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[The MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/the-mmo-reports-pre-e3-special/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The MMO Report
Heads up, ladies and gents; it's time for a special pre-E3 edition of The MMO Report. That's right, the biggest event in the industry is rolling out the proverbial red carpet next week, and MMOs have plenty on the slate for the big event. G4's fabulous Casey Schreiner has a look at some of the big pre-E3 MMO news, as well as a taste of what players can expect from the convention.

For your appetizer, we have a look at the three factions of ZeniMax's upcoming title, The Elder Scrolls Online. You can wash that down with a tall glass of Trion Worlds' MMO-television crossover game, Defiance. That should be sufficient to prepare you for the main course of PlanetSide 2's delicious MAX suit reveal, as well as a few more post-meal treats. So what are you waiting for? Pull up a seat and check out the full video below.

Continue reading The MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition

MassivelyThe MMO Report: Pre-E3 edition originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>casey-schreinerdefiancehumormmo-reportnewsopinionplanetside-2ps2rounduptesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethe-mmo-reporttrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 25 May 2012 18:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/spacetime-studios-cinco-barnes-talks-dark-legends-design/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Google Plus hangout screenshot
If you have wondered about what was going on in Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes' head while designing Dark Legends, wonder no more. I was asked to sit in on a Google + hangout, essentially a public video conference call, with Cinco, Carter Dotson from 148apps and Heidi Duran from GirlGamer. The event was moderated by Ashley Esqueda from G4TV. Cinco fielded some questions from us and fans of the game.

Want to see some cool concept art? Need to know if the energy mechanic in Dark Legends was created just to make fast cash? Have you heard about Spacetime's newly announced title Arcane Legends, but have no idea what might be involved with the game? Have you wondered about the images in the opening video, the appearance of top hats, and the possibility of obtaining all of those great costumes through in-game means? You can find out the answers to these and other important questions in the video, embedded just after the cut.

Continue reading Spacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design

MassivelySpacetime Studios' Cinco Barnes talks Dark Legends design originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>148appsarcane-legendsashley-esquedabeau-hindmancarter-dotsoncinco-barnesdark-legendsG4TVGirlGamergooglegoogle-plusheidi-duranmobilepocket-legendsspacetime-studiosstar-legendsFri, 25 May 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latest RuneScape behind-the-scenes video details cryptic clue fest, evolution of combat]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/latest-runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-details-cryptic-clue-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/latest-runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-details-cryptic-clue-fe/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/latest-runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-details-cryptic-clue-fe/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- RuneScape
It's time yet again for another RuneScape behind-the-scenes video, and this time we get to take a look at the newly announced Evolution of Combat changes that players are surely awaiting with bated breath. Jagex's developers say that they want to keep players from having to navigate through multiple interfaces in order to cast spells, change combat styles, and so forth. To this end they plan the addition of an action bar that will allow players easy access to spells, emotes, items, and anything else they want to keep at their fingertips.

The video also touches on an upcoming very special cryptic clue-fest in honor of the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II. A mysterious royal visitor is on her way to the city of Varrock, and it's up to players to help ensure that everything is in tip-top shape when she arrives. Players will be responsible for assisting Varrock's Tourist Office in keeping supplies for the grand celebration sufficiently stocked. For the full details on both of these exciting upcoming features, head on past the cut and check out the behind-the-scenes video for yourself.

Continue reading Latest RuneScape behind-the-scenes video details cryptic clue fest, evolution of combat

MassivelyLatest RuneScape behind-the-scenes video details cryptic clue fest, evolution of combat originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmocryptic-clue-festdiamond-jubileeevolution-of-combatf2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studiorsrunescapesandboxtrailertrailersvideovideosFri, 25 May 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[New ArcheAge video shows improvements to Rainbow Fields]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/new-archeage-video-shows-improvements-to-rainbow-fields/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/new-archeage-video-shows-improvements-to-rainbow-fields/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/25/new-archeage-video-shows-improvements-to-rainbow-fields/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

ArcheAge image
ArcheAge's CBT4 ended a couple months ago and XLGAMES has been busy putting the information gathered to use. To showcase changes and improvements made during the break between CBT4 and CBT5, a series of videos is planned. The first video in this series highlights the transformation of one starting area, Rainbow Fields; once described as empty and flat, this region is now populated with more buildings, has a more diverse landscape, and sports improved weather effects.

Although there is still no official word on ArcheAge being released to the western market, sandbox hopefuls can check out the latest improvements after the break.

[Thanks to Sandboxer for the tip!]

Continue reading New ArcheAge video shows improvements to Rainbow Fields

MassivelyNew ArcheAge video shows improvements to Rainbow Fields originally appeared on Massively on Fri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aaarche-agearcheagebetaCBT4CBT5fantasyimprovementslandscapepvpsandboxsandparkvideoxl-gamesxlgamesFri, 25 May 2012 07:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Secret World ARG launches as social experience winds down]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-secret-world-arg-launches-as-social-experience-winds-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-secret-world-arg-launches-as-social-experience-winds-down/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/the-secret-world-arg-launches-as-social-experience-winds-down/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

The Secret World
The Secret World's Secret War social experience has run its course and come to a close after an exciting five weeks. More than 250,000 people participated in the war, rallying to the cause of their chosen secret society, filling forums with discussion and theories and welcoming each new War Challenge as it was rolled out. Along the way, players have been unlocking items for use in TSW, with a special few winning the opportunity to have their name in-game and an even more special few winning a trip to visit the dev team.

But that's the past, and now the glorious present awaits you. Three new videos have made their way onto The Secret War's page and each one holds a clue. The clues lead to different puzzles (one for each secret society) for players to solve. That's about all there is to know about these puzzles so far, but we're promised that they are "the start of a very exciting adventure" for participants -- so pull out your tinfoil hats and get crackin'!

[Source: Funcom press release]

MassivelyThe Secret World ARG launches as social experience winds down originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 20:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternate-reality-gameargfactionfantasyfuncomhorrormythologysci-fantasysecret-warsecret-war-facebooksecret-worldskill-basedthe-secret-warthe-secret-worldtswvideoThu, 24 May 2012 20:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Take to the skies with PlanetSide 2's aerial combat trailer]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/take-to-the-skies-with-planetside-2s-aerial-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/take-to-the-skies-with-planetside-2s-aerial-combat-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/24/take-to-the-skies-with-planetside-2s-aerial-combat-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screenshot -- PlanetSide 2
Infantry may make up the bulk of PlanetSide 2's armies, but there's much more to a solid fighting force than footsoldiers. A new video of the game from Sony Online Entertainment shines the spotlight on the various forms of aerial support available to the PlanetSide 2 factions.

We're not just talking about a few bombers and personnel carriers, either; the video shows off some rather impressive dogfights between a great number of players as well as a few strafing runs against some unfortunate ground units. While it's only a short teaser, it definitely gives players a sense of the kind of explosion-filled excitement players can expect from the game's aerial combat when they finally get in the cockpit. Just click on past the cut to see the whole video with your own eyes.

Continue reading Take to the skies with PlanetSide 2's aerial combat trailer

MassivelyTake to the skies with PlanetSide 2's aerial combat trailer originally appeared on Massively on Thu, 24 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aerial-combatair-combatfpsmmo-shootermmofpsplanetsideplanetside-2ps2sci-fishootersoesonysony-online-entertainmenttrailertrailersvideovideosThu, 24 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide']]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/rift-conquest-video-boasts-this-is-where-realities-collide/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RIFT
Curious how the makers of RIFT are going to turn a two-faction game into a three-faction PvP brawl? Us too! But Trion Worlds has a few clever ideas to capitalize on the best elements of PvP innovation and evolution with its upcoming Conquest system.

"With Conquest we're really trying to capture the essence of open-world PvP gameplay," shares Lead Designer William Fisher in a new developer video. "This is where realities collide." He goes on to say that this new system isn't Defiants against Guardians, but instead three brand-new factions from across the planes duking it out with player assistance.

Check out the new video after the jump, and when you're done with that, catch up with our very own Karen Bryan's hands-on experience with the Conquest system!

Continue reading RIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide'

MassivelyRIFT Conquest video boasts 'this is where realities collide' originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conquestconquest-pvpconquest-systemdefiantsdev-diarydev-videofantasyguardianspvpriftrift-literift-planes-of-telararvrthree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvptriontrion-worldsvideowilliam-fisherWed, 23 May 2012 21:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Discussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/23/discussing-the-design-of-quests-in-the-elder-scrolls-online/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Instead of wiping out these skeletons and the dread necromancer animating them, let's go back to the village and wipe out the villagers. Less complaining.
The Elder Scrolls Online has certain player expectations going in, such as an expectation of the sort of quest structure you usually find in the series. More specifically, it's the sort of structure in which you start off on some simple quest and wind up wandering off into some completely unrelated point of interest. A recent interview with creative director Paul Sage and lead content designer Rich Lambert reveals that the team is aiming for just that sort of model in the game.

As Lambert explains, the team wants to move away from the usual hub design in favor of several points of interest, each of which provides a little snippet of content and story. The points aren't meant to be structured as an A-to-B affair; instead, you have several points of interest in a given region which build into a large overarching story. Take a look at the full interview for more information about how quests will work in the game and how players will be guided through objectives as they play.

MassivelyDiscussing the design of quests in The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Wed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bethesdabethesda-softworksbethsoftdaggerfallelder-scrollselder-scrolls-onlinefactionsgame-designgame-mechanicsmorrowindoblivionplease-dont-suckpoints-of-interestpvpquest-mechanicsquestingquestsrvrsandboxskyrimtamrieltestesothe-elder-scrollsthe-elder-scrolls-onlinethree-faction-pvpthree-way-pvpvideovideoszenimaxzenimax-mediazenimax-onlinezenimax-online-studiosWed, 23 May 2012 19:00:00 EST<![CDATA[The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/the-game-archaeologist-richard-garriotts-haunted-cache/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Richard Garriott
Whenever you get really into a new hobby, it's natural to want to blab about it to anyone who drifts into your gravitational field. That's why we all talk about MMOs, right? It's also why any friends, family members, and coworkers have had to put up with excited rambling about my discovered love for Geocaching.

Some of you probably know Geocaching, as it's been around for over a decade now. For those of you who haven't, it's a worldwide treasure hunt that involves over a million and a half "caches" of various sizes that are hidden and then marked with GPS coordinates. Players head to the official site or one of the open-source projects to get the coordinates and go hunting for them. There's a useful two-minute introduction to this hobby on YouTube if you're curious.

I noted on our Massively Speaking podcast that Geocaching has a lot in common with MMOs: Both encourage questing and exploration, both have treasure to be found, and both plug you into a community of adventurers. Listener Terrence heard this and send in an email with an interesting revelation that ties these two hobbies even closer together, as a game developer brought his online world to a real-world location.

Ladies and gentlemen, may I present to you Richard Garriott's haunted cache.

Continue reading The Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache

MassivelyThe Game Archaeologist: Richard Garriott's haunted cache originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>britannia-manorcacheclassicclassic-mmoclassic-mmosclassicseaelectronic-artsfantasyfeaturedgame-archaelogistgeocachegeocachinginternational-space-stationisslord-britishmudmythicmythic-entertainmentnostalgiaocean-flooropinionrichard-garriottsecond-pass-mushthe-game-archaeologistthe-guardians-questthe-necropolis-of-britannia-manortitanictorilmudtrailertrailersultimaultima onlineuovideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 20:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/firefall-video-blog-discusses-a-farewell-to-levels-and-a-return/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

Not a farewell to arms, mind you. That would make the game kind of silly.
The team at Red 5 Studios has been working hard on making Firefall the best game it can be, and as it turns out, that happens to be a game without traditional levels. A new video blog featuring lead designer Scott Youngblood and development VP James Macauley drops the news that the level system is being discarded and replaced with a much more organic system for player growth.

Under the new system, players still earn EXP. That EXP will be spent on specific upgrades at a player's discretion rather than marking off specific levels, allowing you to unlock the upgrades that feel relevant in the order you want them. It also places less emphasis on levels in head-to-head matchups, something Macauley stresses is important to the team.

There's more than just the removal of levels at work, however; the development team is also overhauling crafting to be more complex and rewarding as well as developing a new system of equipment tiers to keep players advancing. The full diary just past the break only gives brief glimpses of several new systems, but Firefall fans should be quite happy with what's over the horizon.

Continue reading Firefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill

MassivelyFirefall video blog says farewell to levels, hello to skill originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>design-blogdevelopmentdevelopment-blogf2pfirefallfirst-person-shooterfpsfree-to-playfuture-patchesfuture-updatesjames-macauleylevelsmmo-shootermmofpsnewsno-levelspvpred-5red-5-studiossci-fiscott-youngbloodshootervideovideo-blogvideosvlogwarTue, 22 May 2012 17:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/marvel-heroes-unveils-its-first-official-trailer/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Screencap -- Marvel Heroes announcement trailer
After months and months of teasing us, Gazillion Entertainment has finally officially released new details about its upcoming new title, the free-to-play Marvel Heroes. The press release claims that the game will take "the MMO category to a completely new level of excitement and engagement" by combining "the energy of action role-playing games with the breadth and immersion of the MMO genre."

Players can now get their first look at Marvel Heroes with the title's first teaser trailer, which features gameplay footage interwoven with some rather menacing shots of a certain Victor Von Doom, who seems to have gotten his titanium-plated hands on what appears to be the Cosmic Cube, an artifact that gives its bearer the power to bend reality to his will. We're not sure what Doc Doom plans to do with the Cube, but we know that it can't possibly be anything good. Presumably it will be up to the players to put a stop to Doom's nefarious plans and return the Cube to its rightful place, but until we find out more, head on past the cut and enjoy the trailer in all of its super-goodness.

[Source: Gazillion Entertainment press release]

[Update: IGN has a preview of the game that discusses in detail its Diablo roots.]

Continue reading Marvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated]

MassivelyMarvel Heroes unveils its first official trailer [Updated] originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>announcementcosmic-cubedoctor-doomf2pfree-to-playgazilliongazillion-entertainmentmarvelmarvel-heroesmarvel-universemarvel-universe-onlinemuonew-titlenew-titlessecret-identitysuperherosuperheroestrailertrailersvideovideosTue, 22 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[EVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/eve-online-releases-17th-expansion-inferno/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

EVE Online - incoming missiles
CCP is a pretty polarizing topic in MMO circles these days. Whether you love or hate the studio's flagship EVE Online title and the community that surrounds it, one thing you can't say is that the devs lack a work ethic. Today marks the release of EVE's 17th expansion, and when we say expansion, we don't mean a glorified content patch that's been dipped in PR sauce.

Inferno boasts a reworked war declaration system, substantial faction warfare updates, a new mercenary marketplace, enhanced graphics, new missile and launcher effects, and a host of other features focusing on everything from inventory to new modules and ship balancing.

CCP has also released a slick new Inferno trailer, which we have for you right after the cut.

[Source: CCP press release]

Continue reading EVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno

MassivelyEVE Online releases 17th expansion, Inferno originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gameseveeve-expansioneve-onlineexpansionexpansionsinfernoinferno-trailerinferno-videointernet-spaceshipsmissile-launcerssandboxsci-fitrailervideowar-declarationTue, 22 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/ccp-releases-welcome-to-new-eden-video-for-dust-514/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

DUST 514 - one universe, one war
CCP has released a new DUST 514-focused developer video. The clip is titled Welcome to New Eden, so if you're looking for any new tidbits about the upcoming sci-fi MMOFPS, you probably won't find them here.

If you're a DUST newb, on the other hand, this one's for you, as it gives you a rundown on what sets the game apart from its legions of FPS competitors. In a nutshell, the difference-maker is EVE Online and the way that DUST integrates with a pre-existing game, economy, and playerbase on a scale that is basically unheard of.

As producer Thomas Farrer puts it, "DUST is different pretty much by virtue of what it really is. DUST is a persistent FPS on PlayStation 3. Not only is it directly linked to EVE Online, a PC MMO, it's set directly within the EVE Online universe." Warp past the cut for a look at the full clip.

Continue reading CCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514

MassivelyCCP releases Welcome to New Eden video for DUST 514 originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ccpccp-gamesconsoledustdust-514eveeve-onlinefpsinternet-spaceshipsmmofpsplaystationplaystation-3ps3sandboxsci-fishooterthomas-farrerwelcome-to-new-edenTue, 22 May 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/22/trion-releases-defiance-feature-video-details-transmedia-synerg/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , ,

Defiance - ATVs in SFO
Trion has released a new making-of featurette for Defiance, its "transmedia" property that includes a sci-fi shooter MMO and a Syfy television series.

Defiance the game takes place in the bombed out ruins of a post-alien-invasion San Francisco, while Defiance the TV show is set in and around St. Louis, Missouri. Despite the location differences, Trion says that the events of the virtual world will affect those of the show and vice versa. How so (and how much)? That remains to be seen, but Shacknews has a game preview that sheds a little light on the subject.

In a nutshell, characters on the show might namedrop a gamer avatar who completes a particular mission or makes an impact on the game world in some way. Syfy president Dave Howe also told the website that he's hopeful that gameplay events will have a more significant impact on season two of the television series.

Head past the break to view the full video feature.

[Source: Trion press release]

Continue reading Trion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy

MassivelyTrion releases Defiance feature video, details 'transmedia' synergy originally appeared on Massively on Tue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3rd-person-shooterdave-howedefiancemaking-ofmaking-of-defiancemmo-shootersci-fishooterthird-person-shootertrailertransmediatriontrion-worldsvideoTue, 22 May 2012 10:15:00 EST<![CDATA[Not So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/not-so-massively-error-37-hero-spotlights-and-the-torchlight/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Not So Massively title image
Well-known World of Warcraft guild Method secured a world first kill on Diablo III's Skeleton King in inferno mode just a few days after launch but was beaten to the game's completion by a single person. Players have been in outrage all week as server instabilities and login difficulties plagued the game's launch.

League of Legends revealed upcoming champion Darius this week and announced huge client updates that seem set to double the game's frame rate. Blacklight: Retribution released a new Netwar game mode, combining capture the flag and control point gameplay. Heroes of Newerth released its new support hero Riftwalker, Dota 2 released classic hero Treant, and Rise of Immortals took a close look at melee damage-dealer Tzai. Upcoming MOBA Smite will be entering closed beta at the end of the month, and Torchlight II's beta will soon end for the last time.

Continue reading Not So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta

MassivelyNot So Massively: Error 37, hero spotlights, and the Torchlight II beta originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 20:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Right now, this pretty much qualifies as concept art.
MMOs in an existing franchise always present certain issues: You need enough conceptual space to advance a game's storyline, but you may not want to be locked in to never doing another title in the franchise. So The Elder Scrolls Online has to be set in just the right time period for the game to work. In a recent video interview, creative director Paul Sage and content designer Rich Lambert sat down to talk about the why behind the when.

Sage and Lambert explain that the real draw to this particular time period was the fact that there's neither a great deal of recorded in-game history nor a lot of huge events that might affect future titles -- it's a time when almost anything can happen without derailing future events in the universe. The duo also discusses keeping the game aligned with existing lore and ensuring that nothing gets thrown off by mistake. Those looking forward to the game will want to watch the full interview, which goes into more details regarding specifics of lore and setting.

MassivelyCreative staff discuss the story setting of The Elder Scrolls Online originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>backstorybethesdainterviewlorelore-detailsnewspaul-sagerich-lambertsettingstorytesothe-elder-scrolls-onlinevideovideo-interviewzenimaxzenimax-online-entertainmentMon, 21 May 2012 19:30:00 EST<![CDATA[SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/swtor-patch-1-3-bringing-group-finder-legacy-perks/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

SWTOR
A long time ago on a server far, far away, the Imperial forces BioWare prepared a Star Wars: The Old Republic update to rule the online world: patch 1.3. Called Allies, patch 1.3 will usher in a group finder, character transfers, and legacy perks.

The group finder will aid in banding together interested adventurers to tackle operations and flashpoints. Lead Designer Daniel Erickson said that the time is ripe for the feature, as players are spread out in levels and are rolling plenty of alts. Saying that BioWare wants to "respect the communities" that have formed, Erickson reports that the group finder will not be cross-server.

He also revealed some of the other key features for patch 1.3. Additional perks to the Legacy system will allow players to customize their experience; we'll see new ports, earlier access to mounts, and bonus XP modifiers for PvP. The patch will also change social gear to fit the armor type of the class using it, server transfers, and the ability to add augments to any crafting items. Looking past 1.3, Erickson promises a "return to big content" with patch 1.4.

If you're a fan of the SWTOR novels, you'll also be delighted to hear that Drew Karpyshyn announced that his next novel, Annihilation, is scheduled for November 13th.

You can watch the patch 1.3 preview video after the jump!

Continue reading SWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks

MassivelySWTOR patch 1.3 bringing group finder, legacy perks originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1.31.3-patch1.3-updateadaptive-gearalliesannihilationaugmentsbiowarecharacter-transfercharacter-transferscraftingdaniel-ericksonDrew-Karpyshyndungeon-findereaelectronic-artsgroup-finderinterviewlegacylegacy-perkslegacy-systemlucasartspatchpatch-1.3people-finderpreviewsci-fiserver-transferserver-transfersstar-warsstar-wars-the-old-republicsubsubscription-feeswtorthe-old-republictorupdateupdate-1.3videoMon, 21 May 2012 15:30:00 EST<![CDATA[RuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/runescape-behind-the-scenes-video-gives-players-a-peek-at-upcomi/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

RuneScape -- Queen Black Dragon concept art
RuneScape players, do you want a closer look at what goes on behind the scenes of Jagex's popular free-to-play title? If so, then you're in luck because today we've got the first in a series of weekly videos that take fans on a behind-the-scenes tour of the game's upcoming content.

This first video focuses on the upcoming Queen Black Dragon update, which is a members' update that will be coming in two parts. The first part of the update will bring a new questline and a "multi-level training dungeon," while part two will bring the Queen Black Dragon herself. The video promises that the fight will be one of the biggest that RuneScape has ever seen, and players who emerge victorious will have plenty of loot to look forward to. For the full, juicy details, check out the full behind-the-scenes video after the cut.

Continue reading RuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update

MassivelyRuneScape behind-the-scenes video gives players a peek at upcoming Queen Black Dragon update originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>behind-the-scenesbrowserbrowser-basedclassic-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playjagexjagex-games-studioqueen-black-dragonrsrunescapesandboxtrailertrailersvideovideosMon, 21 May 2012 14:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Vindictus EU update features two new raid bosses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/21/vindictus-eu-update-features-two-new-raid-bosses/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , ,

Vindictus - Glas Gobbledegook something or other
This must be the day for sexy MMO news. On the heels of one risque announcement, we have a trailer for the latest Vindictus EU update that features a scantily clad lass named Succubus and a demonic colossal called Glas Ghaibheleann. Succubus is, well, a succubus, and she's also a raid boss who will challenge players like no other.

Except for maybe Glas Ghaibheleann. He's also a raid boss. While he's not quite as attractive as his partner-in-crime, he's equally deadly. Nexon says that the pair will awe players with their appearance and unique abilities. Get a load of the latest Vindictus EU update in the video after the cut.

[Source: Nexon Europe press release]

Continue reading Vindictus EU update features two new raid bosses

MassivelyVindictus EU update features two new raid bosses originally appeared on Massively on Mon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>action-mmof2pfantasyfree-to-playglas-ghaibheleannnexonnexon-americanexon-entertainmentnexon-europeraidraidingraidssuccubustrailervideovindictusvindictus-euvindictus-europevindictus-raid-bossvindictus-raid-bossesMon, 21 May 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Perpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses]]>http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/http://massively.joystiq.com/2012/05/20/perpetuum-expansion-coming-may-30th-bringing-terraforming-new/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Perpetuum robot duel
A couple of weeks ago, we told you about Perpetuum's new player-build settlements functionality and its new test server. Now, the devs at Avatar Creations have even more exciting news: an expansion!

It's called Gamma Frontier, and Avatar calls it the biggest expansion since the game went live over 18 months ago. Player corporations will be able to build home bases, launch industrial projects, and colonize the new Gamma islands (not to mention defend them from invasion-minded players).

The expansion also features extensive new terrain-shaping abilities. Avatar has given players full control over the land, including the ability to form hills, dig holes, and level the surrounding terrain as they see fit. Due to complications with pre-existing systems and landmasses, the terraforming capabilities are available only on the new Gamma islands (24 in total). Click past the cut to see a brief video of terraforming in action, then head to the Perpetuum website to read all the expansion details.

[Source: Perpetuum newsletter]

Continue reading Perpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses

MassivelyPerpetuum expansion coming May 30th, bringing terraforming, new land masses originally appeared on Massively on Sun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatar-creationsexpansiongamma-frontiergamma-islandsniaperpetuumperpetuum-expansionplayer-built-settlementsplayer-citiesplayer-contentplayer-generated-contentsandboxsci-fiterraformingtrailertrailersuser-generated-contentvideovideosSun, 20 May 2012 14:00:00 EST