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[Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/03/free-for-all-my-five-favorite-mmos-for-exploration/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Vanguard screenshot
There's nothing more important to me than the ability to freely explore MMOs. Heck, exploration is the reason I got into MMOs. I remember grabbing that box of Ultima Online (man, I wish I still had that box!) from a shelf at the local game store and looking in wonder at just how vast this virtual world seemed to be. I'm still the same way, although after years of doing this, I am a bit more cynical about games. I've heard so many promises that never came true, but I know that even the worst of titles offers the chance to explore a brand-new world.

There are a lot of exploration mechanics out there. Free Realms has an adventurer "job," The Secret World needs players to explore to solve mysteries, Guild Wars 2 offers experience based on discovering new areas, EverQuest II entices people to explore by offering collectible items embedded in the ground, and there are so many MMOs that allow players to gain experience just by approaching areas they haven't before.

But I have my favorites. These are games that just make me feel like an explorer.

Continue reading Free for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration

MassivelyFree for All: My five favorite MMOs for exploration originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Atysbeau-hindmanEverQuest-2explorationexploreexplorerf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labopinionrolf-janssonRyzomsecond-lifeSOEvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewurm-onlineWed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/02/free-for-all-the-second-annual-frindie-awards/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Frindie Awards logo
It's time once again for the Frindie Awards, my attempt to shine some light on the best indie, browser-based, free-to-play, and unusual MMOs that are all-too-often ignored by press -- and players. This one is for the little guys! Well, mostly. It's also for those games that seem to have passed under the collective radar of Massively readers or that seem to be very misunderstood.

Picking the winners this year is just as hard as it was last year, maybe even harder. 2012 was an incredible year for MMOs, so I would rather have just put together an article that highlights every single favorite. In the end, it's more helpful to make myself pick out a winner. It's a rare thing for some of these games to even receive a nod on a major website, something I still can't figure out. Either way, it's best to think of all of the MMOs on this list as my favorites from 2012.

Anyway, let's get to the awards!

Continue reading Free for All: The second annual Frindie Awards

MassivelyFree for All: The second annual Frindie Awards originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a-mystical-landalganonarcane-legendsasherons-callbeau-hindmanbrowsercastle-empireclub-penguindeepworldderek-smartdrakensang-onlinef2pfeaturedffaforge-of-empiresfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumfrindiefrindie-awardsfrindiesgameglobeglitchhabbo-hotelinnogamesistariajagexlife-is-magiclinden-labmilmonadirimopinionrunescapeRyzomsalemSandboxsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-Entertainmentspacetime-studiosSquare-EnixStar-Stablethe-matrix-onlinethe-missing-inkThereThere Will Be Bloodtiny-specktravianturbineVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvelvet-ropewakfuwurm-onlineWed, 02 Jan 2013 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Female avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/female-avatars-are-likely-to-be-more-exposed-than-their-male-cou/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

I'll take three gallons of eyebleach, please. Do you also have a brain scrub I could borrow?
You really needed to be told this, right? You may not have been sure whether a lady-type avatar was more likely to be closer to naked than a manly-type avatar. If you were dying to know and really had no idea, there's an actual study now to get you all informed.

Anna M. Lomanowska and Matthieu J. Guitton went into Second Life and examined 404 (192 male and 212 female) avatars of the humanoid-but-not-furry type. They found that 57% of lady-type avatars had less than half of their skin covered, compared to only 10% of masculine-type avatars being similarly exposed. Lomanowska and Guitton were not privy to the actual sex of the folks controlling the avatars.

Do you feel enlightened?

MassivelyFemale avatars are likely to be more exposed than their male counterparts originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lavatarfashionlady-typelindenlinden-labreal-lifesandboxscientific-studysecond-lifesexismskinskin-exposureslstudyvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsyou-really-needed-a-study-to-come-to-this-conclusionSat, 29 Dec 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab preps four releases for November]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/linden-lab-preps-four-releases-for-november/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Linden Lab preps four games for November
The boys and girls of Linden Lab are expanding their operation. Rapidly expanding, as it turns out. The Second Life studio announced that it has not one, not two, not three, but four titles scheduled for release in November.

We've already heard about the first, which is the Minecraft-wannabe Patterns, but the others are just now being revealed. The second is the iPad-only (for now) Creatorverse, which allows users to draw shapes, have them interact via physics, and then share them on the cloud. The final two are Dio, a room creator, and Versu, a storytelling toolset.

Linden Lab CEO Rod Humble affirmed that Second Life will remain important to the studio, but it will need to make room for all of the new children coming into the family.

MassivelyLinden Lab preps four releases for November originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lcreatorversediolindenlinden-labminecraftpatternsreal-lifereleaserelease-windowrod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslversuvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 11 Oct 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: Creating content for cash]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/14/some-assembly-required-creating-content-for-cash/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required Creating content for cash
Housing. Mission generators. Player-run festivals. Music. Overall general sandboxy goodness. Since its debut over a year ago, Some Assembly Required has covered a number of topics related to player-generated content as well as the games that offer such features. However, recent events have turned my attention toward a different aspect of PGC.

Between the Dota 2 incident and last week's announcement from Sony Online Entertainment, I am actually looking at player-generated content in a whole new way: as a revenue generator. That's right -- collecting cold hard cash for your creativity. Although plenty of titles allow players to create content and share it within the games, very few let players sell that content for real-world money. This column explores the cash-for-content phenomenon in MMOs: what games have it, how to use it, and whether it is likely to become the next big thing.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: Creating content for cash

MassivelySome Assembly Required: Creating content for cash originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionall-points-bulletinall-points-bulletin-reloadedapbapb-reloadedapbrascensioncash-for-contentcrimeDota-2f2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playg1game-mechanicsgamersfirstIMVUncsoftopinionpgcplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentpvpsandboxsarselling-content-for-cashselling-PGCselling-UGCsome-assembly-requiredTHEREtruly-freeUGC-for-cashWhirledFri, 14 Sep 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/05/free-for-all-xulu-universe-is-more-than-second-life-lite/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Xulu Universe screenshot
Xulu Universe is a new world built with far-reaching horizons. In reality, those horizons are within reach for anyone who wants to take the time to travel. If you see it, you can go to it. Xulu Universe is also a world of endless building opportunities as in Second Life, although comparing it to Second Life wouldn't quite be accurate. Where Second Life is a sandbox with no set boundaries, Xulu Universe is more of a standardized experience. Sure, there are plans to allow players to add unique touches to creations, but initially, creators will have access to a limited toolset. Don't let that fool you; the tools are quite robust and easy to use.

Last week I joined Xulu Entertainment's co-founders, CEO Nanci Solomon and CTO Joe Santos, for a tour around the new building MMO. We drove, flew, ran, shot, stacked, and jumped through the physics-based world thanks to a new peer-to-peer-styled server plan. What does all of this mean? Click past the cut and I'll do my best to explain what Xulu Universe is all about.

Gallery: Xulu Universe alpha screenshots

Continue reading Free for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite

MassivelyFree for All: Xulu Universe is more than Second Life-lite originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 05 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbuildingf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumjoe-santoslinden-labNanci-Solomonopinionsecond-lifevelvet-ropeVirtual-Worldvirtual-worldsxuluXulu-EntertainmentXulu-UniverseWed, 05 Sep 2012 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Iran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/08/23/iran-blocks-guild-wars-world-of-warcraft/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Iran blocks Guild Wars 2, World of Warcraft
Reports are coming in that Iran is moving to block access to several MMOs, including World of Warcraft and Guild Wars. This comes following a conference by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance earlier this month. At the conference, the Islamic Revolution Game Designers Community was formed and decided to ban games that promote superstition, mythology, violence, and revealing clothing.

Following the decision, the government started cracking down on various services and MMOs, such as Battle.net's library and ArenaNet's Guild Wars series. Other games targeted include RuneScape, Second Life, Dofus, Evony, and Entropia Universe.

It's unclear to what extent the government is attempting to enforce these bans, and Iranian players are looking into workaround solutions to access their MMOs. It's interesting to note that Blizzard does not authorize downloads of its products or services in Iran.

MassivelyIran blocks Guild Wars, World of Warcraft originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2lactivisionanetarenanetbanbattle.netblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblockbrowserbrowser-basedcensoredcensureclassic-mmodiablo-3diablo-iiidofusentropia-universeevonyf2pfantasyfree-to-playguild-warsguild-wars-2gwgw2iranIslamic-Revolution-Game-Designers-Communityjagexjagex-games-studiolindenlinden-labMinistry-of-Culture-and-Islamic-Guidancencsoftreal-lifersrunescapesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 23 Aug 2012 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Soapbox: The death of AAA]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/26/the-soapbox-the-death-of-aaa/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

38 Studios picture
Disclaimer: The Soapbox column is entirely the opinion of this week's writer and does not necessarily reflect the views of Massively as a whole. If you're afraid of opinions other than your own, you might want to skip this column.

I think we're all pretty familiar with the tragic story of 38 Studios by now. If not, take some time to familiarize yourself with it. Essentially it is a tale of massive dreams, botched plans, and hundreds of job losses. I'm not yet sure exactly what went wrong, but I have a feeling that the lackluster response to the studio's stand-alone title might be to blame on top of the poor performance in the high-end of the company. Either way, I have seen many comments exclaiming the end of the big-budget title or at least more trepidation from governments that feel the need to get into a game (no pun intended) they were unfamiliar with.

If we could take a poll of the several million "AAA" MMO players in North America, it's my bet that most of them simply go from one title to the other. The RIFT players who are now enjoying Star Wars: The Old Republic came from World of Warcraft, and before that (if they played MMOs before WoW) they might have been City of Heroes fans and EverQuest players before that. For a long time, large studios held all of the players. Then, AAA started rolling down the steep hill to where it is now.

Continue reading The Soapbox: The death of AAA

MassivelyThe Soapbox: The death of AAA originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>38-studiosAnarchy-Onlinebattlestar-galactica-onlineBigpointBlizzardcity-of-heroeseditorialeverquestfeaturedflyfffree-realmsgemstone-ivglitchillyriadjagexkurt-schillingmabinogiMapleStorymilmominecraftop-edopinionpocket-legendsrantrantsrappelzriftrunescapesecond-lifeSegasoapboxSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentspiral-knightsstar-wars-the-old-republicthe-soapboxthree-ringstiny-specktrionvindictuswizard101World-of-Warcraftwowwurm-onlineTue, 26 Jun 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/06/20/free-for-all-second-life-the-little-75-million-dollar-engine-t/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Second Life
Do not call Second Life a game. If you find yourself in the position of describing the game at all publicly, be prepared to be corrected: Second Life is not a game; it's a world. Let me amend that: Second Life is an experience, a world, a game, or whatever the players, residents, and consumers want to call it. In fact, the Linden Lab baby is whatever you want to make of it, and I have seen many, many sides of it over the last eight years since I joined the experience.

Don't worry; this column will not be a fanboy rehash of the successes of Second Life and will not be a recount of my favorite memories. Instead, we'll focus on facts to prove just how incredible this latest ninth anniversary is.

Continue reading Free for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could

MassivelyFree for All: Second Life, the little 75 million-dollar engine that could originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanf2pfeaturedffafree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumlinden-labopinionrod-humblesecond-lifevelvet-ropeWed, 20 Jun 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Would you play an adult MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-adult-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-adult-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-daily-grind-would-you-play-an-adult-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Age of Conan - CasildaYesterday we told you about an adult MMO called Orgia Romanus that's causing a stir due to its focus on sexual content. While the game is certainly taking an over-the-top approach, it's by no means the first MMO to walk this path.

Indie titles like Sociolotron and portions of virtual worlds like Second Life are renowned for their focus on various taboo topics, while more traditional titles like Age of Conan and Mortal Online have dabbled in avatar nudity and adult-oriented quests.

But what if an MMO came along that managed to incorporate adult topics in a manner devoid of sensationalism? Sure, it's a tall order, but let's assume it's possible. Would you play it, or do you steer clear of anything with the "adult" label?

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: Would you play an adult MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adult-contentadult-mmodaily-grindopinionsexsex-in-mmostabootdgthe-daily-grindTue, 22 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Are virtual worlds still important?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-daily-grind-are-virtual-worlds-still-important/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-daily-grind-are-virtual-worlds-still-important/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/09/the-daily-grind-are-virtual-worlds-still-important/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Sims Online
As part of the recent Massively Speaking bicentennial, we were reminiscing about the fact that Massively used to have a much heavier focus on virtual worlds. While we still touch on those from time to time, these types of "games" don't seem to be as hot as they once were. Or maybe they are and we're just not seeing it!

From Habitat to The Sims Online to Second Life, there have been many attempts at constructing vibrant, community-driven virtual worlds that would draw in players looking to create dual lives that were flashier and more fantastic than their real lives. These games once were heralded as the wave of the future, but it seems as if that wave has since moved on to bashing things with their +4 Clubs of Exquisite Suffering.

So what say you: Are virtual worlds still important? Are we trying to return to the concept by embracing sandbox principles? Are they best left to wither and die in the annals of history?

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 virtual worlds still important? originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daily-grindhabitatopinionsandboxsecond-lifetdgthe-daily-grindthe-sims-onlinevirtual-worldsWed, 09 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life used to teach relaxation techniques]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/second-life-used-to-teach-relaxation-techniques/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Second Life - happy avatars
Who says Second Life's best days are behind it? Not Medical News Today, which reports that the long-running virtual world from Linden Lab has been successfully used to teach relaxation techniques. Massachusetts General Hospital researchers recently conducted a study that concluded that online worlds like Second Life can be useful in "teaching a mind/body approach that includes the relaxation response."

The study found that by doing away with the limitations of face-to-face meetings (and easing the minds of participants who are uncomfortable in real-world group settings), virtual worlds can foster more relaxing and healthy experiences. The study featured 24 individuals who were divided into three groups and subjected to eight weeks of online sessions in Second Life.

Researchers found that participants "showed reductions in depression- and anxiety-related symptoms," though it's also important to note that participants had prior experiences with virtual worlds.

MassivelySecond Life used to teach relaxation techniques originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labmassachusetts-general-hospitalmedical-news-todayreal-lifesandboxsecond-lifesecond-life-relaxation-researchsecond-life-researchsecond-life-studyslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsWed, 04 Apr 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/04/04/free-for-all-i-got-the-second-life-inventory-management-blues/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Second Life screenshot
Every year I attempt to go through my Second Life inventory in the hope that it actually works out for me. I really do want to get rid of the 7,000+ items I have after eight years in the game (my game-birthday is on May 26th!), but it's such a daunting task. Where do you start? Is organization really even needed? Well, yes it is, from what I have heard. Everyone is running in-world carrying endless pockets filled with everything possible, and that's going to cause some lag and effort on the server's part.

Also, I have an obsession with minimizing my life. I hate physical stuff. It takes up room, collects dust, and just sits there. Sure, I maintain all of my art if I can and some other important items like pictures and cute little knick-knacks, but otherwise, if I don't use it, it gets tossed, sold, or set on the curb for the junk-people to grab.

I feel the same way about Second Life. There's a mental burden that years of junk presses onto someone, digital representation or not. It's no wonder those people in that Hoarders show look so down; it's a hard life to lose the ability to throw anything away, ever.

I am making a stand, slowly. I am going to get this inventory under control by coming up with some ideas to help me along.

Continue reading Free for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues

MassivelyFree for All: I got the Second Life inventory management blues originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanEverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpinventory-managementLindenlinden-labsecond-lifeSOESony-Online-EntertainmentWed, 04 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/03/15/linden-labs-second-life-extremely-profitable-company-looking/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Second Life - hot air balloon at sunset
Second Life has dropped out of the limelight in recent years, but if a new piece at GamesIndustry.biz is on the mark, the long-running virtual world may be primed for something of a renaissance.

Former Linden Lab CEO Mark Kingdon vacated the throne in June 2010, and veteran developer Rod Humble took over at the beginning of 2011. Since then, the EverQuest and The Sims veteran has been working hard to bring a bit of structure to Second Life's virtual sprawl, and in the process, reinvigorate what was one of the first MMORPG media darlings.

"I was taken aback by just how big Second Life was," Humble says. "To be honest, it had fallen off my radar until I got the call offering me the position. And I looked at their numbers; this is a world that has got 1 million people logging in every month, generating well in excess of $75 million a year -- it's extremely profitable."

Humble spent much of 2011 refining the product, and everything from the sign-up process to the UI to world transportation received some attention. The result was a 40 percent uptick in new users, and now Humble is bent on expanding Linden Lab's offerings beyond Second Life. "Linden Lab has been very successful with one innovative product, but I want to stretch the company out again, to make it a really exciting place where people can't wait to find out about the next unusual title we're going to release," he said.

MassivelyLinden Lab's Second Life 'extremely profitable,' company looking to expand originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2llindenlinden-labreal-liferod-humblesandboxsecond-lifeslvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsThu, 15 Mar 2012 11:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Comparing the payment models of Second Life and Pocket Legends]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-second-life-and-po/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-second-life-and-po/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/22/free-for-all-comparing-the-payment-models-of-second-life-and-po/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Second Life and Pocket Legends screenshots
Over the last few weeks I have been taking a look at different free-to-play payment models in the hopes of showing just how much variety there is in today's market. The term free-to-play is open to interpretation, and every time I become involved in a discussion about what the term means, I come to the same point: Show me the game and I'll tell you how "free" it is. While more titles than not can be enjoyed completely for free, it's important to note that every game needs to make money, so every developer hopes some players pay for something.

We also must note that the term "free-to-play" is almost like the term "rock-and-roll." It is a general term that can be broken into many sub-genres. In other words, don't be so uptight about the literal meaning of the word. If you are not sure, check out the game in question.

Continue reading Free for All: Comparing the payment models of Second Life and Pocket Legends

MassivelyFree for All: Comparing the payment models of Second Life and Pocket Legends originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbrowsercash-shopeden-eternalf2pfeaturedfree-for-allfree-to-playfreemiumftpglitchjunebudlinden-lamilmomonetizationpocket-legendssecond-lifspacetime-studiostiny-speckWorld-of-WarcraftWed, 22 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/02/01/free-for-all-older-second-life-documentary-still-highlights-tru/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Second Life documentary screenshot
So I was working on this week's Free for All last night when a buddy of mine asked me if I had seen a certain older Second Life documentary. I didn't think I had before, but it turns out that my usual record of consuming everything MMO still stands, and it was fun to re-watch the older documentary again for several reasons.

One of the most important things I noticed about the film was just how universal to MMO gaming the documentary was. The issues it brought up are still issues, the problems with virtual worlds are still problems, and the fact that any technology older than six months looks laughable on film is still true. It was also encouraging to see how well Second Life has aged since 2007, but it's slightly depressing to see just how horrible MMO documentaries can be at showing the entire picture.

Continue reading Free for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths

MassivelyFree for All: Old Second Life documentary still highlights truths originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2Lbeau-hindmanBlizzardBlizzard-Entertainmentdocumentariesdocumentaryf2pfeaturedfour-cornersfree-for-allfree-to-playftplinden-labphilip-rosedalesandboxsecond-lifeSLvideovideosvirtual-sexvirtual-worldsWorld-of-Warcraftwowyou-only-live-twiceWed, 01 Feb 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/01/06/some-assembly-required-a-virtual-world-round-up/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some Assembly Required header
If you are perusing this column, chances are you are a fan of virtual worlds and the sandbox genre. Join the club! (Dues will be due on the third Tuesday.) The aspect that compels many aficionados to delve into a game is the ability to make an impact on the world in some small respect instead of making them into Hive Member 1593072 running a static, predetermined gauntlet. How that impact is accomplished, however, varies; there are multiple features that can facilitate it, and which ones are considered most important depends on the player.

With the loss of one of the best sandbox games just last month, some players may be feeling a void. Others still are looking/hoping for the "ultimate" sandbox that contains nearly every virtual world feature. Certainly, there are some upcoming games that make some drool-worthy promises, but what about playing something now? There are actually games out on the market that have at least one aspect of the genre, if not more.

To start off the new year, Some Assembly Required looks at some of the top features of virtual worlds and lists games that incorporate these features. While this list isn't exhaustive (considering the sheer number of games when you include all of the smaller free-to-play titles, I'd run out of column space!), it is a comprehensive enough overview to point you toward some games worth playing that perhaps you hadn't considered before.

Continue reading Some Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup

MassivelySome Assembly Required: A virtual world roundup originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaionaion-gameAnarchy-Onlineaocccpccp-eveccp-gameschampions-onlinecharacter-creationcharacter-customizationcity-of-heroescocohcraft-of-godscraft-of-the-godscraftingcrypticcryptic-champions-onlinecryptic-cocryptic-star-trekcryptic-studiosdaocdark-age-of-camelotdarkfalleden-eternaleq-1eq-2eq-ieq-iieveeve-ccpeve-mmorpgeve-onlineever-quest-1ever-quest-2ever-quest-iever-quest-iieverquest-1everquest-2everquest-ieverquest-iifallen-earthfeaturedfinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiflyffFuncomglitchguild-housinghousingking-of-kings-3liden-labs-second-lifelinden-labslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroluna-onlinemabinogimission-architectnc-softnc-soft-aionncsoftncsoft-aionnotorious-gamesparagonparagon-cohparagon-studioesplanetsideplayer-generated-contentplayer-generated-missionsplayer-housingplayer-run-economyrunescapeRyzomsecond-lifesecond-life-linden-labsslsl-liden-labssoe-eq-1soe-eq-2soe-eq-isoe-eq-iisome-assembly-requiredsony-eq-1sony-eq-2sony-eq-isony-eq-iisquare-enixst-onlinestar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestotrek-onlineturbineTurbine-EntertainmentUltima-OnlineUOvanguardVanguard-Saga-of-Heroesvirtual-worldwar-of-the-immortalswizard-101xbox-360XsyonFri, 06 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/30/second-life-rolling-out-linden-realms-publicly-on-december-1st/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Next month, raid content.
Something very unusual is coming to Second Life on December 1st: a game. All right, that in and of itself isn't all that unusual, since the virtual world has long empowered users to create their own systems and their own games. But this is still something different because it's not a user-created game. Linden Realms has been developed specifically by Linden Lab, and as of December 1st all users will be able to experience what a first-party game for the virtual environment feels like.

Second Life content creators will, rather unfortunately, be facing off against an in-house project. Luckily, the tools used in the development of Linden Realms will also be made available to the community, giving everyone a chance to play with the new tools and improve upon gameplay experiences. Whether or not this is a good thing or not for the game's overall health remains to be seen, but it may well provide an interesting boost to the community's user-created content.

MassivelySecond Life rolls out Linden Realms publicly on December 1st originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>community-contentdevelopmentgameplaygameslinden-lablinden-labslinden-realmssandboxessecond-lifesluser-created-contentvirtual-worldsWed, 30 Nov 2011 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/11/03/the-perfect-ten-mmos-in-movies-and-television/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten
While 1982's Tron explored what virtual life might be like inside a massive video game, it wasn't until fairly recently that real MMOs have crossed the divide between niche and mainstream to be referenced in television and films. Depending on how you see it, this mainstream acceptance of geek culture can be a thing to be either celebrated or shunned. What's for certain, however, is that we've only started to see the beginning of such mentions.

In today's Perfect Ten, I cobbled together a list of the first 10 MMO references that I know of from movies and TV shows. Some might be nothing more than a background detail or a throwaway line, while others are completely centered around the advertisement, er, massively multiplayer online roleplaying game. I tried hard not to use "cheats" such as fake MMOs featured in shows like The Guild, so this list is all about real-world titles with no sugar substitutes.

Ready? Insert quarter and hit player one!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: MMOs in movies and television originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>age-of-conanaoccity-of-heroescohcsicsi-nyeqeverquestfeaturedgary-sinesegrandmas-boyhow-i-met-your-motherlistlistslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroncisopinionperfect-10perfect-tenphilly-jimriftsecond-lifesgwsouth-parkstargate-universestargate-worldsthe-big-bang-theorythe-fellows-hipthe-new-guythe-officethe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentronturbineworld-of-warcraftwowzombielandThu, 03 Nov 2011 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Electrobit City]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/09/21/one-shots-electrobit-city/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Second Life screenshot
Today's screenshot features a name we don't often see in One Shots: Second Life. Massively reader and SL fan Kaozz sent us this unusual view from on high:
This is not something you see every day, kind of like a tribute within a game. I thought I'd submit this very cool picture from Second Life. It is an aerial view of a player-created sim called Electrobit City. I thought it was just awesome.
We're all about looking up this week on One Shots! Show us your favorite aerial image -- whether it be taken from the ground looking up or from atop a high-flying mount or tall perch, we want to see! Add your name and a little bit about the image, send it in to oneshots@massively.com, and we'll feature it in this week's One Shots!

Next week we're throwing the ball back to you. There's no theme and no requirement; just send us your favorite screenshots and tell us why you love them. Ready, set, go!

Gallery: One Shots: 2011

MassivelyOne Shots: Electrobit City originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>galleriesgallerylinden-labone-shotsscreenshotscreenshotssecond-lifeWed, 21 Sep 2011 16:00:00 EST