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[Bungie quashes rumors that Destiny might come to the PlayStation Vita]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/bungie-squashes-rumors-that-destiny-might-come-to-the-playstatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/bungie-squashes-rumors-that-destiny-might-come-to-the-playstatio/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/16/bungie-squashes-rumors-that-destiny-might-come-to-the-playstatio/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Bungie squashes rumors that Destiny might come to the PlayStation Vita
Some rumors recently started circulating regarding Bungie's upcoming title, Destiny, and the PlayStation Vita. Bungie confirmed that these rumors are false and that Destiny will not be revealed on the PlayStation Vita (despite some previous vague hints to the contrary in the preorder page's source code).

The rumors started after the release of an image that hinted at a Bungie game coming to PS Vita in 2014 called Destiny of Spirits. Given that Sony trademarked the name Destiny of Spirits, something may still be afoot there.

Destiny officially launches for the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, and PlayStation4 some time next year.

MassivelyBungie quashes rumors that Destiny might come to the PlayStation Vita originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bungieconsoledestinydestiny-of-spiritsplaystationplaystation-vitaps-vitaps3ps4rumorrumorssci-fishooterxboxxbox-360Thu, 16 May 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Bluehole is recruiting for TERA sequel]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rumor-bluehole-is-recruiting-for-tera-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rumor-bluehole-is-recruiting-for-tera-sequel/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/05/14/rumor-bluehole-is-recruiting-for-tera-sequel/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumor Bluehole is recruiting for TERA sequel
According to respected Korean news source ThisIsGame, Bluehole Studio is looking to add more people to its team for either a sequel to TERA or a whole new MMO entirely.

Some are saying that this will, indeed, be a sequel to TERA, but this has yet to be confirmed by Bluehole, hence the rumor tag. The studio is currently hiring for several positions, including server programmers, UI designers, artists, and more.

[Thanks to everyone who tipped us on this!]

MassivelyRumor: Bluehole is recruiting for TERA sequel originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 14 May 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>blueholebluehole-studiosen-masseen-masse-entertainmentf2pfantasyfree-to-playsequelterathisisgameTue, 14 May 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/rumor-titan-a-time-traveling-earthbound-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Rumor Titan a timetraveling, earthbound MMO
The folks over at Project Titan claim to have a huge leak on Blizzard's upcoming Titan project from a reliable (and unnamed) source. While we are certainly wary of rumors, particularly on this scale, the author says he is "extremely confident" about the leak in particular.

So what is Titan, according to this post? Several bullet points sketch a picture of an MMO that is based on Earth, is big into historical mythology (including Greek, Roman, and Viking myths), and involves "a lot" of time travel. The leaks says that Titan will play from a third-person view, has a new game engine, could also be headed to consoles, and has a strong e-sports emphasis. The leak purports that over 150 developers are working on Titan, including Jay Wilson. Apparently we'll be seeing a teaser of Titan at BlizzCon before it goes into friends and family testing in early 2014.

So what do you think? Is this too elaborate to be a hoax, too vague to be the real thing, or a possible advance insight into what Titan is? Sound off in the comments!

[Thanks to Mynsc for the tip!]

MassivelyRumor: Titan might be a time-traveling, earthbound MMO originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblizzconblizzcon-2013esportsfantasygreekjay-wilsonmythologyproject-titanromanrumortime-traveltitantitan-rumorvikingwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowTue, 02 Apr 2013 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ask Massively: With thanks to the tipsters]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ask-massively-with-thanks-to-the-tipsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ask-massively-with-thanks-to-the-tipsters/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ask-massively-with-thanks-to-the-tipsters/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

And thanks to WoW Insider for the pic! :)
Massively's tipsters are awesome. You've probably seen acknowledgements of their contributions in posts like these. Without them, we'd be limited to just the research our fairly small staff can drum up on a moment's notice. The tipsters broaden our view and bring us news from games that might otherwise have gone overlooked. We love you guys.

We do get tips we won't or can't report on, though. And it's not because we hate you. I promise.

Continue reading Ask Massively: With thanks to the tipsters

MassivelyAsk Massively: With thanks to the tipsters originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adviceadvice-columnask-massivelybrianna-royce-ask-massivelyfeaturedhumorllamasllamas-are-coolmassively-metametaopinionrumorrumorstiptipstipstertipstersThu, 14 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[NCsoft using Epic's Unreal Engine 4 for two new MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ncsoft-using-epics-unreal-engine-4-for-two-new-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ncsoft-using-epics-unreal-engine-4-for-two-new-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/14/ncsoft-using-epics-unreal-engine-4-for-two-new-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

NCsoft using Epic's Unreal Engine 4 for two new MMOs
Multiple reports out of Korea indicate that NCsoft has partnered with Epic to develop two new MMOs using the latter firm's Unreal Engine 4. ThisIsGame says that the two projects are in addition to Lineage Eternal, which was first announced at G-Star 2011.

The website also says that "people expect they are Lineage III and Aion 2" due to NCsoft's recent insistence on using its original IPs "more actively in the future."

MassivelyNCsoft using Epic's Unreal Engine 4 for two new MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aion-2epicepic-gameslineage-3lineage-iiincsoftncsoft-epicunreal-engine-4Thu, 14 Feb 2013 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/11/captains-log-ruminating-on-star-trek-onlines-future-story/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

STO Orion header
As a self-confessed altaholic, I spent a lot of time in Star Trek Online over the past week. The third anniversary celebration is still in full swing (although it does end on Thursday, February 14th), and I needed to get all 13 of my characters through the special featured episode in order to obtain the special ships being given as rewards. Suffice it to say that I pretty much know the episode by heart now.

I actually dusted off my two low-level Klingon Defense Force characters and took them out for a spin so I wouldn't miss out on the beautiful new Kamarag class vessel, but in doing so I found myself chewing on the story as presented so far in Star Trek Online and what the most recent missions could mean for the rumored introduction of a Romulan faction, as well as what they might mean for the mighty Klingon Empire.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Ruminating on Star Trek Online's future story originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>captains-logchristine thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahlf2pfeaturedfree-to-playjj abramsklingonklingon-empireklingon-pvpklingonsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppweromulanRomulanssci-fistar trek deep space nineStar Trek: The Next Generationstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestoMon, 11 Feb 2013 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online pleases and teases]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/captains-log-star-trek-online-pleases-and-teases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/captains-log-star-trek-online-pleases-and-teases/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/04/captains-log-star-trek-online-pleases-and-teases/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

STO Enterprise C
I have had more fun in Star Trek Online in the past week than I have had in the past six months! Part of the reason has a lot to do with the fact that the game's third anniversary has delivered something that many of us have been craving since the release of last year's featured episode, The 2800: a story-based mission. And it wasn't just any story-based mission; it was a doozy!

The team at Star Trek Online also released a third anniversary trailer, which contained a very big surprise at the very end. The teaser sent shockwaves through the loyal player community. There's a lot to go over, so join me past the jump as I touch on the anniversary celebration and ruminate on what the game will bring us in May 2013!

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online pleases and teases

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online pleases and teases originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 04 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ambassadorambassador-classanniversarycaptains-logchristine thompsoncrypticcryptic-studiosf2pfeaturedfree-to-playkamaragkdfklingonklingon factionklingonsopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpweromulanromulan factionRomulanssci-fishipsStar Trek: The Next Generationstar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlineStarTrek:TheNextGenerationstotasha yarTashaYarTemporal AmbassadorMon, 04 Feb 2013 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Is this our first glimpse of SOE's revamped EverQuest Next? [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/is-this-our-first-glimpse-of-soes-revamped-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/is-this-our-first-glimpse-of-soes-revamped-everquest-next/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/10/is-this-our-first-glimpse-of-soes-revamped-everquest-next/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

EQNext leak?
Is this our first in-game glimpse of a revamped EverQuest Next? Take it with a grain of salt since it comes from an anonymous Joystiq tipster with a fishy timestamp, but regardless, it's awful purty.

Sony Online Entertainment originally teased some heavily stylized in-game assets over two years ago, but since then the company has announced that its next EverQuest title has been blown up and re-designed as a sandbox. We don't know whether this includes an artistic revamp as well, but we do know that the game will make use of the same proprietary Forgelight engine that powers PlanetSide 2.

Have a look at the full-size leaked image after the cut and tell us what you think. Legit? Fake? If fake, what game is it from?

[Update]: Well, SOE CEO John Smedley has officially burst our bubble and we're playing the sad trombone. That said, any guesses as to where the image is actually from?

Continue reading Is this our first glimpse of SOE's revamped EverQuest Next? [Updated]

MassivelyIs this our first glimpse of SOE's revamped EverQuest Next? [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eqeq-nexteqneqnext-leakeverquesteverquest-nextfantasyforgelightleakleaked-eqnext-screenshotrumorsoesony-online-entertainmentThu, 10 Jan 2013 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Blizzard's Titan is not a new IP and could be heading to consoles]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/rumor-blizzards-titan-is-not-a-new-ip-and-could-be-heading-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/rumor-blizzards-titan-is-not-a-new-ip-and-could-be-heading-to/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/01/rumor-blizzards-titan-is-not-a-new-ip-and-could-be-heading-to/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Dare we dream?
What is Titan? All we know about it right now for sure is that it's being developed by Blizzard, and we've been told on occasion that the game is not a new installment of one of Blizzard's existing franchises. But that may not be the case. According to rumors collected by the fans over at Titan Focus, Titan may indeed be a spinoff of an existing IP and might even be aimed at the console market.

The hints have been coming from a fan known in the community for being fairly reliable in his rumors, lending this some credibility, but it's still just a rumor at this point. If it's true, then we can expect the game to be tied to one of the existing Blizzard franchises, albeit not as a direct sequel. Considering how quiet the studio has been on the project for some time, we can only hope that the surfacing rumors are a sign we're getting closer to some hard information.

MassivelyRumor: Blizzard's Titan is not a new IP and could be heading to consoles originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 01 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activision-blizzardbackstorybig-rumorsblizzardblizzard-entertainmentdiabloiploreno-really-this-is-a-rumorproject-titanrumorssettingspeculationstarcraftthis-is-a-rumortitanwelcome-to-rumorvilleTue, 01 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's PvP community steps up]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-pvp-community-steps-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-pvp-community-steps-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/24/captains-log-star-trek-onlines-pvp-community-steps-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

STO Q Winter Event Header
Three weeks away from home and any legitimate connection to the internet can certainly make one feel a bit disjointed. However, I've discovered it can actually be a bit more disconcerting trying to reintegrate into the previous patterns that existed before the break was taken.

When I left on my vacation, I seriously anticipated that very little news about Star Trek Online would occur. I expected the news about the 2012 Winter Event to come out, sure, but what I didn't expect was all of the other little bits of news that seemed to blindside me when I got back last week. Join me while I go over a few of the more interesting tidbits -- from the grassroots effort to reinvigorate PvP in Star Trek Online to the changes made to Foundry rewards.

Continue reading Captain's Log: Star Trek Online's PvP community steps up

MassivelyCaptain's Log: Star Trek Online's PvP community steps up originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>al riveraask crypticbrandon felczercaptains-logcrypticcryptic-studiosdaniel stahlf2pfeaturedfoundryfree-to-playon screenopinionperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentpvppwesci-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestovideocastwhitney hendersonMon, 24 Dec 2012 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/14/rumor-origin-hacked-ea-denies-intrusion/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rumor Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion
If you have created an EA Origin account for any reason, such as for Star Wars: The Old Republic or Ultima Online, we advise you to change your password posthaste. Numerous sites are reporting that hackers have breached Origin's security and are potentially modifying account information and stealing it.

Allegedly affected players claim that the hackers are changing the log-in emails associated with their accounts and that the new email addresses have a Russian suffix.

In response to a question about whether any accounts were compromised by hacking, an EA spokesperson made the following statement: "At this point, we have no reason to believe there has been any intrusion into our Origin database."

EA has updated us with its full security statement:
Anytime a player has a question about the security of his or her account or personal data, we take it very seriously and take all possible steps to help. For any customer who cannot access their Origin account for any reason, we ask them to please contact Origin Help or EA's customer experience group at help.ea.com. The robust security measures in place to protect Origin users accounts are constantly being expanded and upgraded, and we also strongly recommend customers take the protective steps of using strong passwords and changing passwords often.

MassivelyRumor: Origin hacked, EA denies intrusion [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebreachclassic-mmoeaea-originelectronic-artsfantasyhackhackedhackersintrusionlord-britishlucasartsmythicmythic-entertainmentoriginsandboxsci-fisecurity-breachsecurity-intrusionstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorultimaultima onlineuoWed, 14 Nov 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Dante's Inferno and Dead Space dev may be working on a MOBA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/rumor-dantes-inferno-dev-may-be-working-on-a-moba/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/rumor-dantes-inferno-dev-may-be-working-on-a-moba/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/09/rumor-dantes-inferno-dev-may-be-working-on-a-moba/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumor Dante's Inferno dev may be working on a MOBA
If you were just thinking that the world needed another Massively Online Battle Arena (MOBA) based on a previous game IP, the team at Visceral Games may have read your mind. The Dead Space and Dante's Inferno dev studio has posted a handful of tell-tale job listings on the Gamasutra job boards that point to the development of a MOBA.

Among these MOBA-esque positions are a game designer, a global community manager, and a character concept artist, all with experience or passion for the PC MOBA genre. As it stands, the connection between these job listings is only speculation, but the real question seems to be whether or not the studio is working on a MOBA for one of their existing IPs or an entirely new way to kill your friends in three-quarter overhead view with pre-made classes.

MassivelyRumor: Dante's Inferno and Dead Space dev may be working on a MOBA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dantes-infernodead-spacedeadspacegamasutrajobsmassively-online-battle-arenamobarumorvisceral-gamesTue, 09 Oct 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: DUST 514 launching in October]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/rumor-dust-514-launching-in-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/rumor-dust-514-launching-in-october/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/24/rumor-dust-514-launching-in-october/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Rumor - DUST 514 launching in October
Sony Computer Entertainment America President and CEO Jack Tretton may have given away DUST 514's launch window. The EVE Online shooter sidequel has been slated for a 2012 release for some time now, but developer CCP has remained coy regarding the details.

During a recent FOX Business interview, Tretton said the sci-fi title is "coming out next month."

DUST 514 is a free-to-play PlayStation 3 exclusive that allows its users to interact directly with pilots in EVE. Check out our first impressions of the DUST beta, and stay tuned for more info as launch day draws near.

MassivelyRumor: DUST 514 launching in October originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 24 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514dust-514-launch-dateeveeve-onlinefpsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3rumorsandboxsci-fishooterMon, 24 Sep 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Mega Man MMO might be canned]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/mega-man-mmo-might-be-canned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/mega-man-mmo-might-be-canned/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/10/mega-man-mmo-might-be-canned/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Mega Man MMO might be canned
With dozens of games and collections, Mega Man has had quite the prolific run as a console game, and NeoWiz has been working on turning Mega Man into a MMORPG called Rockman Online (after the Japanese name for Mega Man). However, although there is no official word it appears that the project may have been shelved after internal restructuring in the company. Environments artist Kang Dong Hwa blogged that his current project was dropped and he is looking for other work. He also posted various concept art pieces that he'd been working on for Rockman Online over the years, usually a no-no for games currently under development.

MassivelyMega Man MMO might be canned originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 10 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cancelledKang-Dong-HwaMega-ManMega-Man-OnlineNeoWizneowiz-gamesRockman-OnlineMon, 10 Sep 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Retailers instructed to destroy Final Fantasy XIV stock]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/rumor-retailers-instructed-to-destroy-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/rumor-retailers-instructed-to-destroy-final-fantasy-xiv/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/rumor-retailers-instructed-to-destroy-final-fantasy-xiv/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Rumor Retailers instructed to destroy FFXIV
Is Square-Enix issuing a termination order for store copies of Final Fantasy XIV? That's the disturbing rumor that's emerged today, as a retailer on the NeoGaf forums posted an email stating that the company has decreed that stores rid themselves of the remaining stock.

The email states, "Square is discontinuing Final Fantasy XIV. They will be doing a field destroy credit of $16.00 each."

This move may be in preparation for the upcoming version 2.0 of the title, now called A Realm Reborn, which is slated to release for both PC and the PlayStation 3. A Realm Reborn will actually remove some of the content from FFXIV, possibly necessitating a new product. Square-Enix may also just be looking at rolling out a new package for the relaunched title.

When asked about the rumor, the company declined to address the email and stated that the beta will happen later this year.

MassivelyRumor: Retailers instructed to destroy Final Fantasy XIV stock originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-realm-rebornconsoleconsolesdestroydestroy-packagesdestroy-retail-stockfantasyffff14ffxivfield-destroyfield-destroy-creditfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-14final-fantasy-xivneogafsquaresquare-enixversion-2.0Thu, 23 Aug 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Greg Zeschuk not leaving BioWare, just General Manager position [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/rumor-greg-zeschuk-leaving-bioware/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/rumor-greg-zeschuk-leaving-bioware/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/10/rumor-greg-zeschuk-leaving-bioware/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Rumor Greg Zeschuk leaving BioWare
According to a rumor circulating at German games site GamersGlobal, one of the founders of BioWare, Greg Zeschuk, may be leaving the studio he helped create.

Word of his possible departure has been rumored since the May layoffs, but an EA representative reportedly confirmed to GamersGlobal that Zeschuk "outlined his plan to return to his family in Edmonton for a much deserved vacation." The site also suggested that Zeschuk has been absent from the studio for several weeks, and there were fears within the Austin studio that both Zeschuk and co-founder Ray Muzyka were planning to leave.

The rep went on to clarify: "Greg also announced the new GM of BioWare Austin and Old Republic, Matt Bromberg. Greg is still with EA. He's now back in Canada, taking time off and thinking about new projects. No change with Ray Muzyka."

As this is still a rumor at this point, we must note that official confirmation from EA hasn't been made on this report. We will update with any news as it's made available.

[Update: Gamasutra reports that Zeschuk is not leaving BioWare completely; he did leave his General Manager role back in May.]

MassivelyGreg Zeschuk not leaving BioWare, just General Manager position [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 10 Aug 2012 08:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareBioware-Austineaelectronic-artsgreg-zeschuklucasartsray-muzykarumorsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorFri, 10 Aug 2012 08:15:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR lead writer hints at future content]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/swtor-lead-writer-hints-at-future-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/swtor-lead-writer-hints-at-future-content/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/07/swtor-lead-writer-hints-at-future-content/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR lead writer hints at future content
Twitter was abuzz this morning when a Star Wars: The Old Republic lead writer posted a cryptic message. "SIS Intel Report: Rumors indicate Czerka research vessel 'Theoretika' has been located by deep-space salvage team. Investigating," Hall Hood announced on his account.

Speculation abounded from many of his followers and fans of the game; the biggest theory revolved around a possible live event. Unfortunately for SWTOR players who scoured planet after planet searching for new content, Hood later tweeted, "Just to clarify: I was only giving a little preview of future content. I would never announce an in-game event on Twitter." We are disappoint.

However, Hood did give us a bit of joy when the tweeters proposed that it might be a new flashpoint. Hood answered that suggestion with, "Not exactly. You'll see very soon, I hope." Does that mean SWTOR will announce 1.4 content soon? We have our fingers crossed.

Stay tuned for more SWTOR news, and be sure to catch our weekly Hyperspace Beacon column later today.

MassivelySWTOR lead writer hints at future content originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWarecontentEAElectronic-Artsfuture-contentHall-Hoodlead-writerLucasArtsStar-Warsstar-wars-the-old-republicSWTORthe-old-republicTheoretikaTORtwitterupdate-1.4Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hyperspace Beacon: It's time for free-to-play, SWTOR]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/hyperspace-beacon-its-time-for-free-to-play-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/hyperspace-beacon-its-time-for-free-to-play-swtor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/24/hyperspace-beacon-its-time-for-free-to-play-swtor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Hyperspace Beacon It's time for freetoplay
I'm a positive person, generally. I'm loyal to my favorite franchises even when George Lucas can't make up his mind about who actually shot first. But I don't like it when my loyalty to a product is taken advantage of when I'm told I will get one thing but am ultimately sold another. That's why I say to EA and BioWare, "Make Star Wars: The Old Republic free-to-play already."

When EA was voted the worst company in America by the Consumerist, it was not because the products suck. If a customer has a constant feeling that she is not going to get what she pays for from a specific publisher, then it will start to wear on her. Now whenever someone from EA speaks, we have to ask ourselves whether there is any double meaning to what was said.

I believe SWTOR will be free-to-play by the time the first expansion comes out, and not directly because of subscription numbers or rumors. My evidence comes from those who speak for SWTOR and the actions of BioWare's management. I can also guess as to how the studio is going to spin it.

Continue reading Hyperspace Beacon: It's time for free-to-play, SWTOR

MassivelyHyperspace Beacon: It's time for free-to-play, SWTOR originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebusiness-modelseaelectronic-artsf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftphyperspace-beaconjames-ohlenJohn-riccitiellolay-offslucasartsopinionrumorssci-fispeculationstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-old-republictorTue, 24 Jul 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR executive producer leaves BioWare; new layoffs rumored [Updated: BioWare responds]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/swtor-executive-producer-leaves-bioware-new-layoffs-rumored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/swtor-executive-producer-leaves-bioware-new-layoffs-rumored/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/07/17/swtor-executive-producer-leaves-bioware-new-layoffs-rumored/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

SWTOR executive producer leaves BioWare new layoffs rumored
Star Wars: The Old Republic's Rich Vogel is no longer with BioWare, according to a report at Gamasutra. Vogel served as SWTOR's executive producer and is an MMO industry veteran of 20 years on various titles, including Star Wars Galaxies, Ultima Online, and Meridian 59.

The article also mentions emerging reports that BioWare's Austin campus is laying off workers as of this morning, though Vogel's departure apparently precedes these new developments. It's unclear whether the cuts are a continuation of the restructuring begun last May or a new round of layoffs.

Vogel signed on with BioWare in 2005 and most recently made headlines for a GDC 2012 presentation that highlighted SWTOR's project management apparatus.

[Update: EA BioWare has issued a statement confirming restructuring within its Austin studio, attributing it to ongoing staff reductions started this past May. The full statement is below the break.]

Continue reading SWTOR executive producer leaves BioWare; new layoffs rumored [Updated: BioWare responds]

MassivelySWTOR executive producer leaves BioWare; new layoffs rumored [Updated: BioWare responds] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 17 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowarebioware-layoffsbreakingeaelectronic-artslayoffslucasartsrich-vogelrumorrumorssci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorswtor-layoffsthe-old-republictorTue, 17 Jul 2012 13:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Vivendi looking to sell Activision-Blizzard stake]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/rumor-vivendi-looking-to-sell-activision-blizzard-stake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/rumor-vivendi-looking-to-sell-activision-blizzard-stake/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/30/rumor-vivendi-looking-to-sell-activision-blizzard-stake/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Activision-Blizzard logo
Rumors are swirling about the possible sale of Activision-Blizzard after the departure of Vivendi CEO Jean-Bernard Levy this week. Vivendi owns 61% of Acti-Blizz, and Levy reportedly walked over a disagreement about splitting up the French holding company.

How this affects Activision-Blizzard remains to be seen, but Bloomberg says that Vivendi is looking to sell its entire stake, according to "a person with knowledge of the situation." The Wall Street Journal says that Vivendi's board of directors is mulling whether or not to split the company, which could potentially affect Blizzard and its World of Warcraft and Diablo III titles.

MassivelyRumor: Vivendi looking to sell Activision-Blizzard stake originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 30 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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