-screenshotsreader-submissionsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsandboxsci-fiscreenshotscreenshotsstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republicthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultima-onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 14 Apr 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT celebrates the arrival of Moonshade dimensions]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/11/rift-celebrates-the-arrival-of-moonshade-dimensions/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Are you totally certain we're not in Azeroth now? I mean, at first glance...
The development team behind RIFT is pretty happy with the new dimension being added to the game next week. In fact, they're so happy that they're kicking off a mini-celebration for players to get in on the dimensional decoration game. They're also giving a pair of ferns to any player who subscribes to the game's email newsletter, allowing you to make your dimension just a little bit prettier. (It's a big place, and there are only two ferns.)

The first celebratory event is being held tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. EDT -- a Dimensional Thunderdome, where three teams compete to see who can make the most lovely dimension possible. At the same time on 4/19, the developers will be holding a special tour of two different takes on the new dimension, showing players just how much you can do with the region. So if you're ready to forge a new landscape to your will, just wait a little while longer.

MassivelyRIFT celebrates the arrival of Moonshade dimensions originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestculturedeveloper-eventsdimensionsfantasyin-game-eventsnew-dimensionsplayer-housingplayer-structurespvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsThu, 11 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/28/the-perfect-ten-cutest-creatures/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Cutest creatures
I vividly remember a conversation I had with my then-girlfriend's parents back in 1996 about the potential of this growing "internet" phenomenon. With my limited understanding, I made it sound downright noble, a Library of Congress available at the fingertips of the average Joe or Jane. What I really should have said that it would be a tool for the distribution of pornography, nerd rage, and cute animal pictures.

I have no idea how big the cute animal picture industry is, but there have got to be millions of aspiring photographers daily who prod little baby critters with encouragement sticks in the hopes of eliciting a few "awws" out of strangers. Even when the serious business of MMOs came a-calling, cuteness infested fantasy lands near and far.

Whenever I see something absurdly cute in an MMO, I always smile because I know that somewhere, some uber-elite, way-too-serious player is developing facial tics from being in the same game world as it. So twitch away, as here are 10 of the cutest critters as seen in-game!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Cutest creatures originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineanetaoarenanetback-to-betabetabiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoconquestconsoleconsolescrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artsf2pfamilyfantasyfeaturedffff14ffxivfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivflashfree-to-playfuncomglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterhumorkid-friendlykids-mmokingsislekingsisle-entertainmentlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsncsoftopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fisquaresquare-enixstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptinyspecktop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentunlauncheningwarcraftwizard101world-of-warcraftwowThu, 28 Mar 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion shutting down RIFT in Korea]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/trion-shutting-down-rift-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/trion-shutting-down-rift-in-korea/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/27/trion-shutting-down-rift-in-korea/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

RIFT Korea closure announcement
It's been nearly a year since Trion took RIFT overseas, and now it appears that the fantasy title's foray into the Korean market is over. Despite a significant free-to-play conversion last winter, the game will close its doors on April 25th.

MMO Culture reports that despite positive word-of-mouth in the Korean gaming press, RIFT couldn't overcome stiff competition from Blade & Soul and Diablo III. The site also says that refunds will be processed beginning on April 17th while the game's cash shop will cease operations on March 28th.

[Thanks Dengar!]

MassivelyTrion shutting down RIFT in Korea originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfantasypvpriftrift-closing-in-korearift-korearift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 27 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/26/the-soapbox-dispelling-the-easy-myth/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Easy Myth
A few weeks ago, I took a nice long look at World of Warcraft: Mists of Pandaria. Then I wrote about it. My impressions, like most things on the internet, were met with both ardent agreement and defiant protest. Everyone has an opinion, especially when it comes to World of Warcraft -- some people love the game, some people hate it, and some give it a resounding "eh."

I don't mind people disagreeing with me. People react to games differently, and what works for me may not work for you. But there was one specific critique that rose, repeatedly, in the great debate raging in that article's comments section. A critique that, frankly, I cannot abide:

"World of Warcraft is too easy."

Continue reading The Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth

MassivelyThe Soapbox: Dispelling the 'easy' myth originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Achievementsactivisionaionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcommentersdcuoeditorialfantasyfeat-of-strengthfeaturedop-edopinionrantrantsriftsoapboxthe-soapboxthrone-of-thunderwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 26 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Brand-new souls are in the works for RIFT]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/brand-new-souls-are-in-the-works-for-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/brand-new-souls-are-in-the-works-for-rift/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/25/brand-new-souls-are-in-the-works-for-rift/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Brandnew souls are in the works for RIFT
New souls may not be that far away for RIFT. Rift Junkies has called attention to a dev post in the game's official forums that states that brand-new souls and other class features are being worked on.

For full context, Daglar the Dev was responding to a complaint that devs weren't paying attention to player feedback. After stating that the issue was about the many demands on dev's time rather than being willfully ignorant of feedback, Daglar followed up with this gem: "I hate talking about things that are not close to being ready, but Kervik and Aillion are pretty busy working on brand-new souls and other class related features for the future right now."

While "the future" is a pretty indefinite term, this is exciting news for folks hoping for new souls to experiment with.

MassivelyBrand-new souls are in the works for RIFT originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdaglarfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsoulsthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsMon, 25 Mar 2013 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT celebrates its second anniversary with a freebie weekend and sale]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/rift-celebrates-its-second-anniversary-with-a-freebie-weekend-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/rift-celebrates-its-second-anniversary-with-a-freebie-weekend-an/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/21/rift-celebrates-its-second-anniversary-with-a-freebie-weekend-an/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RIFT celebrates second anniversary with a freebie weekend and sale
There's nothing quite like a birthday to put a studio in the mood to give things away. Really, if more people thought like that, the world might be a happier place for everyone.

If you've been looking for a chance to get into RIFT, however, your world can be a happier place right now. Starting today and running 'til the 25th, folks can return to Telara for free to celebrate the second anniversary and check out the Carnival of the Ascended. Of course, you can't return to a place you've never been, so what's a newbie to do? Trion hasn't forgotten you: Until the 25th, RIFT's standard and infinity editions are on 25% sale.

MassivelyRIFT celebrates its second anniversary with a freebie weekend and sale originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybirthdaycarnival-of-the-ascendedconquestdealdealsdiscountfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsalesalesthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsThu, 21 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT guild creates Star Wars tableau]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rift-guild-creates-star-wars-tableau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rift-guild-creates-star-wars-tableau/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/19/rift-guild-creates-star-wars-tableau/#commentsFiled under: , ,

RIFT guild creates Star Wars tableau
No, this isn't Star Wars Galaxies revived from the dead. It's actually one of many screenshots of a Star Wars-themed guild dimension in RIFT, painstakingly created for visitors to enjoy.

We've seen plenty of creative examples of player housing in RIFT since Storm Legion added the feature, but this may take the cake. The dimension, which exists on the EU server of Icewatch, includes an Ewok village with AT-ST, a Dewback, an X-Wing, an AT-AT vs. landspeeder, the Millennium Falcon, a Star Destroyer, and even a little Yoda cave. The detail and ingenuity that's gone into this is impressive... most impressive.

The bar has been raised for housing design. Your move, other players.

MassivelyRIFT guild creates Star Wars tableau originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestdimensiondimensionsfantasyguild-dimensionhousingplayer-dimensionplayer-housingpvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsTue, 19 Mar 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion's Ffinch talks RIFT's 2013 updates]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/trions-ffinch-talks-rifts-2013-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/trions-ffinch-talks-rifts-2013-updates/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/13/trions-ffinch-talks-rifts-2013-updates/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT - Boss battle party
Trion Senior Design Director Simon Ffinch recently gave an interview at OnRPG.com concerning the future of RIFT. As you're probably aware, the fantasy title just celebrated its second anniversary, and Ffinch was asked about the firm's big plans for 2013 and beyond.

"We do have updates planned out for RIFT well into next year with some really exciting and much requested things for the players to experience," Ffinch said. "We will be expanding on all the features we have in the game right now and exploring a host of new ones."

Ffinch also hinted at some extra-Teleran adventures. "Telara itself will actually enjoy a period of peace and tranquility, but the Ascended will be needed more than ever... uh... elsewhere, to make sure it remains this way. I will just leave it at that," he teased.

MassivelyTrion's Ffinch talks RIFT's 2013 updates originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfantasyinterviewpvpriftrift-2013rift-2013-updatesrift-interviewrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrsimon-ffinchthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-interviewtrion-worldsWed, 13 Mar 2013 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion breathes new life into RIFT with Raptr Rewards promotion]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/trion-breathes-new-life-into-rift-with-raptr-rewards-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/trion-breathes-new-life-into-rift-with-raptr-rewards-promotion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/11/trion-breathes-new-life-into-rift-with-raptr-rewards-promotion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Trion breathes new life into RIFT with Raptr Rewards promotion
Engaging new players and retaining veteran ones is one of the great life goals of every MMO. Trion looked to outside incentive in trying to find ways to revitalize RIFT's playerbase. Partnering with Raptr, Trion came up with a four-tier reward system that gave players everything from a free copy of the game to in-game ranks, mounts, and gear.

The free copy of RIFT was accompanied by a month of game-time and served as the first reward, meant to bring in players of other RPGs. The other tiers were aimed toward veteran-type players. Al the rewards were available from mid-November to the end of January.

How effective were these rewards? RIFT's daily active players on Raptr increased 470% over the length of the promotion, and average daily playtime jumped up from four hours a day to just over six.

It's almost like players like getting stuff.

MassivelyTrion breathes new life into RIFT with Raptr Rewards promotion originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestfantasypvpraptrraptr-rewardsriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsMon, 11 Mar 2013 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT producer Hanlin leaves Trion for Zynga]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/rift-producer-hanlin-leaves-trion-for-zynga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/rift-producer-hanlin-leaves-trion-for-zynga/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/04/rift-producer-hanlin-leaves-trion-for-zynga/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

RIFT producer Hanlin leaves Trion for Zynga
Former Trion producer Hal Hanlin is now Zynga producer Hal Hanlin. RiftScene.com reports that Hanlin leaves after four-and-a-half years with the MMO firm.

"Nothing but love for Trion, but with the maturation of RIFT, there was no urgent demand for my specific skill set," Hanlin said. "This [Zynga] is a huge opportunity for me professionally, and I will be working closely with some good friends."

[Thanks Jordan!]

MassivelyRIFT producer Hanlin leaves Trion for Zynga originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Happy second anniversary, RIFT!
"Once upon a time in a land called Telara, 573 Guardian players were minding their own business in a region called Silverwood. They were frolicking and levelling, and levelling and questing, and looting and laughing, collecting and crafting.... Ah! What a peaceful time it was.

"And then, the world exploded."

That's how former RIFT executive producer Scott Hartsman described the Prince Hylas event from Beta 2, and for me, it will always be one of my favorite MMO memories. Telara was instantly transformed into a hellish quagmire, with invaders stacked on top of each other at every foothold in Silverwood. It's hard to believe that two years have already gone by, but it's even more amazing how the game has evolved since that unforgettable beta event.

Continue reading A look back at RIFT on its second birthday

MassivelyA look back at RIFT on its second birthday originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chroniclesconquestember-islefantasyfeaturedinstant-adventurementoringplanar-attunementplanar-invasionspvpriftrift-anniversaryrift-fishingrift-literift-planes-of-telararift-second-anniversaryrift-survivalrift-weddingsrvrstorm-legionthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldszone-eventsFri, 01 Mar 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Celebrate RIFT's second anniversary with 2.2 and the Carnival of the Ascended]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/celebrate-rifts-second-anniversary-today-with-carvinal-of-the-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/celebrate-rifts-second-anniversary-today-with-carvinal-of-the-a/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/27/celebrate-rifts-second-anniversary-today-with-carvinal-of-the-a/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Celebrate RIFT's second anniversary today with Carvinal of the Ascended and 22 update
What's a party without a dragon piñata or two? Luckily, RIFT fans won't have to find out as the annual Carnival of the Ascended will have those and plenty more for revelers joining in the game's second anniversary celebration. But the carnival -- with its games of skill, pie-stomping contests, and special anniversary cape -- is not the only goody in today's 2.2 update. Besides the previously revealed features, PvP gets a tier 2 attunement of war. Want to see what awaits in the update? Watch the trailer after the break.

As an added bonus during the anniversary, from March 21st through April 4th all subscribers will receive a 20% increase to kill XP or planar attunement, prestige, guild XP, dungeon currency, zone event currency, and planarite. And don't forget that players can return for free from March 21st through 25th.

[Source: Trion press release]

Continue reading Celebrate RIFT's second anniversary with 2.2 and the Carnival of the Ascended

MassivelyCelebrate RIFT's second anniversary with 2.2 and the Carnival of the Ascended originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversaryanniversary-celebrationAnniversary-eventanniversary-eventsCarnival-of-the-Ascendedconquestfantasypvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsWed, 27 Feb 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion prepping bonuses for RIFT's second anniversary bash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/trion-prepping-bonuses-for-rifts-second-anniversary-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/trion-prepping-bonuses-for-rifts-second-anniversary-bash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/22/trion-prepping-bonuses-for-rifts-second-anniversary-bash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Trion prepping bonuses for RIFT's second anniversary bash
Can you believe that RIFT is almost two years old? It's true, and Trion is marking the occasion with another incarnation of the Carnival of the Ascended. This year's addition features Tier 3 planar attunement, the PvP Wheel of Fate warfront, and the usual collection and quest festivities along with their associated rewards.

If you're not currently subscribing, you can revisit RIFT for free from March 21st through March 25th. If you are a subscriber, you'll get bonus XP, guild XP, prestige, favor, dungeon currency, and more from March 21st through April 4th. Head to the official RIFT website for all the celebration details.

MassivelyTrion prepping bonuses for RIFT's second anniversary bash originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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