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 2012 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: 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<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Which MMO has the hardest learning curve?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/08/09/the-daily-grind-which-mmo-has-the-hardest-learning-curve/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Chalkboard demonstrating mathematical complexity
MMOs come in all shapes and sizes, and with new titles launching every other day, there's bound to be one out there that caters to just about every skill level imaginable. While many of these games boast similar mechanics, occasionally a dev team will stray from the norm and create a head-scratchingly complex title (or in some cases, a title that is deliberately user-unfriendly).

Games like EVE Online and Second Life are renowned for their learning curve and the amount of research necessary to play at a high level, and we're curious to hear about others you may have experienced.

For this edition of The Daily Grind, share your thoughts on MMO complexity, and whether the term entails mechanics, the UI, gameplay options, or some combination of all three. While you've got your thinking cap on, which MMO has the hardest learning curve?

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: Which MMO has the hardest learning curve? originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>complexitydifficultyeveeve-onlinegame-discussiongame-mechanicsgamer-discussionmechanicsmmo-discussionmmo-hot-topicsmmo-issuesmmo-topicsmmorpg-discussionmmorpg-hot-topicsmmorpg-topicssandboxsecond-lifespreadsheets-in-spacetdgthe-daily-grinduiuser-interfaceTue, 09 Aug 2011 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/23/second-lifes-ceo-rod-humble-talks-anniversaries/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Second Life recently hit a milestone in the MMORPG industry: eight years in service. This is ancient in MMO terms, and yet the game has shown continued growth. How would you explain such success, especially when the game... er, world... is such an enigma? Even the players are not sure how to describe it.

Well, we called out the big guns and sat down with Rod Humble, CEO of Linden Lab, the maker of Second Life. He was kind enough to not only do the interview but allow us to embed the audio in the article for you to hear! Don't worry; we've also written up much of what was said, so you can choose to listen, read, or both!

Click past the cut and let's get right to the interview with Rod as he talks about success, explaining Second Life and some of the surprises he's met with along the way.

Continue reading Second Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries

MassivelySecond Life's CEO Rod Humble talks anniversaries originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anniversarybeau-hindmanbirthdayeighth-anniversaryfeaturedinterviewinterviewslinden-labrod-humblesecond-lifeSLvideovideosThu, 23 Jun 2011 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Duran Duran and Second Life, isn't that bizarre?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/06/16/duran-duran-and-second-life-isnt-that-bizarre/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

According to Tateru Nino at Dwell On It, Duran Duran had promised its presence in the world of Second Life back in 2006. Second Life residents were hungry like a wolf for more information, but the band was lost in a crowd. At long last, the band announced yesterday the launch of Duran Duran Universe, a new zone in Linden Lab's virtual world. Although there may be no dancing on the sand, community manager Crissy Welinder posted the official announcement to the Duran Duran website: "Duran Duran Universe is packed full of wonderful artistic treasures, interactive features, innovative multimedia and exciting events and games." Every part of the Second Life zone has been carefully selected by members of the band, and they hope it is one continuous party.

For more information about Duran Duran Universe, don't twist through a dusty land, just visit the band's official website.

MassivelyDuran Duran and Second Life, isn't that bizarre? originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 16 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>80s-bandcrissy-welinderDuran-Duranhungry-like-a-wolflinden-labone-continuous-partyRiosecond-lifeTateru-Ninothe-reflexvenueThu, 16 Jun 2011 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The MMO Report: The throne of agony edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/26/the-mmo-report-the-throne-of-agony-edition/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

This week on the MMO Report, our very own mountain man, Casey Schreiner, decided to grace us with his presence after taking off a week for his birthday. I mean, really... where is his loyalty? Thank goodness he returned because the internet would have exploded if we had to see another flawless MMO Report from Morgan Webb. The internet can't take that level of perfection.

At any rate, this week we discover just how awesome Massively is as Schreiner reports on our report of the Bungie MMO rumors; then we find out that Second Life may be just as weird as we thought it was; next, the power of the Guild Wars 2 Engineer has inspired Casey to tackle the next level of greatness; and lastly, we find out what can no longer be contained in Casey's Mail Bag.

Life is too short for you to miss a single episode of the MMO Report, so catch it after the break!

Continue reading The MMO Report: The throne of agony edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: The throne of agony edition originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetBungiecasey-schreinerg4G4TVGuild-Wars-2gw2humorlinden-labmmo-reportmorgan-webbncsoftsecond-lifethe-mmo-reportthrone-of-agonyThu, 26 May 2011 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/25/free-for-all-why-you-shouldnt-be-worried-while-playing-second/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Recently I've taken a great interest in Second Life. For the record, I've been interested in the game -- er, world -- for the past seven years. More specifically, my seventh "birthday" is coming up on May 26th, 2011, meaning that I have been exploring, building, discussing and watching Second Life for a long, long time. I truly enjoy wandering into groups of other players who seem to think that my fairly basic avatar means that I am either new or ignorant about the game. I love telling them that I have been playing a long time, probably longer than they have. I'm actually proud of it.

Still, in spite of my history with the game, I do miss major developments. I am not consumed with the politics and goings on at Linden Lab (maker of Second Life). So when I heard about the changes that were being made concerning adult content, I sort of tuned it out and continued to play off and on. I typically disliked -- no, hated is a better word -- the adult content I came across in Second Life, so I simply avoided it.

If there is one thing I am asked about Second Life, it's "aren't there orgies going on all the time?" Seriously. I get asked about orgies more than anything. I wanted to go over the official rules to reassure those curious and wary potential players that they will not be shot in the face with a sex toy -- unless they want to be.

Click past the cut and let's discuss.

Continue reading Free for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life

MassivelyFree for All: Why you shouldn't be worried while playing Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2ladultadult-contentadult-migrationadult-mmobeau-hindmancybercyber-sexf2pfeaturedfree-to-playftplinden-labLLmaturesecond-lifezindraWed, 25 May 2011 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny recap: Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/05/15/rise-and-shiny-recap-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

I thought writing about Second Life would be easy. I figured that my seven-year experience with the game -- er, world -- would make writing this that much easier. I was wrong about that. I could list many of the technical specifications, telling you how to build something or how to script a basic weapon. I could also tell you how to host an event or how to form a group. In fact, I could make this recap a list brimming with specific details about the most sandbox of sandbox games in existence.

Instead I decided to let you watch the embedded video for building details while I write up how I felt during this week long revisit. Technically I have never left the world of Second Life, but over the last week I crammed in more hours building, buying and exploring than I have in a long time. I found many new ways of doing things and many wonderful places. Second Life is not, and never was, about one specific thing, so let me just tell you what I found over the last week.

Click past the cut to read it, and be sure to leave any questions or experiences in the comments section!

Continue reading Rise and Shiny recap: Second Life

MassivelyRise and Shiny recap: Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 15 May 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanfeaturedhome-and-gardenlinden-labLiveStreamrise-and-shinysecond-lifeslvideovirtual-worldSun, 15 May 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's Rod Humble on accessibility, new tech, and the future]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/02/10/second-lifes-rod-humble-on-accessibility-new-tech-and-the-fut/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Second Life doesn't get a ton of press anymore, partly because of its age and party because -- even after nearly eight years -- people still don't know what to make of it. Is it a game? Is it a virtual world? Is it a melting pot for anyone who has ever thought to themselves: "I know! Let's code, model, and distribute some giant free-standing genitalia!"

Luckily, Rock, Paper Shotgun has stepped up to interview new Linden Lab boss Rod Humble and shed some light on the matter. Humble recently left EA after six years overseeing the second and third entries in the long running Sims franchise, and speaks about trading the relatively insulated world of virtual suburbia for the wild and incredibly untamed frontiers of Second Life.

"What makes Second Life so intriguing to me is its hard to define nature. I have heard people call it a virtual world, a game, the 3D internet, a social media platform, the list goes on. I like that kind of unresolved ambiguity, I think it shows something that is not yet fully evolved and has exciting new roads to discover," Humble says. He goes on to outline plans to revamp Second Life's performance, ease-of-use, and service aspects in order to counter the recent decline in user hours.

MassivelySecond Life's Rod Humble on accessibility, new tech, and the future originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>eainterviewlindenlinden-labmmo-industryrock-paper-shotgunrod-humblerpssecond-lifethe-simsuser-contentvirtual-worldsThu, 10 Feb 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Students recreate the civil rights movement in Second Life]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/students-recreate-the-civil-rights-movement-in-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/students-recreate-the-civil-rights-movement-in-second-life/http://massively.joystiq.com/2011/01/19/students-recreate-the-civil-rights-movement-in-second-life/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Americans celebrated Martin Luther King Jr. Day this past week to honor both the man and the civil rights movement that he supported. As part of that celebration, a team of doctoral students from Indiana University of Pennsylvania used Second Life to recreate key moments in the civil rights movement as a teaching tool.

Players who went through the simulation encountered critical junctures of the movement, including the Montgomery Bus Boycott, King Jr.'s beginnings at Dexter Avenue Baptist Church, the 1963 March on Washington, and the Mississippi Freedom School Movement. By experiencing it first-hand in a virtual world, players hopefully gained a perspective on the issues surrounding segregation, integration, equality, voting rights and civil disobedience of the era that are in danger of slipping into distant history.

As they moved through the simulation, players were able to take quizzes, look at photos and videos, and make personal choices relating to the movement, such as whether to protest or sit in the back of the bus.

While it looks as though the simulation is no longer available in the game, you can watch the two-minute overview of the project after the jump.

Continue reading Students recreate the civil rights movement in Second Life

MassivelyStudents recreate the civil rights movement in Second Life originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 19 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>civil-disobediencecivil-rightscivil-rights-movementequalityindiana-universityindiana-university-of-pennsylvaniaintegrationmarch-on-washingtonmartin-luther-king-daymartin-luther-king-jrmontgomery-bus-boycottsecond-lifesegregationsimulationvideovoting-rightsWed, 19 Jan 2011 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Linden Lab names new CEO]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/12/23/linden-lab-names-new-ceo/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

For some time now there's been a question as to who would eventually be stepping into the shoes of CEO over at Linden Lab. In June, Mark Kingdon (aka M Linden) stepped down with very little warning after a series of layoffs, and Philip Rosedale (aka Philip Linden) stepped in as interim CEO while the company was reevaluating its direction and future technology potential. Now, news comes today that Rod Humble will be stepping into the CEO spot at Linden Lab in January.

Humble has been in the games industry since 1990, during which time he's racked up involvement in over 200 different games. Prior to making the jump to CEO at Linden Labs, Humble was the President of Product Development on EverQuest, and worked on other SOE titles such as EverQuest Online Adventures and Star Wars Galaxies. Most recently, Humble worked as label lead on The Sims at EA, later attaining Executive Vice President for that division. His expertise in large online games and connection to a crazy hot title like The Sims may prove to be the combination needed to lead Second Life into an even more promising future.

[Via Tateru Nino]

MassivelyLinden Lab names new CEO originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceoeaelectronic-artslinden-labPhilip Rosedalephilip-rosedalePhilipRosedalerod-humblesecond-lifethe-simsThu, 23 Dec 2010 17:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Project Skylight puts Second Life right into your browser]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/11/17/project-skylight-puts-second-life-right-into-your-browser/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

When most people (who don't play) think of Second Life, they don't have a terribly flattering picture in their head. That's neither fair nor even-handed, but it's hard to convince someone to download a new game and install it on the basis that it might be better than expected. So it's a good thing all around that Project Skylight, a new viewer for the game, is now available. It's a viewer with a crucial difference -- it's a browser-based client that allows players to start tooling around immediately with no prior installation.

According to players, the client works well enough, albeit with some caveats such as a limited amount of time allowed per day. The service is clearly aimed at new players, as a 45-second promotional video plays before the client can be accessed, and players can only log in using guest accounts. That being said, it's a full client inside your web browser, requiring no extra setup or commitment beyond the willingness to try the game. Second Life fans should be happy, but people who have never tried the game should be happier, as it just got easier to see if the virtual world might be the place for them.

MassivelyProject Skylight puts Second Life right into your browser originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 17 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>browser-basedbrowser-based-viewerguest-accountlinden-labnew-playerproject-skylightsecond-lifeskylightslviewervirtual-worldweb-browser-clientweb-clientWed, 17 Nov 2010 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rumor: Microsoft making a play for Linden Lab]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/10/01/rumor-microsoft-making-a-play-for-linden-lab/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

If most of the horrific violence that happens in the ocean takes place unseen beneath the waves, then the same goes for the massive acquisitions that happen unseen behind boardroom doors.

Yesterday, Tateru Nino posted a rumor on her blog that several Linden Lab employees were saying that Microsoft was making a bid to purchase the company: "Funny as that might seem on the face of it, a small number of Linden Lab staff are today spreading the story that Linden Lab is now entertaining offers for sale, and that Microsoft has actually presented one."

TechEye.net seconded the rumor, noting that as the Linden Lab UK office closed down this week, an employee tweeted: "A little birdie told me that Microsoft may have silently offered to buy Linden Lab this week."

Linden Lab runs the popular virtual world Second Life, which has seen its share of troubles lately. So far, Linden Lab is neither confirming nor denying the rumor.

MassivelyRumor: Microsoft making a play for Linden Lab originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bill-gateslinden-lablinden-lab-ukmicrosoftrumorsecond-lifetateru-ninotecheye.netFri, 01 Oct 2010 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Second Life's Emerald client facing obsolescence]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/second-lifes-emerald-client-facing-obsolescence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/second-lifes-emerald-client-facing-obsolescence/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/08/24/second-lifes-emerald-client-facing-obsolescence/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Recent months have not been wholly kind to Second Life, and those circumstances don't seem finished just yet. The Emerald client, one of the most popular third-party viewers -- estimated to be used by as many as half of all players -- has fallen out of favor with Linden Labs and is no longer an officially endorsed option. Scott Jennings has posted a full rundown of the client's history, charting its progress from the earliest inception of the project to its current status of having fallen from grace.

The short version (or as short a version as you can get for drama four years in the making) is that Emerald's coders included some rather... hack-tacular backdoors in the client's coding. This is a downside for reasons that should not need to be specified, but does add up to some major problems for the large playerbase still using Emerald. Second Life has had a hard time getting its users to switch to the 2.0 viewer, and about the only upside may be that the removal of Emerald will change that... but the overall drama isn't going to be kind for either the Emerald project or Linden Labs itself.

MassivelySecond Life's Emerald client facing obsolescence originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>black-hat-hackingcontroversydramaemeraldemerald-viewerhackingliden-labs-second-lifelinden-labspopular-viewersprojectssecond-lifesecond-life-2.0second-life-dramasecond-life-linden-labssecond-life-viewerslsl-liden-labsthird-party-viewersvirtual-worldvirtual-worldsTue, 24 Aug 2010 21:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/31/the-virtual-whirl-linden-lab-goes-back-to-basics/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Yesterday, Linden Lab's interim CEO Philip Rosedale and CFO/COO Bob Komin did a talk and Q&A session in Second Life focused on where things were at, and where things were going. This week, on The Virtual Whirl, we're going to take a look at that session and see if some sense can't be made of it all.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: Linden Lab goes back to basics originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 31 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bk-lindenbob-kominbusiness-modelsfeaturedgrace-mcdunnoughlinden-labmark-kingdonopinionphilip-lindenphilip-rosedalesecond-lifesecond-life-enterprisesecond-life-viewerthe-virtual-whirltreet.tvuser-generated-contentviewer-2.0virtual-worldsSat, 31 Jul 2010 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: Ill-repute]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/the-virtual-whirl-ill-repute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/the-virtual-whirl-ill-repute/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/17/the-virtual-whirl-ill-repute/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Virtual environments have a generally poor reputation in many quarters, particularly in the mass-media. Much of that reputation is ill-deserved, and some of it is entirely fabricated (eg: by the mass-media).

I have to ask, what's the big deal?

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: Ill-repute

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: Ill-repute originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 17 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>celestial-steedcelestial-steed-mountcultureeconomyfashionfeaturedopinionsecond-lifesexsparkle-ponythe-virtual-whirlvirtual-worldsworld-of-warcraftSat, 17 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, 2008-2010 and beyond]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-2008-2010-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-2008-2010-and/http://massively.joystiq.com/2010/07/10/the-virtual-whirl-a-brief-history-of-second-life-2008-2010-and/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This week, we cover the final installment of our summarized history of Second Life and Linden Lab (check out the first installment or the second, if you missed them). It's only possible to cover a tiny fraction of the events that took place in the space we have here, but the highlights paint an interesting picture.

We'll be working our way from 2008 to June 2010, and looking at what future directions we expect from there.

Continue reading The Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, 2008-2010 and beyond

MassivelyThe Virtual Whirl: A brief history of Second Life, 2008-2010 and beyond originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 10 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amsterdambusiness-modelscongresscultureeconomyfeaturedfrank-herberthistoryhypergridietfintellectual-propertyirsjohn-zdanowskikathleen-craiglayoffslegallinden-labmark-kingdonmillions-of-usmitch-kaporOnRezopinionorangephilip-rosedalereutersrezzable-productionsrobin-harpersecond-lifesecond-life-enterprisesecond-life-viewersingaporesl-policystep-uptaser-international-inctelstraterms-of-servicethe-daily-mailthe-virtual-whirlTrademarkVATviewer-2virtual-worldsworld-stock-exchangewsexstreetxstreet-slyoko-onoSat, 10 Jul 2010 12:00:00 EST