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[Mythic community manager bids a sorrowful farewell]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/26/mythic-community-manager-bids-a-sorrowful-farewell/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Warhammer
It looks as if yesterday's EA layoffs are hitting MMO gamers closer to home than originally thought. In a post today on BioWare's Warhammer Online forums, Mythic's Timothy Chappell announced that he has been let go. Chappell was the community manager for Warhammer Online, Ultima Online, and Dark Age of Camelot.
I am very sorry to say that I was informed that my position was no longer needed. Though I had many titles I was handling for Mythic, I grew to love and appreciate all the communities and only wish I could have had more time or resources to get more involved with them. Though I had only been in the position for a little over a year, I will miss a great many of you and hope that you keep in touch.
The news is of particular concern for Warhammer, which also lost its lead developer earlier this week. Ultima Online, by contrast, assured players of its continuing operation in a producer's letter last week.

[Thanks to Fozee for the tip!]

MassivelyMythic community manager bids a sorrowful farewell originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BioWareclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylayoffslord-britishmythicMythic-Entertainmentpvptimothy-chappellultimaultima onlineuowarwarhammerWarhammer-OnlineFri, 26 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online producer's letter talks vendor search, vet rewards, and more]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/16/ultima-online-producers-letter-talks-vendor/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

This is a random UO screenshot
Ultima Online producer Bonnie Armstrong has penned a new producer's letter designed to do two things. One is to disseminate some of the ideas in the pipeline for 2013, and the other is to quell any community uncertainty stemming from the recent EA layoff announcement.

Some of the coming updates include a second house on Siege, more accessible veteran rewards, and vendor search functionality that should eliminate the need to use third-party script sites to find who's selling what. Read all about that stuff and more at the official UO website.

MassivelyUltima Online producer's letter talks vendor search, vet rewards, and more originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsfantasylord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentsandboxultimaultima onlineuouo-producers-letteruo-vendor-searchuo-vet-rewardsvet-rewardsTue, 16 Apr 2013 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EA named 'Worst Company in America' second year in a row]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/09/ea-named-worst-company-in-america-second-year-in-a-row/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

EA named the worst company in America second year in a row
Gamers aren't letting up on Electronic Arts for its record and attitude. The games publisher was voted "Worst Company in America" for a second year in a row in The Consumerist's poll. EA trounced the other finalist, Bank of America, with 78% of the tallies.

The Consumerist provided commentary as to why EA earned that reputation with customers and what it could be doing to not earn this title next year. The site identified EA's three main problems as failing to provide a product people want and like, failing to sell products at reasonable prices, and failing to support its products.

EA COO Peter Moore posted a letter last week responding to the probable second win, admitting mistakes while attempting to refute popular complaints. His response to the poll? "We can do better. We will do better."

MassivelyEA named 'Worst Company in America' second year in a row originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>biowareeaelectronic-artsf2pfree-to-playlucasartspeter-moorepollsci-fistar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicswtorthe-consumeristthe-old-republictorworst-company-in-americaTue, 09 Apr 2013 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Raph Koster is open to making another 'worldy MMO']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/04/02/raph-koster-is-open-to-making-another-worldy-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Raph Koster may make another 'worldy MMO'
On his personal blog, Raph Koster announced that he has left Disney to become an unemployed game developer. The big question is, of course, what's next for the driving force behind Ultima Online and Star Wars Galaxies. The answer is... he doesn't know.

However, Koster does indicate that he is open to working on another traditional MMO, but not one born of Kickstarter. "I suspect that those of you who want this all want me to make a worldy MMO," he writes. "I may yet make one of those in the future, but I don't think that you can raise enough money on Kickstarter to do it justice."

Koster says that he might be doing some consulting, writing, and speaking, but what he wants to do most is to "simply start making games." He claims that GDC inspired him to get back into the game-making business, big-time. He also says contrary to some rumors, he is not working with Richard Garriott on Shroud of the Avatar.

MassivelyRaph Koster is open to making another 'worldy MMO' originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>disneygdcgdc-2013kickstartermetaplacemmoraph-kosterrichard-garriottshroud-of-the-avatarstar-wars-galaxiesswgultima-onlineTue, 02 Apr 2013 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Do you still play your first MMO?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/15/the-daily-grind-do-you-still-play-your-first-mmo/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

With thanks to Brad for the classic Ultima Online pic
With Brad McQuaid's return to EverQuest in the news this week, nostalgia has invaded our comment section. The most veteran of our MMO commenters mused about the days of meditating into spellbooks, losing levels on death, embarking on corpse runs, and waiting on the boat. No one even mentioned camping for jboots, begging to be put on a list for a spot in a dungeon group, or having your raid planejumped right before your eyes!

I think old-schoolers know that the old days had more than their fair share of problems, which is why most of them are probably playing Guild Wars 2 or The Secret World and not Asheron's Call or Anarchy Online. Or are they? Are more people living in classic MMOs than they let on?

My first was Ultima Online, and yes, I do poke my nose in once or twice a year, but it hasn't been my "main game" in a truly long time. What about you guys? Do you still play your first MMO? And if you've ever gone back, was it as you remembered?

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: Do you still play your first MMO? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brad-mcquaidbrianna-royce-tdgclassic-mmoclassic-mmosdaily-grindeqeverquestfirstfirst-mmonostalgiaopiniontdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 15 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[One Shots: Back in the day...]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/03/one-shots-back-in-the-day/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

One Shots Back in the day
A few weeks ago I asked everyone to send me in screenshots of pre-2004 MMOs... and only Brad delivered. Seriously, people, you've been shown up by Brad. Brad gets the gold star. Brad gets the golden ticket and can come on a once-in-a-lifetime visit to see the fabled Massively word factory. Brad is my hero.

Brad (if you didn't catch his name) sent us in this shot of Ultima Online: "So much fun with vendors! This is a shot of Angelica's on the Chesapeake Server -- a popular shopping spot in Felucca to grab gear on the go. It was one of the few player-owned vendor spots in a protected zone near Lord British's Castle. This would have been taken around 2002. Notice the detail of the fish tank made from stacked cloth and the flowers made with an onion and two cooked eggs!"

Yes. Notice Brad's eggs, people. In them you can see the reflection of your failure. Aw, just kidding!

Continue reading One Shots: Back in the day...

MassivelyOne Shots: Back in the day... originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 03 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anetarenanetback-to-betabetabring-back-one-shotsbrowserbrowser-basedbuy-to-playcasualclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsf2pfantasyflashfree-to-playgalleriesgalleryglitchguild-wars-2gw2hipsterlord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotromythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftone-shotspics-or-it-didnt-happenreader-screenshotsreader-submissionssandboxscreenshotscreenshotstinyspeckturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunlauncheninguouser-submissionsSun, 03 Mar 2013 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Daily Grind: Should player homes decay?]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/03/01/the-daily-grind-should-player-homes-decay/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

UO housing tiles
One of the issues plaguing player housing in MMOs is what to do with those houses after the player-owners have left the game or stopped paying for their subscriptions. In Ultima Online, the granddaddy of all MMO housing, your home drops to the ground if you haven't paid your sub in 90 days (and your shardmates can loot all your stuff in a grand free-for-all!). In Star Wars Galaxies, your house stayed standing until it ran out of pre-paid maintenance money, which worked pretty well to help the active players reclaim city space until maintenance was turned off for a few years in consideration for hurricane victims.

Even games with instanced housing feel the space crunch. In Lord of the Rings Online, failure to pay your maintenance fees in-game leads to the eventual return of your lot to the public pool and your having to buy back all your loot from an escrow NPC.

MMO developers are torn between the desire to lure back former players with the promise that their houses are still intact and the desire to keep the world, instanced or not, clear and open for paying or active players. So what do you guys think -- what should be the more dominant goal? If you step away from a game, should your character's home decay? And if it did, would you ever return to the game?

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: Should player homes decay? originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brianna-royce-tdgdaily-grinddecayhomehomeshousehousinghousing-decaylord-of-the-rings-onlinelotroopinionplayer-housingstar-wars-galaxiesswgtdgthe-daily-grindUltima-OnlineuoFri, 01 Mar 2013 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[See Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/02/25/see-ultima-x-odyssey-in-glorious-action/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

See Ultima X Odyssey in action
One of 2004's most anticipated MMOs, Ultima X: Odyssey, was struck down by parent studio EA near to its completion date. The strong interest in this title coupled with the advanced state of its development has always been one of the most maddening "what if?" scenarios in the industry.

While it is slightly outside of our power to restore the Ultima X project and push it out the door, the folks over at Ultima Codex unearthed a 34-minute gameplay video to at least show us how this title looked in action. Clear out a half-hour and check out what could have been with the following footage!

[Thanks to John for the tip!]

Continue reading See Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action

MassivelySee Ultima X: Odyssey in glorious action originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 25 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatareaelectronic-artsfootagegameplay-footagegameplay-videointelligent-itemslegendary-itemsodysseyorcsphodaspixiespvpultimaultima-2ultima-ixultima-onlineultima-online-2ultima-worlds-online-originultima-xultima-x-odysseyunreal-engineuouxovideovirtue-itemswhat-ifMon, 25 Feb 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/24/the-perfect-ten-memorable-marketing-campaigns/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Memorable marketing campaigns
I took only a single marketing class in college, so by no means am I an instant expert in anything but being on the receiving end of marketers' nefarious experiments to manipulate me so that I buy their stuff. I did take away the lesson that all marketers are professional liars who have no shame or dignity. Pretty much the same as a blogger, so I guess I have a backup career.

Believe it or not, MMOs get off easy when it comes to notorious marketing campaigns. Anything on the following list, good or bad, is a pale shadow of what we've seen in the larger video game industry. Still, there have been plenty of attempts to promote MMOs in ways that make us either applaud or laugh at the studio (and sometimes both at once, which takes coordination).

After doing some staff polling and internal polling, here are 10 memorable marketing campaigns from the era of MMORPGs. Maybe they're all winners in that they got noticed by at least one person, even if they're the most foolish notions in history. Here we go!

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Memorable marketing campaigns originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionadadsadvertisingadvertizingarcheagebiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentblueholebluehole-studioscivonyclassic-mmoconquestcrypticcryptic-studioscypherseaelectronic-artsen-masseen-masse-entertainmenteq-2eq-iieq2eqiieverquest-2everquest-iievonyf2pfantasyfeaturedflash-mobfpsfree-to-playgaglobal agendahi-rezhi-rez-studioshumorlord-britishlucasartsmarketingmmofpsmythicmythic-entertainmentnexonopinionp10perfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplay-me-my-lordpvppweriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrsandboxsci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmentspy-fistar-trekstar-trek-mmostar-trek-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicstoswtorterathe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenthird-person-shooterthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtortpstriontrion-worldsultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 24 Jan 2013 18:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online gives much love to housing]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/http://massively.joystiq.com/2013/01/19/ultima-online-gives-much-love-to-housing/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Ultima Online gives much love to housing
Ultima Online is well-known for being a player housing paradise, and it looks like the ability to make a comfy nest for oneself will get even better with the next game update. Producer Bonnie Armstrong posted a preview of what players should expect in the near future.

The big news is that the UO team is considering allowing players to have houses on both Siege Perilous and standard shards, opening up the possibilities for multiple home ownership. Houses will also get a new theme pack that includes interactive gadgets. The art team continues to work on hi-res versions of house items, although this is "slow going" as it's a huge project.

The UO team is also working on revamps to weapons and armor, the ability for players to run for ambassadorships of towns, new instruments, and a new global arc.

MassivelyUltima Online gives much love to housing originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 19 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bonnie-armstrongclassic-mmodev-diaryeaelectronic-artsfantasyhousinglord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentplayer-housingproducers-lettersandboxultimaultima onlineuoSat, 19 Jan 2013 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/29/the-game-archaeologists-top-mmo-stories-of-2012/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Game Archaeologist seals up 2012
As another gaming year spins to a close, we here at the Institute for Digital Interactive Entertainment have been holding our archaeological department hostage with a trained buffy-tufted marmoset until it delivered a final report. After hours of begging and infected monkey bites, the head of that department, Prof. Justin Olivetti, Ph.D., handed us a scrap of urine-soaked paper with the following article inscribed.

While the Institute strongly suggests that you ignore this report and instead work on your button-mashing exercises, the board of directors stated that all such papers must be posted for the public to see.

This report is presented in the Yetbari typeface and contains a sequential series of items that number between 11 and 13.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist's top MMO stories of 2012 originally appeared on Massively on Sat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionanarchy-onlineaoasherons-callasherons-call-2blizzardblizzard-entertainmentcity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicscohcovcoxeaelectronic-artseqeq-maceq1eqmaceqoaeverquesteverquest-online-adventuresexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xifree-to-playfreedomfuncomgame-archaelogistlord-britishmeridian-59mythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnostalgiaopinionparagonparagon-studiossandboxsci-fiSeekers-of-Adoulinshadowbanesoasoesonysony-online-entertainmentsquaresquare-enixsuperherosuperheroestelonthe-game-archaeologistturbineultimaultima onlineuovanguardvanguard-saga-of-heroesvgwarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowSat, 29 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online levies two-week rollback for high-pop server]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/ultima-online-levies-two-week-rollback-for-high-pop-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/ultima-online-levies-two-week-rollback-for-high-pop-server/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/18/ultima-online-levies-two-week-rollback-for-high-pop-server/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Ultima Online levies twoweek rollback for highpop server
It's not a good time to be a player on Ultima Online's Atlantic server, to put it lightly. Mythic was forced to rollback the game (and players' progress) yesterday on Atlantic to a backup from two weeks ago. Atlantic is the highest-populated shard in the Western hemisphere.

The official announcement cut straight to the point: "Due to issues beyond our control, I am sorry to have to inform all of Atlantic that we had to revert to a Dec 5th backup. We have tried to retrieve a more current backup but we have been unable to do so due to corruption issues."

Mythic said that it will be compensating affected players with a month of free game time, although that's undoubtedly small consolation to those who have lost progress and acquisitions during this period. Apart from the short announcement, there has been no additional communication from the studio on the issue.

[Thanks to Brad for the tip!]

MassivelyUltima Online levies two-week rollback for high-pop server originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlanticbugclassic-mmocompensationeaelectronic-artsfantasylord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentroll-backrollbacksandboxserverultimaultima onlineuoTue, 18 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/the-perfect-ten-absolutely-ridiculous-cash-shop-selections/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Absolutely ridiculous cash shop sales
This past week, the Money Gnomes at Turbine tested the waters with the idea of selling a $50 horse in Lord of the Rings Online. Oh, not just any horse, mind you: It's a toy hobby horse. For $50.

The representative who asked for feedback on the item and price-point probably caused herself internal hemorrhaging by stating, "This is not a joke." The fans responded, "Of course, and the sky is made out of blue cheese." At the very least, it allowed the more creative players to come up with humorous expressions of incredulity. The fun finally came to an end when the studio announced that the "experimental" price point was a failure.

Of course, this is by far not the first time a game studio's attempted to sell a ridiculous item, an item with a ridiculous price point, or both combined. If you sell it, after all, the rubes will come.

So in the spirit of a $50 hobby horse that costs something like $20 in real life to acquire, here are 10 completely ridiculous items that we've seen in MMO cash shops.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Absolutely ridiculous cash shop selections originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmoactivisionallodsallods-onlineanetarenanetastrum-nivalbackpackbackpack-backpackbiowareblizzardblizzard-entertainmentcash-shopccpccp-gamescelestial-steedchampionschampions-onlinechampscity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmococohcovcow-finishercoxcrypticcryptic-studioseaelectronic-artseq-2eq-iieq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquest-2everquest-iif2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playfreedomfreeform-character-slotgala-netgpotatoguild-wars-2gw2hobby-horsehumorinner-armorinternet-spaceshipsitem-shopligerlord-britishlord-of-the-ringslord-of-the-rings-onlinelotrolucasartsmail-ru-gamesmail.ru-gamesmailru-gamesmonoclemonoclegatemythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenperfect-worldperfect-world-entertainmentplayer-wingspwequickbarquickbarsraised-garden-bedroundupsandboxsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentsparkleponyspreadsheets-onlinestar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsuperherosuperheroesswtorthe-old-republicthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tentop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listtorturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineuovindictuswarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 06 Dec 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Ultima Online patches in a significant number of bug fixes]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/12/06/ultima-online-patches-in-a-significant-number-of-bug-fixes/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

uo huge bug fixing update see team email, thank tipster
Get your scrollin' finger ready: Ultima Online just got a whole bucket of fixes and updates posted to the test server. If you're tired of your fish pies not being stackable, of mushrooms exploding under your house, or of gargoyles activating their stone form mid-flight, this is the patch for you! Lava Lobster fishing has been fixed, hats have stopped twitching, and gargoyle aprons have all been returned to their proper hue.

At long last, golems can no longer be used to exploit combat training, and vendors are seeing some big changes. Rather than increasing their fees once per day, vendors will charge incrementally over time. They'll also give players a grace period before heading out after running out of funds, and all vending penalties have been abolished. Hit up the official patch notes for the lengthy list, if only so you can learn that "Robin's Egg candy will no longer fill the tummy of the eater."
[Thanks to groovy webizen Derrick for the tip!]

MassivelyUltima Online patches in a significant number of bug fixes originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugsclassic-mmoeaelectronic-artsexploding-mushroomsfantasyfixesflying-gargoyleslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentpatchpatchesrobins-eggssandboxstackable-fish-piesultimaultima onlineuoupdateupdatesThu, 06 Dec 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[EverQuest, Ultima Online, and World of Warcraft among Time's top 100 games]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/11/15/everquest-ultima-online-and-world-of-warcraft-among-times-top/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

We used to make EverQuest players wear shirts to that effect, to make sure they weren't involved in any of our reindeer games.
We tend to think of MMOs as being different from other video games, but the genre has had a pretty major impact on all areas of gaming. As a result, it's no real surprise to see that three of the all-time most important MMOs show up on Time's recent list of the Top 100 Video Games of All Time. EverQuest, World of Warcraft, and Ultima Online are all included on a list that honors everything from Oregon Trail to Katamari Damacy and Pac-Man to Batman: Arkham City.

The entries on EverQuest and Ultima Online both make note of the longevity and long-term success of the older titles, while the World of Warcraft article homes in on the diverse audience attracted to MMORPGs (something arguably true of the former titles as well). While other MMOs didn't make the list, it's well worth taking a look at the full article if you want a walk down video game memory lane.

MassivelyEverQuest, Ultima Online, and World of Warcraft among Time's top 100 games originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>activisionblizzardblizzard-entertainmentclassic-mmocultural-impactcultureeaelectronic-artseqeq1everquestf2pfantasyfree-to-playimportant-gamesinfluential-gameslord-britishmythicmythic-entertainmentpop-culturesandboxsignificant-gamessoesonysony-online-entertainmenttimetop-gamesultimaultima onlineuowarcraftworld-of-warcraftwowThu, 15 Nov 2012 21:00:00 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[The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/10/11/the-perfect-ten-worst-expansion-names-of-all-time/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Perfect Ten Worst expansion names of all time
When SOE announced that EverQuest's 19th expansion would be titled Rain of Fear, I instantly found myself tripping over the name. I shouldn't have -- it's a few simple words that are first round picks for spelling contests -- but it defied the traditional naming conventions for MMO expansions. Many people I talked to kept wanting to write "reign" instead because "rain" seemed like a deliberate misspelling by some intern in Smedley's empire.

Homophones aside, Rain of Fear is hardly the worst expansion title I've ever seen. The industry has had its share of bad names, from the confusing to the downright unpronounceable. Sure, we get used to these titles, and perhaps it's nit-picky to lug them out at such a late point in many of their lifespans, but petty is my middle name. My first name is Tom. And these are 10 poorly named expansions. Deal with it.

Continue reading The Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time

MassivelyThe Perfect Ten: Worst expansion names of all time originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anarchy-onlineaoccpccp-gamescity-of-heroescity-of-villainsclassic-mmocohconquestcovcoxddodnddungeons-and-dragonsdungeons-and-dragons-onlineeaelectronic-artseqeq-2eq-iieq1eq2eqiieveeve-onlineeverquesteverquest-2everquest-iiexpansionf2pfantasyfeaturedffff11ffxifinal-fantasyfinal-fantasy-11final-fantasy-xiforgotten-realmsfree-to-playfreedomFreyafuncomgalaxiesgeorge-lucasgoing-roguehumorinternet-spaceshipsjohn-smedleylineagelineage-2lineage-iilord-britishmenace-of-the-underdarkmythicmythic-entertainmentncsoftopinionp10paragonparagon-studiosperfect-10perfect-tenpvprage-of-the-wookieesrain-of-fearred-moon-risingriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararounduprvrSamurai-Empiresandboxsarah-palinsci-fisoesonysony-online-entertainmentspreadsheets-onlinesquaresquare-enixstar-warsstar-wars-galaxiesstom-legionsuperherosuperheroesswgswgoThe-Legacy-of-Ykeshathe-notum-warsthe-perfect-10the-perfect-tenThe-Splitpaw-Sagathree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptop-10top-10-listtop-tentop-ten-listTreasures-of-Aht-Urhgantriontrion-worldsturbineturbine-entertainmentultimaultima onlineunderdarkuoThu, 11 Oct 2012 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Rise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/rise-and-shiny-revisit-ultima-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Ultima Online anniversary celebration screenshot
What can I say about Ultima Online that hasn't been said before? This week, the grandparent of MMOs turns 15 years old. In MMO terms, that's a long, long time. In fact, Ultima Online is the measuring stick for resilience. Think about it: Does any of us believe that many modern MMOs will last even half that long? While it's very possible, it's also very hard to imagine. For many different reasons, Ultima Online still maintains a playerbase, continues to be developed, and even attracts new players. It also runs on a subscription model and will likely continue to do so. If you read the transcript of my recent livestream with the UO devs that was so generously typed out by Ultima Codex, you know that I asked about a free-to-play or freemium Ultima Online and received this as an answer:
Actually, there's no use to do free-to-play. We have a good number of key players. So, at this time it's not really something we're looking at doing.
That was Producer Bonnie Armstrong. Oddly, I received some form of the free-to-play question from people who are not playing the game currently. The players inside the world seem just fine with the payment model. Has this old-school approach helped the game last this long? I'm not sure, but during this annual return to Britannia, I found the same great game I do every time I visit.

Continue reading Rise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online

MassivelyRise and Shiny revisit: Ultima Online originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beau-hindmanbonnie-armstrongclassic-mmoeaea-mythicelectronic-artsf2pfantasyfeaturedfree-to-playhands-onlivestreamlord-britishmassively-tvmythicMythic-Entertainmentrise-and-shinysandboxstreamtwitchtwitch-tvultimaultima onlineUltima-OnlineuovideoSun, 30 Sep 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Previously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/30/previously-on-mv-tv-the-week-of-september-22nd/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Previously On MV TV banner
It's that time of the week again, people! Time for those unlucky few who missed our livestreams as they went live to click beyond the cut and enjoy my favorites of the week. It's hard picking them out, so I reach out to the team and ask which ones deserve to be highlighted. Honestly, all of the livestreams deserve the spotlight, but it should be no surprise to find out that individual streamers find their own streams to be the best of the best. I tend to agree, and every week I am surprised at just how no-nonsense and informative our streams are. Be sure to bookmark our livestream schedule calender so that each week you can tune in to your favorite. Feel free to suggest titles for streaming and to chat it up with our streamers live as they play!

This week we have MJ returning with her favorite games like EverQuest II, Aion, The Secret World, Vanguard: Saga of Heroes, and Guild Wars 2. Richie joins in with his current favorite, Guild Wars 2, and I round things off with an hour spent with the Ultima Online developer team, a goblinball session with community leaders in Allods Online, and a tutorial on building a house in Wurm Online! Trust me, if there is one goblin-kicking, dev-interviewing, house-building livestream series that you should watch, it's this one!

Continue reading Previously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd

MassivelyPreviously on MV TV: The week of September 22nd originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 30 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aionallods-onlineanetArena-Netarenanetcash-shopea-mythicEQ2EverQuest-2everquest-iif2pfaeranfeaturedfree-to-playftpgoblinballGuild-Wars-2housinglivestreamingmassively-streamteammassively-tvmv-tvmvtvMythic-Entertainmentncsoftround-uproundupSOESONYSony-Online-Entertainmentstreamstreamersstreamingstreamteamtwitchtwitch-tvUltima-Onlinevideovideoswurm-onlineSun, 30 Sep 2012 10:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/09/28/mmobility-mobile-devices-might-breathe-new-life-into-older-mmos/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Conquer Online screenshots
One of the greatest things about the mobile market is the reappearance of older, single-player titles that are now being introduced to a new generation. Tablets and smartphones are quickly becoming go-to gaming devices offering not only more powerful processors and bigger screens but access to the internet and huge stores of digital goodies. Recently, I've been playing through titles I've missed, like Broken Sword, a point-and-click adventure game from 1996. Touch devices are proving to be perfect for many older-style games. We're simply replacing the mouse with the finger, and the move feels natural.

When I interviewed the Ultima Online team during a livestream this week, I asked Producer Bonnie Armstrong about a mobile version of the game. After all, I've played games, like Conquer Online, that look almost identical to Ultima Online, so I know it can be done. Her answer?
I would love to, personally. I think it would be pretty cool. I think somebody kind of joked around and said you know when somebody's 90 years old, they're going to be in an old folk's home playing UO on their phone. [...] That kind of sums us up.
There are many MMOs that I could see offering a mobile version. Would it be better or worse for these classic titles?

Continue reading MMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs

MassivelyMMObility: Mobile devices might breathe new life into older MMOs originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 28 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>asherons-callbeau-hindmanBlizzardbonnie-armstrongbrowserbrowser-basedconquer-onlinedark-age-of-cameloteverquestfeaturedmmobilitymobilemobile-gamingmobile-mmoMythic-EntertainmentopinionphonesmartphoneSOEturbineUltima-OnlineWorld-of-WarcraftwowFri, 28 Sep 2012 20:00:00 EST